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Hydrological hazards pose significant threats worldwide, resulting in extensive societal and environmental impacts. To mitigate these impacts, structural protection measures like levees are commonly implemented. However, these measures can overlook complex human-water interactions and cause unintended consequences, such as the safe development paradox (SDP) and its sub-phenomena, the levee effect (LE), where risk reduction efforts paradoxically increase risk in the long run due to a false sense of safety. Despite the growing body of research on the SDP and LE, existing evidence remains fragmented due to the diverse methodologies and variables considered. To address this gap, we systematically reviewed 94 studies spanning 2001–2023 to synthesize the methodological approaches, variables, and evidence in this field. Most of the reviewed studies (75%) provided conclusive evidence to support the occurrence of the SDP and LE via three key mechanisms: (a) increased development in protected areas, (b) reduced preparedness and false sense of safety, and (c) increased damage from rare disaster events. About 40% of the reviewed case studies focused solely on exposure, overlooking other critical dimensions of the SDP and LE, such as vulnerability and behavioral aspects linked to a false sense of safety. Furthermore, the effect of non-structural and individual adaptation measures on the SDP and LE remains underinvestigated. A more holistic assessment of these socio-hydrological phenomena should thus include aspects such as preparedness, vulnerability, and risk perception. This holistic approach would enable a better understanding of the diversity of scenarios where the SDP and LE can manifest, providing policymakers with essential information to prevent unintended consequences of adaptation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of the pasteurization process on chemical quality, aroma, and fatty acid profile of goat milk from this region. In this context, physical–chemical parameters were assessed, the fatty acid profile was identified, and the profile of volatile compounds in raw (unpasteurized) and pasteurized goat milk was characterized. Regarding the fatty acid profile, the saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids found in higher percentages were the same for both raw and pasteurized milk (capric, myristic, palmitic, stearic, and oleic acids). However, the polyunsaturated fatty acids differed, with linoleic acid in raw milk and eicosapentaenoic acid in pasteurized milk. After pasteurization, the atherogenicity and thrombogenicity indices decreased, while the ratio of hypocholesterolemic to hypercholesterolemic fatty acids increased, along with the content of desirable fatty acids. Manual solid-phase microextraction was the most viable method, and resulting in 34 volatile compounds, most of which were terpenes (8), aromatic compounds (7), and aldehydes (5) in raw milk. In pasteurized milk, 27 terpenes, 22 hydrocarbons and 11 aldehydes were identified. The results showed increased lipid and lactose content, and the decrease in the amount of saturated fatty acids was associated with a considerable increase in polyunsaturated fatty acids. The thermal pasteurization process influenced the volatile profile of goat milk, leading to the formation of new compounds/chemical classes in pasteurized milk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To evaluate the effect of whitening toothpastes with different hydrogen peroxide (HP) concentrations on HP permeability, color change, and physicochemical properties, compared to at-home bleaching treatment. Materials and methods: Forty-nine premolars were randomized into seven groups (n = 7): untreated (control); at-home bleaching with 10% carbamide peroxide gel (AH; 10% CP) with 14 and 28 applications of 180 min each (AH [14 × 180 min] and AH [28 × 180 min]); three whitening toothpastes (3% HP; 4% HP and 5% HP) and 10% CP brushed 28 times for 90 s each (TB [28 × 90 s]). HP permeability was measured using a UV-VIS spectrophotometer and color change by a digital spectrophotometer (ΔEab, ΔE00, and ΔWID). Initial concentration, pH, and viscosity were measured through titration, digital pH meter, and rheometer, respectively. Statistical analysis included one-way ANOVA, Tukey’s test, and Dunnett’s test (α = 0.05). Results: 4% HP group showed acidic pH, the lowest viscosity and the highest HP concentration into the pulp chamber (p < 0.05). The 10% CP groups had lower HP in the pulp chamber and greater color change than other groups (p < 0.05), except the 5% HP group in ΔEab and ΔE00. For ΔWID, the 10% CP AH groups showed greater whitening than other groups (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Whitening toothpaste with up to 5% HP resulted in higher HP permeability and less color change compared to 10% CP. Higher HP commercial concentrations in toothpaste increased whitening effect; however, acidic pH toothpastes exhibited greater HP permeability. Clinical relevance: Whitening toothpastes with high hydrogen peroxide concentrations were less effective than at-home bleaching, resulting in less color change and greater permeability of hydrogen peroxide, potentially increasing the risk of tooth sensitivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conduct disorder (CD) is characterised by persistent antisocial and aggressive behaviour and typically emerges in childhood or adolescence. Although several authors have proposed that CD is a neurodevelopmental disorder, very little evidence is available about brain development in this condition. Structural brain alterations have been observed in CD, and some indirect evidence for delayed brain maturation has been reported. However, no detailed analysis of age-related changes in brain structure in youth with CD has been conducted. Using cross-sectional MRI data, this study aimed to explore differences in brain maturation in youth with CD versus healthy controls to provide further understanding of the neurodevelopmental processes underlying CD. 291 CD cases (153 males) and 379 healthy controls (160 males) aged 9–18 years (Mage = 14.4) were selected from the European multisite FemNAT-CD study. Structural MRI scans were analysed using surface-based morphometry followed by application of the ENIGMA quality control protocols. An atlas-based approach was used to investigate group differences and test for group-by-age and group-by-age-by-sex interactions in cortical thickness, surface area and subcortical volumes. Relative to healthy controls, the CD group showed lower surface area across frontal, temporal and parietal regions as well as lower total surface area. No significant group-by-age or group-by-age-by-sex interactions were observed on any brain structure measure. These findings suggest that CD is associated with lower surface area across multiple cortical regions, but do not support the idea that CD is associated with delayed brain maturation, at least within the age bracket considered here. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Middle East frontal sand and dust storms (SDS) occur in non-summer seasons, and represent an important phenomenon of this region's climate. Among the mentioned type, spring SDS are the most common. Trend analysis was used in the current study to investigate the spatial-temporal variability of springtime dust events in the Middle East using synoptic station observation from 2011 to 2022. The plausible changes in some controlling factors of dust activity at selected important dust sources in the Middle East were also studied during this time period. Our results showed a statistically significant spike in springtime dust events across the Middle East, particularly in May 2022. To evaluate the relative importance of controlling factors, the applied feature of importance analysis using random forest (RF) showed the higher relative importance of topsoil layer wetness, surface soil temperature, and surface wind speed in dust activity over the Middle East between 2011 and 2022. Long-term trend analysis of topsoil moisture and temperature, using the Mann-Kendall trend test, showed a decrease in soil moisture and an increase in soil temperature in some selected important dust sources in the Middle East. Moreover, our predictions using ARIMA models showed a high tendency to dust activities in selected major dust origins (domain 2 and domain 5) with a statistically significant increase (p-value < 0.05) between 2023 and 2029. Observed spatial and temporal changes within SDS hotspots can act as the first step to build up for the first time an SDS precise intensity scale, as well as establishing an SDS early warning system in future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to assess and identify the most suitable geospatial interpolation algorithm for environmental sciences. The research focuses on evaluating six different interpolation methods using annual average PM10 concentrations as a reference dataset. The dataset includes measurements obtained from a target air quality network (scenery 1) and a sub-dataset derived from a partitive clustering technique (scenery 2). By comparing the performance of each interpolation algorithm using various indicators, the study aims to determine the most reliable method. The findings reveal that the kriging method demonstrates the highest performance within environmental sciences, with a spatial similarity of approximately 70% between the two scenery datasets. The performance indicators for the kriging method, including RMSE (root mean square error), MAE (mean absolute error), and MAPE (mean absolute percentage error), are measured at 3.2 µg/m3, 10.2 µg/m3, and 7.3%, respectively. This study addresses the existing gap in scientific knowledge regarding the comparison of geospatial interpolation techniques. The findings provide valuable insights for environmental managers and decision-makers, enabling them to implement effective control and mitigation strategies based on reliable geospatial information and data. In summary, this research evaluates and identifies the most suitable geospatial interpolation algorithm for environmental sciences, with the kriging method emerging as the most reliable option. The study’s findings contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the field and offer practical implications for environmental management and planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work aims to quantify potential pollution level changes in an urban environment (Madrid city, Spain) located in South Europe due to the lockdown measures for preventing the SARS-CoV-2 transmission. Polluting 11 species commonly monitored in urban zones were attended. Except for O3, a prompt target pollutant levels abatement was reached, intensely when implanted stricter measures and moderately along those measures' relaxing period. In the case of TH and CH4, it is evidenced a progressive diminution over the lockdown period. While the highest decreasing average changes relapsed on NOx (NO2: − 40.0% and NO: − 33.3%) and VOCs (C7H8: − 36.3% and C6H6: − 32.8%), followed by SO2 (− 27.0%), PM10 (− 19.7%), CO (− 16.6%), CH4 (− 14.7%), TH (− 11.6%) and PM2.5 (− 10.1%), the O3 level slightly raised 0.4%. These changes were consistently dependent on the measurement station location, emphasizing urban background zones for SO2, CO, C6H6, C7H8, TH and CH4, suburban zones for PM2.5 and O3, urban traffic sites for NO and PM10, and keeping variations reasonably similar at all the stations in the case of NO2. Those pollution changes were not translated in variations on geospatial pattern, except for NO, O3 and SO2. Although the researched urban atmosphere improvement was not attributable to meteorological conditions' variations, it was in line with the decline in traffic intensity. The evidenced outcomes might offer valuable clues to air quality managers in urban environments regarding decision-making in favor of applying punctual severe measures for quickly and considerably relieving polluting high load occurred in urban environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The demand for sea cucumbers from the NE-Atlantic is increasing as a consequence of the depletion of stocks that historically supplied Asian markets. Some species from the NE-Atlantic are already showing overfishing signs due to either inefficient policies or their total absence, and they do not offer any margins of sustainability to sea cucumber fisheries. The current lack of knowledge of biological and ecological traits has led to ineffective protection of those species. Holothuria arguinensis is a good example of a temperate sea cucumber species suffering from the effects of unregulated and illegal harvest. This study aims to determine the temporal and spatial distribution patterns of H. arguinensis, assessing density and size-class structure in a NE-Atlantic population, in SW Portugal, as a function of environmental conditions. Sampling was done every 1.5 months at 6 stations defined according to habitat heterogeneity, following the coastline from the mouth of the Sado estuary to marine coastal areas. At each station, there were two habitats (rocky substrate and sandy areas) sampled through SCUBA diving along 30-m random transects, each with three replicates. Individuals were counted and measured (total length) and individual behavioural parameters, such as sheltering and settlement surface, were recorded. Water column parameters, sediment composition, and substrate cover were also recorded. Generalised Linear Models were fit to the data, modelling density and size distribution of the species with respect to environmental conditions. The results indicate that the distribution of H. arguinensis was mainly determined by its ability to deal with physical environmental stressors (current), rather than the chemical properties of the water column or sediment composition. The hydrodynamic features of the region exert the greatest impact on this species' distribution and help shape habitat usage by different size class groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food supplement authentication is an important concern worldwide due to the ascending consumption related to health benefits and its lack of effective regulation in underdeveloped countries, making it a target of fraudulent activities. In this context, this study evaluated fish oil supplements by comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC×GC–MS) to obtain fingerprints, which were used to build predictive models for automated authentication of the most popular products sold in Brazil. The authentication process relied on a one-class classifier model using data-driven soft independent modeling of class analogy (DD-SIMCA). The output of the model was a binary classifier: certified IFOS fish oils and non-certified ones — regardless of the source of adulteration. The compositional analysis showed a significant variation in the samples, which validated the need for reliable statistical models. The DD-SIMCA algorithm is still incipient in GC×GC studies, but it proved to be an excellent tool for authenticity purposes, achieving a chemometric model with a sensitivity of 100%, specificity of 98.6%, and accuracy of 99.0% for fish oil authentication. Finally, orthogonalized partial least square discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) was used to identify the features that distinguished the groups, which ascertained the results of the DD-SIMCA model that IFOS-certified oils are positively correlated to omega-3 fatty acids, including eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, C20:5 n-3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, C22:6 n-3). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a complete model of a thermoelectric micro-energy harvester to transform ambient thermal fluctuations into electricity that couples a thermoelectric generator (TEG) to a heat storage unit (HSU) filled by a phase-change material embedded in a metallic foam subjected to convective flows due to the Marangoni effect. Convective heat transfer at the HSU is simulated with the Darcy–Brinkman–Forchheimer bulk equations, a shear stress boundary depending on the porosity, and the phase change with the enthalpy-porosity method. The porous matrix weakens the Marangoni effect by decreasing the surface shear stress while increasing the effective thermal conductivity. Introducing the metallic foam multiplies the efficiency in the transformation between thermal spatial gradients and electric energy with respect to only Marangoni driving. For a heat storage unit of 8 cm × 1 cm, Darcy number Da = 10 - 2 coupled to a TEG with Seebeck coefficient 0.027, we find that the harvested energy multiplies with respect to a base PCM driving by Marangoni: 3.2 times (23.6 J) for porosity ϵ = 0.95 , 3.9 times (28.4 J) for ϵ = 0.9 , 4.3 times (31 J) for ϵ = 0.85 . Decreasing the permeability augments the resistance to the convective flows and slightly reduces the electric energy generated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a methodology developed to prioritize feeders for receiving investments and analyzing a power utility distribution network. The proposal applies the Analytic Hierarchy Process method to determine which feeders should receive the available resources as a priority. The methodology provides greater assertiveness in decision-making, besides using historical data, the opinion and experience of company specialists. The Plan-Do-Check-Action model assists in verifying improvement interventions, allowing the visualization of the network's stretches with recurring failures, expanding the possibilities for improvement. The correct application of resources is fundamental to the company, as it can guarantee favorable results in feeders' performance, thus improving the company's indicators and the perception that customers have of the utility. The scientific contribution of this paper is the development of a hybrid technique that combines the prioritization method with a model to check its effectiveness, with flexibility, and versatility. In addition, the computational tool developed brought significant time savings for data extraction and analysis, allowing the user to customize the research, defining the periods, types of equipment, and causes of failure easily and quickly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conduct disorder (CD) with high levels of callous-unemotional traits (CD/HCU) has been theoretically linked to specific difficulties with fear and sadness recognition, in contrast to CD with low levels of callous-unemotional traits (CD/LCU). However, experimental evidence for this distinction is mixed, and it is unclear whether these difficulties are a reliable marker of CD/HCU compared to CD/LCU. In a large sample (N = 1263, 9–18 years), we combined univariate analyses and machine learning classifiers to investigate whether CD/HCU is associated with disproportionate difficulties with fear and sadness recognition over other emotions, and whether such difficulties are a reliable individual-level marker of CD/HCU. We observed similar emotion recognition abilities in CD/HCU and CD/LCU. The CD/HCU group underperformed relative to typically developing (TD) youths, but difficulties were not specific to fear or sadness. Classifiers did not distinguish between youths with CD/HCU versus CD/LCU (52% accuracy), although youths with CD/HCU and CD/LCU were reliably distinguished from TD youths (64% and 60%, respectively). In the subset of classifiers that performed well for youths with CD/HCU, fear and sadness were the most relevant emotions for distinguishing them from youths with CD/LCU and TD youths, respectively. We conclude that non-specific emotion recognition difficulties are common in CD/HCU, but are not reliable individual-level markers of CD/HCU versus CD/LCU. These findings highlight that a reduced ability to recognise facial expressions of distress should not be assumed to be a core feature of CD/HCU. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluates the contribution of conditional relationship contents to making inferences, depending on the span of the participant's working memory. This is achieved through the use of a deductive reasoning task with conditional statements and the "Reading Span Test" by Daneman and Carpenter, in its Spanish version. The results of the two experiments show that the execution of an inference task is mediated by participants' working memory span. WM is correlated with the most complex valid inferences, but not with the most automatic ones. Contents and the number of alternatives to the antecedent only had an effect on the inference of the high-WM group. The results are relevant in several ways, and can help us to refine our predictions about inferences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work presents a new methodological approach to evaluating the long-term performance of an existing air quality monitoring network (AQMN). The AQMN is essential in controlling human beings' exposure to air pollutants, and the performance should be assessed over time. Still, there is not a harmonised method at the legislative level. In this work, 2008–2016 NO2 data recorded by the Community of Madrid's AQMN were used for developing the suggested methodology, and 2007, 2017, and 2020 NO2 data were involved in testing the aptitude of the proposed methodology to check the performance along the time. Chemometric techniques were employed to suggest the most representative non-redundant fixed stations within the target AQMN, reducing up to ~ 80% of the original number of fixed monitoring stations (from 23 to 5 fixed stations). The influence of the temporal frame used in developing the exposed methodology showed a variability lower than 5%. The spatial NO2 distribution pictured by the current versus recommended fixed stations showed a higher than 95% similarity. This recommended approach can also be applied to short-time data. The exhibited methodology is a valuable tool for supporting AQMN managers in decision-making concerning AQMN management and complementing European Legislation guidelines concerning air pollutants monitoring using AQMN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present research aimed to identify the volatile profile of sparkling wines from São Francisco Valley, which products will have soon the Geographical Indication requested by the producers. Volatile organic compounds from muscat, brut, brut rosé and demi-sec sparkling wines produced in the São Francisco Valley, located in the Caatinga region of Brazil, were extracted, separated and identified using the HS-SPME/GC–MS technique. The results reached the identification of a total of 109 compounds, classified in 13 chemical groups, being the main esters, terpenes, and alcohols. It was found that some compounds with expressive area are unique to each type of sparkling wine: a total of 23 in muscat, 9 in brut, 5 in brut rosé, and 4 in demi-sec. This suggests a strong association between the grape varieties and the technological processes of winemaking. The volatile profiles of each commercial sparkling wine in the São Francisco Valley present possible chemical markers of typicity which can be used to distinguish the commercial wines from the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The obesity-exacerbated asthma phenotype is characterized by more severe asthma symptoms and glucocorticoid resistance. The aim of this study was to standardize an obesity-exacerbated asthma model by a high glycemic level index (HGLI) diet and ovalbumin (OVA) sensitization and challenges in Wistar rats. Animals were divided into groups: control (Ctrl), obese (Ob), asthmatic (Asth), obese asthmatic (Ob + Asth) and obese asthmatic treated with dexamethasone (Ob + Asth + Dexa), and in vivo and in vitro functional and morphological parameters were measured. After HGLI consumption, there was an increase in body weight, fasting blood glucose, abdominal circumferences, body mass index and adiposity index. Respiratory function showed a reduction in pulmonary tidal volume and ventilation. In isolated tracheas, carbachol showed an increase in contractile efficacy in the Ob, Ob + Asth and Ob + Asth + Dexa, but mostly on Ob + Asth. Histological analysis of lungs showed peribronchovascular inflammation and smooth muscle hypertrophy and extracellular remodeling on Ob + Asth and Ob + Asth + Dexa. An obesity-exacerbated asthma model was successfully established. Therefore, this model allows further molecular investigations and the search for new therapies for the treatment and relief of symptoms of patients with obesity-induced resistant asthma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The by-products that come from frozen fish filleting on the band saw machine are discarded and the literature has no information about their proximate composition and potentialities. In this study, the physicochemical properties and technological potential of by-products from the filleting on the saw machine from three tropical fish species were evaluated: Golden fish (Brachyplathystoma flavicans), Serra Spanish mackerel (Scomberomorus brasiliensis), and Green weakfish (Cynoscion virescens). High protein content was observed in all samples (16.11 to 17.87 g/100 g) and the electrophoretic profile showed that these proteins are strongly similar to those found in the edible muscular portion of fish. The ash and collagen content did not exceed 3.16% and 1.98%, respectively. All samples showed considerable levels of lipid oxidation products (7.19 to 11.27 mg MDA/kg of sample), conferring to the matrix the potential to be used as a flavoring agent, especially the Serra Spanish mackerel sample. The results suggest that the by-products generated after fish filleting on the band saw machine have nutritional features similar to the edible muscular portion of fish (n-6/n3: 0.29–0.55; PUFA/MUFA: 0.34–0.57) and may be used as a raw material for the production of products with higher added value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) associated with atmospheric particles represent a significant risk to human health. This issue is even more relevant in environments where biomass combustion processes are considered as the major potential emission sources, such as the rural ecosystem. This study aimed to assess the levels of PM10-bound PAHs in several rural locations, their distribution along a year and how weather variables could influence them. Also, we focused on the emission sources and the comparison of the PAH mixtures to assess similitude among the sampling points. PM10-bound PAHs levels were monitored at three rural locations (north, center, and south) of Spain between April 2017 and February 2018. The study revealed that there were substantial differences regarding the levels of ΣPAHs, being higher in the central zone (IS; 65.4 mg/m3), then in the south (VA; 35.8 ng/m3) and finally in the north (NA; 20.9 ng/m3). IS and VA showed a similar distribution of emission sources, and temperature and wind speed seemed to influence negatively over the levels of PAHs likely. At both locations, PAH levels ran parallel throughout the year, with maximum levels during cold seasons and a greater presence of high molecular weight PAHs; however, the levels of PAHs and the most representative PAHs differed. On the other hand, NA was characterized for having another distribution of emission sources, which determined other representative PAHs, higher levels during spring, and a similar presence of high/medium/low molecular weight. Finally, the levels of ambient air PAHs represented an acceptable risk to people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zika virus (ZIKV) is an emerging arbovirus associated with neurological disorders. Currently, no specific vaccines or antivirals are available to treat the ZIKV infection. Ouabain, a cardiotonic steroid known as Na+/K+-ATPase inhibitor, has been previously described as an immunomodulatory substance by our group. Here, we evaluated for the first time the antiviral activity of this promising substance against a Brazilian ZIKV strain. Vero cells were treated with different concentrations of ouabain before and after the infection with ZIKV. The antiviral effect was evaluated by the TCID50 method and RT-qPCR. Ouabain presented a dose-dependent inhibitory effect against ZIKV, mainly when added post infection. The reduction of infectious virus was accompanied by a decrease in ZIKV RNA levels, suggesting that the mechanism of ZIKV inhibition by ouabain occurred at the replication step. In addition, our in silico data demonstrated a conformational stability and favorable binding free energy of ouabain in the biding sites of the NS5-RdRp and NS3-helicase proteins, which could be related to its mechanism of action. Taken together, these data demonstrate the antiviral activity of ouabain against a Brazilian ZIKV strain and evidence the potential of cardiotonic steroids as promising antiviral agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to identify chemical markers of commercial tropical red wines with the potential to apply for the Geographical Indication-GI São Francisco Valley. Volatile organic compounds of nine different commercial red wines from the São Francisco Valley, located in the Caatinga region of Brazil, that meet the classic oenological parameters for commercialization, were extracted and separated by the HS-SPME/GC–MS technique, and identified. A total of 103 volatile compounds were identified and classified into 13 chemical groups, of which the esters and alcohols were the majority groups. Similarities were found in the composition of 27 compounds identified in all wines; however, the cultivars influenced the distinction of volatiles expressed exclusively in only one type of wine. Among these, 22 compounds were highlighted for having been identified for the first time in wines, such as 3-phenyl-undecane and 4-phenyl-decane. These exclusive compounds are possible markers which confirm the typicality of tropical red wines of this region, and can contribute to the qualitative description and enhancement of regional identity for wines from the São Francisco Valley. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This data paper describes the multinational Database of Flood Fatalities from the Euro-Mediterranean region FFEM-DB that hosts data of 2,875 flood fatalities from 12 territories (nine of which represent entire countries) in Europe and the broader Mediterranean region from 1980 to 2020. The FFEM-DB database provides data on fatalities' profiles, location, and contributing circumstances, allowing researchers and flood risk managers to explore demographic, behavioral, and situational factors, as well as environmental features of flood-related mortality. The standardized data collection and classification methodology enable comparison between regions beyond administrative boundaries. The FFEM-DB is expandable, regularly updated, publicly available, and with anonymized data. The key advantages of the FFEM-DB compared to existing datasets containing flood fatalities are its high level of detail, data accuracy, record completeness, and the large sample size from an extended area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pachydermodactyly is a rare and benign superficial fibromatosis characterized by painless and progressive swelling of periarticular soft tissues of the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints, most commonly of both hands. There is no tenderness, warmth, morning stiffness, or reduced range of motion associated. Our purpose is to highlight the diagnostic utility of ultrasonography, superb microvascular imaging (SMI), and elastography in pachydermodactyly. We report the case of a 15-year-old adolescent white boy, with a 6-month history of insidious and progressive, asymptomatic swelling of the lateral and dorsal regions of the metacarpophalangeal (MCP), and PIP joints of both hands. Articular ultrasonography showed thickening of the skin around the lateral regions of the PIP and MCP joints, with no synovitis, hydrarthrosis, or muscle, tendon, or bone changes. Strain elastography revealed lower elasticity in the aforementioned skin regions, corresponding to increased tissue hardness due to hyperkeratosis. No SMI or Doppler signals were detected in epidermal or dermal tissues, as well as in tendons, joints, and bone. This case report shows that ultrasonography, SMI, and elastography may play a significant role in the accurate diagnosis of pachydermodactyly and exclusion of alternative conditions. These imaging modalities have no ionizing radiation; they are fast, inexpensive, and performed on site. They do not require usage of contrast agents and thus can eliminate the need of invasive procedures such as skin biopsy. They also contribute to reduce health care costs with unnecessary complementary tests and inappropriate treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among youths with conduct disorder, those with callous-unemotional traits are at increased risk for persistent antisocial behaviour. Although callous-unemotional traits have been found to be associated with white-matter brain abnormalities, previous diffusion imaging studies were conducted in small samples, preventing examination of potential sex by callous-unemotional traits interaction effects on white matter. Here, we used tract-based spatial statistics at a whole-brain level and within regions of interest to compare the white matter correlates of callous-unemotional traits in female vs. male youths with conduct disorder, in a sample (n = 124) recruited through a multi-site protocol. A sex-specific association between callous-unemotional traits and white matter was found in the left uncinate fasciculus, where callous-unemotional traits were positively associated with axial diffusivity in males, while an opposite pattern was found in females. These findings are in line with previous studies suggesting that the uncinate fasciculus is a key tract implicated in the development of psychopathy, but also add to recent evidence showing that sexual dimorphism needs to be taken into account when examining the structural correlates of mental disorders in general, and callous-unemotional traits in conduct disorder in particular. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leptospirosis is an emerging infectious disease caused by pathogenic Leptospira spp. A universal vaccine against leptospirosis is likely to require highly conserved epitopes from pathogenic leptospires that are exposed on the bacterial surface and that generate a protective and sterilizing immune response. Our group recently identified several genes predicted to encode TonB-dependent receptors (TBDR) in Leptospira interrogans using a reverse vaccinology approach. Three leptospiral TBDRs were previously described and partially characterized as ferric-citrate, hemin, and cobalamin transporters. In the current study, we designed a fusion protein composed of predicted surface-exposed epitopes from three conserved leptospiral TBDRs. Based on their three-dimensional structural models and the prediction of immunogenic regions, nine putative surface-exposed fragments were selected to compose a recombinant chimeric protein. A Mycobacterium bovis BCG strain expressing this chimeric antigen encoded in the pUP500/PpAN mycobacterial expression vector was used to immunize Syrian hamsters. All animals (20/20) vaccinated with recombinant BCG survived infection with an endpoint dose of L. interrogans (p < 0.001). No animal survived in the negative control group. Immunization with our recombinant BCG elicited a humoral immune response against leptospiral TBDRs, as demonstrated by ELISA and immunoblot. No leptospiral DNA was detected by lipL32 qPCR in the kidneys of vaccinated hamsters. Similarly, no growth was observed in macerated kidney cultures from the same animals, suggesting the induction of a sterilizing immune response. Design of new vaccine antigens based on the structure of outer membrane proteins is a promising approach to overcome the impact of leptospirosis by vaccination. Key points: • Predicted surface-exposed epitopes were identified in three leptospiral TBDRs. • An M. bovis BCG strain expressing a chimeric protein (rTBDRchi) was constructed. • Hamsters vaccinated with rBCG:TBDRchi were protected from lethal leptospirosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ouabain is a cardiac steroid hormone with immunomodulatory effects. It inhibits neutrophils migration induced by different stimuli, but little is known about the mechanisms involved in this effect. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the ouabain effect on chemotactic signaling pathways in neutrophils. For that, mice neutrophils were isolated from bone marrow, treated with ouabain (1, 10, and 100 nM) for 2 h, submitted to transwell chemotaxis assay and flow cytometry analysis of Akt, ERK, JNK, and p38 phosphorylation induced by zymosan. Ouabain treatment (1, 10 and, 100 nM) reduces neutrophil chemotaxis induced by chemotactic peptide fMLP, but this substance did not inhibit Akt, ERK, and JNK activation induced by zymosan. However, ouabain (1 and 10 nM) reduced p38 phosphorylation in zymosan-stimulated neutrophils. These results suggest that ouabain may interfere in neutrophil migration through p38 MAPK inhibition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An optimistic narrative has gained momentum during the first year of the pandemic: the COVID-19 crisis may have opened a window of opportunity to "rebuild better", to spur societal transitions towards environmental sustainability. In this comment, we review first evidence of individual and political changes made so far. Findings suggest that economies worldwide are not yet building back better. Against this background, we argue that a naïve opportunity narrative may even impair the progress of transitions towards environmental sustainability because it may render green recovery measures ineffective, costly, or infeasible. Based on these observations, we derive conditions for green recovery policies to succeed. They should consist of a policy mix combining well-targeted green subsidies with initiatives to price emissions and scrap environmentally harmful subsidies. Moreover, green recovery policies must be embedded into a narrative that avoids trading off environmental sustainability with other domains of sustainability—and rather highlights respective synergies that can be realized when recovering from the COVID-19 crisis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wooden breast (WB) condition is a chicken myopathy that causes quality losses and has been shown to negatively affect the sensory acceptance by consumers. In this work, we prepared emulsified chicken patties using WB meat and evaluated their texture profile and acceptability. Three formulations were processed: PN (100% normal breast), PW (100% WB meat) and PNW (50%:50% PN:PW). All the analyzed samples were in accordance with Brazilian legislation parameters for microbiological traits. A marked decrease (P < 0.001) of hardness was noted for PW and PNW samples compared with PN. The sensory ratings were not affected (P > 0.05) by the addition of WB meat in the different treatments. In fact, all samples presented a global sensory acceptance above 70%. The use of WB meat in the formulation of chicken patties is a useful practice to minimize the economic losses in the poultry industry, also helping to support decision-making and improve production performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diclofenac (DCF), 17-β-estradiol (E2), and 17-α-ethinylestradiol (EE2) are emerging pollutants included in the first watch list agreed by European countries and set in the EU Water Directive. The objective of the present study was the analytical monitoring of DCF, E2, and EE2 in surface water and sediment of the Manzanares River in a stretch that crosses the city of Madrid, Spain, and to assess whether such environmental levels could affect the development of aquatic vertebrates through a zebrafish embryo-larval assay. Samples taken during two campaigns in the spring of 2015 were analyzed for DCF, E2, and EE2 by LC-MS or GC-MS. The levels of E2 and EE2 measured in surface water and sediments of the Manzanares were within the ranges reported in other Spanish and European studies; however, DCF levels were higher in the present study. The zebrafish embryos exposed to the Manzanares River water (0–144h) showed lethal effects and sublethal effects (developmental delay, bradycardia, and reduced locomotion). Nevertheless, these effects were not primarily associated with the levels of DCF, E2, and EE2 present in the Manzanares River, because representative mixtures of the field study prepared in the laboratory did not exhibit such toxicity to the zebrafish embryos. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Children with neuromuscular disorders have been assumed to be a particularly vulnerable population since the beginning of COVID-19. Although this is a plausible hypothesis, there is no evidence that complications or mortality rates in neuromuscular patients are higher than in the general population. The aim of this study is to describe the clinical characteristics and outcome of COVID-19 in children with neuromuscular disorders. Methods: A registry of children with neuromuscular conditions and laboratory-confirmed-SARS-CoV-2 infection was set up by the Neuromuscular Working Group of the Spanish Pediatric Neurology Society (SENEP). Data to be collected were focused on the characteristics and baseline status of the neuromuscular condition and the course of COVID-19. Results: Severe complications were not observed in our series of 29 children with neuromuscular disorders infected by SARS-CoV-2. Eighty-nine percent of patients were clinically categorized as asymptomatic or mild cases and 10% as moderate cases. Patients with a relatively more severe course of COVID-19 had SMA type 1 and were between 1 and 3 years. Conclusions: The course of COVID-19 in children with neuromuscular disorders may not be as severe as expected. The protective role of young age seems to outweigh the risk factors that are common in neuromuscular patients, such as a decreased respiratory capacity or a weak cough. Further studies are needed to know if this finding can be generalized to children with other chronic diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High fish production is essential to meet the demand, but inappropriate destination of large volumes of byproduct cause environmental pollution. The cutting step for frozen eviscerated fish using band saw machines produces a type of "fish powder" byproduct with high protein content. The objective of this study was to optimize the process of obtaining protein hydrolysates from the cutting byproducts of Serra Spanish Mackerel (SSM) and to evaluate the final product regarding its technological properties. The optimal conditions for obtaining the protein hydrolysate from the cutting byproducts of SSM using a band saw machine were an enzyme:substrate ratio (w/w) of 5.0% and 240 min of enzymatic hydrolysis. Both treatments (+ DH and − DH) yielded volatile compounds with a characteristic fish aroma, and both can be used for flavoring. The − DH hydrolysate showed better technological performance by stabilizing emulsions and retaining oil, and they could be added to emulsified products, improving their technological and sensory aspects. For the antioxidant capacity, the + DH hydrolysate showed higher efficiency, and it was indicated for use in food products, with the aim of extending the shelf life by stabilizing food lipids and proteins, ensuring the quality of the product during storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: There is a need to optimize the current clinical outcome measures in spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) incorporating patients' and caregivers' perspectives. The aim of this study is to evaluate the psychometric properties (validity, reliability and sensitivity to change) of a set of existing questionnaires and newly created items grouped in a "toolbox" to assess the impact of SMA on the physical, psychological and activities of daily living domains of the patient's life. Methods: This non-interventional, prospective study will be conducted at 12 neuromuscular clinics specialized in the management of patients with SMA in Spain. An expert panel of pediatric and adult neurologists, rehabilitation physicians, and a patient representative participated in the study design and selected key disease dimensions to explore and their respective measurements: mobility-independence, fatigue and endurance, pain, fatigability, breathing and voice, sleep and rest, and vulnerability. Patients aged 2 years or older with a confirmed diagnosis of 5q-autosomal recessive SMA (genetic confirmation of homozygous deletion or heterozygosity predictive of loss of function of the SMN1 gene) will be recruited. Planned Outcomes: The development of robust outcome measures in collaboration with the patient community is essential to determine what is meaningful to patients and their caregivers. This study will provide us with a comprehensive set of tools to better capture the course of the disease and the response to treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Morita-Baylis-Hillman adducts (MBHA) are synthetic molecules with several biological actions already described in the literature. It has been previously described that adduct 2-(3-hydroxy-2-oxoindolin-3-yl)acrylonitrile (ISACN) has anticancer potential in leukemic cells. Inflammation is often associated with the development and progression of cancer. Therefore, to better understand the effect of ISACN, this study aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory potential of ISACN both in vitro and in vivo. Results demonstrated that ISACN negatively modulated the production of inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6 by cultured macrophages. In vivo, ISACN 6 and 24 mg/kg treatment promoted reduced leukocyte migration, especially neutrophils, to the peritoneal cavity of zymosan-challenged animals. ISACN displays no anti-edematogenic activity, but it was able to promote a significant reduction in the production of inflammatory cytokines in the peritoneal cavity. These data show, for the first time, that MBHA ISACN negatively modulates several aspects of the inflammatory response, such as cell migration and cytokine production in vivo and in vitro, thus having an anti-inflammatory potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Post-stroke depression is a frequent complication of cerebrovascular lesions and mainly occurs within the first 6 months after stroke. Stroke patients who develop depression have slower recovery, greater disability, and higher mortality rates. The pathophysiology of post-stroke depression is not yet clearly defined, but studies suggest contributions from both psychosocial factors and stroke-related factors, such as lesions affecting the frontal-subcortical circuits. Early treatment has a positive impact on post-stroke rehabilitation outcome and survival. We present the case of an 82-year-old man with no psychiatric history who was brought to the psychiatric emergency department after two suicide attempts in the span of 7 days. He was severely depressed, with feelings of hopelessness, insomnia, and suicidal ideation. He had suffered a stroke the week before, affecting the anterior portion of the left cingulate gyrus, causing right hemiparesis and paresthesia. The psychiatric symptoms developed immediately after the stroke and were not present before the event. He was admitted to the psychiatry ward, treated with sertraline 100 mg/day and quetiapine 50 mg/day and discharged within 28 days, after full remission of symptoms. Our case strengthens the association between lesions located to the frontal-subcortical circuits and post-stroke depression. Physicians should be vigilant regarding the occurrence of depression in stroke patients, especially those who suffer lesions affecting the frontal-subcortical circuits and related regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]