Search

Soybean [Glycine max(L.) Merr.] is highly efficient in the biological N2fixation (BNF) process through the association of bacteria of the genus Bradyrhizobiumin the root nodules of the plants. However, there are still doubts about the need to complement soybean N demand through N fertilization in high‐yield environments. In addition, the real impact of co‐inoculation of soybean with Azospirillum brasilenseand Bradyrhizobiumspp. is not yet clear in such environments. A field experiment was conducted from 2012 to 2021 with six soybean cropping seasons in a crop rotation scheme with black oat (Avena strigosaSchreb), maize (Zea maysL.), and wheat (Triticum aestivumL.) under no‐till (NT) in Southern Brazil. Soybean seeds were co‐inoculated with A. brasilense(strains Ab‐V5 and Ab‐V6) shortly after inoculation with Bradyrhizobium japonicum, and different levels of N fertilization were used in top dressing at the start of pod formation (R3). Soybean nutritional status and grain yield were not benefited by co‐inoculation with A. brasilense. Since the increased inoculum rate of A. brasilenseco‐inoculated with rhizobia in soybean compromised both N nutrition and grain yield, this practice should not be encouraged. There was no need to complement soybean N demand through N fertilization during the reproductive stage. Soybean achieved grain yields of 5.0–5.7 Mg ha−1and, even so, there was no need to complement N demand through N fertilization. The results suggest that soybean N demand in a high‐yielding environment under NT could be satisfied exclusively through the optimization of BNF. Benefits of co‐inoculation of soybean with Azospirillum brasilenseare unclear.Late N fertilization in soybean is an unnecessary practice.Co‐inoculation and N fertilization did not improve soybean nutrition and yield.N fertilization for no‐till soybean production should not be encouraged.Increased inoculum rate of A. brasilensein soybean should not be encouraged.

Background:Genetic testing is recommended for accurate diagnosis of Bartter syndrome (BS) and serves as a basis for implementing specific target therapies. However, populations other than Europeans and North Americans are underrepresented in most databases and there are uncertainties in the genotype-phenotype correlation. We studied Brazilian BS patients, an admixed population with diverse ancestry. Methods:We evaluated the clinical and mutational profile of this cohort and performed a systematic review of BS mutations from worldwide cohorts. Results:Twenty-two patients were included; Gitelman syndrome was diagnosed in 2 siblings with antenatal BS and congenital chloride diarrhea in 1 girl. BS was confirmed in 19 patients: BS type 1 in 1 boy (antenatal BS); BS type 4a in 1 girl and BS type 4b in 1 girl, both of them with antenatal BS and neurosensorial deafness; BS type 3 (CLCNKBmutations): 16 cases. The deletion of the entire CLCNKB(1–20 del) was the most frequent variant. Patients carrying the 1–20 del presented earlier manifestations than those with other CLCNKB-mutations and the presence of homozygous 1–20 del was correlated with progressive chronic kidney disease. The prevalence of the 1–20 del in this BS Brazilian cohort was similar to that of Chinese cohorts and individuals of African and Middle Eastern descent from other cohorts. Conclusion:This study expands the genetic spectrum of BS patients with different ethnics, reveals some genotype/phenotype correlations, compares the findings with other cohorts, and provides a systematic review of the literature on the distribution of BS-related variants worldwide.

The effects of cold rolling, leading to strain-induced α’-martensite transformation and its subsequent reversion during annealing treatment, were investigated based on the microstructural evolution, mechanical properties, and fracture behavior of a lean duplex stainless steel (LDSS) 2304. Hot-rolled sheets 4 mm thick were cold-rolled up to 1.08 mm, with a 74% reduction, followed by isochronal annealing at 400 °C to 600 °C for 1800 s. In this range of temperature, an increase in strength occurred, leading to an increase in microhardness and tensile strength. The volume fraction of α’-martensite during cold rolling reached a value of 52% and, after reversion, 36%, meaning a 16% of volume fraction of austenite reverted. After tensile testing, all samples showed a brittle fracture due to work hardening and aging process of the microstructure, α’-martensite formation, and its respective low reversion volume fraction. An increase in the aging temperature enhanced the ductility with a decrease in the yield and tensile strength. Analyzed fractured surfaces reveled cleavage, quasi-cleavage and intergranular features in the aged conditions.

Charles Beard had an undeniable flare for rethinking American History. These collected essays mark the anniversary of Beard's path-breaking, and now infamous, An Economic Interpretation of the Constitution. Yet Beard, [...]

The COVID-19 pandemic has imposed an unprecedented burden on healthcare systems worldwide, changing the profile of interventional cardiology activity.

Multienergy calibration (MEC) is an innovative analytical method to determine the analyte concentration in atomic spectroscopy. Recently, the MEC’s applicability for quantifying molecular species by ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) absorption and fluorescence was demonstrated, showing higher precision and sensitivity in the determination of analyte concentration than the standard methods such as standard calibration and standard addition. In this work, MEC is shown to be a suitable method for quantifying the concentration of a conjugated polymer in conjugated polymer nanoparticles (CPNs). The proof of concept of this approach is demonstrated by analyzing CPNs containing poly(2,5-di(hexyloxy)cyanoterephthalylidene) and poly[2,6-(4,4-bis(2-ethylhexyl)-4H-cyclopenta-[2,1-b;3,4-b0]dithiophene)-alt-4,7-(2,1,3-benzothiadiazole)] using UV–vis absorption measurements. The results are comparable to those obtained with the conventional external calibration method but with improved limits of detection and quantification. Additionally, MEC is less labor-intensive because of the reduced need to prepare multiple calibration standards and allows aqueous sample analysis.

The shortage of reliable primary taxonomic data limits the description of biological taxa and the understanding of biodiversity patterns and processes, complicating biogeographical, ecological, and evolutionary studies. This deficit creates a significant taxonomic impediment to biodiversity research and conservation planning. The taxonomic impediment and the biodiversity crisis are widely recognized, highlighting the urgent need for reliable taxonomic data. Over the past decade, numerous countries worldwide have devoted considerable effort to Target 1 of the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation (GSPC), which called for the preparation of a working list of all known plant species by 2010 and an online world Flora by 2020. Brazil is a megadiverse country, home to more of the world's known plant species than any other country. Despite that, Flora Brasiliensis, concluded in 1906, was the last comprehensive treatment of the Brazilian flora. The lack of accurate estimates of the number of species of algae, fungi, and plants occurring in Brazil contributes to the prevailing taxonomic impediment and delays progress towards the GSPC targets. Over the past 12 years, a legion of taxonomists motivated to meet Target 1 of the GSPC, worked together to gather and integrate knowledge on the algal, plant, and fungal diversity of Brazil. Overall, a team of about 980 taxonomists joined efforts in a highly collaborative project that used cybertaxonomy to prepare an updated Flora of Brazil, showing the power of scientific collaboration to reach ambitious goals. This paper presents an overview of the Brazilian Flora 2020 and provides taxonomic and spatial updates on the algae, fungi, and plants found in one of the world's most biodiverse countries. We further identify collection gaps and summarize future goals that extend beyond 2020. Our results show that Brazil is home to 46,975 native species of algae, fungi, and plants, of which 19,669 are endemic to the country. The data compiled to date suggests that the Atlantic Rainforest might be the most diverse Brazilian domain for all plant groups except gymnosperms, which are most diverse in the Amazon. However, scientific knowledge of Brazilian diversity is still unequally distributed, with the Atlantic Rainforest and the Cerrado being the most intensively sampled and studied biomes in the country. In times of “scientific reductionism”, with botanical and mycological sciences suffering pervasive depreciation in recent decades, the first online Flora of Brazil 2020 significantly enhanced the quality and quantity of taxonomic data available for algae, fungi, and plants from Brazil. This project also made all the information freely available online, providing a firm foundation for future research and for the management, conservation, and sustainable use of the Brazilian funga and flora.

illus por

Activated charcoal was prepared from Acrocomia aculeata(macaúba) endocarp by ZnCl2activation and then used for the adsorptive purification of pretreated crude glycerol (CG) containing pigments, such as β-carotene. The pretreatment of glycerol involved filtration of the K3PO4formed by the addition of H3PO4to the crude glycerol containing KOH. A mixture of 1.38:1 w/w of ZnCl2:Acrocomia aculeatapulp was heated at 120 °C with stirring for 24 h. The mixture was activated by heating at 600 °C for 3 h. The activated charcoal was cooled to 25 °C, washed with a 1:1 mixture of methanol and water (100 mL) and heated at 150 °C for 2 h. The surface properties of the activated charcoal (surface area 627 m2g−1, pore volume 0.39 m3g−1, Bronsted sites 118.23 μmol g−1, and Lewis sites 104.86 μmol g−1) and the adsorption capacity for impurities in H3PO4-pretreated crude glycerol were investigated. The activated charcoal exhibited the most suitable surface properties for the purification of pretreated crude glycerol, attaining a 95.99% glycerol concentration (by GC) using 10 g/L with gravity filtration through a column at room temperature over a 48-h period. The purified glycerol was characterized by GC/MS, 1H- and 13C-NMR, and DSC and TG analyses. The activated charcoal was regenerated by washing with methanol and hexane and heating to 150 °C for 5 h. The activated charcoal could be re-used three times to remove all of the pigments before it was necessary to re-activate the charcoal by heating with ZnCl2.

The incidence of malignancy is increased in systemic sclerosis (SS). Nevertheless, only a few cases of paraneoplastic SS (pSS) have been described. Scleroderma renal crisis is an uncommon but severe complication of SS, with acute kidney failure, abrupt onset of hypertension and microangiopathy. We present the case of a previously healthy patient who was diagnosed with ovarian carcinoma and underwent chemotherapy with carboplatin and paclitaxel. In association with the cancer, she developed SS and scleroderma renal crisis. She received initial supportive treatment, but her renal function worsened, and she started on hemodialysis. Furthermore, she received adjuvant surgical treatment for the cancer. Eighty-four days after cytoreductive surgery, her renal function recovered, and her SS manifestations improved.

To link to full-text access for this article, visit this link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ijlp.2006.01.003 Byline: Sergio Paulo Rigonatti (a), Antonio de Padua Serafim (a), Maria Adelaide de Freitas Caires (a), Antonio Helio Guerra Vieira Filho (b), Julio Arboleda-Florez (c) Author Affiliation: (a) Forensic Psychiatry and Psychology Unit Psychiatry Institute, Sao Paulo University, Brazil (b) Psychiatry Department, School of Medicine, Sao Paulo University, Brazil (c) Queen's University, Ontario, Canada Article History: Received 17 July 2005; Revised 21 November 2005; Accepted 25 January 2006

Current guidelines recommend estimating glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) using creatinine (eGFRcr) with the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) equation as the first test for GFR evaluation, but the Cockcroft-Gault (CG) equation is still commonly used in oncology practice and clinical trials despite increasing evidence of its inaccuracy compared to measured GFR (mGFR). Guidelines recommend eGFR using cystatin C (eGFRcys) or both markers (eGFRcr-cys) as a confirmatory test, but neither was carefully evaluated in cancer patients. Therefore, we compared performance of the CKD-EPI equations and others to the CG equation in adults with a variety of solid tumors. The mGFR was determined by plasma clearance of 51Cr-EDTA. Bias was defined as the median of the differences between mGFR and eGFR while accuracy was defined as the percentage of estimates that differed by more than 30% from the measured GFR (1–P30). We prospectively recruited 1,200 patients between April 2015 and September 2017 with a mean age and mGFR of 58.8 years and 78.4 ml/min/1.73m2, respectively. Bias among eGFRcr equations varied from -8.1 to +6.1 ml/min/1.73 m2. CG was the least accurate, 1-P30 (95% confidence interval) was 24.9 (22.4- 27.3)%; CKD-EPI had 1-P30 of 19.1 (16.8-21.2)% while eGFRcr-cys had the best performance: bias -2.0 (-2.6 to -1.1) ml/min/1.73m2and 1-P30 7.8 (6.3-9.4)%. Thus, the CG equation should not be preferred over CKD-EPI equation, and eGFRcr-cys can be used as a confirmatory test in adults with solid tumors. Hence, a major policy implication would be to adopt general practice guideline-recommended methods for GFR evaluation in oncology practice and clinical trials.

ABSTRACTGastric cancer (GC) is one of the leading types of fatal cancer worldwide. Epigenetic manipulation of cancer cells is a useful tool to better understand gene expression regulatory mechanisms and contributes to the discovery of novel biomarkers. Our research group recently reported a list of 83 genes that are potentially modulated by DNA methylation in GC cell lines. Herein, we further explored the regulation of one of these genes, LRRC37A2, in clinical samples. LRRC37A2expression was evaluated by RT-qPCR, and DNA methylation was studied using next-generation bisulphite sequencing in 36 GC and paired adjacent nonneoplastic tissue samples. We showed that both reduced LRRC37A2mRNA levels and increased LRRC37A2exon methylation were associated with undifferentiated and poorly differentiated tumours. Moreover, LRRC37A2gene expression and methylation levels were inversely correlated at the +45 exon CpG site. We suggest that DNA hypermethylation may contribute to reducing LRRC37A2expression in undifferentiated and poorly differentiated GC. Therefore, our results show how some genes may be useful to stratify patients who are more likely to benefit from epigenetic therapy.Abbreviations:AR: androgen receptor; 5-AZAdC: 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine; B2M: beta-2-microglobulin; GAPDH: glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase; GC: gastric cancer; GLM: general linear model; LRRC37A2: leucine-rich repeat containing 37 member A2; SD: standard deviation; TFII-I: general transcription factor II-I; TSS: transcription start site; XBP1: X-box binding protein 1

The manifestation of generating digital visuals through an algorithm is gaining worldwide attention in the graphic design industry. It is a new form of computing that visualizes data input by the designer or collected in the physical environment and turns them into artwork. The generative design of ‘Macau Design Award 2019' was the first of its kind being adopted locally. This key visual design received mixed feedback in the field. There is concern that erroneous perceptions of such a new way of designing could detach Macau from the global design trend. The purpose of this paper, in the form of an exploratory case study combined with a survey, is to understand local graphic designers' perspectives of generative design. The authors want to examine how digital native and digital immigrant designers perceive the phenomenon and their degree of acceptance. The data were obtained through an online questionnaire shared with the Macau Designers Association members. UTAUT2 model was employed to analyse the main obstacles to their attitudes towards adopting generative design in their artwork.

Macao inhabit a population of 683,100. The birth rate has been dropping while the death rate has risen compared to two years ago. Cemeteries are becoming crowded, and burial spots are demanding. In this case, video calls and social media can be the solution. How about our beloved ancestors? Can we video call them on their memorial days? This paper presents a VR experience of immersing oneself in the 3D VR of the Chapel of St. Michael of Macao to create a peaceful atmosphere for grave mourning. The chapel is also a personal space where we can be truly isolated in serenity. It is a retreat to pray, disconnect, and reconnect to the beloved deaths that may not be buried in an easily accessible location. The authors propose a possible future of mourning our loved ones through virtual reality and telepresence: an immersive experience connected with Macao's extraordinary and cultural unicity.

illus

illus

illus

Low back pain is an important health problem in the world, with a high prevalence among workers. It is a complex condition that can be influenced by several biological, psychological, social, cultural, and occupational risk factors. Symptoms of pain and physical-functional disability resulting from low back pain directly affect participation at work. Therefore, interventions to manage low back pain must be carried out at all levels of care, including approaches compatible with the occupational context and with the characteristics of the workers. Pain self-management through educational interventions is an approach capable of meeting this need. In this case, workers must have access to knowledge of their own pain experience (self-assessment) and to content and information related to the neurophysiology of pain and the factors that modulate it (pain education). The use of an application to deliver the pain education program seems to be an innovative, easily accessible solution capable of generating significant learning in the worker so that he can assess and intervene in his health status.

The dissemination of knowledge is defined as an active process, which aims to deliver information from clear, simple, action-oriented messages and adapted for each audience. Currently, social media (Instagram, Twitter, Reddit, WeChat and others) represent an efficient tool for disseminating knowledge. In this sense, social media can contribute to the dissemination of knowledge to workers, professionals, researchers, and others interested in the field of ergonomics and workers' health.

Cognitive failure can be understood as mental lapses that occur during the execution of a simple task. These failures can occur in different contexts, such as, for example, in occupational activities, in university students, in everyday life or in any other non-occupational context. The Occupational Cognitive Failures Questionnaire (OCFQ) is a measurement instrument that helps to understand cognitive failures in workers. However, the OCFQ was originally developed in English, requiring cross-cultural adaptation and testing of measurement properties to assess whether the adapted questionnaire can be used with the same confidence as the original questionnaire.

Evidence-Based Medicine (EBM) is an approach that aims to solve health problems through decision-making based on the best scientific evidence, patient values and preferences, and clinical experience. To this end, health professionals must obtain knowledge and skills that allow them to formulate clinical questions, carry out searches in the literature, carefully evaluate the evidence, carry out the transposition of this evidence into the clinical context and verify its effectiveness for solving the initial problem. Despite the relevance of the topic, there are still few studies that assess the level of knowledge and skills of medical students regarding the use of EBM principles for clinical decision-making.

There have been insufficient data for African patients with COVID-19 who are critically ill. The African COVID-19 Critical Care Outcomes Study (ACCCOS) aimed to determine which resources, comorbidities, and critical care interventions are associated with mortality in this patient population.

Cereal crops have a high N requirement in a high‐yield environment. However, N use efficiency is still low in agricultural production systems and little is known about the effects of inoculation with Azospirillum brasilensein a high‐yield environment. A field experiment was conducted from 2012 to 2018 with a maize (Zea maysL.)–wheat (Triticum aestivumL.) rotation under a continuous no‐till in southern Brazil. Seeds were inoculated with A. brasilense(strains Ab‐V5 and Ab‐V6) and different levels of N fertilization were used in top dressing. Seed inoculation provided slight changes in N, P, and K concentrations in leaves and grains of maize and wheat. Increasing N input increased the leaf and grain N concentration and the maize and wheat grain yields. Seed inoculation caused varied responses on cereals in different cropping seasons. Wheat was more affected by inoculation in response to N application than maize. Rainfall distribution during the growing seasons possibly interfered on crop responses with inoculation between years and N fertilization levels. Under a similar N input, inoculation resulted in an average increase of 454 kg ha−1yr−1of maize and 242 kg ha−1yr−1of wheat by applying a higher N rate to the maize and a lower N rate to the wheat. An additional gain of US$409.72 ha−1(2012–2018) was also achieved using this strategy. Although the possibility of inoculation causing economy with N fertilization in wheat was evident, for maize in rotation with wheat, A. brasilenseinoculation was apparently more viable under higher N fertilizer input.

Despite the wide range of possible applications of nanopesticides, the mechanisms involved in their enhanced action remain largely unknown. Understanding the interaction between nanopesticides and plants is crucial for evaluating their potential safety application. Using an experimental and theoretical approach, this study aimed to investigate the target effect of paraquat-loaded chitosan/tripolyphosphate nanoparticles (ca.200 nm) on photosystem I (PSI). Electrochemical analysis showed distinct electroactivity behaviour between the encapsulated and non-encapsulated herbicide. The amount of lipid peroxidation, photooxidizable P700 reaction centre content, and NADPH/NADP+ratio levels were significantly decreased in spinach leaf tissue exposed to the nanoherbicide compared to those with the non-encapsulated herbicide. The data also revealed that the nanoformulation might promote oxidative stress based on changes observed in antioxidant enzymes. Also, molecular docking results showed a preferential disposition of the herbicide paraquat and paraquat–tripolyphosphate complex (TPP:PQ) in the ligand domain close to FAD and Glu312. Due to the inhibitor's strategic position in the catalytic pocket, a model of electron-capture is proposed, where the herbicide disturbs the redox process NADP+ NADPH by capturing electrons to reduce itself. Finally, our findings provide important insights where the redox behaviour of paraquat may play a key role in the enhanced efficiency of nanoherbicides to the target binding site.

Nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) are the most required nutrients for corn and wheat production. Increasing the N application rate usually boosts crop yields. However, many uncertainties remain for K management. Potassium deficiency results in yield losses, but K application rate based on the percentage of K+in the cation exchange capacity (CEC) is doubtful, especially in soil with high CEC. A field trial was conducted to examine the effects of KCl application before sowing corn and wheat, by raising the percentage of K+in CEC at pH 7.0 (CECpH7.0) to approximately 2.5%, 3.5%, and 4.5%, and adding N as a topdressing (75, 150, and 225 kg ha−1to corn and 40, 80, and 120 kg ha−1to wheat) on the nutrition and yield of corn and wheat under a continuous no-till system (30 years). Exchangeable K+content increased in the topsoil (0–20 cm depth) up to 7.2 mmolcdm−3after K application at the highest rate, which, however, did not result in significant increases in nutrient uptake and yields for both corn and wheat. The N application rate positively affected the uptake and removal of all macronutrients by corn and wheat. Applying N as a topdressing increased yields of corn and wheat by up to 83% and 22%, respectively. Our results suggest that in the soil with a high CECpH7.0(162.1 mmolcdm−3), the recommendation for K application made by considering the percentage of K+in the CECpH7.0may result in excessive application of K fertilizer to crops with high K-recycling potential grown under a continuous no-till system.

The neotypification of Loranthus spicatusproposed by Job Kuijt in 1976 is analysed. The previously proposed neotype was found to disagree with the original concept of this species, which was adopted from the original publication in 1760 until 1964. Tabula 68 published in Selectarum stirpium americanarum historiain 1763 is proposed as lectotype. To further aid the correct application of this name, we also propose an epitype.

Malignant brain tumors are among the most aggressive cancers with poor prognosis and no effective treatment. Recently, we reported the oncolytic potential of Zika virus infecting and destroying the human central nervous system (CNS) tumors in vitroand in immunodeficient mice model. However, translating this approach to humans requires pre-clinical trials in another immunocompetent animal model. Here, we analyzed the safety of Brazilian Zika virus (ZIKVBR) intrathecal injections in three dogs bearing spontaneous CNS tumors aiming an anti-tumoral therapy. We further assessed some aspects of the innate immune and inflammatory response that triggers the anti-tumoral response observed during the ZIKVBRadministration in vivoand in vitro. For the first time, we showed that there were no negative clinical side effects following ZIKVBRCNS injections in dogs, confirming the safety of the procedure. Furthermore, the intrathecal ZIKVBRinjections reduced tumor size in immunocompetent dogs bearing spontaneous intracranial tumors, improved their neurological clinical symptoms significantly, and extended their survival by inducing the destruction specifically of tumor cells, sparing normal neurons, and activating an immune response. These results open new perspectives for upcoming virotherapy using ZIKV to destroy and induce an anti-tumoral immune response in CNS tumors for which there are currently no effective treatments.

Dysregulated leukocyte diapedesis is a major contributor to acute severe inflammatory states like sepsis and acute respiratory distress syndrome, which are common conditions in critically ill subjects. Endocan is a circulating proteoglycan that binds to the leukocyte integrin LFA‐1 and blocks its interaction with its endothelial ligand ICAM‐1, subsequently leading to the inhibition of leukocyte recruitment. Recent data have highlighted the hypothetic role of p14, endocan's major catabolite found in the bloodstream of septic patients, as a potential antagonist of endocan, thus participating in the regulation of acute inflammation. We hereby characterize the role of p14 as a biologic competitor of endocan, through assessment of its molecular interactions with LFA‐1, endocan, and ICAM‐1, as well as its effects on human leukocyte trafficking. Using immunodetection assay, we report that p14 can bind to LFA‐1, thus inhibiting the interaction between LFA‐1 and endocan, which in turn leads to the restoration of the ICAM‐1/LFA‐1 interaction. In primary human T cells trafficking assays, we underline the absence of effect of p14 on ICAM‐1‐dependent adhesion and migration, as well as on transendothelial migration. However, in those models, p14 reverses the antimigratory effect of endocan. To conclude, our study supports the hypothesis of an antagonistic role of p14 versus endocan in its effect on the LFA‐1/ICAM‐1‐dependent human leukocyte recruitment. Molecular and cellular impacts of p14 on endocan's regulatory effects in the control of leukocyte recruitment

Reducing costs related to passive elements and ensuring ability to handle short-circuit faults are essential for a reliable and cost-effective operation of modular multilevel converters (MMCs) in high-voltage direct current (HVDC) systems. HVDC systems have emerged in offshore wind power plants (OWPP), as an attractive solution to connect OWPP to the main ac system. To address these challenges, this paper carries out a benchmarking of double-star (DS) MMC topologies applied to OWPP. In this sense, comparisons among DS topologies of the DSCC (double-star chopper cell), DSBC (double-star bridge cell) and DSHyb (double-star hybrid) types are proposed. Quantitative analyses are performed, considering an OWPP of 100 MW. In the results, the topologies are compared for steady-state operation and active power dynamics. In addition, power losses and junction temperature through a one-year OWPP mission profile are analyzed. Due to dc fault tolerance and capacity to synthesize two times the converter output voltage in comparison with the DSCC, DSBC and DSHyb are best suited in HVDC systems. However, DSHyb stands out in terms of converter efficiency and capacitor energy storage. Thus, DSHyb proves to be a promising topology to connect OWPP to the ac system.

•EDTA clearance can be used to measure GFR in patients with solid tumors.•Precise GFR assessment is crucial to optimize therapy and minimize side effects.•There is a high agreement between two (46GFR) and three-time samples (246GFR).•Single-sample tests may be adopted for non-obese patients with expected normal GFR.

Sarcoid-Like Reaction is a systemic inflammatory granulomatous condition that does not meet the criteria for systemic Sarcoidosis—it is triggered by a known underlying factor, such as immunosuppression. Here we report a case of acute interstitial nephritis without granuloma in the context of a Sarcoid-Like systemic disease in the three-year period after an autologous stem cell transplant. The patient presented with a suspected relapse, associated with hemolytic anemia and an increase of serum creatinine. The investigation showed non-caseating epithelioid cell granuloma in a chest lymph node and in bone marrow, associated with combined hypogammaglobulinemia. Evaluation of the kidney tissue demonstrated acute interstitial nephritis.

β2-microglobulin (B2M), and β-trace-protein (BTP) are novel endogenous filtration markers that may improve the accuracy of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) beyond creatinine and cystatin C (eGFRcr-cys), but they have not been assessed in patients with cancer.

A ecografia intravascular coronária tem ganhado importância nos laboratórios de hemodinâmica pela evidência de impacto prognóstico positivo para os doentes. Este trabalho tem como objetivo caraterizar a utilização de ecografia intravascular em intervenções coronárias percutâneas em Portugal.

This study aimed to better understand the biodiversity and ecological aspects of benthic filamentous cyanobacteria along the coast of an extensive Brazilian tropical region with underestimated biodiversity. We collected samples between 2010 and 2012 in 24 areas along the coast of the State of Bahia, Northeastern Brazil. We analyzed biodiversity, life form, and spatial distribution of filamentous cyanobacteria on various marine substrata. The intertidal area was divided into three microhabitats according to hydrodynamics: tidal pools, protected reef region, and front reef region. Thirty-two taxa were identified and Oscillatoriales showed the highest biodiversity (16 taxa), followed by Nostocales (9), Synechoccocales (5) and Spirulinales (2). We reported 22 new references to Bahia State. Twenty-two taxa occurred only in one beach, and Symplocacf. hydnoidesGomont was the only widely distributed along the coast of Bahia. Epilithic (21 taxa) and epiphytic (15) showed the greatest species richness. Only two species presented epizoic life form. We observed the highest species richness in the protected reef region (17 taxa). We found eleven and eight taxa in the tidal pool and supralittoral zone, respectively. No cyanobacteria were found in the front reef region, an area with high hydrodynamics. This research presented many taxa in common with previous studies on cyanobacterial diversity developed in other tropical regions around the globe. The great biodiversity and new records reported in this study highlight the need of further surveys in tropical coastal environments, areas still underexplored in terms of biodiversity of cyanobacteria.

BackgroundHereditary primary microcephaly (MCPH) is mainly characterised by decreased occipitofrontal circumference and variable degree of intellectual disability. MCPH with a dominant pattern of inheritance is a rare condition, so far causally linked to pathogenic variants in the ALFY, DPP6, KIF11and DYRK1Agenes.ObjectiveThis study aimed at identifying the causative variant of the autosomal dominant form of MCPH in a Brazilian family with three affected members.MethodsFollowing clinical evaluation of two sibs and their mother presenting with autosomal dominant MCPH, array comparative genome hybridisation was performed using genomic DNA from peripheral blood of the family members. Gene and protein expression studies were carried out in cultured skin fibroblasts.ResultsA 382 kb microduplication at 10q23.31 was detected, encompassing the entire PTEN, KLLNand ATAD1genes. PTENhaploinsufficiency has been causally associated with macrocephaly and autism spectrum disorder and, therefore, was considered the most likely candidate gene to be involved in this autosomal dominant form of MCPH. In the patients’ fibroblasts, PTENmRNA and protein were found to be overexpressed, and the phosphorylation patterns of upstream and downstream components of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signalling pathway were dysregulated.ConclusionsTaken together, our results demonstrate that the identified submicroscopic 10q23.31 duplication in a family with MCPH leads to markedly increased expression of PTENand reduced activity of the mTOR signalling pathway. These results suggest that the most probable pathomechanism underlying the microcephaly phenotype in this family involves downregulation of the mTOR pathway through overexpression of PTEN.

Benthic diatoms that produce and live inside mucilage tubes are prominent pioneer colonizers of marine substrata. This adaptation is an ecological strategy related to mechanical protection against wave action and desiccation. In this article, we identify Nitzschia martianabased on morphological and ultrastructural analyses from several samples, collected from different localities. We also analysed the potential distribution model of the species to identify potential areas along the Brazilian coast with high environmental suitability for its occurrence. The distribution modelling, associated with our wide sampling, allowed us to present a robust characterization of the distribution of N. martianaalong the Brazilian coast. Previous records were restricted to the coast of the states of Paraná, Santa Catarina, and Pernambuco. Our results confirmed the occurrence of the species in 14 new localities, over a temperature range of 18–27°C, always occurring as macroscopic tufts, in regions exposed to direct sunlight during low tide periods, on sand, coral reefs and rocks.

Aluminum (Al) toxicity is the most limiting factor to maize crop productivity in acid soils. Therefore, the understanding of inheritance of Al tolerance in maize is important for the development of more adequate procedures for Al tolerant genotypes selection. In this sense, the objectives of this study were to determine the inheritance, and the general (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) for Al tolerance in tropical maize. First, we evaluated diallel crosses of maize from landrace and hybrid germplasms for Al tolerance through the minimal solution methodology. The DIF data (root growth difference) were analyzed by Griffing diallel model. Later the additive-dominant genetic model proposed by Mather and Jinks (1971) was used to estimate the genetic effects. The results of the diallel analysis showed greater variability associated with the estimates of the SCA for both germplasm. The diallel crosses involving the V 06 (Dente de Ouro 2) landrace stood out by high SCA and GCA for Al tolerance. The generation mean analysis indicated quantitative inheritance of Al tolerance in this germplasm, with most of the variance explained by the additive effects. The heritability in the narrow sense varied from 47% to 71%, indicating the possibility of genetic gain with the selection of tolerant genotypes in F2 generation. Additive gene action associated with intermediate heritability and quantitative inheritance demonstrates the possibility of genetic gains with artificial selection for Al tolerance in this maize germplasm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spirometry is the single most important test for the evaluation of respiratory function. The results are interpreted by comparing measured data with predicted values previously obtained from a reference population. Reference equations for spirometry have been discussed previously. The aim of this study was to compare reference values based on National Health and Nutrition Assessment Survey (NHANES III), European Community of Steel and Coal (ECSC), and Global Lung Initiative (GLI) equations in an elderly sample population. Subjects from the Geriatric Study on Health Effects of Air Quality in elder care centres who met the inclusion criteria were enrolled. Spirometry was performed according to international guidelines. The forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1 s, and FEV1/FVC ratio were reported as percentages of the predicted value, and the lower limit of normality was calculated. Out of 260 elderly patients, 69.6% were women; the mean age was 83.0 ± 6.46 years with an age range of 65–95 years. The lowest %FVC and %FEV1values were obtained using the GLI reference equations. However, when NHANES III equations were used, the FEV1/FVC ratio was higher than ratios obtained from GLI and ECSC equations. The prevalence of airway obstruction was highest using ECSC equations, while GLI equations demonstrated more restrictive defects. The present study showed meaningful differences in the reference values, and consequently, in the results obtained using NHANES III, ECSC, and GLI reference equations. The spirometry interpretation was also influenced by the reference equations used.