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• Environmental law enforcement and policies in Brazil are compromising deterrence. • High profitability of illegal activities is boosting environmental degradation. • Nash solution is compatible with full depletion of the Brazilian Amazônia's resources. • New economic alternatives seem to be a promising way to Amazônia's conservation. This paper aims to assess causes and the interactions between decision making, stakeholders and individuals, law and public policies to build a more precise overview of the relations, the possible results, and the factors which can interfere with environmental conditions and dynamics in Brazilian Amazônia. To better elucidate the issue, rational choice and deterrence theories were used, and a model based on game theory was built. It shows that the noncooperative Nash solution is compatible with the full depletion of the Brazilian Amazônia's resources and the tragedy of the commons could be certain. The lack of incentive for greener practices and deficiencies in the Brazilian law system can be pointed out as two of the main causes for the current noncollaborative interactions between the agents that lead to environmental degradation in the region. However, other aspects and circumstances are being disregarded in Brazilian environmental law and policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper is to present a conceptual approach to an augmented intelligence-based worker assistance system in manual assembly. This approach is designed to address current challenges in global value networks. We propose a self-learning multi-camera system that (1) provides augmented reality-based assembly instructions and (2) enables automated real-time in-process testing of complex manual assembly operations by using visual camera and CAD data, operational experiences and expert knowledge. As the proposed solution is targeted at enabling SMEs, cost-effectiveness is a main goal of the conceptual approach. Consequently, weak artificial intelligence is applied to realise the algorithmic chain subject to performance restricted hardware. The approach states a novelty in research and development and contributes to practical application in the field of augmented intelligence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Sporotrichosis is a human and animal disease caused by dimorphic pathogenic species of the genus Sporothrix. We report a dramatic presentation of Sporothrix brasiliensis infection, with destruction of the nasal septum, soft palate, and uvula of an HIV-infected woman. She was successfully treated with amphotericin B deoxycholate followed by itraconazole. Sporotrichosis remains a neglected opportunistic infection in patients with AIDS and awareness of this potentially fatal infection is of utmost importance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paracoccidioidomycosis is a systemic mycosis caused by the fungus Paracoccidioides sp. The genital cutaneous manifestation is rare, with few reports in the literature. We report a case of a male farmer, who presented with a genital cutaneous ulcer for 2 years, without respiratory symptoms. Clinical and histological findings showed paracoccidioidomycosis. This pathology must be considered as an etiology of an ulcerated lesion in the genital tract, even in the absence of respiratory or systemic manifestations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A review was carried out on the freshwater zooplankton in Brazil, between 1900 and 2021, based on 1014 studies, and the main trends were pointed. There was an increase of studies from the 1990 s onwards, especially between 2016 and 2020. Most of them addressed ecological research, followed by taxonomical research in the past (mid-1970 s). Field studies were also more numerous than experimental and review ones, but the latter type also increased between 2016 and 2020. Most studies were developed in limnetic regions and in artificial and natural lakes, in contrast to littoral regions, streams and wetlands. Studies on cladocerans were the most numerous in all environments, followed by Copepoda and Rotifera. Protozooplankton was the least studied group, with a predominance of testate amoebae, followed by ciliates, flagellates and naked amoeba studies. We also discuss some aspects of the ecological traits, such as life cycles and life history, population and community dynamics, interactions with the environment, influence of environmental and anthropogenic factors and interspecific interactions. Studies on populations biomass, secondary production, functional ecology, long term duration and molecular analyzes were the main gaps and the next challenges. Finally, it is also necessary to understand the diversity and related variables in different environments that have few or never been studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To characterize the effect of the occlusal contact region on the mechanical fatigue performance and on the fracture region of monolithic lithium disilicate ceramic crowns. Monolithic lithium disilicate ceramic crowns were machined in a CAD/CAM system and adhesively luted onto glass-fiber reinforced epoxy resin preparations with resin cement. The crowns were divided into three groups (n = 16) according to load application region (cusp tip: restricted to cusp tips; cusp plane: restricted to cuspal inclined plane; or mixed: associating tip cusp and cuspal inclined plane). The specimens were submitted to a cyclic fatigue test (initial load: 200 N; step-size: 100 N; cycles/step: 20,000; loading frequency: 20 Hz; load applicator: 6 mm or 40 mm diameter stainless steel) until observing cracks (1st outcome) and fracture (2nd outcome). The data were analyzed by the Kaplan-Meier + Mantel-Cox post-hoc tests for both outcomes (cracks and fracture). Finite element analysis (FEA), occlusal contact region, contact radii measurements, and fractographic analyzes were performed. The mixed group presented worse fatigue mechanical behavior (550 N / 85.000 cycles) compared to the cuspal inclined plane group (656 N / 111,250 cycles) (p < 0.05) for the first crack outcome, while the cusp tip group was similar to both groups (588 N / 97,500 cycles) (p > 0.05). The mixed group had the worst fatigue behavior (1413 N / 253,029 cycles) in relation to the other groups (Cusp tip: 1644 N / 293,312 cycles; Cuspal inclined plane: 1631 N / 295,174 cycles) considering the crown fracture outcome (p < 0.05). FEA showed higher tensile stress concentration areas just below the load application region. In addition, loading on the cuspal inclined plane induced a higher tensile stress concentration in the groove region. The most prevalent type of crown fracture was the wall fracture. Groove fracture was observed in 50% of the loading specimens exclusively on the cuspal inclined plane. Load application on distinct occlusal contact regions affects the stress distribution pattern and consequently the mechanical fatigue performance and fracture region of the monolithic lithium disilicate ceramic crowns. A combination of loading at distinct regions is recommended to promote better evaluation of the fatigue behavior of a restored set. • The loading pattern influences the fatigue performance of lithium disilicate crowns. • The fracture region of monolithic crowns changes according to the adopted loading pattern. • The combination of occlusal loading at distinct regions leads to better evaluation of the fatigue behavior of a restored set. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of ceramic surface treatments, resin cement viscosities, and storage regimens on the fatigue performance of bonded glass-ceramics (lithium disilicate, LD; feldspathic, FEL). Ceramic discs (Ø = 10 mm; thickness = 1.5 mm) were allocated into eight groups per ceramic (n = 15), considering three factors: "ceramic surface treatment" in two levels – 5% hydrofluoric acid etching and silane-based coupling agent application (HF), or self-etching ceramic primer (E&P); "resin cement viscosity" in two levels – in high or low viscosity; and "storage regimen" in two levels – baseline, 24 h to 5 days; or aging, 180 days + 25,000 thermal cycles. Adhesive luting was performed onto glass fiber-reinforced epoxy resin discs (Ø = 10 mm; thickness = 2 mm) and the bonded assemblies were subjected to cyclic fatigue tests: initial load = 200 N; step-size = 25 N (FEL) and 50 N (LD); 10,000 cycles/step; 20 Hz. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) inspections were performed. Regarding the LD ceramic, the fatigue behavior was reduced after aging for HF_HIGH and E&P_LOW conditions, while stable performance was observed for HF_LOW and E&P_HIGH. Regarding the FEL results, aging negatively affected HF_HIGH, E&P_HIGH, and E&P_LOW, being that only the HF_LOW condition presented a stable behavior. The failure initiated from defects on the etched surface of the ceramics, where the cross-sectional analysis commonly revealed unfilled areas. Long-term aging might induce a decrease in mechanical behavior. The 'ceramic microstructure/surface conditioning/resin cement viscosity relationships' modulate the fatigue performance of lithium disilicate and feldspathic glass-ceramics. • The mechanical behavior of glass-ceramics bonded sets is influenced by their microstructure. • Aging can negatively impact the mechanical performance of glass-ceramic bonded sets. • High viscosity showed improved fatigue behavior with the ceramic primer on lithium disilicate. • Both surface treatments can reach similar fatigue behavior with low viscosity for lithium disilicate. • Both surface treatments and resin cement viscosities can be used to feldspathic after aging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the fatigue behavior of lithium disilicate crowns with a simplified anatomy against progressive cement/ceramic debonding scenarios. Lithium disilicate crowns were fabricated via CAD/CAM and luted onto a dentin analogue material using resin cement following the manufacturer's instructions. Then, the different crown regions were isolated with paraffin oil for the absence of chemical adhesion according to four experimental groups (n = 15): Shoulder; Shoulder + Axial; Fully isolated; and Control (no insulation/fully bonded). Load to failure tests (n = 3) were run to determine cyclic fatigue parameters, and the specimens were subsequently submitted to a cyclic fatigue test (n = 12) (initial load 200 N for 5000 cycles, step 100 N, 15,000 cycles/step, frequency 20 Hz) until cracks were observed, and later fracture. The data were analyzed by Kaplan-Meier + Mantel-Cox post-hoc tests for both outcomes (cracks and fracture). Fractographic, cross-sectional surface, and finite element (FEA) analyzes were performed. When it comes to crack occurrence when the chemical adhesion to the occlusal surface is compromised, there is worsening (p < 0.05) in fatigue behavior compared to groups where the occlusal portion of the crown is still bonded. Considering fracture occurrence, there was no difference (p > 0.05) among the tested groups. All cracks occurred in the occlusal portion, first as a radial crack at the ceramic intaglio surface, and posteriorly unleashing a Hertzian cone crack at the top surface, resulting in fractures on the frontal walls. The interface analysis showed no interference of the insulating agent. FEA showed that as the isolated areas increased, there was also an increase in both tensile and shear stresses concentration in the crown and in the cement layer. The chemical adhesion between cement and ceramic is essential for better fatigue behavior of lithium disilicate crowns with a simplified anatomy, especially in the occlusal portion, but the restoration performance is impaired when such adhesion is compromised. There is an increase in crown and cement stress concentration with the progressive loss of chemical bonding of the crown's walls. • The chemical adhesion between cement and ceramic is essential for better fatigue behavior of lithium disilicate crowns. • The survival of lithium disilicate crowns is highly dependent on the chemical adhesion between ceramic and resin cement in the occlusal portion. • There is an increase in crown and cement stress concentration with the progressive loss of chemical bonding of the crown's adhesive surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Planktonic testate amoebae in floodplains exhibit a broad-range of morphological variability. The variation size is already known, but it is necessary to know how this is for morphological variables. This study aimed to identify the relationships between testate amoebae morphology and environmental factors in four neotropical floodplains. We conducted detailed morphometric analyses on 27 common species of planktonic testate amoebae from genera Arcella , Centropyxis , Cucurbitella , Suiadifflugia , Difflugia , Lesquereusia and Netzelia . We sampled subsurface water from each lake in 72 lakes in four Brazilian floodplain lakes. Our goals were to assess: (1) the range of their morphological variability (a) over space within each floodplain, and (b) among the four floodplains, and (c) over time, and (2) which environmental factors explained this variation. Mean shell height and breadth varied considerably among the different floodplain lakes, especially in the Pantanal and Amazonian floodplains. The morphological variability of testate amoeba was correlated to environmental conditions (ammonia, nitrate, phosphate, chlorophyll- a , turbidity, temperature, and depth). Thus, understanding the morphological variation of the testate amoeba species can elucidate many questions involving the ecology of these organisms. Furthermore, could help molecular studies, bioindicator role of these organisations, environmental reconstruction, among others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim Glutathione peroxidase (GPX) is a class of antioxidant enzymes that catalyze the reduction of hydrogen peroxide to water. GPX1 is the most abundant isoform and is expressed in all kidney cells. Isoprostane and advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) were identified as markers of oxidative stress in patients with kidney disease. We investigated associations of GPX1 genotypes with kidney complications, and with plasma concentrations of isoprostane and AOPP in type 1 diabetic patients. Methods Four SNPs in the GPX1 gene region were genotyped in SURGENE (n = 340; 10-year follow-up); GENEDIAB (n = 461) and GENESIS (n = 584) cohorts of type 1 diabetic patients. Subsets of GENEDIAB (n = 237) and GENESIS (n = 466) participants were followed up for 9 and 5 years, respectively. Plasma concentrations of isoprostane and AOPP were measured at baseline in GENEDIAB. Hazard ratios (HR) were estimated for incidence of kidney complications. Results In SURGENE, 98 renal events (new cases of microalbuminuria or progression to more severe stage of diabetic nephropathy) occurred during follow-up. The minor T-allele of rs3448 was associated with the incidence of renal events (HR 1.81, 95% CI 1.16–2.84, p = 0.008). In GENESIS/GENEDIAB pooled study, end stage renal disease (ESRD) occurred during follow-up in 52 individuals. The same variant was associated with the incidence of ESRD (HR 3.34, 95% CI, 1.69–6.98, p = 0.0004). The variant was also associated with higher plasma isoprostane concentration in GENEDIAB cohort: 2.02 ± 0.12 (TT + CT) vs 1.75 ± 0.13 (CC) ng/mL (p = 0.009), and with higher plasma AOPP in the subset of participants with the baseline history of ESRD (TT + CT 67 ± 6 vs CC 48 ± 6 μmol/L, p = 0.006). Conclusions The minor T-allele of rs3448 was associated with kidney complications (incidences of microalbuminuria, renal events and ESRD) in patients with type 1 diabetes. The risk allele was associated with higher plasma concentrations of isoprostane and AOPP. Our results are consistent with the implication of GPX1 in the mechanism of renal protection against oxidative stress in type 1 diabetic patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Development of vegetation communities in areas of Antarctica without permanent ice cover emphasizes the need for effective remote sensing techniques for proper monitoring of local environmental changes. Detection and mapping of vegetation by image classification remains limited in the Antarctic environment due to the complexity of its surface cover, and the spatial heterogeneity and spectral homogeneity of cryptogamic vegetation. As ultra-high resolution aerial images allow a comprehensive analysis of vegetation, this study aims to identify different types of vegetation cover (i.e., algae, mosses, and lichens) in an ice-free area of Hope Bay, on the northern tip of the Antarctic Peninsula. Using the geographic object-based image analysis (GEOBIA) approach, remote sensing data sets are tested in the random forest classifier in order to distinguish vegetation classes within vegetated areas. Because species of algae, mosses, and lichens may have similar spectral characteristics, subclasses are established. The results show that when only the mean values of green, red, and NIR bands are considered, the subclasses have low separability. Variations in accuracy and visual changes are identified according to the set of features used in the classification. Accuracy improves when multilayer information is used. A combination of spectral and morphometric products and by-products provides the best result for the detection and delineation of different types of vegetation, with an overall accuracy of 0.966 and a Kappa coefficient of 0.946. The method allowed for the identification of units primarily composed of algae, mosses, and lichens as well as differences in communities. This study demonstrates that ultra-high spatial resolution data can provide the necessary properties for the classification of vegetation in Maritime Antarctica, even in images obtained by sensors with low spectral resolution. • Identification of units primarily composed of algae, moss, and lichen is achieved. • Auxiliary features improve subclass separability and classification performance. • Combination of spectral and geomorphological metrics produces the best results. • Altitude and NDVI features are among the most important for classification. • UAV datasets are valuable to map patchy and sparse maritime Antarctic vegetation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic bacterium causing lung injury in immunocompromised patients correlated with high morbidity and mortality. Many bacteria, including P. aeruginosa , use extracellular signals to synchronize group behaviors, a process known as quorum sensing (QS). In the P. aeruginosa complex QS system controls expression of over 300 genes, including many involved in host colonization and disease. P. aeruginosa infection elicits a complex immune response due to a large number of immunogenic factors present in the bacteria or released during infection. Here, we focused on the mechanisms by which P. aeruginosa triggers lung injury and inflammation, debating the possible ways that P. aeruginosa evades the host immune system, which leads to immune suppression and resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biodiversity offsets are compensatory mechanisms increasingly used to address ecological impacts resulting from human activities. We review the scientific literature on biodiversity offsets, published between 1999 and 2014. We found that biodiversity offset studies have increased through time. The majority of studies have been carried out in the USA. The development of biodiversity offsets schemes faces conceptual and practical challenges. The conceptual challenges discussed in the literature are: choice of metric, spatial delivery of offsets, equivalence, additionality, timing, longevity, ratios and reversibility. The practical challenges reported in the literature are: compliance, monitoring, transparency and timing of credits release. Amongst these, choice of metric and location are paramount and are related to the multidimensional nature of biodiversity and the values society places on biodiversity. Harmonized metrics such as the Essential Biodiversity Variables (EBVs) help to address these challenges by providing comparability of biodiversity loss and gain amongst locations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aim Sterols, bile acids and their receptors have been involved in diabetic nephropathy. The ATP-binding cassette transporters G5 and G8 (ABCG5 and ABCG8) play an important role in intestinal sterol absorption and bile acid secretion. The aim of our study was to assess the associations between two ABCG8 coding polymorphisms, T400K and D19H, and the incidence of renal events in type 2 diabetic subjects. Methods Participants were the 3137 French type 2 diabetic subjects with micro- or macro-albuminuria from the genetic substudy of the DIABHYCAR trial. The mean duration of follow-up was 4 years. Renal events were defined as a doubling of serum creatinine concentration or end-stage renal disease at follow-up. We then used a second population (DIAB2NEPHROGENE) of 2140 type 2 diabetic patients for the purpose of validation. Results In DIABHYCAR, the 400K allele was significantly associated with a higher risk of incident renal events in a multiple adjusted model (HR: 1.75 [95% CI 1.20–2.56], P = 0.003). This association was still significant after further adjustments for baseline values of estimated glomerular filtration rate and urinary albumin excretion. In the validation population, the 400K allele was associated with the prevalence of end-stage renal disease (OR = 2.01 [95% CI 1.15–3.54], P = 0.015). No significant association was found between the D19H polymorphism and the risk of diabetic nephropathy. Conclusions A polymorphism of the sterol transporter ABCG8 has been associated with the prevalence of end-stage renal disease and with the incidence of new renal events in type 2 diabetic patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the influence of the piston material (glass fiber-reinforced epoxy resin or stainless steel) and the piston tip diameter (6 or 40 mm) on the fatigue mechanical behavior, failure mode, and stress distribution of feldspathic ceramic simplified restorations. Pistons were machined in glass fiber-reinforced epoxy resin (ER) and in stainless steel (SS), with active tips simulating the curvature radius of 6- or 40-mm diameter spheres. A total of sixty (N= 60) feldspathic ceramic discs (Ø= 10 mm; thickness= 1.0 mm) were adhesively luted onto supporting substrate discs (Ø= 10 mm; thickness= 2.5 mm) and allocated into 4 groups (n= 15) according to the piston used for fatigue testing: ER_6, ER_40, SS_6, SS_40. Afterwards, the specimens were submitted to the cyclic fatigue test (20 Hz frequency; initial load= 100 N; step= 50 N; 10,000 cycles/step, upon specimen failure detection). The collected data were analyzed by two-way ANOVA (α= 0.05) to verify differences by considering 'piston material' and 'piston diameter' as factors, and their association. In addition, a survival analysis (Kaplan Meier with Mantel-Cox log-rank post-hoc tests) was conducted (α= 0.05). Fractographic and finite element (FEA) analyzes were also performed. 'Piston material' (p= 0.040, F= 4.43) and 'piston diameter' (p < 0.000, F= 563.21) had a significant influence on the fatigue failure load (FFL) and the number of cycles for failure (CFF) values. Feldspathic restorations showed higher FFL and CFF (p < 0.05) when tested with a 40 mm diameter piston compared to a 6 mm diameter piston (ER_40 and SS_40 > ER_6 > SS_6). In relation to the piston material, ER and SS pistons with 40 mm diameter promoted similar fatigue performance (ER_40: 946.67 N/179,333 cycles = SS_40: 936.67 N/177,333 cycles), while 6 mm diameter groups presented different fatigue performance (ER_6: 440 N; 78,000 cycles > SS_6: 353.3 N; 60,667 cycles). Hertzian cone crack failures were only observed in the groups tested with 6 mm pistons, regardless of piston material. Higher stress concentration on the ceramic surface was observed when using 6 mm diameter pistons, whereas the SS_6 group showed a slight increase in stress concentration in comparison to the ER_6 group. The piston diameter showed an influence on the fatigue behavior, failure mode, and stress distribution of feldspathic ceramic simplified restorations. However, the influence of piston material is only observed when 6 mm diameter pistons are used. The 40 mm diameter pistons led to radial crack, being more appropriate for fatigue test of simplified feldspathic ceramic restorations with a thickness ≤ 1 mm. Whilst the 6 mm diameter pistons should be avoided, once tend to induce Hertzian cone crack failures and to underestimate fatigue performance. • Piston diameter affects the fatigue behavior of feldspathic ceramics. • Stress distribution on feldspathic ceramic is mainly influenced by the piston diameter. • 6 mm pistons predispose hertzian cone crack failures in feldspathic ceramics. • Material has no influence on the fatigue behavior for 40 mm diameter pistons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The weather natural disaster prevention for quantitative daily rainfall forecasting derived from the SACZ-ULCV weather pattern is proposed in this paper by using intertwined statistical downscaling (SD) and soft computing (SC) approaches. The fuzzy statistical downscaling (FSD) is first introduced and, then, employed for dealing with the SACZ-ULCV atmospheric circulation-type specific weather pattern for supporting daily precipitation (rainfall) forecasting. This paper also addresses the performance comparison of the FSD and the neural statistical downscaling (NSD) approaches when taking into account 12 major urban centers all over the state of São Paulo, Brazil, for the summer period. The SACZ-ULCV summer pattern is identified in meteorological satellite images when the cloudiness of the Brazilian Northeast upper level cyclonic vortices (ULCV) meets the South Atlantic convergence zone (SACZ). Increasing the convection and the cloudiness over the Southeast region of Brazil, the SACZ-ULCV causes severe rainfalls and thunderstorms with impact on the population. Finding a manner to anticipate these extreme rainfall events is of vital importance for minimizing or avoiding disasters, and saving lives. Daily rainfall forecasting had their performance improved either by using the proposed FSD or NSD in comparison to the Multilinear Regression ETA model. Results demonstrate the FSD and the NSD become feasible alternatives for achieving a correspondence from meteorological and thermo-dynamical variables to the daily rainfall variable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study uses statistical techniques to evaluate reports on suicide scenes; it utilizes 80 reports from different locations in Brazil, randomly collected from both federal and state jurisdictions. We aimed to assess a heterogeneous group of cases in order to obtain an overall perspective of the problem. We evaluated variables regarding the characteristics of the crime scene, such as the detected traces (blood, instruments and clothes) that were found and we addressed the methodology employed by the experts. A qualitative approach using basic statistics revealed a wide distribution as to how the issue was addressed in the documents. We examined a quantitative approach involving an empirical equation and we used multivariate procedures to validate the quantitative methodology proposed for this empirical equation. The methodology successfully identified the main differences in the information presented in the reports, showing that there is no standardized method of analyzing evidences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: The T allele of a functional polymorphism (rs4988235: LCT-13910 C>T), close to the lactase gene, correlates with lactase persistence (LP) in adults. The LP genotype (TT+TC) has been associated with a higher BMI in European populations in cross-sectional studies. In the French D.E.S.I.R. cohort, a high consumption of dairy products was associated with a lower body weight gain over 9-years, and with a lower incidence of high plasma glucose levels and/or the metabolic syndrome. Our aim was to test in this study, the association of rs4988235 with BMI and related metabolic diseases, in interaction with dairy product consumption. Methods: Among 5212 subjects from D.E.S.I.R., 3575 Caucasians born in mainland France were genotyped and followed over 9years. Results: Those with the LP genotype (frequency: 78.5%) had a higher dairy product consumption, at inclusion and at year-9 (P <0.001). They also had a higher BMI at both time points (difference=0.3kg/m2, P =0.05), but this effect was restricted to medium/high dairy product consumers (difference=0.5kg/m2, P =0.006). This genotype was also associated with the metabolic syndrome (IDF definition), but this association disappeared after adjustment for BMI. In the whole population, the C allele was associated with a higher prevalence of impaired fasting glycemia and/or type 2 diabetes. Conclusions: The lactase persistence genotype was shown to be associated with a higher BMI in a longitudinal study, mainly in those consuming high amounts of dairy products. The association of the C allele, responsible for lactase non-persistence, with the risk of hyperglycemia needs to be replicated. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Monitoring the components of diversity may provide important information about diversity dynamics and processes that modify ecosystems. We investigated the temporal diversity of the zooplankton groups (testate amoebae, rotifers and microcrustaceans) over ten years (2000–2009) at local and regional scales in the alluvial valley of the Upper Paraná River in order to test: temporal changes in alpha, beta and gamma diversities of zooplankton groups, association of diversity dynamics with environmental factors, and synchronisation in temporal diversity between different subsystems. The gamma and alpha diversities of testate amoebae increased over time, while that of rotifers decreased. In contrast, microcrustacean diversity did not show a linear temporal trend. Beta diversity of microcrustaceans and rotifers increased over time. The models of temporal diversity variation explained between 10% and 46% of the total variability. Inorganic solids suspended and chlorophyll a were the environmental predictors selected in the models of best fit. Alpha diversity showed spatial synchronisation, suggesting that the regional dynamics contributed to the temporal variation of diversity. Zooplankton diversities followed a temporal dynamics in response to local and regional factors (water level, inorganic solids suspended and chlorophyll a), but the groups showed different responses. Thus, we corroborated the hypothesis of diversity synchrony of each zooplankton group between the sub-systems, but the responses to the environmental variations were found to be dependent on the group studied. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Polymorphisms in the VDR gene were reported to be associated with variations in intrauterine and postnatal growth and with adult height, but also with other traits that are strongly correlated such as the BMI, insulin sensitivity, insulin secretion and hyperglycemia. Here, we assessed the impact of VDR polymorphisms on body height and its interactions with obesity- and glucose tolerance-related traits in obese children and adolescents. We studied 173 prepubertal (Tanner''s stage 1) and 146 pubertal (Tanner''s stages 2–5) obese children who were referred for a weight-loss program. Three single nucleotide polymorphisms were genotyped: rs1544410 (BsmI), rs7975232 (ApaI) and rs731236 (TaqI). BsmI and TaqI genotypes were significantly associated with height in pubertal children, but the associations did not reach statistical significance in prepubertal children. In stepwise regression analyses, the lean body mass, insulin secretion, BsmI or TaqI genotypes and the father''s and the mother''s height were independently and positively associated with height in pubertal children. These covariables accounted for 46% of the trait variance. The height of homozygous carriers of the minor allele of BsmI was 0.65 z-scores (4cm) higher than the height of homozygous carriers of the major allele (P =.0006). Haplotype analyses confirmed the associations of the minor alleles of BsmI and TaqI with increased height. In conclusion, VDR genotypes were significantly associated with height in pubertal obese children. The associations were independent from the effects of confounding traits, such as the body fat mass, insulin secretion, insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the size structure of testate amoebae in distinct habitats, i.e. plankton, aquatic macrophytes and aquatic sediment. The samples were taken from a floodplain lake of the upper Paraná River. The assumptions we strived to scrutinize were that (i) larger mean sizes of testate amoebae would be recorded in the sediment of the lake; and (ii) temporally, smaller individuals would be registered during the high water period in all habitats. The sampling was done monthly, from April 2007 to March 2008, in triplicates for each habitat. Testate amoebae were represented by individuals sized between 20 and 400μm. The smaller individuals predominated in plankton samples, while in the aquatic sediment the larger ones were chiefly represented. These differences were probably associated with metabolic activities, i.e. the energy needs of these unicellular organisms, in each habitat. Two-way ANOVA yielded significant differences between hydrological periods. During the high water period, the increase in rainfall and consequently in water flow, decreased the stability of the system and increased turbulence and water column circulation. Therefore, environmental stability seems to be one of the main factors driving the temporal variation in the size structure of these specific organisms. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The objective of this study was to identify the impact of nutrient enrichment on the diversity of the ciliate community associated with the roots of the aquatic macrophyte Eichhornia crassipes. The experiment was performed in the Garças Lake, located in the Upper Paraná River floodplain, Brazil. We conducted two treatments (fertilized and control) with three replicates each. To increase the initial nutrient concentrations in each mesocosm of the fertilized treatment, we added 1000μgL−1 of KNO3 and 200μgL−1 of KH2PO4 during each sampling date. We found a relative high number of ciliate species (85 species) and a predominance of hypotrichs. Among the recorded species, about 25% occurred exclusively in the fertilized treatment. Moreover, detrended correspondence analysis demonstrated that the ciliate community associated with E. crassipes roots changed significantly in response to the nutrient input in such a way that the species composition of the fertilized treatment was remarkably different from that of the control. In contrast to our expectations, species richness in the fertilized treatment was significantly higher than that in the control, refuting our hypothesis that species richness decreases under eutrophic conditions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Background: The role of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) polymorphisms on heart failure (HF) susceptibility, phenotypic characteristics, and prognosis has been poorly explored. Methods and Results: We studied 313 HF patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction and 367 healthy control subjects. Genotyping of MMP-1 (−1607 1G/2G), MMP-3 (−1171 5A/6A), and MMP-9 (−1562 C/T) polymorphisms was performed by polymerase chain reaction. Allelic and genotypic frequencies of MMP-1, -3, and -9 were similar in HF patients and controls. MMP1 2G allele carriers were positively associated to ischemic etiology and history of myocardial infarction (all P values <.05). Patients were followed-up for a median of 40 months and 58 HF-related deaths occurred during this period. HF-related survival was significantly better in MMP1 2G allele carriers (71% versus 42% for 1G/1G patients, P = .002) and in MMP-3 6A allele carriers (70% versus 61% for 5A/5A patients, P = .064), particularly in non-ischemic patients (P = .039). MMP1 2G allele was independently associated to HF survival after adjustment for several other predictors of risk (hazard ratio 0.47, 95% confidence interval 0.27 to 0.82; P = .008). Conclusions: MMP-1, -3, and -9 polymorphisms were not associated to HF susceptibility. However, MMP1 2G allele carriers were related to a higher prevalence of ischemic etiology among patients with systolic HF and better HF-related prognosis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This study aimed to investigate the testate amoebae (Arcellinida and Eugliphida) species diversity in plankton, macrophytes and aquatic sediment samples from a shallow lake of the Upper Paraná River floodplain. Samples were carried out from April 2007 to March 2008. We recorded 89 taxa, belonging to 10 families. Eighty-two taxa were found in the aquatic sediment, 71 in the macrophytes and 53 in the plankton. Highest values of alpha diversity were observed in the aquatic sediment. Although the plankton had the highest number of accidental species, accessory and constant species were also observed in this habitat. Most of the species classified as constant for the plankton belonged to the genus Arcella. Most of the constant species in the macrophytes and aquatic sediment belonged to the genus Difflugia. This study supports the idea that the presence of these protists in the plankton should not be attributed only to stochastic processes because (i) the species diversity recorded in this habitat was remarkably high in relation to the total biodiversity of the lake, and (ii) we also recorded frequent and constant species in the plankton. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & Aims: In colorectal tumors, activating BRAF mutations occur alternative to KRAS oncogenic mutations, but in cell culture possess a much lower transforming capacity. Rac1b, a hyperactive Rac1 spliced variant, is over expressed in some colorectal tumors and activates the transcription factor nuclear factor-κB, which initiates a transcriptional response that promotes cell cycle progression and inhibits apoptosis. The aim of this study was to determine whether Rac1b overexpression is associated with B-RafV600E in primary colorectal tumors and whether a functional cooperation between these 2 proteins exists in colorectal cells with a wild-type KRAS genotype. Methods: Screening of BRAF and KRAS mutations by direct sequencing and Rac1b mRNA expression analysis by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction were conducted in 74 samples (13 normal colonic mucosa, 45 primary colorectal tumors, and 16 colorectal cancer [CRC] cell lines). RNA interference and focus formation assays were used to assess the cooperation between Rac1b and B-RafV600E in cancer cell viability. Results: Rac1b overexpression and B-RafV600E are significantly associated in primary colorectal tumors (P = .008) and colorectal cell lines. The simultaneous suppression of both proteins dramatically decreased CRC cell viability through impaired cell-cycle progression and increased apoptosis. Conclusions: Our data demonstrate that Rac1b and B-RafV600E functionally cooperate to sustain colorectal cell viability and suggest they constitute an alternative survival pathway to oncogenic K-Ras. These results reveal a novel molecular characteristic of colon tumors containing B-Raf mutations and should help in defining novel targets for cancer therapy. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objectives: To describe the history, mechanisms, and consequences of cystic fibrosis (CF)–related diabetes, from childhood to early adulthood. Study design: Pancreatic β-cell function was estimated from the plasma insulin/glucose ratios during oral glucose tolerance test (total area under the curve and ΔI30-0min/G30min, homeostasis model assessment [HOMA]%B), insulin sensitivity with the HOMA%S index, in 237 children with CF (109 boys, 128 girls). Progression of glucose metabolism abnormalities was evaluated by analysis for interval censored data; rates of pulmonary transplantation and death by Kaplan-Meier analysis. Results: Impaired glucose tolerance was found in 20% of patients at 10 years, 50% at 15 years, 75% at 20 years, 82% at 30 years; for diabetes, >20% at 15 year, 45% at 20 years, 70% at 30 years; for insulin treatment, 30% at 20 years, 40% at 30 years. Early impairment was associated with lower survival rates and higher rates of lung transplantation. The area under the curveglucose correlated with decreased body mass index and height. Decrease in early insulin secretion (ΔI30-0min/G30min) was associated with impaired glucose tolerance, in all estimates of insulin secretion with diabetes. HOMA%S did not differ between the groups. Increased inflammation correlated with insulin resistance and impaired glucose tolerance. Conclusions: CF-related diabetes, mainly because of β-cell deficiency, is frequent early in life and associated with impaired nutritional state and growth, increased rates of terminal respiratory failure, and death. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary: Background & aims: Adequate dietary intake might prevent cognitive decline among ageing subjects; hence, the relationships between dietary intake and cognitive function in a sample of non-institutionalized active elderly were assessed. Methods: Total 187 subjects aged over 65. Dietary intake was assessed using a three-day record and cognitive function using the mini-mental state examination (MMSE). After 8.5±3.5 months of follow-up, cognitive function was re-assessed in 110 subjects. Results: A considerable portion of the subjects presented a low intake of several key nutrients. At baseline, no differences were found between subjects with normal or low MMSE score regarding all dietary parameters. At follow-up, 63 subjects (57%) showed a mild improvement of their MMSE score; their consumption of calcium and of n-3 fatty acids was higher (p<0.01 and p<0.03, respectively) than subjects without improvement. Similarly, multivariate logistic regression showed subjects whose consumption of calcium was above the dietary reference intake had a significantly higher odds ratio (OR) of improving their MMSE (OR=5.41; 95% CI: 1.44–20.29), whereas no effect was found for n-3 fatty acids (OR=2.48; 95% CI: 0.46–13.36). Conclusion: Increased calcium consumption is related to improved cognitive function; the exact effect of n-3 fatty acids intake remains to be assessed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background Type 2 diabetes is affected by genetics and environmental factors. We aimed to assess the effect of an in-utero diabetic environment independently of the genetic background for type 2 diabetes.Methods We measured insulin sensitivity and insulin secretion in response to oral and intravenous glucose in 15 non-diabetic adult offspring of mothers with type 1 diabetes (exposed participants) and 16 offspring of type 1 diabetic fathers (controls). No participants had type 1 diabetes-associated autoantibodies. We also measured pancreatic polypeptide, a marker of parasympathetic drive to the pancreas.Findings There was no difference between the groups with respect to percent body fat and insulin sensitivity. Five of the 15 exposed participants, but none of the controls had impaired glucose tolerance (p=0·02). Early insulin secretion after an oral glucose tolerance test was lower in exposed participants than in controls: 8·6 IU/mmol (SD 5·4) in exposed participants with impaired glucose tolerance, 14·2 IU/mmol (6·5) in those with normal glucose tolerance and 17·7 IU/mmol (10·9) in controls (p=0·04). Mean insulin secretion rate during glucose infusion study was 4·7 pmol/kg per min (3·6) in people with impaired glucose tolerance, 5·5 pmol/kg per min (4·5) in exposed participants with normal glucose tolerance and 7·5 pmol/kg per min (6·1) in controls (p<0·0001). The area under the curve of pancreatic polypeptide 120 min after oral glucose ingestion was 1007 (429) in people with impaired glucose tolerance, 2829 (1701) in those with normal glucose tolerance, and 3224 (1352) in controls (p=0·04).Interpretation Exposure to a diabetic environment in utero is associated with increased occurence of impaired glucose tolerance and a defective insulin secretory response in adult offspring, independent of genetic predisposition to type 2 diabetes. This insulin secretory defect could be related to low parasympathetic tone. Epidemiological studies are needed to confirm our observations before therapeutic strategies can be devised. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Sepsis is a potentially lethal syndrome resulting from a maladaptive response to infection. Upon infection, glucocorticoids are produced as a part of the compensatory response to tolerate sepsis. This tolerance is, however, mitigated in sepsis due to a quickly induced glucocorticoid resistance at the level of the glucocorticoid receptor. Here, we show that defects in the glucocorticoid receptor signaling pathway aggravate sepsis pathophysiology by lowering lactate clearance and sensitizing mice to lactate-induced toxicity. The latter is exerted via an uncontrolled production of vascular endothelial growth factor, resulting in vascular leakage and collapse with severe hypotension, organ damage, and death, all being typical features of a lethal form of sepsis. In conclusion, sepsis leads to glucocorticoid receptor failure and hyperlactatemia, which collectively leads to a lethal vascular collapse. [Display omitted] • GCs are essential to establish disease tolerance to sepsis • Genome-wide GC resistance leads to hypoglycemia and hyperlactatemia in sepsis • Hyperlactatemia in combination with GC resistance causes lethal shock • Inhibition of VEGF signaling prevents lactate-induced lethal shock Vandewalle et al. demonstrate that glucocorticoid resistance in sepsis causes dysfunctional gluconeogenesis, thereby contributing to hyperlactatemia. High lactate levels are not toxic by themselves, but when coupled with glucocorticoid resistance, the combination leads to acute toxicity through elevated vascular endothelial growth factor production, vascular leakage, hypotension, and organ damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of loading frequency on the fatigue mechanical behavior of adhesively cemented polymer-infiltrated ceramic-network (PICN) and lithium disilicate (LD) simplified monolithic restorations. Thirty (30) disc-shaped specimens (Ø = 10 mm; thickness = 1.0 mm) of each ceramic material (PICN – Enamic, Vita Zahnfabrik or LD – IPS e.max CAD, Ivoclar Vivadent) were produced and adhesively cemented onto dentin analogue discs made of fiber and epoxy resin material (Ø = 10 mm; thickness = 2.0 mm). PICN and LD cemented assemblies were randomly allocated into 2 groups (n = 15) according to the loading frequency used for the fatigue testing (20 Hz or 2 Hz), composing the PICN_20, PICN_2, LD_20 and LD_2 testing groups. Fatigue tests were run using the step-stress approach (initial load = 200 N; step-size = 100 N; 10,000 cycles per step) and the collected data (fatigue failure load – FFL and number of cycles for failure – CFF) were analyzed by survival tests (Kaplan Meier and Mantel-Cox) and Weibull analysis. Fractographic analysis of failed specimens were also performed. No statistically significant differences were detected in relation to FFL and CFF between the groups within the same ceramic material (PICN_20: 1127 N/102,667 cycles = PICN_2: 1120 N/102,000 cycles; LD_20: 980 N/88,000 cycles = LD_2: 900 N/80,000 cycles). All failures were radial cracks in the cementation surface. Therefore, the use of a 20 Hz loading frequency shows to be a viable alternative to accelerate cyclic fatigue tests without affecting the fatigue mechanical behavior and the failure pattern of simplified restorations made of lithium disilicate glass ceramic or polymer infiltrated ceramic network bonded to the dentin analogue. • The influence of cyclic loading frequency on fatigue properties was evaluated. • Loading frequency does not affect the fatigue behavior of lithium disilicate ceramic. • Loading frequency does not affect the fatigue behavior of polymer infiltrated ceramic. • Loading frequency does not influence the failure pattern. • The use of 20 Hz frequency is validated to accelerate fatigue tests on such materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Only half (48.0%) of the low-risk women experienced spontaneous labour. • One in seven pregnant women of usual risk were subject to induced labour (14.0%). • More than one third of the women were subject to planned caesarean section (38.0%). • The overall caesarean section rate was 50.5% of low-risk women. • Socioeconomic, obstetric and professional factors associated with planned caesarean section do not justify these patterns of use. This study aimed to examine the prevalence of spontaneous labour, induced labour and planned caesarean section in low-risk women; to identify the contribution of each group to the overall caesarean section rate; and to estimate factors associated with caesarean section in low-risk women according to spontaneous labour, induced labour and planned caesarean section. Cross-sectional hospital-based study of postpartum women and newborns, using data from the survey Birth in Brazil, Southern region. In the sample of 2,668 low-risk women, a descriptive analysis was undertaken and a Multinomial Logistic Regression model was applied to verify associations among caesarean section and spontaneous labour, induced labour and planned caesarean section in comparison with vaginal birth. The results showed the prevalence of spontaneous labour (48.0%), induced labour (14.0%) and planned caesarean sections (38.0%); these frequencies contributed to an overall caesarean section rate of 50.5%. Obstetric characteristics like previous vaginal birth or previous caesarean section were differentially associated with caesarean section, independently of the labour. Caesarean section without labour was significantly associated with age ≥ 35 years (ORadj 5.45 95%CI 3.16–9.39), economic class A and B (ORadj 3.10 95%CI 1.92–4.99), pregnancy between 37 and 38 weeks (ORadj 1.65 95%CI 1.22–2.24), same obstetrician in prenatal and childbirth (ORadj 13.83 95%CI 8.85–21.61) and private payment source at birth (ORadj 11.50 95%CI 6.64–19.93). For low-risk women in Southern Brazil, the results identify high planned caesarean section rates, not associated with socioeconomic, obstetric, institutional or prenatal factors that justify these rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Possible markers of severity in hypertensive syndromes of the pregnancy-puerperal cycle could be identify and guide conduct timely in order to reduce maternal and perinatal risks. Objectives To analyze the relationship between the anthropometric aspects and the hematimetric parameters comparing in pregnant women with preeclampsia(PE), hypertension chronic(HC) and without comorbidities. Methods Cross-sectional study developed at Hospital Guilherme Alvaro, Santos/Brazil and at Municipal Maternity of Sao Vicente/Brazil (May-September 2017). Group PE: pregnant women with PE and HC Group: pregnant women with HC (NHBPEP, 2000). Control group(C): healthy pregnant women. Variables analyzed: body mass index(BMI), abdominal circumferences(CA), complete blood count. Exclusion criteria: diabetes, collagenosis, smoking, twin pregnancy and fetal abnormalities. Fisher's exact test was used and was considered as the significance p < 0.05. Results 68 pregnant women were selected. The mean BMI found in group C was 29.45, in the HC group of 35.5 and in the PE group 38.8. We also observed that pregnant women in the PE group had an average CA19.21 cm higher than pregnant women in group C. It was identified that CHCM is superior in the PE group. There was statistical significance in the levels of neutrophils and lymphocytes in the groups with hypertensive syndromes. Discussion Elevation of BMI/CA in PE patients are risk factors for cardiovascular diseases according to the literature (Rezende, 2006). There was an increase in CHCM in cases of endolymphatic injury related hemolysis (HC and PE). Considering the exclusion of patients with other comorbidities, capable of influencing CHCM, this one presented as a potential marker of abnormalities. The increase in the level of lymphocytes in the PE group found in the study, with statistical significance, opposes the literature reporting otherwise (Vázquez, 2004). The increase in neutrophils found in group C (p = 0.007), especially at the end, is consistent with the literature (Souza, 2002). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Tunga penetrans are ectoparasites distributed widely. The infestations are endemic in some areas. People both from and visiting this region are susceptible to these infestations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]