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Introduction : Poor eating habits and a sedentary lifestyle can impair health. Regular physical activity improves the quality of life and is essential for bone health. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the effects of the cafeteria diet on bone quality of sedentary and exercised rats. Methods : Sixty young male Wistar rats were divided into six groups (n=10) according to diet composition and activity level, being: SD+CON, standard diet and control; SD+SED, standard diet and sedentary; SD+EX, standard diet and exercised; CD+CON, cafeteria diet and control; CD+SED, cafeteria diet and sedentary; CD+EX, cafeteria diet and exercised. The exercise protocol consisted of 10 ladder-climbing sessions/day, 5 days/week, and the sedentary rats were maintained in individual cages with limited mobility. Body mass and food intake were evaluated weekly. After 10 weeks, the animals were euthanized, and white adipose tissue was collected. The bone structure was evaluated by densitometry, mechanical tests, histomorphometric, and micro-computed tomography analyses. Results : The cafeteria diet increased adipose tissue (p <0.001), decreased bone mineral density (p =0.004), and impaired biomechanical properties (p <0.05) and histomorphometry parameters (p =0.044). The sedentarism decreased bone mineral density (p <0.001) and biomechanical properties (p <0.05), and the exercise did not improve bone properties. Conclusion : In this experimental model, it was concluded that the cafeteria diet and a sedentary lifestyle negatively affect bone, and ladder-climbing exercise could not prevent the effects of the unhealthy diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In the structural analysis of flexible pipes, the Finite Element Method (FEM) stands as a powerful and widespread tool. However, it is unfeasible to represent with detail in a Finite Element (FE) model all layers and components of a flexible pipe, since the calculation time would be unrealistic. Moreover, consistent numerical analyzes need support from experimental results. In this context, the development of a new strategy for the design of FE models of flexible pipes is placed. Using a commercial FE software, this text presents an innovative technique to represent helical layers, based on previous numerical contact studies. A space filling mesh scheme is introduced to model voids between wound wires. To assess this numerical approach, results obtained from three case studies are compared with analytical and experimental approaches found in the literature, highlighting advantages and drawbacks of the alternative strategy. Highlights • An alternative modeling strategy is placed concerning FE analysis of typical flexible pipes. • The modeling methodology is tested within three case-studies, based on flexible pipes found in the literature. • Computational performance of models with and without the proposed modeling approach are compared. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although sleep apnea and peripheral artery disease are prognostic factors for stroke, their added benefit in the acute stage to further prognosticate strokes has not been evaluated.Objectives: We tested the accuracy in the acute stroke stage of a novel score called the Non-Invasive Prognostic Stroke Scale (NIPSS).Patients and Methods: Prospective cohort with imaging-confirmed ischemic stroke. Clinical data, sleep apnea risk score (STOPBANG) and blood pressure measures were collected at baseline. Primary outcome was the 90-day modified Rankin Scale (mRS), with poor outcome defined as mRS 3-6. Area under the ROC curve (AUC) was calculated for NIPSS and compared to six other stroke prognostic scores in our cohort: SPAN-100 index, S-SMART, SOAR, ASTRAL, THRIVE, and Dutch Stroke scores.Results: We enrolled 386 participants. After 90 days, there were 56% with poor outcome, more frequently older, female predominant and with higher admission National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS). Four variables remained significantly associated with primary endpoint in the multivariable model: age (OR 1.87), NIHSS (OR 7.08), STOPBANG category (OR 1.61), and ankle-braquial index (OR 2.11). NIPSS AUC was 0.86 (0.82-0.89); 0.83 (0.79-0.87) with bootstrapping. When compared to the other scores, NIPSS, ASTRAL, S-SMART and DUTCH scores had good abilities in predicting poor outcome, with AUC of 0.86, 0.86, 0.83 and 0.82, respectively. THRIVE, SOAR and SPAN-100 scores were fairly predictive.Discussion and Conclusions: Non-invasive and easily acquired emergency room data can predict clinical outcome after stroke. NIPSS performed equal to or better than other prognostic stroke scales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Umbilical cables are fundamental equipment used in deep and ultra-deep water oil and gas production systems. The complexity of such structures usually enforces the use of numerical tools. This paper presents and compares two different numerical approaches for prediction of stress and strain fields in the umbilical cable components under crushing loads, which are imposed to the umbilical during laying operation. The first approach, presented in a previous work [1], is based on a joint analysis using a two-dimensional finite element model fed by analytical models, which represent three-dimensional effects. The second approach, used here as a paradigm, is based on a full three-dimensional finite element model, in which the three-dimensional effects are intrinsically considered. An armoured Steel Tube Umbilical Cable is used as a case study in order to compare both methodologies. It is shown that, while being much faster, the two-dimensional approach yields consistent results when focus is directed onto the components of the central core, as steel tubes. Elastic-plastic behavior is adopted for the steel tubes in both models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-pressure metamafic rocks from the Passos Nappe, Southern Brasília Orogen, have been traditionally interpreted as highly retrogressed eclogites, even though no reliable P-T conditions were available thus far. In this work, samples from the least retrogressed sample were studied using petrography, mineral and whole-rock chemical analysis, thermodynamic modelling, and rutile U–Pb geochronology, with the objective of unravelling its metamorphic history. The studied rocks are, descriptively, hornblende-garnet-clinopyroxene schists. Garnet and hornblende occur in a matrix composed of clinopyroxene-plagioclase symplectite, with garnet being surrounded by plagioclase-hornblende coronas. A combination of thermodynamic modelling, Zr-in-rutile and Ti-in-quartz thermobarometry suggests peak temperature to be 725 ± 30 °C, attained at a minimum pressure of ≈16 kbar, and data from rutile and quartz crystals included in garnet qualitatively indicate an earlier stage at higher P and lower T , constraining a clockwise P-T path. No evidences of UHP metamorphism were found thus far. A lower intercept age of 579 ± 23 Ma was calculated from rutile data, which is identical, within uncertainty, to rutile ages obtained previously in units immediately above the rocks studied here. The data suggests that these rocks were submitted to a different P-T path compared to the adjacent units, and that they were subducted to depths of at least ≈60 km and tectonically emplaced amid the surrounding metapelitic rocks before 579 Ma, which is compatible with current models for the evolution of the Southern Brasilia Orogen. • Retroeclogites reached peak temperature 725 ± 30 °C, at ≈ 16 kbar. • Retroeclogites were emplaced amid the surrounding units before 579 Ma. • No evidences of UHP metamorphism found so far. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Safety and quality are critical challenges in electrical engineering and unscheduled system outages caused by device failures present a significant concern. One of its main causes is the presence of air voids in the insulating layer of power cables. The main objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of current pulses, which generally occurs in transients, on the proliferation of voids in the insulating layer of electrical cables. X-ray microtomography (microCT) was used in the identification and analysis of air voids in aluminum (Al) and copper (Cu) electrical cables, with different cross-sectional areas, before and after electrical current pulses. The results showed an increase in voids caused by current pulses and an increase in electromagnetic fields and temperature inside the conductor. Furthermore, it was observed that the current pulses applied to the cables increased the agglomeration of small imperfections in voids of larger diameters and it was possible to verify the phenomenon of electrical arborescence in the cable with the aluminum core, as well as modifications in the core of stranded cables. Soon after, the Comsol Multiphysics software was used, which uses the Finite Element Method (FEM), solving Maxwell's equations, to better understand the information accessed by the microCT technique that describes electromagnetic phenomena in power cables. The results showed that cables with a greater number of voids have higher electromagnetic field densities when compared to cables without voids in the insulation, showing an increase of 7.5, 10.16, and 9.91 for the copper cables of 25, 35 and 50 mm2, respectively. • It was possible to verify that pulses of electrical currents generate air voids within copper and aluminum electrical cables. • With the microCT tool, it was possible to characterize the air voids in terms of location, volume and void size distribution. • The phenomenon of electrical arborescence can be investigated in the insulating layer of aluminum electrical cable. • Electromagnetic simulations demonstrated that air voids cause variations in dissipated power and thermal energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A photochemical protocol using blue light allows the N–H insertion of amides, isatins, sulfonamides and imides into aryldiazoacetates to afford the corresponding α-amino esters. This method is experimentally simple, inexpensive and tolerates numerous functional groups, thus allowing the straightforward preparation of a variety of α-aryl amino acid derivatives in good yields. Image 1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We demonstrate the potential of low-cost UAV images to map Amazonian palm species. • We developed a method based on the score maps of fully convolutional networks. • Our method detected palm tree species with an average accuracy of 87.8 ± 4.4%. • We mapped Euterpe precatoria (a.k.a., Açaí) with 98.6 ± 1.4% of accuracy. • Our method can be applied to other forest areas from which UAV images are available. Information regarding the spatial distribution of palm trees in tropical forests is crucial for commercial exploitation and management. However, spatially continuous knowledge of palms occurrence is scarce and difficult to obtain with conventional approaches such as field inventories. Here, we developed a new method to map Amazonian palm species at the individual tree crown (ITC) level using RGB images acquired by a low-cost unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). Our approach is based on morphological operations performed in the score maps of palm species derived from a fully convolutional neural network model. We first constructed a labeled dataset by dividing the study area (135 ha within an old-growth Amazon forest) into 28 plots of 250 m × 150 m. Then, we manually outlined all palm trees seen in RGB images with 4 cm pixels. We identified three palm species: Attalea butyracea , Euterpe precatoria and Iriartea deltoidea. We randomly selected 22 plots (80%) for training and six plots (20%) for testing. We changed the plots for training and testing to evaluate the variability in the classification accuracy and assess model generalization. Our method outperformed the average producer's accuracy of conventional patch-wise semantic segmentation (CSS) in 4.7%. Moreover, our method correctly identified, on average, 34.7 percentage points more ITCs than CSS, which tended to merge trees that are close to each other. The producer's accuracy of A. butyracea , E. precatoria and I. deltoidea was 78.6 ± 5.5%, 98.6 ± 1.4% and 96.6 ± 3.4%, respectively. Fortunately, one of the most exploited and commercialized palm species in the Amazon (E. precatoria , a.k.a, Açaí) was mapped with the highest classification accuracy. Maps of E. precatoria derived from low-cost UAV systems can support management projects and community-based forest monitoring programs in the Amazon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Improper disposal of electronic waste and the release of industrial effluents containing toxic dyes in aquatic bodies are two worrying environmental problems worldwide. Mobile phones are omnipresent components of the electronic scrap. Lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO 2) present in cathodes of discarded lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) has been reused in several ways. In this study, it was made a multivariate optimization (using response surface methodology) of the experimental conditions of a catalytical degradation process of methylene blue dye (MB) utilizing LiCoO 2 (from disposed mobile phones) as catalyst in an advanced oxidation process supported by H 2 O 2 and heating. Simultaneous effects analysis of the factors H 2 O 2 (mol L–1), MB (mg L–1), LiCoO 2 (mg) and temperature (ºC) showed that temperature was the most significant factor in the degradation process, followed by the quantity of LiCoO 2 and the concentration of H 2 O 2. The mathematical model obtained for the experimental design presented statistical significance (R2 = 0.9330) and no lack of fit. The optimization process indicated that for H 2 O 2 = 1.71 mol L–1, MB = 6.0 mg L–1, LiCoO 2 = 32 mg and temperature = 32 °C, the degradation reaches a value of 93.30 ± 2.51. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • We study some asphalt rubbers with different crumb rubber types and base asphalts. • We assess the asphalt rubbers performance-related characteristics. • We analyse the asphalt rubber surface through scanning electron microscopy images. • We assess the asphalt rubbers mechanical performance. • We conclude about the effect of prolonged digestion time of asphalt rubber performance. Abstract This study wants to provide fundamental understanding of prolonged storage time on asphalt rubber binder properties by performing an investigation on the variation of conventional properties, rheology and morphology of four asphalt rubbers maintained at 180 °C in low shear for different digestion/storage times up to 48 h. The analysed asphalt rubbers were manufactured by combining two different asphalt binder grades, pen 35/50 and pen 50/70, with both cryogenic and ambient crumb rubber. Results have shown that keeping asphalt rubber agitated at the above mentioned processing conditions, up to 48 h, is significantly detrimental when an ambient crumb rubber is used, while it seems not to negatively affect the asphalt rubber produced with cryogenic rubber crumbs. Instead, no remarkable change is recorded when asphalt rubbers are produced with the same rubber type and by changing the base asphalt binders, namely pen 35/50 and pen 50/70. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Surface modification of PEG- b -PCL micelles with folic acid are shown. • Folic acid improved colloidal stability and methotrexate release. • Synthesized micelles are biological compatible. Hydrophobic drugs, such as methotrexate, are not easily delivered into the human body. Therefore, the use of amphiphilic nanoplatforms to the transport of these drugs through the bloodstream is a challenge. While the hydrophobic region interacts with the drug, the hydrophilic outer layer enhances its bioavailability and circulation time. Poly (ethylene glycol)- block -poly(ε-caprolactone) PEG- b -PCL micelles are biodegradable and biocompatible, allowing its use as a nanocarrier for drug delivery systems. The stealth property of PEG that composes the outer layer of nanoplatforms, makes the micelle unperceivable to phagocytic cells, increasing the circulation time in the human body. In addition, folic acid functionalization enables micelle selectively targeting to cancer cells, improving treatment efficiency and reducing side effects. In this work, PEG- b -PCL copolymer was synthesized by ring opening polymerization (ROP) of the ε-caprolactone with Poly(ethylene glycol) as a macroinitiator and tin(II) 2-ethyl hexanoate as a catalyst. Functionalization of such micelles with folic acid occurred through the modification of the PEG terminal group. The surface modification of the copolymer micelles resulted in higher critical micellar concentration (CMC), increasing approximately 100 times. The synthesis of the copolymers resulted in molecular weight around 3000 g mol−1 with low polydispersity. The polymer micelles have a hydrodynamic diameter in the range of 100–200 nm and the functionalized sample doesn't show aggregation in the considered pH range. High incorporation efficiency was obtained with a minimum percentage of 85%. The drug release profile and linearization from the Peppas model confirmed the interaction of methotrexate with the hydrophobic segment of the copolymer and its release mechanism by relaxation and/or degradation of the chains, making PEG- b -PCL micelles suitable candidates for hydrophobic drug delivery systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An investigation on triggering mechanisms for the birdcaging failure mode of flexible pipes, used in offshore oil and gas production, is carried out. From previous experimental observations, a conjecture is made: the local axisymmetric instability of the external plastic layer, caused by the high radial loading which is internally applied due to the helical armor wires tendency to expand when the pipe is subjected to compression, would be this trigger. A simple instability onset criterion for the external plastic layer, namely, the polymer intrinsic yielding limit stress, is proposed and assessed, analytically, numerically and experimentally for HDPE tubes. Then, previous birdcaging experimental observations are investigated further, focusing on the flexible pipe external plastic layer, to assess the proposed criterion. Strong evidences of validity are obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• SARS-CoV-2 Quantification. • Multiplex one-step reaction. • High-sensitivity and specificity assay. Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) is a disease caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that emerged in China in late 2019. The rapid viral spread has made the disease a public health emergency of worldwide concern. The gold standard for diagnosing SARS-CoV-2 is reverse transcription followed by qualitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR); however, the role of viral load quantification has not been thoroughly investigated yet. The aim of this study was to develop a high-precision quantitative one-step RT-qPCR reaction using the association of the viral target and the human target in the same reaction. The assay standardization involved the absolute quantification method, with serial dilutions of a plasmid with the N gene in a biological matrix to build a standard curve. The results demonstrated the possibility of quantifying as few as 2.5 copies/reaction and an analysis of 244 patients with known results selected by cross-section that revealed 100% agreement with a qualitative RT-qPCR assay registered by Anvisa. In this population, it was possible to quantify patients with between 2.59 and 3.5 × 107 copies per reaction and negative patients continued to indicate the same result. This assay can be a useful tool for a proper patient management, because the level and duration of viral replication are important factors to assess the risk of transmission and to guide decisions regarding the isolation and release of patients; an accurate diagnosis is critical information, whereas the current COVID-19 pandemic represents the biggest current global health problem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Puma concolor is currently widespread in South America, but its fossil record is still poorly known in the Continent, particularly in Brazil. Here we report the find of a nearly complete skeleton of P. concolor recovered from underwater Quaternary deposits at the Impossível-Ioiô Cave System, Chapada Diamantina (Bahia, Brazil). The P. concolor remains were found disarticulated but piled together; they are in general quite well preserved. Radiocarbon dating from a tooth sample (upper carnassial) indicates a Middle-Late Holocene age of ca. 4 ka BP. A series of comparative morphometric analyses suggest that the specimen is a male and shares similar size proportions to extant specimens in the region. Isotopic analyses made with a tooth sample indicate a diet largely based on C3 feeding herbivores, potentially associated to landscapes predominantly covered by Seasonally Dry Tropical Forest, similar to the Present-day Caatinga vegetation. The δ 18O outcome value of −3.4‰ and the modeled puma's negative trend in adaptability towards the present (after 6 ka) seem to be consistent with the hypothesized Middle-Holocene (∼4 ka) shift in climatic tendencies in the Brazilian Northeast from a more relatively humid environment to a drier climate with longer drought periods, presenting severe semiarid conditions somewhat similar to the precolonial conditions. Cave surroundings fit well with the description of the present progressive trend of changes in physiognomy related to land-use and associated with processes of fragmentation and desertification in the Caatinga. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bovine mastitis is one of the most frequent diseases in dairy cattle worldwide. The use of antiseptics in milking, if properly used, can lead to a reduction in potentially pathogenic microorganisms and their transmission between herds. Several medicinal plants have antiseptic potential, including eucalyptus (Eucalyptus spp.). Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of wood vinegar from Eucalyptus urograndis clone GG I144 (EU) as an antiseptic in vitro and in vivo ; in addition, to its cytotoxicity and antimicrobial resistance. Fifteen bovines were used, lactating females 3–6 years of age and divided into three groups of five animals each. The wood vinegar was placed in the teats of the animal for 28 days and collections of cellular debris were performed every 7 days. At the Veterinary Microbiology Laboratory (LAMIV) of UFERSA, the samples were processed and serial dilution was performed in Petri plates with plate count agar (PCA) at 37 °C. Cytotoxicity was verified based on morphological alterations and metabolic activity. Morphological changes were not observed in all cells incubated with 1 % pyroligneous extract. The in vitro data demonstrated antimicrobial activity against S. aureus, S. agalactiae, Salmonella, E. coli and P. aeruginosa. The bacteria of the genus Staphylococcus and Corynebacterium were resistant to penicillin (PEN), rifampicin (RIF), nitrofurantoin (NIT), erythromycin (ERI), and ciprofloxacin (CIP). The extract was used in vivo in the post-dipping of dairy cows, which reduced the microbiological load present in the mammary glands from 4.74 to 2.54 CFU, indicating its future use as an antiseptic. • The indiscriminate use of antimicrobials for the treatment of bovine mastitis can cause bacterial resistance in microorganisms. • The wood vinegar Eucalyptus is utilized as antiseptic in bovines. • The use of wood vinegar Eucalyptus does not change the morphology or metabolic activity of the cellscells. • No clinical symptoms such as hyperemia, oedema,edema, pain, presence of exudate, crusts were observed in animals when utilized with wood vinegar in bovines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Cathepsins, also known as lysosomal cysteine peptidases, are members of the papain-like peptidase family, involved in different physiological processes. In addition, cathepsins are implicated in many pathological conditions. This report describes the synthesis and evaluation of a series of N-arylanthranilic acids, acridones, and 4-quinolinones as inhibitors of cathepsins V and L. The kinetics revealed that compounds of the classes of acridones are reversible competitive inhibitors of the target enzyme with affinities in the low micromolar range. They represent promising lead candidates for the discovery of novel competitive cathepsin inhibitors with enhanced selectivity and potency. On the other hand, 4-quinolinones were noncompetitive inhibitors and N-arylanthranilic acids were uncompetitive inhibitors. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]