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The aim of this study was to analyse associations between the COVID-19 pandemic, alcohol consumption and anxiety symptoms among people with self-reported disabilities and family caregivers in Latin America and the Caribbean. Cross-sectional study with secondary data analysis of the 'Alcohol Use during the COVID-19 pandemic in Latin America and the Caribbean', a Web-based cross-sectional survey conducted by the Pan American Health Organisation between March and June 2020. Descriptive analyses were conducted on the individual, social environment characteristics, COVID-19 infection, quarantine compliance, anxiety symptoms (measured by Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale [GAD-7]) and change in frequency of heavy episodic drinking during the pandemic. Multinomial logistic regression was used to analyse associations among individuals with self-reported disabilities with anxiety symptoms and change in frequency of heavy episodic drinking during the pandemic. Family caregivers were more compliant with COVID-19 restrictive measures than individuals with and without disabilities. The majority of participants with disabilities did not change their drinking patterns during the pandemic (64.3%); however, 28.1% reported increased consumption. People with disabilities were 2.17 times more likely to have severe anxiety symptoms than no anxiety symptoms between March and June 2020 in Latin America and the Caribbean. This study observed a higher prevalence of the maintenance of heavy episodic drinking behaviour during the early phase of the pandemic in people with disabilities and family caregivers than in people without self-reported disabilities in Latin America and the Caribbean. People with disabilities showed more severe anxiety symptoms than those without disabilities, highlighting the need to develop inclusive health and quality-of-life policies to mitigate the effects of the pandemic in this vulnerable population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extreme climatic events like marine heatwaves (MHWs) are becoming more frequent, intense, and longer lasting all around the world. The consequences of these anomalously warm periods are devastating for marine ecosystems. Still, little is known about these extreme events off the western Iberia coast. Here we analyzed MHW events occurring from 1982 to 2020 on the Aveiro coast, western Iberia coast of Portugal. A total of 79 events were detected for the region, with an average duration of 15.8 days, and a mean intensity of 1.9 °C ± 0.4 °C above the 90th percentile of sea surface temperatures (SST) for the region. The maximum intensity of the events has increased by 0.5 °C over the last decade. The relation between SST, and therefore, MHW events, the North Atlantic Oscillation index (NAO), and the regional Iberian Upwelling Index (UI) was identified. The intense upwelling of the region seems to mitigate the duration of warming conditions, resulting in shorter MHW events. Furthermore, the impacts of SST and MHW events on the supply patterns of Carcinus maenas megalopae were examined, utilizing daily data from 2002, 2006–2009, 2012, and 2013, collected at the entrance of Ria de Aveiro. Cross-correlations were employed to assess the effect of SST on megalopae supply, while ordinary least square cumulative sums were used to identify variations over time. The influence of SST on supply was noticed with a 5-to-11-day lag, but this relation changed over the years. Contrary to our hypothesis, we found no evidence supporting a diminishment in megalopae supply due to MHW events. These elusive findings, coupled with the apparent lack of influence of these extreme events, highlight the relatively weak intensity and brief duration of the MHW events in the region, coupled with the high thermal tolerance of these species. [Display omitted] • 79 marine heatwave events (MHW) detected since 1982, lasting 15.8 days on average. • MHW maximum intensity increases by 0.5 °C in the last decade. • Regional upwelling mitigates MHW duration, leading to shorter warming events. • No discernible impact of MHWs on Carcinus maenas megalopae supply. • The influence of water temperature on megalopae supply varied along the years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Progesterone (P4) plays a key role in pregnancy establishment and maintenance; during early pregnancy, P4 stimulates the production and release of uterine secretions necessary for conceptus growth prior to implantation; therefore, exogenous P4 supplementation may improve embryo development. This study evaluated the effects of supplementation during early pregnancy with long-acting injectable progesterone or altrenogest on embryonic characteristics of sows and gilts. Thus, a total of 32 sows and 16 gilts were used. On day 6 of pregnancy sows and gilts were allocated to one of the following groups: non-supplemented; supplemented with 20 mg of altrenogest, orally, from days 6 to 12 of pregnancy; supplemented with 2.15 mg/kg of long-acting injectable progesterone on day 6 of pregnancy. Animals were killed on day 28 of pregnancy, and ovulation rate, embryo survival, embryo weight, crown-to-rump length, uterine glandular epithelium and endometrial vascularization were assessed. Treatments had no effect on pregnancy rate, embryo survival or endometrial vascular density (P > 0.05). Non-supplemented gilts presented larger and heavier embryos compared to gilts from supplemented groups (P < 0.05). Sows in the altrenogest group presented larger and heavier embryos compared to non-supplemented sows and sows supplemented with long-acting injectable progesterone. In conclusion, supplementation of sows and gilts with progestagen from day 6 of pregnancy can be used as a means to improve embryo survival without deleterious effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to develop and validate an HPLC-DAD method to evaluate the phenolic compounds profile of organic and conventional Pêra-Rio orange juice. The proposed method was validated for 10 flavonoids and 6 phenolic acids. A wide linear range (0.01–223.4 μg·g − 1 ), good accuracy (79.5–129.2%) and precision (CV ≤ 3.8%), low limits of detection (1–22 ng·g − 1 ) and quantification (0.7–7.4 μg), and overall ruggedness were attained. Good recovery was achieved for all phenolic compounds after extraction and cleanup. The method was applied to organic and conventional Pêra-Rio orange juices from beginning, middle and end of the 2016 harvest. Flavones rutin, nobiletin and tangeretin, and flavanones hesperidin, narirutin and eriocitrin were identified and quantified in all organic and conventional juices. Identity was confirmed by mass spectrometry. Nineteen non-identified phenolic compounds were quantified based on DAD spectra characteristic of the chemical class: 7 cinnamic acid derivatives, 6 flavanones and 6 flavones. The phenolic compounds profile of Pêra-Rio orange juices changed during the harvest; levels increased in organic orange juices, and decreased or were about the same in conventional orange juices. Phenolic compounds levels were higher in organic (0.5–1143.7 mg·100 g − 1 ) than in conventional orange juices (0.5–689.7 mg·100 g − 1 ). PCA differentiated organic from conventional FS and NFC juices, and conventional FCOJ from conventional FS and NFC juices, thus differentiating cultivation and processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first outbreak of dengue occurred in Madeira Island in 2012, featuring one virus serotype. Aedes aegypti was the vector of the disease and it is unlikely that it will be eliminated from the island. Therefore, a new outbreak of dengue fever can occur and, if it happens, risk to the population increases if two serotypes coexist. In this paper, mathematical modeling and numerical simulations are carried out to forecast what may happen in Madeira Island in such a scenario. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Green roof plants alter the microclimate of building roofs and may improve roof insulation. They act by providing cooling by shading, but also through transpiration of water through their stomata. However, leaf surfaces can become warmer when plants close the stomata and decrease water loss in response to drying substrate (typically associated with green roofs during summers), also reducing transpirational cooling. By using a range of contrasting plant types (Sedum mix – an industry green roof ‘standard’, Stachys byzantina, Bergenia cordifolia and Hedera hibernica) we tested the hypothesis that plants differ in their ‘cooling potential’. We firstly examined how leaf morphology influenced leaf temperature and how drying substrate altered that response. Secondly, we investigated the relationship between leaf surface temperatures and the air temperatures immediately above the canopies (i.e. potential to provide aerial cooling). Finally we measured how the plant type influenced the substrate temperature below the canopy (i.e. potential for building cooling). In our experiments Stachys outperformed the other species in terms of leaf surface cooling (even in drying substrate, e.g. 5 °C cooler compared with Sedum), substrate cooling beneath its canopy (up to 12 °C) and even – during short intervals over hottest still periods – the air above the canopy (up to 1 °C, when soil moisture was not limited). We suggest that the choice of plant species on green roofs should not be entirely dictated by what survives on the shallow substrates of extensive systems, but consideration should be given to supporting those species providing the greatest eco-system service potential. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We present an application of optimal control theory to Dengue epidemics. This epidemiologic disease is important in tropical countries due to the growing number of infected individuals. The dynamic model is described by a set of nonlinear ordinary differential equations, that depend on the dynamics of the Dengue mosquito, the number of infected individuals, and people’s motivation to combat the mosquito. The cost functional depends not only on the costs of medical treatment of the infected people but also on the costs related to educational and sanitation campaigns. Two approaches for solving the problem are considered: one using optimal control theory, the other carried out by first discretizing the problem and then solving it with nonlinear programming. The results obtained with OC-ODE and IPOPT solvers are given and discussed. We observe that with current computational tools it is easy to obtain, in an efficient way, better solutions to Dengue problems, leading to a decrease in the number of infected mosquitoes and individuals in less time and with lower costs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Menopause is associated with a decrease in fat-free mass and an increase in fat mass. Sarcopenic obesity is more strongly associated with physical limitations than either obesity or sarcopenia and their effect in plantar pressure is not known. Consequently, the scope of the present study was to examine the effect of obesity and sarcopenic obesity on plantar pressure of postmenopausal women, during walking. Methods: Body composition and biomechanics parameters of plantar pressure were assessed in 239 postmenopausal women. Findings: Compared to non-obese and non-sarcopenic women, obese postmenopausal women have higher peak pressure in the metatarsal areas 1, 4, 5, midfoot and lateral heel and higher absolute impulses in all metatarsal and heel areas. On the other hand, sarcopenic obese postmenopausal women presented higher peak pressure and absolute impulses under all metatarsal areas, midfoot and heels. When the absolute values of maximal peak pressures and absolute impulses were normalised to body mass, pressure increases were only perceived for midfoot. Interpretation: The pressure increase found in different foot areas of obese and particularly in sarcopenic obese could cause discomfort and pain in the foot. Sarcopenic obese postmenopausal women also present a higher loading during the stance phase comparing with non-sarcopenic non-obese, fact that might limit their basic daily activity tasks, such as walking. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Chlorogenic acids (CGA) are cinnamic acid derivatives with biological effects mostly related to their antioxidant and antiinflammatory activities. Caffeoylquinic acids (CQA) and dicaffeoylquinic acids (diCQA) are the main CGA found in nature. Because green coffee is a major source of CGA, it has been used for production of nutraceuticals. However, data on the bioavailability of CGA from green coffee in humans are inexistent. The present study evaluated the pharmacokinetic profile and apparent bioavailability of CGA in plasma and urine of 10 healthy adults for 8 h after the consumption of a decaffeinated green coffee extract containing 170 mg of CGA. Three CQA, 3 diCQA, and caffeic, ferulic, isoferulic, and p-coumaric acids were identified in plasma by HPLC-Diode Array Detector-MS after treatment. Over 30% (33.1 +/- 23.1%) of the ingested cinnamic acid moieties were recovered in plasma, including metabolites, with peak levels from 0.5 to 8 h after treatment. CGA and metabolites identified in urine after treatment were 4-CQA, 5-CQA, and sinapic, p-hydroxybenzoic, gallic, vanillic, dihydrocaffeic, caffeic, ferulic, isoferulic, and p-coumaric acids, totaling 5.5 +/- 10.6% urinary recovery of the ingested cinnamic and quinic acid moiteties. This study shows that the major CGA compounds present in green coffee are highly absorbed and metabolized in humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The kinetics of oxide formation in the presence of water vapour are discussed and compared with oxidation in dry atmospheres. The main protective oxide systems are considered, i.e. alumina, chromia, silica, titania and iron and nickel oxides, and with the possible exceptions of alumina and nickel oxide, oxidation rates are increased by the presence of water vapour. Scale morphology is also influenced by water vapour, and an important observation is that whisker formation is encouraged; this is believed to be due to the more rapid dissociation of water vapour compared to oxygen. In general, water vapour promotes the formation of a more porous scale. This is related to an increase in cation diffusion and consequent vacancy condensation, thereby developing a porous structure. The thermochemistry of oxide formation is discussed, and here oxide stability and hydroxide formation are considered. A significant observation is that where hydroxides or oxyhydroxides form, they generally have higher volatility than the corresponding oxide, and this leads to loss of protection. The effect of water vapour on oxide growth processes is considered. It is demonstrated that all aspects of oxide growth including adsorption, dissociation and diffusion of reactants are altered in the presence of water vapour compared with similar processes in dry conditions. The important first stages of the reaction involving adsorption and dissociation are controlled by the catalytic activity and acid base nature of oxides. For oxides formed at high temperatures very limited information is available, but, in general, data obtained at room temperature is confirmed and strongly suggests that dissociation of any gas molecule is favoured by defects in the surface. Dissociation of water seems to be more rapid at lower temperatures than, for example, oxygen, but this difference may be less pronounced at higher temperatures. Fast diffusion of water in oxides is possible due to “proton hopping”, in which protons localised at oxide ions move by transfer from one oxygen to another. Since the OH− ion concentration is increased there is a resultant increase in cation vacancies, and this, in part, is responsible for the observed increase in oxidation rates. A further factor to consider is the possibility of molecular diffusion, and it has been demonstrated that where pores or voids are present in the scale, and the void contains both hydrogen and water vapour, oxidation of the surface nearest the metal will occur by reaction with water to form new oxide and the reaction product hydrogen, while a reduction reaction occurs at the surface of the void nearest the gas phase to produce water vapour. Thus it can be seen that this process provides for rapid inward diffusion of oxygen while the void gradually moves outwards from the metal/oxide interface to the oxide/gas interface. Finally, the review considers the effect of water vapour on the mechanical properties of the scale. Scale adhesion can be improved (iron oxides) or made worse (alumina and chromia) by the presence of water vapour. It is shown that while there is experimental evidence for altered mechanical behaviour, there is very little data on relevant mechanical properties. It is possible, therefore, that water vapour either alters mechanical properties of some oxides, or, as has been demonstrated, the oxide growth process has been changed. Alternatively, at least for the cases where increased oxidation rates were caused by the presence of water vapour, the observed differences between wet and dry behaviour may simply be a function of the greater scale thickness. A significant effort has been made to develop models that can be used to predict the onset scale spallation observed in industrial boilers using process steam. The further development of these models is strongly dependent upon obtaining relevant input data, and this is considered a major challenge for materials scientists. Some areas for future research are proposed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Purpose: Since long-term patency and device integrity of nitinol stents in SFA lesions are not well studied, we examined clinical outcome, patency and device integrity after stenting long lesions using a standardized implantation technique. Methods: Between 2001 and 2006, 59 patients (74 lesions) were treated with the same nitinol self-expandable stent (Zilver, Cook, USA) and technique for SFA recanalization. Clinical charts and imaging were retrospectively reviewed for patency (primary and assisted-primary), and device integrity. Results: Patients were 74.5 (10.9) years old (range 49 to 93), 64% male, 42% diabetic, 62% hypertensive and 67% current or former smokers. Lesions were 23% TASC B, 16% TASC C, or 61% TASC D. Mean recanalization length was 19cm (range 3 to 53). Mean number of stents per patient was 2.8 (total 210). Mean follow-up time was 2.4 years (range 3 days to 4.8 years). Kaplan-Meier estimates for primary patency rates were 90%, 78%, 74%, 69%, and 69% at 1, 2, 3, 4 and 4.8 years, respectively. Ten restenoses at a mean of 500 (388) days (1–1251 days) were successfully recanalized. The assisted primary patency rates were 96%, 90%, 90%, 90% and 90% at 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 years, respectively. Six complete occlusions could not be reverted by a second recanalization procedure, and were treated by surgical bypass (1 case), amputation (3 cases), or medical management (2 cases). One (1.04%) Class II stent fracture was noted. Conclusions: SFA recanalization with a standardized implantation technique and nitinol stents provides good long-term primary and assisted-primary patency. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Purpose: To report a series of cases in which deliberate occlusion of the left Subclavian Artery (SA) caused the Subclavian Steal Syndrome (SSS). Methods: Between January 2001 and August 2006, we performed 81 endovascular repairs of the Thoracic Aorta. 21 patients required left SA occlusion for an adequate proximal landing zone. 17 of these patients were treated by deliberate SA occlusion. Four patients (23.5%) developed a SSS, of which three were treated by a secondary Subclavian-to-carotid transposition, with complete remission of the SSS. Results: The subclavian-to-carotid transposition was successful in the treatment of the 3 patients selected. One patient refused to be operated, and had only partial remission of the SSS symptoms. Mean follow-up was 28 months (range 2–48). Conclusion: In this series deliberate occlusion of the SA led to SSS in a significant number of patients. Consideration should be given to primary subclavian transposition in some patients requiring subclavian occlusion. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Juveniles of the estuarine fish Pomatoschistus microps were collected from autumn 2001 to summer 2002 in five stations along the Portuguese Northwest coast with different types and/or levels of environmental contamination: two reference sites with low levels of contamination (R1 and R2) and three differently impacted areas with higher levels of contamination. UI is located in an estuary under the influence of urban and industrial effluents, AA in a channel that receives intensive agriculture run-off and IE in a highly impacted industrial area. The activity of the enzymes acetylcholinesterase (AChE), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), 7-ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase (EROD) and glutathione S-transferases (GST) were used as environmental biomarkers on P. microps. A significant seasonality effect on all the enzymatic activities was found, lower levels being registered in winter and spring on AChE, in autumn on LDH, and in winter on GST and EROD. The battery of biomarkers used was capable of discriminating sites with different types and/or levels of contamination, R1 and UI being the highest discriminated (91.7% and 66.7%, respectively). At R1 significantly lower levels of AChE and LDH were found, and EROD was significantly inducted at UI. Furthermore, IE presented higher levels of GST, and R2 and AA an inhibition of AChE in winter and spring. The results indicated that the battery of biomarkers used in this study seems to be a useful tool to distinguish between different types of environmental contamination in estuarine systems, and that P. microps is a suitable species to be used as bioindicator. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The degradation of estuaries is a result of human activities which overloads the environment with substances of both industrial and/or natural origins. Bioindicators have been consistently used to interpret effects of contaminants in the environment. In this study, the use of biomarkers (particular measurable characteristics of a bioindicator organism) was used to evaluate the contamination by xenobiotics of Crangon crangon natural populations. The central aim was to evaluate the capability of a battery of biomarkers to discriminate sites with different types of contamination. The activity of the enzymes cholinesterases (ChE), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and glutathione S-transferases (GST) were used as biomarkers. In addition, the ChE form(s) present in the cephalotorax of C. crangon were characterised. Organisms were seasonally sampled from winter 2001/2002 to autumn of 2002, at “reference” sites and at sites that receive agricultural, industrial and/or urban effluents. Results obtained in the characterisation of ChE with different substrates and selective inhibitors demonstrate that the form of ChE present in the cephalotorax of C. crangon shows proprieties of vertebrates’ AChE and therefore it may be classified as true AChE-like ChE. The battery of biomarkers exhibited seasonal and local variations, apparently related to agricultural, industrial or urban effluent contamination. The tested biomarkers proved to be able to discriminate sources of environmental contamination, and confirms C. crangon as a sensitive species suitable to be used as a bioindicator. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The aromatic amine 3,4-dichloroaniline (DCA) is a model environmental contaminant, precursor for synthesis and degradation product of several herbicides, which is commonly found in European estuarine ecosystems. In this work, the possibility of using biochemical and histological markers to assess sub-lethal effects of DCA in natural populations of Pomatoschistus microps juveniles was investigated. Alterations on the activities of the enzymes acetylcholinesterase (AChE), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) and histological alterations on spleen were investigated after 96h of exposure to sublethal concentrations of DCA (0.50–1.49mg/l). At the concentrations tested, DCA had no effect on AChE activity. LDH and GST activities were significant altered in treated animals when compared to control groups. As already described for mammals, DCA induced splenic histological alterations in P. microps, including expansion of red pulp and deposition of hemosiderin granules in a concentration-dependent manner. This suggests that DCA is a xenobiotic of concern in estuaries receiving agricultural effluents. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We report a case of a 76-year-old woman with metastases to both parotid glands almost 25 years after mastectomy and chemotherapy for primary carcinoma of the breast. Immunohistochemical staining is invaluable in establishing the origin of metastatic deposits, in this case, expression of oestrogen receptors in a previously resected adenocarcinoma of the breast. The information can be used to target treatment accurately in selected cases of advanced malignancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chromium electrodeposition from hexavalent Cr (VI) aqueous solutions for Cr thin films and coatings has been vastly used for distinct purposes, due to the attractive appearance and outstanding mechanical, wear and corrosion properties of the resulting coatings. Regardless, its toxicity led to the implementation of European legislation to rescript its use, such as the European Norms Regulation on the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) and Restriction of Certain Hazardous Substances (RoHS). Thus, a replacement for Cr VI must be found, however, it would be important that the resulting films keep their characteristics. In the literature chromium electrodeposition from trivalent chromium (Cr III) aqueous solutions has been proposed and tested, however, its mechanical and optical properties are not comparable with the ones of Cr VI-based coatings and an alternative method is then required as Cr III alone does not deliver the necessary requirements. In this work, a combination of Cr III electrodeposition (ECD) in conjugation with a physical vapour deposition (PVD) multilayered coating of Cr, N, and C is explored to provide a coating capable of fulfilling the industry requirements. Subjecting the developed samples to a Neutral Salt Spray Test (ISO 9227:2027), shows that both the Cr III and Cr III + PVD coatings have similar results regarding corrosion resistance. Moreover, impedance electrochemical spectroscopy demonstrates the coating porosity as the critical point opening the door to further improvements. Aesthetically, applying the PVD layers allows for replicating the former shiny and black chromed look and expands to more different and appealing colours. Hence, this innovative alternative, based on the use of trivalent chromium by electro-deposition followed by PVD coatings, has proven potential to substitute the hexavalent chromium ECD process, while being a viable and sustainable alternative and expanding its use through different colours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transparent conducting oxides (TCOs) have witnessed an ever-expanding use in our lives through many optoelectronic applications, namely photovoltaic (PV) devices. Indium-tin oxide (ITO) is the most used and studied TCO, but it lacks thermal and chemical stability and indium is a scarce and toxic element. Fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) emerged as the most promising alternative to ITO, presenting better thermal and chemical stability. Among the numerous techniques for depositing FTO thin films over glass substrates, spray pyrolysis is the simplest and most economical, with great potential for upscaling. However, the relative importance of the experimental variables that influence the optoelectronic properties remains barely addressed. Following this premise, the present work aimed at optimizing the deposition of FTO films on soda lime glass (SLG) substrates by spray pyrolysis following a Design of Experiments (DoE) methodology. The optoelectronic properties of FTO-SLG substrates was evaluated based on their optical transmittance and sheet resistance, both combined in a figure of merit (FoM) tailored for PV applications. It was concluded that the volume of sprayed solution and the fluorine/tin ratio in the precursor have the greatest influence in the FoM, being the optimal deposition conditions a sprayed volume of 60.8 ml and a [F]/[Sn] ratio of 0.45. FTO-SLG substrates prepared with these conditions achieved a FoM of 0.680 Ω □ −1/10, corresponding to a sheet resistance of 3.40 Ω □ and a transmittance equivalent to 77% of the maximum current generated in the considered spectrum. The improved FoM was validated in dye-sensitized and perovskite solar cells (DSSCs and PSCs, respectively), assembled with in-house optimized and commercial substrates. The efficiency of DSSCs was improved by 8.9% (relative), whereas PSCs achieved a light-to-power efficiency of 17% (absolute), corresponding to an improvement of 4.7% (relative). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]