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Considering that structural differences could affect the photocatalytic efficiency of titanate perovskites, cubic SrTiO3 (STO) and tetragonal CaTiO3 (CTO) were synthesised as models to elucidate the structure‐activity relationship. STO and CTO materials were produced through hydrothermal approaches, adjusting parameters such as temperature and pressure to optimise material purity. Among the perovskite photocatalysts, two stand out for their exceptional photocatalytic capacity and crystalline purity: CaTiO3, prepared at 180 °C for 36 h, and SrTiO3, synthesised at 200 °C for 24 h. Notably, we explore the selective ability of these materials for the photocatalytic oxidative self‐coupling of benzylamine (BZA) to produce N‐benzylidenebenzylamine (BZI), with CaTiO3 emerging as the most efficient catalyst for this reaction. The CTO material prepared at 180 °C for 36 h (CTO180T‐36) achieved a peak BZI production of 0.5 mM, with a total conversion of BZA after 7 h of irradiation. This study also emphasises the crucial role of reaction conditions and perovskite morphologies in fine‐tuning photocatalytic performance. These findings highlight opportunities for developing efficient and selective photocatalytic processes, holding the compromise for applications in organic synthesis and sustainable green chemistry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Selective synthesis of furfuryl alcohol from furfural conversion via semiconductor photocatalytic route has appeared as a promising solution for transforming biomass into high‐value‐added products under mild temperature and pressure conditions. Titanium dioxide (TiO2) photocatalysts were prepared by a simple sol‐gel method followed by a calcination treatment ranging from 500–1000 °C, resulting in materials with distinct physicochemical properties. The photocatalytic efficiency of the TiO2 samples was examined in the selective production of furfuryl alcohol from furfural under UV‐LED irradiation. The influence of various organic solvents, including ethanol, methanol, 2‐propanol, and acetonitrile, was evaluated to optimise the selectivity towards furfuryl alcohol production. Photocatalysts with larger anatase to rutile ratio and increased density of oxygen vacancies (defects) exhibited superior performance for furfuryl alcohol production. The presence of these defects on the catalyst surface leads to a significant enhancement in the photocatalytic efficiency by acting as crucial active sites. Among the TiO2 samples, the highest conversion of furfural into furfuryl alcohol was observed with the TiO2 sample calcined under an air atmosphere at 600 °C (TiO2‐600), achieving 85 % yield and 100 % selectivity for furfural after 30 min reaction using ethanol as solvent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Johann Emanuel Pohl (1782–1834) was a Bohemian‐born Austrian botanist who, together with Johann Baptist von Spix and Carl Friedrich Philipp von Martius, traveled to Brazil from 1817 to 1821. He described several new plant species from Brazil, including those in the genus Vellozia (Velloziaceae). The material analyzed by Pohl was deposited mainly at herbarium W; however, part of the collection was destroyed by war accidents, including most of the types of Vellozia. Vellozia is a Neotropical genus with its main distribution in the Brazilian vegetation named campos rupestres. Vellozia is among the most abundant and species‐rich vascular‐plant genera in the campos rupestres with 125 recognized species. Pohl described 14 new species of Vellozia. We designate lectotypes for the names V. gardneri (a synonym of V. glauca), V. graminea, V. phalocarpa, V. pusilla, and V. triquetra. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bismuth halide perovskites have emerged as promising alternatives for sustainable and efficient photocatalysts for light‐induced organic transformations. Caesium bismuth halide perovskites (Cs3Bi2(ClxBr1‐x)9) with different ratios of chloride and bromide were synthesised using a one‐step solution process. These perovskites were then employed as photocatalysts for the photocatalytic oxidative coupling of benzylamine (BZA) to produce N‐benzylidenebenzylamine (BZI) under ultraviolet‐visible light radiation at ambient conditions. The incorporation of bromide ions into the chloride‐based perovskite resulted in a noticeable reduction in the bandgap, leading to an enhancement in the photocatalytic activity. Conversely, the addition of chloride ions within the bromide‐based perovskite was found to be beneficial for the material's photostability while simultaneously maintaining its high photocatalytic activity. The optimal compromise between the stability and photocatalytic activity for the BZI production was achieved using Cs3Bi2(Cl0.8Br0.2)9, being attained a total BZA conversion and the maximum BZI production with 100 % of selectivity after 6 hours of irradiation. The efficiency of this photocatalyst was ascribed to the highest current density observed during the photocurrent experiments, which improves the charge carrier mobility of the resulting material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some dolphin species produce signature whistles, which may allow the identification of individual dolphins using passive acoustic monitoring (PAM). Identifying individuals by their sounds may enhance the opportunities for monitoring and addressing biological and ecological questions about these species. Here, we explored the potential of signature whistles to investigate ecological aspects of a resident bottlenose dolphin population. Using a limited data set, with few individuals recognized by signature whistles, combined with spatial capture‐recapture (SCR) methods, we investigated how effective such approach is describing spatial use patterns and estimating density for this population. The data were collected using 4–6 stationary bottom‐moored recorders. Since only eight signature whistles were identified, our density estimate may represent a subset of the entire population. However, even with only a few signature whistles identified, our results confirmed the center of the core area used by these dolphins as the area with the highest encounter probability. In addition, our results provided evidence that these dolphins have the same spatial use pattern at night as during the day. This study shows that SCR analysis of signature whistle data can improve our ecological knowledge and understanding of dolphin populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zeolite has a great capacity of adsorption and ion exchange. Silver ions are impregnated into the zeolite matrix by ion exchange, which results in the formation of an antimicrobial complex. By using a factorial design, this study explores the influence of pH, temperature, and silver nitrate concentration on the characteristics of ZeAg complexes. The ZeAg8 complex, produced with the factors of [AgNO3] of 4000 mg/L, pH 5 and T 45 °C showed promising results, showing antimicrobial activity, and maintained an original crystalline structure of the zeolite after the experimental conditions. Experimental design analysis showed that lower pH and temperature favored larger particle diameter and induce disruption of the crystalline structure of the zeolite. Silver ions impregnation into zeolite under specific conditions create a potential antimicrobial complex for wound dressings, promoting tissue regeneration and healing while preventing potential complications associated with silver treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the bone healing of tight‐fit implants placed in the maxilla and mandible of subjects compromised with metabolic syndrome (MS) and type‐2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). Eighteen Göttingen minipigs were randomly distributed into three groups: (i) control (normal diet), (ii) MS (cafeteria diet for obesity induction), (iii) T2DM (cafeteria diet for obesity induction + Streptozotocin for T2DM induction). Maxillary and mandibular premolars and molar were extracted. After 8 weeks of healing, implants with progressive small buttress threads were placed, and allowed to integrate for 6 weeks after which the implant/bone blocks were retrieved for histological processing. Qualitative and quantitative histomorphometric analyses (percentage of bone‐to‐implant contact, %BIC, and bone area fraction occupancy within implant threads, %BAFO) were performed. The bone healing process around the implant occurred predominantly through interfacial remodeling with subsequent bone apposition. Data as a function of systemic condition yielded significantly higher %BIC and %BAFO values for healthy and MS relative to T2DM. Data as a function of maxilla and mandible did not yield significant differences for either %BIC and %BAFO. When considering both factors, healthy and MS subjects had %BIC and %BAFO trend towards higher values in the mandible relative to maxilla, whereas T2DM yielded higher %BIC and %BAFO in the maxilla relative to mandible. All systemic conditions presented comparable levels of %BIC and %BAFO in the maxilla; healthy and MS presented significantly higher %BIC and %BAFO relative to T2DM in the mandible. T2DM presented lower amounts of bone formation around implants relative to MS and healthy. Implants placed in the maxilla and in the mandible showed comparable amounts of bone in proximity to implants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Uninfected animals can attempt to prevent parasitism in many ways. Behavioural avoidance of parasitized conspecifics, for instance, is documented in several species.Interactions with parasitized conspecifics can also, however, lead to physiological changes in uninfected animals, an effect that is much less well studied, and consequently, less well understood. The way in which exposure to parasitism risk changes the physiology of uninfected animals and the impacts of those changes on animal fitness remain a significant gap in knowledge.Determining how the disease environment experienced by animals impacts their physiology, survival and reproduction has major implications for our knowledge of how parasites affect populations beyond their consumptive effects. If the physiological changes triggered in uninfected animals help reduce disease burden or speed up recovery from disease, they can have cascading effects on disease dynamics; therefore, they are important to study and understand.In this perspective, I highlight studies in vertebrates and invertebrates that demonstrate the existence of these responses. I also consider how these responses may be adaptive and instances when they should occur. Finally, I briefly discuss the importance of studying these responses in relation to animal welfare, human health, disease dynamics and experimental design. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Southern right whales use the Brazilian coast as a wintering area. This population was severely depleted by whaling up until 1973. Since the 1980s, studies have shown that this species is now restricted to the southern waters of Brazil. Using photo‐identification data obtained via standardized aerial surveys from Florianópolis, State of Santa Catarina (SC) (−27.797°/−48.533°) to Torres, State of Rio Grande do Sul (RS) (−29.396°/−49.763°), mark‐recapture methods were used to estimate survival capture and recruitment probability, population size using the POPAN model for reproductive females. Data were collected between 2004 and 2021. The final model was selected based on the lowest Akaike Information Criterion value. Of the 396 female whales identified, 41.41% were recaptured at least once. The final POPAN model showed time dependence in all parameters. The population size was estimated to be 397 reproductive females. This is the first update on the population trends for southern right whales in Brazilian breeding grounds since 2010. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Animals exhibit a variety of behavioural defences against socially transmitted parasites. These defences evolved to increase host fitness by avoiding, resisting or tolerating infection.Because they can occur in both infected individuals and their uninfected social partners, these defences often have important consequences for the social group.Here, we discuss the evolution and ecology of anti‐parasite behavioural defences across a taxonomically wide social spectrum, considering colonial groups, stable groups, transitional groups and solitary animals.We discuss avoidance, resistance and tolerance behaviours across these social group structures, identifying how social complexity, group composition and interdependent social relationships may contribute to the expression and evolution of behavioural strategies.Finally, we outline avenues for further investigation such as approaches to quantify group‐level responses, and the connection of the physiological and behavioural response to parasites in different social contexts. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radiation therapy is a technology‐driven cancer treatment modality that has experienced significant advances over the last decades, due to multidisciplinary contributions that include engineering and computing. Recent technological developments allow the use of noncoplanar volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT), one of the most recent photon treatment techniques, in clinical practice. In this work, an automated noncoplanar arc trajectory optimization framework designed in two modular phases is presented. First, a noncoplanar beam angle optimization algorithm is used to obtain a set of noncoplanar irradiation directions. Then, anchored in these directions, an optimization strategy is proposed to compute an optimal arc trajectory. The computational experiments considered a pool of twelve difficult head‐and‐neck tumor cases. It was possible to observe that, for some of these cases, the optimized noncoplanar arc trajectories led to significant treatment planning quality improvements, when compared with coplanar VMAT treatment plans. Although these experiments were done in a research environment treatment planning software (matRad), the conclusions can be of interest for a clinical setting: automated procedures can simplify the current treatment workflow, produce high‐quality treatment plans, making better use of human resources and allowing for unbiased comparisons between different treatment techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intensity‐modulated radiation therapy is used worldwide to treat cancer patients. The objective of this treatment is to deliver a prescribed radiation dose to the tumor while sparing, as much as possible, all the healthy tissues, especially organs at risk (OAR). This means that the planning of a radiotherapy treatment should take into consideration conflicting objectives: to be able to spare as much as possible the OAR guaranteeing, at the same time, that the desired radiation is delivered to the volumes to treat. While the volumes to treat can be adequately irradiated from almost any set of directions, the radiation directions that are chosen have a determinant impact on the OAR. This means that those directions that provide an improved OAR sparing should be selected. The choice of radiation directions (beam angles) can thus be interpreted as being fundamentally determined by the OAR, with the radiation intensities associated with each of these directions being determined by the needed radiation to be delivered to the volumes to treat. In this work, we interpret the radiotherapy treatment planning problem as a bi‐level optimization problem. At the upper level, OAR control the choice of the beam angles, which are selected aiming at OAR sparing. At the lower level, the optimal radiation intensities are decided by the volumes to treat, considering the beam angle ensemble obtained at the upper level. The proposed bi‐level approach was tested using 10 clinical head‐and‐neck cancer cases already treated at the Portuguese Institute of Oncology in Coimbra. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: We sought to quantify the reliability and validity of remote atopic dermatitis (AD) severity assessment using the Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) applied to caregiver‐provided photos (p‐EASI) and videos (v‐EASI). Methods: Children (0–17 years) with a physician diagnosis of AD were recruited. Caregivers took photos and a video of their child's skin. A clinician scored in‐person EASI on the same day, then p‐EASI and v‐EASI for each participant 10 days or more between ratings. Two additional clinicians scored p‐EASI and v‐EASI. Lin's concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) was employed to assess criterion validity using in‐person EASI as the gold standard. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were calculated to assess interrater reliability of p‐EASI and v‐EASI. Results: Fifty racially and ethnically diverse children (age [mean ± SD]: 4.3 ± 4.4 years; 42% female) with a range of AD severity (EASI: 6.3 ± 6.4) and Fitzpatrick skin types (1–2: 9%; 3–4: 60%; 5–6: 31%) were enrolled and received in‐person EASI assessment. Fifty had p‐EASI and 49 had v‐EASI by the same in‐person rater, and by two additional raters. The CCC and ICC for p‐EASI were 0.89, 95% CI [0.83, 0.95] and 0.81, 95% CI [0.71, 0.89], respectively. The CCC and ICC for v‐EASI were 0.75, 95% CI [0.63, 0.88] and 0.69, 95% CI [0.51, 0.81], respectively. Conclusions: In this diverse population with a range of skin tones, p‐EASI showed good criterion validity and good interrater reliability. v‐EASI showed moderate to good criterion validity and moderate interrater reliability. Both may be reliable and valid options for remote AD severity assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trophic ecology information about cetaceans is essential to understand their role in ecosystem dynamics. Stable isotope analysis is a valuable complementary approach to conventional methods usually applied to the study of the foraging behavior of cetaceans because it provides dietary information over different time scales and can potentially use tissues archived in scientific collections. However, the considerable increase in stable isotope analysis by a growing number of cetacean research groups demands the use of proper protocols to ensure that accurate isotopic data are obtained. We provide a theoretical background of stable isotope analysis and its application to assess cetaceans' trophic ecology. We review the factors that can influence isotopic measurements and propose a practical guideline with suitable techniques for sample preparation of biological tissues to be employed by researchers to yield reliability in the interpretation of isotopic data. We summarized the main assumptions and inherent limitations that can lead to confounding interpretations of isotopic data, such as species‐ and tissue‐specific discrimination factors, temporal or spatial variation in prey, and baseline isotopic values in the context of cetacean ecology. Our detailed review offers important guidance for researchers who want to use stable isotope analysis to address different ecological questions with cetacean species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. Fertilization input is required to improve productivity and attend the market demand for tomatoes. However, providing crops with nutrients can affect plant–insect interactions via bottom‐up effects. The South American tomato pinworm, Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), is a main pest of tomato crops worldwide but little is known about the effects of macro‐elements fertilization inputs on its biological traits. 2. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of low, high and normal fertilization levels calcium, sulphur, nitrogen and potassium to tomato plants on T. absoluta development, survival and crop damage. 3. Larval mortality was lower in tomato plants fertilized with high sulphur fertilization level. The number of mines per leaf was not affected by calcium, sulphur and potassium fertilization, but low nitrogen input resulted in higher crop damage. Overall, our results indicate that nutritionally unbalanced tomato plants improve the biological performance of T. absoluta in comparison with balanced plants. 4. The results provide useful information that can be used in fertilization programmes of tomato and planning of strategies and tactics to reduce tomato suitability to T. absoluta. 5. In addition, the obtained findings provide an insight into the basic understanding of the interactions between crop fertilization and the performance T. absoluta. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Drug utilization research (DUR) contributes to inform policymaking and to strengthen health systems. The availability of data sources is the first step for conducting DUR. However, documents that systematize these data sources in Latin American (LatAm) countries are not known. We compiled the potential data sources for DUR in the LatAm region. Methods: A network of DUR experts from nine LatAm countries was assembled and experts conducted: (i) a website search of the government, academic, and private health institutions; (ii) screening of eligible data sources, and (iii) liaising with national experts in pharmacoepidemiology (via an online survey). The data sources were characterized by accessibility, geographic granularity, setting, sector of the data, sources and type of the data. Descriptive analyses were performed. Results: We identified 125 data sources for DUR in nine LatAm countries. Thirty‐eight (30%) of them were publicly and conveniently available; 89 (71%) were accessible with limitations, and 18 (14%) were not accessible or lacked clear rules for data access. From the 125 data sources, 76 (61%) were from the public sector only; 46 (37%) were from pharmacy records; 43 (34%) came from ambulatory settings and; 85 (68%) gave access to individual patient‐level data. Conclusions: Although multiple sources for DUR are available in LatAm countries, the accessibility is a major challenge. The procedures for accessing DUR data should be transparent, feasible, affordable, and protocol‐driven. This inventory could permit a comparison of drug utilization between countries identifying potential medication‐related problems that need further exploration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flow patterns and pressure-drop through three fine-fibre air filter media were simulated using the lattice Boltzmann method. The geometry for the flow domain was two-dimensional, with fibres having truncated log-normal diameter distributions matching SEM photograph measurements on the actual media. The influence of the strategy in positioning the fibres inside the computational domain on the pressure drop of the filter media was investigated. Two different schemes were proposed to position the fibres into a cross section of the filter medium: a random distribution algorithm and the Mitchell's best candidate algorithm. Furthermore, no-slip and free-slip boundary conditions were tested for the fluid-fibre interaction. The comparison between numerical and experimental data shows that the random allocation of fibres better predicted the filter media behaviour. Simulated data suggest that the free-slip boundary condition must be used when studying the interaction of the fluid with small fibres similar to the size of the fibres used in this study. This study allowed the development of a simple strategy to estimate the pressure drop of a filter medium by having little information of its physical structure, such as solid fraction and diameter distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The small population paradigm assumes that populations with low numbers of individuals intrinsically have a high probability of extinction. The small population of Lahille's bottlenose dolphins Tursiops truncatusgephyreus that specializes in foraging with artisanal fishers in Laguna, southern Brazil, faces human pressures including bycatch in fishing gear. The viability of this population was modelled over 30 and 100 years under different levels of bycatch, including the current scenario of two bycatches every year, two scenarios with higher incidence of bycatches and three management scenarios. The sensitivity of predicted growth rates to fixed‐proportion and observed‐variation changes in life history parameters was explored.The current scenario predicted a declining population (r = −0.014; λ = 0.986) with a high probability of extinction in the long term (PE = 0.71). A small increase in bycatches would result in a marked increase in the probability of extinction. Management scenarios seem promising, but only the zero‐bycatch management scenario would make the difference between a declining and an increasing population.As expected for slow‐growing species, population growth rate was most sensitive to proportional changes in adult female and juvenile survival. However, considering observed variation in vital rates, population dynamics were most influenced by variation in reproductive rates.To determine the highest priority for management action, another simulation was made of how additional threat scenarios of recognized human activities (i.e. bycatch influencing adult survival and increased underwater noise or pollution influencing calf survival) would affect population dynamics. Population growth rate was very sensitive to changes in adult bycatch (especially females), as expected, and only subtly sensitive to a reduction in calf survival.The current level of bycatch is unsustainable. Bycatch needs to be eliminated to maximize the probability of long‐term persistence of this dolphin population. However, this population's persistence could be threatened by natural variation in reproductive rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most atopic dermatitis (AD) patients are managed by primary care providers (PCPs). PCP discomfort diagnosing and managing AD leads to suboptimal patient outcomes. In order to determine the efficacy of interventions aimed at improving PCP management of AD, a systematic literature review was performed for interventions to improve primary care management of AD. PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, LILACS, Cochrane, GREAT, and CINAHL were searched from database origin to February 24, 2020. Two reviewers independently performed the title/abstract and full‐text review, and data extraction. Overall, 3009 non‐duplicate articles were screened; 145 full‐text articles were assessed. Thirteen studies met inclusion criteria, including 8 randomized controlled trials, 2 cohorts, 2 qualitative studies, and 1 unspecified design. Seven interventions (53.8%) significantly improved PCP knowledge/ability and/or a patient outcome, including patients consulting with a dermatology‐trained nurse, pairing clinical education with expert consultation, pairing trainees with clinical mentors, giving clinicians a treatment guide, pairing clinical education with a treatment guide, and providing an eczema action plan. Studies had moderate‐high risk‐of‐bias, moderate quality, and heterogeneous designs. There are few studies published and little evidence supporting the efficacy of interventions aimed at improving primary care management of AD. Further research is required to develop and implement effective interventions to improve primary care management of AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Santa Catarina State, in southern Brazil, is an important breeding ground for the southern right whale and it is possible to record mother‐calf pairs and unaccompanied adults that migrate to this coast to either give birth, mate, or socialize. From the geographical position of the sightings, spatial segregation was evaluated between mother‐calf pairs and unaccompanied whales. Using GAM, we analyzed 15 years of aerial survey data from 2003 to 2018. The study area (780 km2) was divided into 500 × 500 m grid cells. Whale count per grid cell was modeled using a set of explanatory variables. The explanatory variables of latitude, coast distance, seabed, and maximum SST were selected for both classes. However, coast type was also selected for unaccompanied whales, while coast linearity and bathymetric slope were additionally selected for mother‐calf pairs. The response curves fitted by models indicated a certain degree of spatial segregation, by which mother‐calf pairs remained closer to the coast, where the curve peak is reached at 500 m from the coast, compared to unaccompanied whales where the curve peaked near 1,000 m from the coast. Also, unaccompanied whales more frequently appeared in the southern boundaries of the study area, at latitudes south from 28.4°S. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on low 18:0 contents observed in milk fat of cows fed cactus cladodes (CC), we hypothesized that including Opuntia stricta cladodes in a soybean oil (SO)‐supplemented diet would promote incomplete rumen biohydrogenation of supplemental PUFA, leading to increased trans‐11 18:1 and cis‐9, trans‐11 CLA contents in milk. Twelve Holstein cows were used in a two‐period study: (a) Baseline: all cows received a total mixed ration (TMR) composed of sorghum silage (SS) and a concentrate containing no SO for 14 days; (b) Treatment: cows received one of the following SO‐supplemented diets for 21 days: (1) SS‐TMR: a TMR composed of SS and a SO‐enriched concentrate, (2) CC‐TMR: a TMR containing CC as a partial substitute for SS plus the SO‐enriched concentrate, and (3) CC‐PMR: same diet as in treatment 2, but CC were mixed with the SO‐enriched concentrate and fed as a partial mixed ration (PMR). Both CC diets increased relative abundances of trans‐11 18:1, cis‐9, trans‐11 CLA, and 18:2 n‐6 in milk fat, whereas opposite effects were observed on 18:0 and cis‐9 18:1. Proportion of 18:2 n‐6 increased, and cis‐9, trans‐11 CLA tended to increase with CC‐PMR as compared to CC‐TMR, whereas 18:3 n‐3 was higher with CC‐PMR than with SS‐TMR. Proportions of several odd‐ and branched‐chain fatty acids, certain 18:1 isomers, and trans‐9, cis‐11 CLA changed with CC diets, notably with CC‐PMR. Milk yield and intake of most nutrients (except fibre) increased or tended to increase with the CC diets, whereas gross milk composition was unaltered. Stearoyl‐CoA desaturase‐1 index for C18 (SCD18) was higher with CC‐PMR than with SS‐TMR, and milk n‐6:n‐3 FA ratio and apparent transfer of 18:2 n‐6 to milk increased with CC diets. These results indicate that Opuntia stricta cladodes can be a valuable feed ingredient for improving the nutraceutical value of milk fat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Subtropical seagrass meadows play a major role in the coastal carbon cycle, but the nature of air–water CO2 exchanges over these ecosystems is still poorly understood. The complex physical forcing of air–water exchange in coastal waters challenges our ability to quantify bulk exchanges of CO2 and water (evaporation), emphasizing the need for direct measurements. We describe the first direct measurements of evaporation and CO2 flux over a calcifying seagrass meadow near Bob Allen Keys, Florida. Over the 78‐d study, CO2 emissions were 36% greater during the day than at night, and the site was a net CO2 source to the atmosphere of 0.27 ± 0.17 μmol m−2 s−1 (x̅ ± standard deviation). A quarter (23%) of the diurnal variability in CO2 flux was caused by the effect of changing water temperature on gas solubility. Furthermore, evaporation rates were ~ 10 times greater than precipitation, causing a 14% increase in salinity, a potential precursor of seagrass die‐offs. Evaporation rates were not correlated with solar radiation, but instead with air–water temperature gradient and wind shear. We also confirm the role of convective forcing on night‐time enhancement and day‐time suppression of gas transfer. At this site, temperature trends are regulated by solar heating, combined with shallow water depth and relatively consistent air temperature. Our findings indicate that evaporation and air–water CO2 exchange over shallow, tropical, and subtropical seagrass ecosystems may be fundamentally different than in submerged vegetated environments elsewhere, in part due to the complex physical forcing of coastal air–sea gas transfer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Starch/polyester blends are potential substitutes for non‐degradable materials. Active food packaging was produced by the blown‐extrusion of starch/poly (butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) (PBAT) blends added to α‐tocopherol (α‐TOC). The films showed adequate stability and processability by the blown‐extrusion method and were converted into an essentially amorphous and homogeneous material. The transparency and water vapor permeability of the films increased with the addition of α‐TOC. The antioxidant interfered in the organization of the polymeric matrix, which was confirmed by SEM images, resulting in lower tensile strength and elongation at break, with no interference due to the α‐TOC concentration. The inclusion of α‐TOC did not influence the thermal stability, and it increased the crystallinity of the samples. The formulation with the lowest concentrations of the antioxidant (T0.25) presented an almost complete release of α‐TOC, proving the efficiency of the films as active packaging. The complete degradation of the materials was proved by evaluating the composting of the films. The eco‐friendly films are promising materials for active food packaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sympatric species are expected to differ in ecological requirements to minimize niche overlap and avoid competition. Here we assess the trophic interactions among three coexisting dolphin species from southern Brazil: the franciscana dolphin (Pontoporia blainvillei), the Guiana dolphin (Sotalia guianensis), and the Lahille's bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus gephyreus). We evaluated temporal variation in carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) isotope values of bone collagen to examine potential dietary shifts resulting from increased fishing activity over the past three decades. We estimated the degree of niche overlap among these species and the contribution of potential prey sources to their diet. δ15N values were consistent among species and across years, while δ13C values increased for Guiana dolphins and decreased for bottlenose dolphins, suggesting changes in diet and/or foraging habitats through time. The similar δ13C and δ15N values and the high niche overlap between Guiana and bottlenose dolphins indicate that these species are primarily feeding on demersal prey. The franciscana diet is primarily composed of pelagic prey, resulting in a lower niche overlap in comparison with the other dolphin species. Our study provides further information about the foraging ecology of this unique dolphin community in southern Brazil with implications for its management and conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The International Society of Pharmacoepidemiology (ISPE) in collaboration with the Latin America Drug Utilization Research Group (LatAm DURG), the Medicines Utilization Research in Africa (MURIA) group, and the Uppsala Monitoring Center, is leading an initiative to understand challenges to drug utilization research (DUR) in the Latin American (LatAm) and African regions with the goal of communicating results and proposing solutions to these challenges in four scientific publications. The purpose of this first manuscript is to identify the main challenges associated with DUR in the LatAm region. Methods: Drug utilization (DU) researchers in the LatAm region voluntarily participated in multiple discussions, contributed with local data and reviewed successive drafts and the final manuscript. Additionally, we carried out a literature review to identify the most relevant publications related to DU studies from the LatAm region. Results: Multiple challenges were identified in the LatAm region for DUR including socioeconomic inequality, access to medical care, complexity of the healthcare system, limited investment in research and development, limited institutional and organization resources, language barriers, limited health education and literacy. Further, there is limited use of local DUR data by decision makers particularly in the identification of emerging health needs coming from social and demographic transitions. Conclusions: The LatAm region faces challenges to DUR which are inherent in the healthcare and political systems, and potential solutions should target changes to the system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The knowledge of natural factors that affect pest populations is essential in predicting the occurrence of pest outbreaks and in developing integrated pest management programmes. Natural enemies, climatic elements and host plants are among the most important factors affecting pest dynamics.Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is the second most consumed vegetable worldwide. The pea leaf miner Liriomyza huidobrensis (Diptera: Agromyzidae) is a major pest to the tomato in Brazil.This study aimed to determine the main natural factors that regulate L. huidobrensis populations in tomato fields in Brazil.Liriomyza huidobrensis densities were evaluated by directly counting the number of active mines on the basal leaf of the middle section of the plant canopy, and predators and parasitoids were assessed using the leaf‐beating‐against‐a‐tray technique. Eight commercial tomato fields were assessed over two years. The phenological growth stages of the tomato plants (vegetative and reproductive) were noted during the assessments.Liriomyza huidobrensis populations peaked between the middle and end of the planting season.Opius sp. (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) was the main natural enemy of L. huidobrensis.Our results suggest that phenological growth stage and Opius sp. are associated with population dynamics of L. huidobrensis in tomato fields.Therefore, integrated pest management programmes should aim to preserve populations of the parasitoid Opius sp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To evaluate the effect of carbodiimide (EDC) and chlorhexidine (CHX) on the bond strength (BS) of resin cement to root dentine of teeth submitted to radiotherapy. Methodology: One hundred and twenty extracted maxillary canines were selected and assigned to 2 groups (n = 60): nonirradiated and irradiated (30 cycles of 2 Gy, total 60 Gy). Roots lengths were standardized, and canals were prepared and filled. Post spaces were then prepared, and the samples were redistributed according to dentine treatment (n = 20): saline solution (SF); CHX 2%; or EDC 0.5M. After drying the post space, fibreglass posts were cemented. Cross‐sectioned slices were obtained, and in half of the specimens of each subgroup (n = 10), the analysis was performed immediately; the others (n = 10) were stored for 10 months before analyses. The most cervical slice of each third was subjected to a push‐out test and failure pattern analysis (n = 10), and the most apical slice submitted to the analysis of the adhesive interface by SEM (n = 5). The bond strength data were submitted to anova and Tukey tests, the adhesive interface adaptation was submitted to Kruskal–Wallis and Dunn's tests, and the Chi‐square test was used to evaluate the type of failure. Results: The irradiated specimens had significantly lower bond strength (13.8 ± 4.3) than the nonirradiated (18.1 ± 3.1; P < 0.001). For the irradiated teeth, the bond strengths were significantly lower in the SF and CHX groups (P < 0.001). Also, the bond strengths reduced significantly after 10 months in the SF and CHX groups (P < 0.001). Cohesive failures occurred in dentine for irradiated specimens. Poorer interface adaptation, dentine fractures and microfractures were observed in irradiated specimens, and better adaptation was observed for specimens after EDC treatment. Conclusions: Radiotherapy was associated with lower bond strength and worse interface adaptation. Dentine treatment with EDC contributed to adhesive interface longevity during the cementation of glass fibre posts in nonirradiated and irradiated teeth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Winthemiini is a worldwide tribe in the subfamily Exoristinae (Diptera: Tachinidae) with 200 species in 16 genera. We confirm the monophyly of Winthemiini and examine relationships among the constituent genera based on a parsimonious analysis of adult morphological characters for 53 species representing 12 out of 16 currently recognized Winthemiini genera. As a result, Winthemiini is divided into three major clades, with relationships as follows: ((Rhaphiochaeta [Ossidingia, Nemorilla]) ((Hemisturmia [Avibrissosturmia, Triodontopyga]) ([Smidtia, Winthemia])). A revised classification system for Winthemiini is proposed, recognizing 12 genera. Four new synonymies are proposed – Diotrephes and Chesippus as junior synonyms of Smidtia, and Hemisturmiella and Parachetolyga as junior synonyms of Winthemia – along with four new combinations: Winthemia brasiliana (Guimarães) comb.n., W. metopia (Bischof) comb.n., Smidtia atriventris (Walker) comb.n., and S. notialis (Reinhard) comb.n. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A small population of coastal bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus gephyreus) inhabits the inland waters of Laguna, southern Brazil. A subset of this population interacts with artisanal fishermen. This specialized foraging tactic structures dolphin society into 'cooperatives' (participants of the interaction) and 'non‐cooperatives' (non‐participants).Between 2012 and 2015, a bridge was constructed in Laguna over an important core area for dolphins. Photo‐identification and georeferenced data collected on boat surveys, conducted both before and during bridge construction, were used to evaluate changes in both 'cooperative' and 'non‐cooperative' dolphin distribution.Changes in dolphin distribution were analysed with kernel densities and hurdle models. A grid of 120 cells of area 1 km2 was used to model dolphin distribution, and the minimum distance from the grid cell centre to the bridge and to the area of gillnet use were defined as explanatory variables of human activities. Habitat descriptors (depth and distance) from the lagoon margin were also considered in the model procedure.Dolphin distribution patterns shifted between periods. A core area used by 'non‐cooperative' dolphins near the bridge construction works disappeared. The effects of habitat descriptor and anthropogenic activity on dolphin distribution also differed between periods. Before bridge construction, the abundance of 'non‐cooperative' dolphin was higher close to the bridge area (p < 0.05). During bridge construction, the presence of 'cooperative' and 'non‐cooperative' dolphins decreased significantly with the distance from gillnet fishing activity (p < 0.01 and p < 0.001 respectively).This study highlights the importance of accounting for individual variations in response when assessing the effects of a habitat disturbance, or when implementing conservation plans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent years have seen an increasing interest in individual behavioral variation. However, the implications of such variation for population dynamics are often unknown. We studied the dynamics of a bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus gephyreus) population from southern Brazil, where some individuals forage cooperatively with artisanal fishermen. We fitted mark‐recapture models to 10 yr of photo‐identification data to investigate the influence of this foraging specialization on dolphins' population parameters, controlling for sex and ranging behavior. We estimated adult survival to be high (0.949 ± 0.015 SE), weakly influenced by home range size, sex or the frequency of interaction with fishermen. The slightly higher survival probability for individuals with smaller home ranges could stem from the benefits of reduced spatial requirements implied by the specialized foraging. Foraging also influenced the probability of resighting individuals, and there was no temporary or permanent emigration. Abundance fluctuated slightly over the years from 54 (95% CI = 49–59) to 60 (95% CI = 52–69) individuals, with no evident population trend. Despite such apparent population stability, we confirm this population remains small and geographically isolated which may threaten its viability and the viability of its unusual, localized foraging specialization. Our study also illustrates how accounting for individual variation can portray animal population dynamics more realistically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Methods to quantify plant‐insect interactions in tropical forests may miss many important arthropods and can be time consuming and uneven in capture efficiency. We describe the Amazonas‐trap, a new method that rapidly envelops the target plant for sampling arthropods. We evaluated the efficiency of the Amazonas‐trap by comparing it with two commonly used sampling methods to collect arthropods from plants: the beating tray and manual collection. Samples were collected in 10 permanent plots, in the Ducke forest reserve, Manaus (Amazonas, Brazil). In each plot we sampled 18 plant individuals of Protium sp. (Burseraceae): six by a beating tray, six by manual collection, and six using the Amazonas‐trap. All insects were identified to the family level and those belonging to the order Hymenoptera were identified to the species and morphospecies level. The new method sampled more insect families and more Hymenoptera species than tree beating and manual collection. Of the 75 total families collected, 20 were sampled exclusively by the Amazonas‐trap, seven were only collected with a beating tray, and seven were sampled exclusively with manual collecting. A similar pattern was found for abundance: Amazonas‐trap sampled more individuals, followed by the beating tray and manual collection. Small and winged arthropods were more abundant in Amazonas‐trap, explaining the highest richness of Hymenoptera and insect families sampled with this method. The new method sampled more spiders, wood‐fungi feeders, sap suckers, omnivorous, parasitoids, and insect predators than the other methods, but was equally effective in sampling leaf‐feeders and ants. Amazonas‐trap was more time consuming in the field, but for all diversity parameters evaluated, the new method showed better performance for collecting invertebrates on plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brevicoryne brassicae (L), Lipaphis erysimi (Kalt) and Myzus persicae (Sultzer) (Homoptera: Aphididae) form the aphid complex that causes great losses in Brassicaceae in tropical and subtropical regions. Knowledge of their population dynamics is important for the development of integrated pest management programmes. This study aimed to investigate the effects of cabbage phenology, climatic factors and natural enemies populations on the dynamics of these organisms, and the factors regulating their predators' occurrence. The densities of aphids and their natural enemies and the climate were monitored for two years in 16 cabbage crops. The highest densities of the aphids occurred during periods of relative humidity (RH) drop, a condition that affects them positively. Regarding the predators, the factors affecting their abundance varied but RH was positively related to most of them. This study provides relevant insights into the factors that regulate the aphids in cabbage and for the decision‐making process of control of these severe pests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dynamic flow field in T‐jet mixers is characterized by means of 3D computational fluid dynamics simulations. The main goal of this work is to identify and discuss the chaotic flow regime in T‐jet reactors and the parameters that enable this flow regime, namely, the critical Reynolds number and design parameters of these mixers. The 3D chaotic flow regime that occurs in T‐jet mixers is described herein with unprecedented detail regarding the mixing scales, flow dynamics, and coherent structures. The mixing scales are proven to be set by the mixer dimensions. The chaotic flow regime in T‐jets is of practical interest due to its capability to promote very fast mixing, although descriptions in the literature are scarce. Fully resolved flow dynamics in T‐jet mixers are obtained from 3D computational fluid dynamics simulations, particularly those on chaotic flow regimes that are characterized by a vortex issuing from the jet impingement point. The design and operational conditions to promote the chaotic flow regime are analyzed, and mixing scales and dynamics are assessed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To evaluate the bond strength and adhesive interface between several resin cements and root dentine immediately and 6 months after radiotherapy. Methodology: Sixty maxillary canines were selected and randomly assigned to two groups (n = 30): one group was not irradiated and the other one was subjected to a cumulative radiation dose of 60 Gy. The teeth were sectioned to obtain roots 16 mm long and the canals were prepared with the Reciproc system (R50) and filled using a lateral condensation technique with an epoxy resin sealer. Each group was divided into three subgroups (n = 10) according to the resin cement used for fibreglass fibre post cementation: RelyX‐U200, Panavia‐F2.0 and RelyX ARC. The posts were cemented in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. Three 1‐mm‐thick dentine slices were then obtained from each root third. The first two slices in the crown‐apex direction of each third were selected for the push‐out test. The failure mode after debonding was determined with a stereo microscope. The third slice from each root third was selected for scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses to examine the resin cement–dentine interface with 100, 1000, 2000 and 4000× magnification. Bond strength data were analysed by anova and Tukey's test (α = 0.05). Results: Significantly lower bond strength (P < 0.0001) was obtained after irradiation compared to nonirradiated teeth. RelyX‐U200 cemented fibre posts had the higher bond strength (15.17 ± 5.89) compared with RelyX ARC (P < 0.001) and Panavia‐F2.0 (P < 0.001). The evaluation after 6 months revealed lower bond strength values compared to the immediate values (P < 0.001) for irradiated and nonirradiated teeth. Cohesive failures occurred in the irradiated dentine. SEM revealed fractures, microfractures and fewer collagen fibres in irradiated root dentine. RelyX‐U200 and Panavia‐F2.0 were associated with a juxtaposed interface of the cement with the radicular dentine in irradiated and nonirradiated teeth, and for RelyX ARC, hybrid layer formation and tags were observed in both irradiated and nonirradiated teeth. Conclusion: Radiation was associated with a decrease in the push‐out bond strength and with lower resin cement/root dentine interface adaptation. Self‐adhesive resin cement was a better alternative for fibre post cementation in teeth subjected to radiation therapy. The bond strength decreased after 6 months. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT: Nanocomposites based on molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), hexagonal boron nitride (h‐BN) and hybrid MoS2/h‐BN nanofillers with different wt % in elastomeric polyurethane (PU) were studied with respect to their microstructure, thermal and mechanical properties. Tensile tests showed increases up to 80% in Young`s modulus for both h‐BN and hybrid MoS2/h‐BN composites. These results agree with dynamic mechanical analysis tests, which confirm an increase of up to 106% in storage modulus for hybrid MoS2/h‐BN with 0.5 wt % content. When the hybrid MoS2/h‐BN nanofillers were incorporated into the polymeric matrix, increases up to 102% in crosslink density were observed, indicating that strong interactions between the hybrid nanofillers and PU were established. However, the most important synergistic effect between the mixture of MoS2 and h‐BN nanoadditives was the increase of up to 752% in thermal conductivity with respect to neat polymer. Therefore, hybrid composites based in two‐dimensional MoS2/h‐BN nanofillers with multifunctional attributes can be applied in advanced polymeric materials that require high mechanical and thermal performance. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46560. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Experimental design technique (DoE) is applied to determine the best chemical composition of alkyd resins used as a matrix in magnetizable composites, which are an excellent tool in aquatic environmental cleanup processes. The alkyd resins are obtained from phthalic anhydride, castor oil, and glycerin, a byproduct of biodiesel production, that makes this kind of matrix ecologically friendly polymeric materials. Maghemite nanoparticles are used as filler in the prepared magnetizable composites. Obtained materials are characterized using wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction (WAXD), small angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS), infrared spectroscopy with Fourier transformed (FTIR), and ultraviolet‐visible spectroscopy (UV‐Vis). Besides, magnetic force test and oil removal capability test, which is the most important property in this case, are also performed. According to experimental results, melt mixing process used to prepare these nanocomposites do not change the monodomains size of the nanoparticles. On the other hand, the nanocomposites present magnetic force higher than the one from the pure maghemite, probably due to a better distribution of the nanoparticles inside the matrix. Also, composites present an excellent oil cleanup capability, since, in the best case, 1 g of the hybrid material is able to remove more than 20 g of the oil from the water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Brazil has had a National Essential Medicines List (EML) since 1964. From 2000 to 2010, five consecutive evidence‐based editions were produced, building on the essential medicine concept. In 2012, the government changed course to establish a new paradigm, introducing adoption of new medicines as the main aim within the recommendation process. The objective of the article was to report efforts to develop Brazil's national EML, policy changes from 2000 to 2014, discussing results, challenges and perspectives. Brazilian EML history and development process were collected from legislation, minutes, reports and legal ordinances, from 2000 to 2014. The Brazilian EML and the WHO Model Lists were compared using the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical system. Overlap between lists was verified, and linear trends were produced. Type of membership, inclusion criteria, procedures, flow and listed medicines varied greatly between the selection committees acting before and after 2012. Paradigm‐changing legislation aiming at linking list compliance to public financing in 2012 produced (i) greater importance given to political and administrative stakeholders, (ii) increasing trends in number of medicines over the years, (iii) decrease in use of WHO Model List as a reference and (iv) substitution of an essential medicines list review and update process by an adoption decision output. Other issues remained unchanged. Insufficient efforts for list implementation, such as lack of physician education, presented consequences to the health system. Substantial efforts were made to produce and update the list from 2000 to 2014. However, continuous and intense health litigation disproves process outcome effectiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Hybrid scaffolds composed of hydroxyapatite (HAp), in particular in its nanometric form (n‐HAp), and chitosan (CS) are promising materials for non‐load‐bearing bone graft applications. The main constraints of their production concern the successful implementation of the final purification/neutralization and sterilization steps. Often, the used purification strategies can compromise scaffold structural features, and conventional sterilization techniques can result in material's thermal degradation and/or contamination with toxic residues. In this context, this work presents a process to produce n‐HAp/CS scaffolds mimicking bone composition and structure, where an innovative single step based on supercritical CO2 extraction was used for both purification and sterilization. A removal of 80% of the residual acetic acid was obtained (T = 75°C, p = 8.0 MPa, 2 extraction cycles of 2 h) giving rise to scaffolds exhibiting adequate interconnected porous structure, fast swelling and storage modulus compatible with non‐load‐bearing applications. Moreover, the obtained scaffolds showed cytocompatibility and osteoconductivity without further need of disinfection/sterilization procedures. Among the main advantages, the proposed process comprises only three steps (n‐HAp/CS dispersion preparation; freeze‐drying; and supercritical CO2 extraction), and the supercritical CO2 extraction show clear advantages over currently used procedures based on neutralization steps. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 965–975, 2018. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Motor neuron diseases (MND) represent a group of disorders that evolve with inexorable muscle weakness and medical management is based on symptom control. However, deeper characterization of non-motor symptoms in these patients have been rarely reported.Methods: This cross-sectional study aimed to describe non-motor symptoms in MND and their impact on quality of life and functional status, with a focus on pain and sensory changes. Eighty patients (31 females, 55.7 ± 12.9 years old) with MND underwent a neurological examination, pain, mood, catastrophizing and psychophysics assessments [quantitative sensory testing (QST) and conditioned pain modulation (CPM)], and were compared to sex- and age-matched healthy controls (HC).Results: Chronic pain was present in 46% of patients (VAS =5.18 ± 2.0). Pain of musculoskeletal origin occurred in 40.5% and was mainly located in the head/neck (51%) and lower back (35%). Neuropathic pain was not present in this sample. Compared to HC, MND patients had a lower cold detection threshold (p < 0.002), and significantly lower CPM scores (4.9 ± 0.2% vs. 22.1 ± 0.2%, p = 0.012). QST/CPM results did not differ between MND patients with and without pain. Pain intensity was statistically correlated with anxiety, depression and catastrophism, and spasticity scores were inversely correlated with CPM (ρ = -0.30, p = 0.026).Conclusions: Pain is frequently reported by patients with MNDs. Somatosensory and CPM changes exist in MNDs and may be related to the neurodegenerative nature of the disease. Further studies should investigate the most appropriate treatment strategies for these patients.Significance: We report a comprehensive evaluation of pain and sensory abnormalities in motor neuron disease (MND) patients. We assessed the different pain syndromes present in MND with validated tools, and described the QST and conditioned pain modulation profiles in a controlled design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lateral hypothalamic area (LHA) local field potentials (LFPs) were recorded in a Prader-Willi patient undergoing deep brain stimulation (DBS) for obesity. During hunger, exposure to food-related cues induced an increase in beta/low-gamma activity. In contrast, recordings during satiety were marked by prominent alpha rhythms. Based on these findings, we have delivered alphafrequency DBS prior to and during food intake. Despite reporting an early sensation of fullness, the patient continued to crave food. This suggests that the pattern of activity in LHA may indicate hunger/satiety states in humans but attest to the complexity of conducting neuromodulation studies in obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several studies have recently focused on the structural pattern of plant-insect interaction networks. However, insects and plants have dynamic cycles and differ in their level of specialisation over time, space, and scales. Thus, it is expected that sap-sucking insects, such as treehoppers, and plants will not share similar patterns of interactions in all phenological stages of the plants., It was postulated that phenological stages of the host plant could change the structure of plant-treehopper networks, which will be more specialised during the reproductive stage than during the vegetative stage, mainly because of high concentrations of toxic compounds in the flowers. Here, quantitative metrics derived from graph theory were used to describe, for the first time, the changes in the structure of plant-treehopper interactions during the phenological stages of the host plants in Brazilian Atlantic Forest., The results revealed high temporal turnover of plant-treehopper interactions, and high similarity in the treehopper composition between the phenological stages. In both phenological stages, plant-treehopper networks exhibited a modular and non-nested pattern. However, during the reproductive stage, the results showed lower species richness of plants and treehoppers, and higher levels of network specialisation compared with the vegetative phase., These findings demonstrate that the organisation of the same ecological interaction can change throughout plant phenology. In short, it was shown that the phenological phases of the host plants can constitute a remarkable mechanism that shapes plant-treehopper interaction networks in a tropical rainforest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acoustic communication is a taxonomically widespread phenomenon, crucial for social animals. We evaluate social sounds from bottlenose dolphins ( Tursiops truncatus) of Laguna, southern Brazil, whose social structure is organized around a cooperative foraging tactic with artisanal fishermen. This tactic involves stereotyped and coordinated behaviour by dolphins and fishermen and is performed by a subset of the dolphin population, splitting it into two distinct social communities. We compared the acoustic parameters and type of whistles emitted by dolphins of the 'non-cooperative' and 'cooperative' communities, both during their interactions with fishermen and in times where dolphins were engaged in other types of foraging. Our findings show how dolphins' social sounds differ between foraging tactics and social communities. The frequencies of six whistle types (ascending, descending, concave, convex, multiple, flat) were significantly dependent on tactics and communities. Ascending whistles were more common than expected during foraging without fishermen, and among dolphins of the non-cooperative community. Whistle acoustic parameters (duration, number of inclination changes and inflection points, and initial, final, maximum, minimum frequencies) also varied between social communities. In general, whistles emitted by cooperative dolphins, mainly when not interacting with fishermen, tended to be shorter, had higher frequency and more inflections than those emitted by non-cooperative dolphins. These results suggest that different whistles may convey specific information among dolphins related to foraging, which we hypothesize promote social cohesion among members of the same social community. These differences in acoustic repertoires add a new dimension of complexity to this unique human-animal interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

NETmix is a novel static mixing technology consisting on a network of unit cells, comprising chambers interconnected by channels. To assess the heat transfer capacity of NETmix, the NUB model was implemented to perform hydrodynamics and heat transfer simulations. Due to the periodic nature of the NETmix structure, two central chambers and six half-chambers were found to be sufficient to be representative of the whole network. The Nusselt numbers were determined based on the CFD simulations, and when compared with theoretical results for laminar flow between parallel plates, 3-5 times higher Nusselt number values were obtained with NETmix. This observed heat transfer rate enhancement, makes it suitable for fast reactions where heat transfer is crucial. Finally, results obtained from this study show that NETmix presents a heat transfer capacity one order of magnitude greater than microreactors, and 2-5 orders of magnitude greater than the most commonly used devices in industry. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 63: 2496-2508, 2017 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The taxonomy of Tursiops truncatus in the western South Atlantic is not resolved. Two different hypotheses have been proposed: (1) offshore and coastal ecotypes with a parapatric distribution, and (2) two species, T. truncatus and T. gephyreus, living in sympatry. To test these hypotheses, we examined a total of 100 physically mature skulls and 35 vertebral columns from the suggested overlap zone in southern Brazil. In all skulls, 24 measurements, four alveoli counts and two categorical variables were analyzed. Vertebral formula was determined and five measurements were taken from selected vertebrae. Multivariate analyses were conducted for skull and vertebral data. Results revealed the presence of two well-separated groups. Specimens of Group1 had smaller skulls and shorter body lengths, but more vertebrae, than Group2. The morphological characteristics of each group corresponded well with two ecotypes of common bottlenose dolphins reported in other ocean basins. Therefore, we assigned the specimens of Group1 to the offshore ecotype, and Group2 to the coastal ecotype. Differences in the geographic locations and ratio of strandings supported the parapatric hypothesis. The significant morphological differentiation observed suggests the presence of different subspecies, but an additional independent line of evidence is needed to hypothesize whether they represent different species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The aim of this study was to identify the factors associated with the combined use of antidepressants and benzodiazepines ( BDZs) in patients with major depression. We conducted a case-control study in the public health service of the city of São Paulo, Brazil. The participants were all patients being treated with antidepressants, who were diagnosed with major depression. Patients who received a combination of antidepressants and BDZs were classified as cases, and those who used only antidepressants, as controls. Data were obtained from a pharmacy database, medical records and interviews with the healthcare team. The association of predisposing factors for combined therapy was analysed using logistic regression analysis, and the odds ratios ( ORs) and 95% confidence intervals ( CIs) were calculated. Of the 1355 users of antidepressants, 265 had major depression, of whom 138 were cases and 127 were controls. The factors associated with combined use were age older than 35 years ( OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.0-4.7), absence of comorbidities ( OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.4-4.1) and no use of other drugs ( OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.1-3.3). Patients with combined use were more likely to exhibit inadequate prescribing, including inappropriate antidepressants ( OR 4.7, 95% CI 2.2-9.9), inadequate dosages ( OR 3.62, 95% CI 1.4-9.6) and/or a non-recommended duration ( OR 66.6, 95% CI 18.4-240.7). The factors identified showed the groups most susceptible to combined use in this population, who in turn are more likely to receive inappropriate prescriptions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In social species, same-sex individuals may form social bonds behaviourally expressed as individual preferences, resulting in fitness benefits such as increased offspring survival, longevity and group cohesion. As a result of individual preferences, female house mice ( Mus musculus domesticus) form social affiliations while communally nursing and may do so with kin or non-kin. However, the mechanisms behind the formation of such preferences are unknown. Oxytocin has been linked to a range of social behaviours including bond facilitation, social memory and parental care. Here, we experimentally increased oxytocin in pairs of unfamiliar, unrelated females and predicted that females with elevated oxytocin would demonstrate increased affiliative behaviours compared against a control. Subsequently, we tested for the formation of a social preference, using a preference test with the previous partner and a new unfamiliar female. Our results indicated no significant effect of treatment on positive and negative behaviours between females during the three initial cohabitation days. In both treatments, females demonstrated increased socio-positive behaviours and cohabitation time with their partner and decreased socio-negative behaviours and latency to meet, over the 3-d period. During the partner preference test, control but not oxytocin females demonstrated a significant preference for their cohabitation partner, and oxytocin females spent similar amounts of time with both stimulus females. Therefore, increasing peripheral oxytocin appears not to be involved in the facilitation of initial encounters with a stranger but may hinder the formation of a preference for this new partner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]