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Oxic methane production (OMP) has been reported to significantly contribute to methane emissions from oxic surface waters. Demethylation of organic compounds, photosynthesis-associated methane production, and (bacterio)chlorophyll reduction activity are some of the investigated mechanisms as potential OMP sources related to photosynthetic organisms. Recently, cyanobacteria have often been correlated with methane accumulation and emission in freshwater, marine, and saline systems. The Brazilian Pantanal is the world’s largest wetland system, with approximately 10,000 shallow lakes, most of which are highly alkaline and saline extreme environments. We initiated this study with an overall investigation using genetic markers, from which we explored metagenomic and limnological data from the Pantanal soda for five potential OMP pathways. Our results showed a strong positive correlation between dissolved methane concentrations and bloom events. Metagenomic data and nutrients, mainly orthophosphate, nitrogen, iron, and methane concentrations, suggest that the organic phosphorous demethylation pathway has the most potential to drive OMP in lakes with blooms. A specialized bacterial community was identified, including the Cyanobacteria Raphidiopsis, although the bloom does not contain the genes to carry out this process. These data showed enough evidence to infer the occurrence of an OMP pathway at Pantanal soda lakes, including the microbial sources and their relation to the cyanobacterial blooms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coffee berry borer (CBB) Hypothenemus hampei is the major pest of coffee fruits worldwide. Bioregulators have been applied in crop plants with the aim of changing their physiology and metabolism for better yield and quality of produce, but little knowledge exists on the effects on insect pests. This study evaluated application of ethylene synthesis inhibitor in arabica coffee on CBB field infestation, preference, and performance in function of application time and dose. Field experiments were conducted in Lavras, Brazil, and the effects of ethylene synthesis inhibitor Mathury™ on CBB were evaluated using five treatments: control (water); Time1 + Dose1; Time1 + Dose2; Time2 + Dose1; and Time2 + Dose2. The first and second applications were performed at 80 and 110 days after flowering, respectively, using the doses of 2 and 15 L ha−1. CBB field infestation was recorded through time as the percent bored fruits, and the colonization in the beans and degree of fruit maturation were evaluated at harvest. CBB preference and colonization were assessed in dual-choice bioassay and the performance under no-choice condition in the lab. Plants treated with the bioregulator overall presented fruits less suitable for CBB preference and performance in terms of females choice and survival in the lab, but varying effects were found between field experiments for bored fruits (%), which increased with fruit maturation. In the second field experiment, reduced larvae and pupae infestations were found in bioregulator-treated fruits. Application of ethylene synthesis inhibitor is promising to complement CBB management in sustainable coffee crops. Future research should evaluate the underlying induced-resistance mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 (β-CoV) betacoronavirus has posed a significant threat to global health. Despite the availability of vaccines, the virus continues to spread, and there is a need for alternative strategies to alleviate its impact. Vitamin D, a secosteroid hormone best known for its role in bone health, exhibits immunomodulatory effects in certain viral infections. Here, we have shown that bioactive vitamin D (calcitriol) limits in vitro replication of SARS-CoV-2 and murine coronaviruses MHV-3 and MHV-A59. Comparative studies involving wild-type mice intranasally infected with MHV-3, a model for studying β-CoV respiratory infections, confirmed the protective effect of vitamin D in vivo. Accordingly, mice fed a standard diet rapidly succumbed to MHV-3 infection, whereas those on a vitamin D-rich diet (10,000 IU of Vitamin D3/kg) displayed increased resistance to acute respiratory damage and systemic complications. Consistent with these findings, the vitamin D-supplemented group exhibited lower viral titers in their lungs and reduced levels of TNF, IL-6, IL-1β, and IFN-γ, alongside an enhanced type I interferon response. Altogether, our findings suggest vitamin D supplementation ameliorates β-CoV-triggered respiratory illness and systemic complications in mice, likely via modulation of the host's immune response to the virus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Renewable energy sources have been growing worldwide and solar energy is a significant part of such sources. An essential step in planning studies, including the problem of optimal location and sizing of photovoltaic (PV) generators, is estimating how much energy the panels will generate over time. For that, two aspects must be considered: the stochastic nature of the input variables and the way to calculate the generator's output power. A brief literature review identified 12 approaches to determine the PV output power. Therefore, this article compares such methods through actual meteorological data and generated energy over 1 year by a solar power plant located in a specific site in the Brazilian Northeast. An analysis is carried out on the influence of correlations between meteorological variables in estimating the generated energy. There is no comparative work in the literature on the analytical models for calculating the PV output power in conjunction with the correlation analysis. As expected, models that consider the influence of ambient temperature on output power performed better than those that do not. How the energy generated by the PV panel is estimated can influence the economic viability of a project since oversizing the PV system entails unnecessary additional costs. Monte Carlo simulations generate data samples used by the studied models for power output calculation. According to our findings, considering the correlation between meteorological variables reduces the error in estimating the generated energy by PV panels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The corn leafhopper Dalbulus maidis causes corn production losses mainly by acting as vector of pathogenic mollicutes and virus. Transgenic technologies that encode insecticidal proteins from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) are focused on the management of lepidopteran larvae in transgenic plants that traditionally express only one Bt allele. Adding another allele in transgenic plants is a recent and promising approach to managing resistant larvae, and it is important to know how the additional allele affects infestation and injury of non-target pests. This study evaluated the influence of maize hybrids with the genes cry1F, cry1A.105, and cry2Ab2 in homozygosis and hemizygosis compared with a conventional hybrid on the occurrence of D. maidis, transmitted diseases, and grain yield. Experiments were performed in two locations and two crop seasons in Brazil using three isogenic transgenic hybrids with three Bt proteins in homozygosis and hemizygosis and one conventional non-Bt hybrid. The numbers of D. maidis were recorded on plants across the vegetative stage, and disease symptoms were assessed at reproductive stage. Grain yield was recorded at the end of experiments. Homozygous and hemizygous hybrids did not differ for D. maidis incidence and transmitted diseases. Homozygous and hemizygous hybrids exhibited similar grain yields, and the transgenic Bt hybrids provided greater yields than the conventional hybrid in the first season in both locations. In conclusion, transgenic hybrids expressing three Bt proteins in homozygosis do not favor D. maidis infestation and diseases transmission compared to the hemizygous versions, and Bt zygosity has no negative effect on grain yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Topology optimization of fluid flow problems is still a challenging open problem, especially when considering turbulence, compressibility, or the addition of different physics. In the current implementation of topology optimization for fluids considering density methods, there are essentially three problems. First, the grayscale in the result makes it difficult to identify the precise contour of the fluid region, which may be a problem in some applications and during the optimization process as well. Second, even for low Reynolds flow design problems, a continuation scheme of the material model penalization parameters is necessary to avoid a grayscale and to obtain a clear boundary. Third, in complex fluid flow optimization problems, it is difficult to specify the maximum value of the inverse permeability to avoid the fluid to flow inside the solid. This work proposes a novel methodology that tackles the first two problems, i.e., it avoids the grayscale and obtains clear boundaries. The goal of this work is to implement the Topology Optimization of Binary Structures (TOBS) (Sivapuram and Picelli, Finite Elem Anal Des 139:49–61, 2018) for fluid flow design, which is a novel topology optimization method that has been used in solid mechanics to generate optimized structural solutions considering only binary {0,1} design variables. The main advantage of {0,1} methods is the clear definition of the interface and the absence of grayscale. It is a method easy to implement which preserves the material distribution features. Some classic fluid problems are considered to illustrate the problem, such as the double channel and the bend pipe, and also a more complex example that usually presents grayscale issues, which is the fluid diode design. The optimization results show the feasibility of the TOBS when applied to fluid flow problems. The physical problem is solved by using the finite element method and the optimization problem with CPLEXⒸ, a proprietary optimization package from IBM. The present work successfully eliminates the grayscale problem, bringing clear boundaries in the interface fluid-solid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, hydrated nickel sulfates (NSHs) were spontaneously obtained by storing nanocrystalline nickel sulfide composites (NiS2–NiS) under ambient conditions over several months. The samples containing different proportions of NiS2–NiS nanophases were produced by mechanochemistry by simply ball-milling Ni and S elements in Ni34S66 composition in the absence of solvent. X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) was used to follow the evolution of phase transitions of the milled samples over about 5 years. A few weeks after the milling process, the monoclinic NiSO4·6(H2O) phase is detected. Rietveld analysis showed that the NiS2 and NiS phase fractions decrease over time, and more than 90% of nickel sulfate hexahydrate is present in the end product of the sample with a milling time of 24 h. The small crystallite size phases (∼20 nm) and high micro-strain of the nickel sulfide nanophases favor this process, suggesting that sulfate nucleation occurs at disordered regions, also called the interfacial component, and that the growth rates are determined by the exposure time of the sample to the ambient atmosphere. DSC analysis shows at least one phase transition, dehydration and the presence of sulfur in some aged samples. Magnetic measurements at room temperature indicate mixed magnetism in the fresh samples and paramagnetic behavior in the aged ones. We have also observed that the growth of the NSH phases can be accelerated by keeping the samples under high humidity conditions, reaching more than 80% of NSH phases after 35 days. The chemical reactions involved in the milling and aging, as well as a tentative model to explain this spontaneous composition transition from nickel sulfides to nickel sulfate hydrates, are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silicon (Si) is agronomically beneficial due to positive effects it provides to plant development, including the increased defensive response capacity against attack of herbivorous insects. This study evaluated the effects of applications of Si sources via soil and foliar sprays on yellow passion fruit biochemistry and Si-induced resistance to feeding preference and development of the major passion fruit pest, Dione juno juno. Two independent experiments were conducted with applications of calcium silicate (78–88% SiO2) via soil and as foliar sprays with the commercial product AgriSil® (98% SiO2) to plants of Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa in a greenhouse. Four doses were tested for each Si source plus a control treatment. Biochemical analyses in the plants included the concentrations of Si and total phenolics, and activities of the enzymes peroxidase (POX), phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL), and polyphenol oxidase (PPO). Si-induced resistance to D. juno juno was investigated in feeding assays in the laboratory and on the insect's development on potted-plants in the greenhouse. As main results, calcium silicate favoured the increase in Si content and the activities of POX and PAL, in addition to negatively affecting larvae feeding preference, leaf area consumed, and adult-stage parameters of D. juno juno. Agrisil led to increased Si content, total phenolics concentration, and POX activity, but did not affect the feeding preference, performance, and development of D. juno juno. Calcium silicate is promising for use in integrated pest management and could provide benefits to passion fruit production by reducing the economic losses by D. juno juno attack. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: We have sought the molecular diagnosis of OI in 38 Brazilian cases through targeted sequencing of 15 candidate genes. While 71% had type 1 collagen-related OI, defects in FKBP10, PLOD2 and SERPINF1, and a potential digenic P3H1/WNT1 interaction were prominent causes of OI in this underrepresented population. Introduction: Defects in type 1 collagen reportedly account for 85–90% of osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) cases, but most available molecular data has derived from Sanger sequencing-based approaches in developed countries. Massively parallel sequencing (MPS) allows for systematic and comprehensive analysis of OI genes simultaneously. Our objective was to obtain the molecular diagnosis of OI in a single Brazilian tertiary center cohort. Methods: Forty-nine individuals (84% adults) with a clinical diagnosis of OI, corresponding to 30 sporadic and 8 familial cases, were studied. Sixty-three percent had moderate to severe OI, and consanguinity was common (26%). Coding regions and 25-bp boundaries of 15 OI genes (COL1A1, COL1A2, IFITM5 [plus 5′UTR], SERPINF1, CRTAP, P3H1, PPIB, SERPINH1, FKBP10, PLOD2, BMP1, SP7, TMEM38B, WNT1, CREB3L1) were analyzed by targeted MPS and variants of interest were confirmed by Sanger sequencing or SNP array. Results: A molecular diagnosis was obtained in 97% of cases. COL1A1/COL1A2 variants were identified in 71%, whereas 26% had variants in other genes, predominantly FKBP10, PLOD2, and SERPINF1. A potential digenic interaction involving P3H1 and WNT1 was identified in one case. Phenotypic variability with collagen defects could not be explained by evident modifying variants. Four consanguineous cases were associated to heterozygous COL1A1/COL1A2 variants, and two nonconsanguineous cases had compound PLOD2 heterozygosity. Conclusions: Novel disease-causing variants were identified in 29%, and a higher proportion of non-collagen defects was seen. Obtaining a precise diagnosis of OI in underrepresented populations allows expanding our understanding of its molecular landscape, potentially leading to improved personalized care in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The congenital adrenal hyperplasia population seems to have an intrinsic tendency to a high frequency of low bone mass. However in this single-center and long-term evaluated cohort, the simplified corticoid regimen, with exclusive dexamethasone single dose reposition during adulthood, did not represent a risk factor for decrease in bone health. Introduction: The impact of long-term and supposedly physiological doses of gluco and mineralocorticoid (GC/MC) on bone mineral density (BMD) in congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) remains discordant among studies, which contain different clinical forms and corticoid regimens. Our aim was to evaluate the BMD in CAH adults receiving similar GC regimen since childhood and to correlate it with GC/MC cumulative doses. Methods: Only patients with good compliance, who used cortisone acetate (CA) during childhood and dexamethasone after the final height achievement. Cumulative GC/MC doses were calculated from diagnosis until last evaluation. BMD was analyzed by the first and last energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans performed. Results: Twenty simple virilizing (SV) and 14 salt wasting (WS) whose mean age was 26 ± 6 years, mean CA, dexamethasone, and fludrocortisone cumulative doses were 63,813 ± 32,767, 812 ± 558, and 319 ± 325 mg/m2, respectively. Based on the last DXA, low BMD was observed in 11% of patients, total hip Z-score was lower in the SW than SV form (p = 0.04). Cumulative CA dose had an inverse correlation with femoral neck Z-score (p < 0.01). Total cumulative GC and MC doses had an inverse correlation with total hip Z-score (p < 0.01). In the analysis of sequential BMD during dexamethasone therapy, no association was observed among cumulative GC/MC doses, clinical forms, sex, and lumbar Z-score delta. Conclusions: Even though a low CA regimen during growth periods in addition to MC replacement appears to have an influence on BMD at femoral sites, interestingly a low dexamethasone one does not seem to be deleterious for bone health in adulthood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Foliar uptake of dew is likely an important mechanism of water acquisition for plants from tropical dry environments. However, there is still limited experimental evidence describing the anatomical pathways involved in this process and the effects of this water subsidy on the maintenance of gas exchange and leaf lifespan of species from seasonally dry tropical vegetation such as the Brazilian caatinga.We performed scanning electron, bright‐field and confocal microscopic analyses and used apoplastic tracers to examine the foliar water uptake (FWU) routes in four woody species with different foliar phenology and widely distributed in the caatinga. Leaves of plants subjected to water stress were exposed to dew simulation to evaluate the effects of the FWU on leaf water potentials, gas exchange and leaf lifespan.All species absorbed water through their leaf cuticles and/or peltate trichomes but FWU capacity differed among species. Leaf wetting by dew increased leaf lifespan duration up to 36 days compared to plants in the drought treatment. A positive effect on leaf gas exchange and new leaf production was only observed in the anisohydric and evergreen species.We showed that leaf wetting by dew is relevant for the physiology and leaf lifespan of plants from seasonally dry tropical vegetation, especially for evergreen species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background After 5 years' sick leave in Brazil, employees must retire due to disability. The duration from breast cancer surgery to the end of treatment should be ~9 months. However, diagnosis alone can take 6 months. Surveys administered soon after returning to work have highlighted problems regarding the slow speed of the treatment process and lack of protective legislation. Aims To assess the barriers and facilitators experienced and the coping strategies adopted by Brazilian women 30 days after return to work following breast cancer treatment. Methods A qualitative study of 12 women treated for breast cancer. The interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim and independently analysed by two researchers using a standardized method of analysis. Results Women took an average of 583 days to return to work following breast cancer treatment. The return-to-work experience was considered good, with the physical barriers being fatigue and problems with the arms, and the work environmental barriers being related to discrimination from employers and overprotection from colleagues. Facilitators included social and emotional support given by colleagues/relatives/employers and jobs requiring more cognitive effort than physical exertion. Coping strategies were related to job role adjustments and reduction in tasks and working hours. Conclusions Results were similar to those reported by previous studies, with the exception of the facilitators. Cognitive effort is commonly considered a barrier. However, the present study had an unusually long duration before return to work, possibly reducing the acute effects of chemotherapy on cognition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of International Journal of Cosmetic Science is the property of Wiley-Blackwell 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.)

An important goal of evolutionary and conservation biology is the identification of units below the species level, such as Evolutionarily Significant Units (ESUs), providing objectively delimited units for species conservation and management. In this study we tested the hypothesis that Cuvier’s dwarf caiman (Paleosuchus palpebrosus)—a species broadly distributed across several biomes and watersheds of South America—is comprised of different ESUs. We analyzed mitochondrial cytochrome b sequences of 206 individuals and 532 unlinked ddRAD loci of 20 individuals chosen from amongst the mitochondrial haplogroups. Analysis of the cytochrome b sequences revealed four mitochondrial clusters, while STRUCTURE analysis of ddRAD loci detected three genomic clusters with different levels of mixture between them. Using the Adaptive Evolutionary Conservation (AEC) framework we identified three ESUs: “Amazon”, “Madeira-Bolivia” and “Pantanal”; one of them composed of two different Management Units (MUs), “Madeira” and “Bolivia”. In general, based on the comparisons with other crocodilian species, genetic diversity of each lineage was moderate however, the Madeira MU showed fivefold lower genetic diversity than other geographic groups. Considering the particularities of each Paleosuchus palpebrosus conservation unit, we recommend that the conservation status of each is evaluated separately. Tropical biodiversity is largely underestimated and in this context the broadly distributed species are the most likely candidates to harbor distinct evolutionary lineages. Thus, we suggest that conservation research should not neglect species that are generally considered of Least Concern by IUCN due to the taxon’s broad geographic distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Damage to orange trees (Citrus sinensis [L.] Osbeck) as a result of Azteca barbifex Forel infestation in orchards of the Eastern Amazon, Brazil, has caused concern among farmers. The presence or absence of A. barbifex ants was sampled in a georeferenced orchard with 4600 plants from June 2007 to June 2008, and the six most representative months of infestation were analyzed. Dispersion patterns of A. barbifex were studied using semivariograms to determine the most suitable spatial distribution model of the species and kriging maps were drawn. Spherical semivariogram models best fit the spatial dispersion patterns of A. barbifex, showing that the patterns of damage resulted from attack foci. The density of A. barbifex nests increased during the dry period, with drastic reduction in the rainy season. The results show that geostatistics is a useful tool for evaluating A. barbifex spatial and temporal distributions and to define reliable sampling plans for use in integrated pest management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Until a few decades ago, Serratia marcescens was considered a harmless microorganism. Although it is known that this bacteria has clinical importance and can cause infections and diarrhea in neonates and immunodeficient patients, its presence in food is often neglected, when compared to classic Gram-negative pathogens. In this study, we analyzed different samples of the most consumed dairy products in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and fifty eight isolates belonging to Enterobacteriaceae family were identified. Among them, twenty isolates presented a characteristic reddish color and its identification as S. marcescens was confirmed by an automated microbial identification system (VITEK 2). All isolates expressed resistance to at least one of the antibiotic tested and 11(55%) of them were multidrug resistant (MDR). Using a chromogenic media for culture-based screening, 4 (20%) isolates expressed the phenotype for reduced susceptibility to carbapenems and 10 (50%) for the production of extended spectrum β-lactamase. Biofilm formation was also investigated by Congo red agar method and seventeen isolates (85%) were shown to be producers. Since S. marcescens can also be transmitted by food ingestion, and as dairy products are commonly consumed, this works reports a possible risk of transmission of MDR isolates to consumers, specially, to those immunocompromised. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Most studies regarding ant–aphid interactions focus only on the direct effects of ants on tended aphids and aphidophagous predators, or the indirect effects on the host plant. Studies evaluating the effects of aphid‐tending ants on more than one trophic level are rare and evaluate only the presence or absence of such effects. Here we assessed the effect sizes of ants in a tri‐trophic system (common bean plants, aphids and lacewing larvae). We tested if the presence of aphid‐tending ants has positive effects on aphid abundance and host‐plant production and negative effects on aphid predator abundance. We also hypothesized that aphid‐tending ants affect more intensely trophic levels that are more directly related to them (i.e., first aphids, then aphid predators and then host plants). We tested these hypotheses in field mesocosms experiments using the presence and absence of ants. We found that aphid‐tending ants have great positive effects on final aphid abundance. Ants also positively affected the number of seeds; however, it was not possible to measure the effect size for this trophic level. Furthermore, ants had negative effects on lacewing larvae only at first release. The effect size of ants was greater for aphids, followed by lacewing larvae, and with no effects on the number of seeds produced. Ants positively affect aphids and host‐plant production, probably by way of honeydew collection preventing the development of entomophagous/saprophytic fungi. On the other hand, ants negatively affect lacewing larvae by excluding them from the host plant. In natural systems, several ant species may attend aphids, differently affecting the organisms of the various trophic levels within the ant–aphid interaction, thereby obscuring the real effect size of ants. Assessing the effect size of aphid‐tending ants on the organisms involved in ant–aphid interactions provides more realistic information about the effects of this interaction on natural systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A polymerase chain reaction‐based method was used to screen sandflies for infection with Wolbachia (Rickettsiales: Rickettsiaceae), an intracellular bacterial endosymbiont found in many arthropods and filarial hosts. Positive results were obtained in five of 200 field‐collected sandflies and were confirmed by sequencing. All sandflies were Lutzomyia longipalpis (Diptera: Psychodidae) captured in a region endemic for visceral leishmaniasis in Brazil. This is the first study to identify Wolbachia infection in this Lutzomyia species, which is the main vector of leishmaniasis in the study area. The low infection rate found in this study (2.5%), together with the lack of detection of Wolbachia in previous studies and the diversity found in the sequences analysed, suggests horizontal transmission to these sandflies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Silicon (Si) has been reported to enhance plant resistance against biotic and abiotic stressors and also benefit plant growth. These effects are more pronounced in grass species, especially with soil‐applied Si. This study investigated the effects of Si application on rice resistance to Spodoptera frugiperda development and plant vegetative growth. Effects of Si on rice were assessed via soil and foliar applications and compared with untreated plants (control). Si was soil‐ and foliar‐applied as 1% silicic acid solution at a dosage equivalent to 1.4 t Si per ha. After application, leaf material was collected from Si‐treated and untreated plants and placed in Petri dishes with individual S. frugiperda neonate larvae, where development was followed to adult emergence and biological parameters recorded. Vegetative growth parameters recorded in rice plants were the height, chlorophyll content, fresh and dry weights of shoots, and shoot Si content. No effects of Si application were observed on the durations of larval and pupal stages, larval and pupal survival, and sex ratio of S. frugiperda. Insects fed leaves from Si‐treated plants exhibited lower leaf consumption, larval and pupal weights, longevity of males and females, number of eggs, and egg viability. The negative effects were correlated with higher rice Si content. Si application to rice increased plant height, chlorophyll content and dry weight. Our study demonstrates that foliar‐applied Si is as efficient as soil‐applied Si in negatively affecting S. frugiperda development and providing beneficial effects on rice plant growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Evidência is the property of Evidencia 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 Antipsychotics are essential for the treatment of schizophrenia. However, due to side effects, both continuity of treatment and patients' general health can be jeopardized. Some of these drugs, especially clozapine, have a class of side effects attributed to their antimuscarinic properties, such as dysmotility, a condition in which muscles of the digestive system become impaired. Dysmotility may also alter the speed, strength or coordination of the digestive organs, causing distention, disturbing gastrointestinal transit, leading to symptoms such as bloating, nausea, vomiting, and even malnutrition. In this study, our aim was to develop an in vivo assay capable of identifying and studying the antimuscarinic effects of antipsychotics in a zebrafish model. Methods We performed video recordings of in vivo 5-day postfertilization (dpf) zebrafish larvae gastrointestinal tracts and analyzed the frequency of spontaneous and regular cycles of contractions of the gut. Key Results The assay was first validated with treatment with atropine. We showed that this antimuscarinic drug reduces peristaltic cycles. Subsequently, the larvae were treated with the antipsychotics haloperidol, risperidone, and clozapine. Neither haloperidol nor risperidone reduced gut motility, but clozapine significantly reduced the frequency of cycles of contractions ( P<.0001), which confirms the existing clinical data. Conclusions & Inferences We conclude that this zebrafish assay efficiently identifies anticholinergic side effects of antipsychotics, and can thus be a quick and useful way to screen for this property in new drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of HOLOS is the property of Instituto Federal do Rio Grande do norte - IFRN 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.)

This paper presents a transient-based algorithm for high-impedance fault identification on distribution networks. It uses the discrete wavelet transform to monitor high- and low-frequency voltage components at several points of the power system, being able to indicate the most likely area within which the disturbance has occurred, without requiring data synchronization nor the knowledge of feeder or load parameters. The proposed algorithm is evaluated through electromagnetic transients program simulations of high-impedance faults in a 13.8 kV system modeled from actual Brazilian distribution grid data. Solid faults, capacitor bank switching, and feeder energization are also simulated, considering the system with and without distributed generation. Obtained results show that the algorithm significantly reduces the search field of the high-impedance fault, reliably distinguishing it from other disturbances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Type 1 insulin-like growth factor receptor (IGF-1R) is overexpressed in a variety of human cancers, including adrenocortical tumors. The aim of the work was to investigate the effects of IGF-1R downregulation in a human adrenocortical cell line by small interfering RNA (siRNA). The human adrenocortical tumor cell line NCI H295R was transfected with 2 specific IGF1R siRNAs (# 1 and # 2) and compared with untreated cells and a negative control siRNA. IGF1R expression was determined by quantitative reverse-transcription PCR (qRTPCR) and Western blot. The effects of IGF-1R downregulation on cell proliferation and apoptosis were assessed. IGF-1R levels were significantly decreased in cells treated with IGF-1R siRNA # 1 or # 2. Relative expression of IGF1R mRNA decreased approximately 50% and Western blot analysis revealed a 30% of reduction in IGF-1R protein. Downregulation of this gene resulted in 40% reduction in cell growth in vitro and 45% increase in apoptosis using siRNA # 2. These findings demonstrate that decreasing IGF-1R mRNA and protein expression in NCI H295R cells can partially inhibit adrenal tumor cell growth in vitro. Targeting IGF1R is a promising therapy for pediatric malignant adrenocortical tumor and can still be an option for adult adrenocortical cancer based on personalized genomic tumor profiling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Proposed herein is the use of steelmaking slag as aggregates (SSA) for precast concrete elements used as permeable paving blocks (pavers). For this study, SSA was subjected to segregation of metallic and nonmetallic fractions--the latter being used in the present work. The SSA had its particle size distribution adjusted. Subsequently, it was physically and chemically characterized. Five mixtures were designed: four with SSA and one with natural aggregates as a reference mixture. The pavers built were characterized physically (expansion, morphology, porosity, water absorption, void content, and absolute density); environmentally (leaching and dissolution); and mechanically (compression and flexural strength). As result, SSA pavers showed physical, mechanical, aesthetic, and environmental characteristics significantly similar to the conventional ones, indicating its technical and environmental feasibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work five sources of galactomannans, Adenanthera pavonina, Cyamopsis tetragonolobus, Caesalpinia pulcherrima, Ceratonia siliqua and Sophora japonica, presenting mannose/galactose ratios of 1.3, 1.7, 2.9, 3.4 and 5.6, respectively, were used to produce galactomannan-based films. These films were characterized in terms of: water vapour, oxygen and carbon dioxide permeabilities ( WVP, O P and CO P); moisture content, water solubility, contact angle, elongation-at-break ( EB), tensile strength ( TS) and glass transition temperature ( T). Results showed that films properties vary according to the galactomannan source (different galactose distribution) and their mannose/galactose ratio. Water affinity of mannan and galactose chains and the intermolecular interactions of mannose backbone should also be considered being factors that affect films' properties. This work has shown that knowing mannose/galactose ratio of galactomannans is possible to foresee galactomannan-based edible films properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of modern protection functions is a challenge in the emerging environment of smart grids because the current protection system technology still has several limitations, such as the reliable high-impedance fault (HIF) detection in multigrounded distribution networks, which poses a danger to the public when the protection system fails. This paper presents the wavelet coefficient energy with border distortions of a one-cycle sliding window designed for the real-time detection of transients induced by HIFs. By using the border distortions, the proposed wavelet-based methodology presents a reliable detection of transients generated by HIFs with no time delay and energy peaks scarcely affected by the choice of the mother wavelet. The signatures of different HIFs are presented in both time and wavelet domains. The performance of the proposed wavelet-based method was assessed with compact and long mother wavelets by using data from staged HIFs on an actual energized power system, taking into account different fault surfaces, as well as simulated HIFs. The proposed method presented a more reliable and accurate performance than other evaluated wavelet-based algorithms. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Summary: Adding to the debate around vitamin D's effects on skeletal health, we report the long-term follow-up of two patients with severe vitamin D receptor mutations, who had normal bone mass acquisition and normalization of calcemia around puberty, suggesting that vitamin D might not be essential for skeletal health in adulthood. Introduction: Vitamin D plays a pivotal role in calcium homeostasis, and the consequences of vitamin D insufficiency for skeletal health, as well as the importance of its supplementation, are a matter of great interest. Individuals bearing homozygous vitamin D receptor (VDR) defects present with severe hypocalcemic rickets in early infancy due to vitamin D resistance. Methods: Here, we report the follow-up of two patients with hereditary vitamin D-resistant rickets (HVDRR), focusing on bone mass acquisition and evolution of calcemia. Results: Patient 1 is a 30-year-old male bearing a homozygous p.Arg30* nonsense mutation in the VDR DNA-binding domain, who presented at 6 months. From 9 years of age, treatment requirement decreased progressively. Follow-up with DXA showed normal bone mass acquisition. In adulthood, he maintains normocalcemia without calcium supplementation and has no signs of bone fragility. Patient 2 is a 37-year-old female with milder HVDRR and alopecia due to a homozygous p.Gly319Val mutation in the VDR ligand-binding domain. Around puberty, hypercalciuria and kidney stones were detected, resulting in suspension of treatment. Follow-up with DXA revealed normal bone mass, and she maintained normocalcemia without supplementation during gestation and lactation. Conclusions: The long-term follow-up of HVDRR provides insights into the role of vitamin D in human calcium homeostasis and bone health. The normalization of calcemia and normal bone mass acquisition despite a permanently dysfunctional VDR suggest that vitamin D might not be essential for skeletal health in adulthood. Extrapolation of these findings may have implications in broader clinical settings, especially considering widespread vitamin D supplementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of clonidine, a selective agonist of α2-adrenoceptors, is related to the fertility impairment. Thus, it has been described that changes in the epididymal function are related to the loss of fertility. Therefore, this study was sought to further evaluate the effects of clonidine in the rat distal cauda epididymis contractions and its consequence in the sperm parameters. The in vitro effects of clonidine in the isolated distal cauda epididymis were evaluated by pharmacological experiments. The consecutive contractile responses for clonidine in distal cauda epididymis showed desensitization. The noradrenaline-induced contractions were desensitized after in vitro clonidine pre-treatment (10−5 m for 10 min). Clonidine was unable to alter the noradrenaline contractions if the in vitro pre-treatment was made in the presence of idazoxan (α2-adrenoceptor antagonist), whereas prazosin (α1-adrenoceptor antagonist) was ineffective. Moreover, the in vitro clonidine pre-treatment increased frequency and amplitude of spontaneous contraction of distal cauda epididymis. In addition, to induce in vivo desensitization of α2-adrenoceptors, male Wistar rats were treated with crescent doses of clonidine and distal cauda of epididymis contraction and sperm parameters were analyzed. The in vivo treatment with clonidine diminished the potency of the contractions induced by adrenergic agonists and augmented the frequency and amplitude of spontaneous contraction of distal cauda epididymis. This treatment also altered the sperm transit time in epididymis, epididymal sperm reserves, sperm lipid peroxidation, and antioxidant enzymes activity. The results suggest that clonidine was able to affect the sperm quantity and quality by decreasing the transit time related to the increase in the frequency and amplitude of spontaneous contractions in epididymis, although the contractions induced by adrenergic agonists were desensitized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To evaluate the effect of a synthetic progestin on the vascular resistance of the ophthalmic and central retinal arteries in climacteric women, compared to placebo, using transorbital ultrasound with Doppler velocimetry. Methods We performed a prospective, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study with 216 climacteric women. Subjects were randomly allocated to one of two groups: either the group receiving placebo (one pill/day for 30 days) ( n = 108) or the group receiving progestin (5 mg medroxyprogesterone acetate/day for 30 days) ( n = 108). Transorbital Doppler velocimetric ultrasound was performed, before and after treatment; we measured the pulsatility index, resistance index and systole/diastole ratio. Results The mean ages of the participants in the study group and the control group were 54 ± 6.2 years (range 48-59 years) and 55 ± 6.8 years (range 46-60 years), respectively. When we compared the effect of the progestin on the central retinal artery before and after treatment, we observed a significant increase after the treatment in all Doppler indices. The same was observed when we compared the effect of the progestin on the ophthalmic artery. In the group of women receiving placebo, the Doppler indices were similar before and after treatment. Conclusions Our results demonstrate the existence of a progestogenic vasoconstrictive effect in the ophthalmic and central retinal arteries. As this study provides new data, the observed effect needs further investigations to better elucidate its extent. Moreover, our findings may be particularly useful to others interested in understanding the vascular dynamics of the cerebral vessels and to researchers running clinical trials related to hormone replacement therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of balanced diets on the maturation of oocytes and the reproductive performance of P. mesopotamicus in cages. A completely random design with 224 fish in 16 cages measuring 5 m3 was employed for this purpose. The treatments consisted of diets containing 18, 24, 30, and 36% crude protein ( CP) provided ad libitum. The external and internal morphological characteristics of the specimens were examined, as well as: the position of the germinal vesicle, the distribution of oocyte diameters, the fertilization and hatching rates, the number of oocytes released, the total number of oocytes, the remaining weight and total weight of the ovaries, the gonadosomatic index, the condition factor ( K), and the histology of the oocytes and ovaries post-spawning and during ovarian regression. The diameters of the oocytes collected before the first hormonal application displayed a unimodal distribution for the lowest protein content and a polymodal distribution for the other treatments. A similar situation was seen during spawning. The lowest fertilization and hatching rates were found as a consequence of the treatment with 30% CP (P < 0.05). The greatest hatching rate occurred in the females fed 18% CP. The greatest total oocyte weight was found in the specimens that received between 30 and 36% CP. The lowest K index was found in the females fed 36% CP. In conclusion, a diet containing 18% CP satisfies the reproductive requirements of females adapted to this system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]