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Age estimation methods through developmental atlases are simplified by image comparison using radiographs. Atlas‐based methods have been utilized to create population‐specific charts addressing population diversity. To tackle the absence of a dedicated atlas for the Brazilian population, the objective of the present study was to create a new atlas for dental development in Brazil based on the London Atlas chart. The new atlas (RP Atlas) is based on the median of tooth development, eruption, and resorption in individuals aged 5 to 23. The sample (567 individuals) was divided between females (n = 290) and males (n = 277). The RP Atlas was handcrafted, scanned, colored, and clustered in two atlases divided by sex. The development of a specific atlas for the Brazilian population has the potential to enhance the accuracy of age estimation in forensic scenarios, notably in a mixed country like Brazil. Further research is needed to assess the suitability of the newly developed atlas for the Brazilian population. Research Highlights: Atlas development methods provide a more straightforward image comparison using OPGs.Methods for age estimation need to be adaptable to a population‐specific approach.RP Atlas is Brazil's first specific atlas of tooth eruption and development.From 18 years old onwards, dental development has unstable patterns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Matrix remodeling plays central roles in a range of physiological and pathological processes and is driven predominantly by the activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), which degrade extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. How MMPs regulate cell and tissue dynamics is not well understood as in vivo approaches are lacking and many in vitro strategies cannot provide high‐resolution, quantitative measures of enzyme activity in situ within tissue‐like 3D microenvironments. Here, a Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) sensor of MMP activity is incorporated into fully synthetic hydrogels that mimic many properties of the native ECM. Fluorescence lifetime imaging is then used to provide a real‐time, fluorophore concentration‐independent quantification of MMP activity, establishing a highly accurate, readily adaptable platform for studying MMP dynamics in situ. MCF7 human breast cancer cells encapsulated within hydrogels are then used to detect MMP activity both locally, at the sub‐micron level, and within the bulk hydrogel. This versatile platform may find use in a range of biological studies to explore questions in the dynamics of cancer metastasis, development, and tissue repair by providing high‐resolution, quantitative, and in situ readouts of local MMP activity within native tissue‐like environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Timely diagnosis plays a critical role in determining melanoma prognosis, prompting the development of deep learning models to aid clinicians. Questions persist regarding the efficacy of clinical images alone or in conjunction with dermoscopy images for model training. This study aims to compare the classification performance for melanoma of three types of CNN models: those trained on clinical images, dermoscopy images, and a combination of paired clinical and dermoscopy images from the same lesion. Materials and Methods: We divided 914 image pairs into training, validation, and test sets. Models were built using pre‐trained Inception‐ResNetV2 convolutional layers for feature extraction, followed by binary classification. Training comprised 20 models per CNN type using sets of random hyperparameters. Best models were chosen based on validation AUC‐ROC. Results: Significant AUC‐ROC differences were found between clinical versus dermoscopy models (0.661 vs. 0.869, p < 0.001) and clinical versus clinical + dermoscopy models (0.661 vs. 0.822, p = 0.001). Significant sensitivity differences were found between clinical and dermoscopy models (0.513 vs. 0.799, p = 0.01), dermoscopy versus clinical + dermoscopy models (0.799 vs. 1.000, p = 0.02), and clinical versus clinical + dermoscopy models (0.513 vs. 1.000, p < 0.001). Significant specificity differences were found between dermoscopy versus clinical + dermoscopy models (0.800 vs. 0.288, p < 0.001) and clinical versus clinical + dermoscopy models (0.650 vs. 0.288, p < 0.001). Conclusion: CNN models trained on dermoscopy images outperformed those relying solely on clinical images under our study conditions. The potential advantages of incorporating paired clinical and dermoscopy images for CNN‐based melanoma classification appear less clear based on our findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate research from Brazilian postgraduate students who provide evidence of effectiveness for Nursing Interventions Classification (NIC). Methods: We conducted a literature review study of thesis and dissertations available in the Brazilian Digital Library of Dissertations and Theses (D/T) in May 2021 regardless of the year they were conducted. In those studies that did not utilize the NIC in the effectiveness evaluation, the cross‐mapping methodology was employed between NIC and the interventions used by the authors of the studies. Results: Using a systematic process, we identified 91 studies. Twenty‐seven met a priori inclusion and exclusion criteria. We found an increase in studies that focused on nursing interventions in the last 10 years (n = 19), a large proportion of clinical trials (n = 16), and the majority of articles from the Southeast region of Brazil (n = 20). The areas of focus were adult and elderly care, and with a special interest in the behavioral domain (n = 11). Two sensitivity criteria were identified in all D/T (n = 27), and each study presented evidence of effectiveness of a minimum of three criteria simultaneously. Conclusions: Based on the effectiveness criteria, the Brazilian scientific production in postgraduate programs carried out by nurses provides evidence of the effectiveness for NIC nursing interventions. Implications for nursing practice: It is recommended to conduct further research that uses the NIC in the planning, conduct, and evaluation of interventions, based on effectiveness criteria of nursing sensitivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chagas' disease affects approximately eight million people throughout the world, especially the poorest individuals. The protozoan that causes this disease–Trypanosoma cruzi–has the enzyme cruzipain, which is the main therapeutic target. As no available medications have satisfactory effectiveness and safety, it is of fundamental importance to design and synthesize novel analogues that are more active and selective. In the present study, molecular docking and the in silico prediction of ADMET properties were used as strategies to optimize the trypanocidal activity of the pyrimidine compound ZN3F based on interactions with the target site in cruzipain. From the computational results, eight 4‐amino‐5‐carbonitrile‐pyrimidine analogues were proposed, synthesized (5a‐f and 7g‐h) and, tested in vitro on the trypomastigote form of the Tulahuen strain of T. cruzi. The in silico study showed that the designed analogues bond favorably to important amino acid residues of the active site in cruzipain. An in vitro evaluation of cytotoxicity was performed on L929 mammal cell lines. All derivatives inhibited the Tulahuen strain of T. cruzi and also exhibited lower toxicity to L929 cells. The 5e product, in particular, proved to be a potent, selective (IC50 = 2.79 ± 0.00 μM, selectivity index = 31.3) inhibitor of T. cruzi. The present results indicated the effectiveness of drugs based on the structure of the receptor, revealing the potential trypanocidal of pyrimidines. This study also provides information on molecular aspects for the inhibition of cruzipain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of probable sleep bruxism (SB) in children aged 7–8 years and its association with sleep pattern and the time spent using devices with a screen. Material and Methods: A cross‐sectional study was conducted with children from Pelotas, Brazil (n = 556). Parents/caregivers were interviewed and provided demographic/socioeconomic information, children's daily screen time, nighttime tooth grinding or clenching, sleep duration and answered the Biological Rhythms Interview for Assessment in Neuropsychiatry for Kids (BRIAN‐K‐sleep domain). Probable SB was determined based on a positive clinical inspection with/without a positive parental/caregiver's reports of tooth clenching or grinding. Hierarchical Poisson regression was performed. Results: The prevalence of probable SB was 15.83% (n = 88). There was no difference in the probable SB prevalence according to the daily screen time (p = 0.744), and low family socioeconomic status was associated with higher SB prevalence (Prevalence Ratio [PR] = 1.95; 95% Confidence Interval [95% CI]: 1.21–3.17; p = 0.006). Higher scores in the sleep domain of the BRIAN‐K scale were associated with probable SB [PR = 1.07; 95% CI: 1.01–1.30; p = 0.013]. Conclusions: Difficulties in maintaining sleep and low family socioeconomic status were associated with probable SB in schoolchildren, while screen time spent using devices with a screen was not associated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The majority of recombinant adeno‐associated viruses (rAAV) approved for clinical use or in clinical trials areproduced by transient transfection using the HEK293 cell line. However, this platform has several manufacturing bottlenecks at commercial scales namely, low product quality (full to empty capsid ratio <20% in most rAAV serotypes), lower productivities obtained after scale‐up and the high cost of raw materials, in particular of Good Manufacturing Practice grade plasmid DNA required for transfection. The HeLa‐based stable cell line rAAV production system provides a robust and scalable alternative to transient transfection systems. Nevertheless, the time required to generate the producer cell lines combined with the complexity of rAAV production and purification processes still pose several barriers to the use of this platform as a suitable alternative to the HEK293 transient transfection. In this work we streamlined the cell line development and bioprocessing for the HeLaS3‐based production of rAAV. By exploring this optimized approach, producer cell lines were generated in 3‐4 months, and presented rAAV2 volumetric production (bulk) > 3 × 1011 vg/mL and full to empty capsids ratio (>70%) at 2 L bioreactor scale. Moreover, the established downstream process, based on ion exchange and affinity‐based chromatography, efficiently eliminated process related impurities, including the Adenovirus 5 helper virus required for production with a log reduction value of 9. Overall, we developed a time‐efficient and robust rAAV bioprocess using a stable producer cell line achieving purified rAAV2 yields > 1 × 1011 vg/mL. This optimized platform may address manufacturing challenges for rAAV based medicines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the drilling path (mm) and the dentin wear (mm3) of two instruments used during guided endodontic access. Twenty mandibular incisors with calcified canals were selected using cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) and fixed in articulated models. Preoperative CBCT scans were performed in combination with intraoral scanning, and the images were reconstructed in the Blue Sky Bio software for access planning and printing the guides. The access cavity was drilled with 1.0‐mm‐diameter bur (DSP) and 0.8‐mm‐diameter bur (Munce). Postoperative CBCT was performed, and the images obtained preoperative and postoperative were superimposed for the analyses. Data were analysed by a t‐test and linear regression (α = 0.05). No difference was found in the drilling path (p = 0.422). However, the Munce bur had higher dentin wear than the DSP bur (p = 0.011). A positive linear correlation (R2 = 0.859) was found between the factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Corn is one of the main crops grown globally to produce food for human consumption and animal feed, including raw materials for bioenergy. Effective pest management is critical for the economic viability of corn production. The leafhopper Dalbulus maidis and the diseases transmitted by it have become relevant to corn production. Our study aimed to determine environmental parameters that affect D. maidis populations and the impacts of pathogen dispersion on corn productivity under different rotation systems and sowing seasons. RESULTS: The population density of leafhoppers found in the studied crops was low but capable of establishing the diseases and spreading them widely in the crops. The leafhopper's highest occurrence was in the corn vegetative development stage, and its population peaks were earlier in the corn off‐season. The incidence of maize rayado fino virus and maize bushy stunt phytoplasma were higher in corn off‐season than in the growing season. The incidence of diseases was higher in the final stages of the cultivation cycle. Yield losses were significantly higher for maize bushy stunt phytoplasma and not significant for maize rayado fino virus. CONCLUSION: Our study observed that corn's physiological stage was the main factor influencing D. maidis dynamics. The occurrence of D. maidis at low densities was sufficient to ensure the efficient transmission and dissemination of maize rayado fino virus and maize bushy stunt phytoplasma, which had a higher incidence in the reproductive stage and the corn sowed off‐season. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Age‐related white matter hyperintensities (ARWMHs) on brain magnetic resonance imaging have been associated with lower urinary tract symptoms/dysfunction (LUTS/LUTD), namely overactive bladder (OAB) and detrusor overactivity. We aimed to systematically review existing data on the association between ARWMH and LUTS and which clinical tools have been used for this assessment. Materials and Methods: We searched PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and clinicaltrials.gov (from 1980 to November 2021) and considered original studies reporting data on ARWMH and LUTS/LUTD in patients of both sexes aged 50 or above. The primary outcome was OAB. We calculated the unadjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for the outcomes of interest using random‐effects models. Results: Fourteen studies were included. LUTS assessment was heterogeneous and mainly based on the use of nonvalidated questionnaires. Urodynamics assessment was reported in five studies. ARWMHs were graded using visual scales in eight studies. Patients with moderate‐to‐severe ARWMHs were more likely to present with OAB and urgency urinary incontinence (UUI; OR = 1.61; 95% CI: 1.05–2.49, p = 0.03), I2 = 21.3%) when compared to patients with similar age and absent or mild ARWMH. Discussion and Conclusions: High‐quality data on the association between ARWMH and OAB is scarce. Patients with moderate to severe ARWMH showed higher levels of OAB symptoms, including UUI, when compared to patients with absent or mild ARWMH. The use of standardized tools to assess both ARWMH and OAB in these patients should be encouraged in future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To analyze the accuracy of the clinical indicators of the nursing diagnosis Ineffective Health Management in people with hypertension. Methods: This is a cross‐sectional diagnostic accuracy study. The ineffective health management was investigated in 120 people with hypertension in a referral public outpatient clinic in Brazil between August and November 2020. The accuracy measures were analyzed using Rasch analysis, considering the difficulty of clinical indicator and person's ability. Results: Ineffective health management is probably present in 37.5% of people with hypertension. 'Failure to include treatment regimen in daily living' was the clinical indicator with the highest sensitivity value, and 'failure to take action to reduce risk factor' had the highest specificity value. Conclusions: Rasch analysis demonstrated that all clinical indicators contribute significantly to estimating the presence of ineffective health management in people with hypertension in the outpatient scenario. Implications for Nursing Practice: This research contributes by providing accurate clinical indicators of ineffective health management, helping nurses prescribe and deliver the appropriate nursing interventions for people with hypertension by telenursing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationship between herbivorous insects and plants is an example of an 'evolutionary arms race'. Understanding the relationship between insects and their host plants makes it possible to determine critical points in the bioecology of these herbivores. In this relationship, insects and plants use strategies to overcome, avoid and mitigate the actions of the other. Insect‐induced galls are one of the great examples of this 'arms race'. Psyllids (Hemiptera: Psylloidea) are among the most important gall‐inducing insects. The psyllid Triozoida limbata (Triozidae) is an important pest of guava (Psidium guajava) in the Neotropics. Thus, this work aimed to determine the morphological, anatomical, and biochemical changes in guava leaves caused by T. limbata to study the 'arms race' between these two organisms. Therefore, the process of gall formation on guava leaves during the psyllid life cycle was described. A comparative study of the anatomy and levels of phytohormones in leaves attacked and not attacked by the psyllid was carried out. It was found that the psyllid attack triggered the plant's defence by increasing the jasmonic acid content in the leaves. The psyllid attack caused anatomical changes in the leaves (such as cell non‐differentiation), allowing the insect to survive feeding on the plant. In addition, the psyllid‐induced galls provided shelter for the psyllid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Affinity capture is one of the most attractive strategies for simplifying downstream processing. Although it is a key mainstream approach for antibody purification, the same is not true for other biologics such as vaccines, mainly due to the lack of suitable affinity material. In this study, a novel custom affinity system is introduced permitting widespread adoption of affinity capture for the purification of biologics beyond antibodies. This is illustrated here by the development of a one‐step purification process of a mutant form of streptolysin O (SLO), a vaccine candidate against Streptococcus pyogenes infection. The system consists of the association of custom ligands based on the Nanofitin protein scaffold, with Eshmuno® industry‐grade chromatography medium. The Nanofitins were selected for their specificity to the target product. The newly developed affinity medium was used at different column sizes to monitor scalability from process development (1 ml) and robustness verification (5 ml) to pilot (133 ml) and technical (469 ml) runs. The single‐step affinity purification consistently delivered high purity product (above > 90%) and improved performances compared with the current three‐step process: reduced process time and footprint (3 to 1 step) and increased product yields (0.31 g vs. 0.04 g of SLO per kg of harvest broth). The custom affinity system herein described can potentially be applied to any biologic for which a specific Nanofitin is identified, thus establishing a platform with a strong impact on the manufacturing of vaccines and other biological targets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Varicocoele is the most common correctable cause of male infertility; however, predicting varicocoelectomy outcomes is difficult. "Omics" techniques have been increasingly used to develop new diagnostic and prognostics tools for several male infertility causes, and could be applied to study varicocoele. Objectives: The objective is to create metabolomics models capable of segregating men who improved semen analysis (SA) parameters or achieved natural pregnancy after microsurgical varicocoelectomy (MV) from those who did not, using hydrogen‐1 nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectra of seminal plasma of pre‐operative samples. Material and methods: We recruited 29 infertile men with palpable varicocoele. 1H NMR spectra of seminal plasma were obtained from pre‐operative samples and used to create metabonomics models. Improvement was defined as an increase in the total motile progressive sperm count (TMC) of the post‐operative SA when compared to the baseline, and pregnancy was assessed for 24 months after MV. Results: Using linear discriminant analysis (LDA), we created a model that discriminated the men who improved SA from those who did not with accuracy of 93.1%. Another model segregated men who achieved natural pregnancy from men who did not. We identified seven metabolites that were important for group segregation: caprylate, isoleucine, N‐acetyltyrosine, carnitine, N‐acetylcarnitine, creatine, and threonine. Discussion: We described the use of metabonomics model to predict with high accuracy the outcomes of MV in infertile men with varicocoele. The most important metabolites for group segregation are involved in energy metabolism and oxidative stress response, highlighting the pivotal role of these mechanisms in the pathophysiology of varicocoele. Conclusions: 1H NMR spectroscopy of seminal plasma can be used in conjunction with multivariate statistical tools to create metabonomics models useful to segregate men with varicocoele based on the reproductive outcomes of MV. These models may help counseling infertile men with varicocoele regarding their prognosis after surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The miniaturization of electronic devices highlights the need for robust low‐κ materials as an alternative to prevent losses in the performance of integrated circuits. For it, surface‐supported metal‐organic frameworks (SURMOFs), a class of porous‐hybrid materials, may cover such a demand. However, the high‐intrinsic porosity makes determining the dielectric properties difficult and promotes the integration of SURMOF thin films. Here, the integration of ultrathin HKUST‐1 SURMOF films into a 3D functional device architecture using soft‐top electrical contacts is addressed. In this novel approach, the device structure assumes an ultracompact capacitor structure allowing determine the dielectric properties of porous thin films with considerable accuracy. A low‐κ value of 2.0 ± 0.5 and robust breakdown strength of 2.8 MV cm−1 are obtained for films below 80 nm. The spontaneous self‐encapsulated structure provides a footprint‐area reduction of up to 90% and yields good protection for the SURMOF toward different hazardous exposure. Finite‐element calculations compare the HKUST‐1 performance as dielectric layer with well‐established insulators applied in electronics (SiO2 and Al2O3). The possibility of integration and miniaturization of HKUST‐1, combined with their interesting insulating properties, place this hybrid material as a robust low‐k dielectric for novel electronics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The coconut mite Aceria guerreronis Keifer (Acari: Eriophyidae), is a destructive mite pest of coconut, causing significant economic losses. However, an effective pest management strategy requires a clear understanding of the geographical areas at risk of the target pest.Therefore, we predicted the potential global distribution A. guerreronis using a machine learning algorithm based on maximum entropy.The potential future distribution for A. guerreronis covered the 2040 and 2060 periods under two climate change emission scenarios (SSP1‐2.6 and SSP5‐8.5) in the context of the sixth assessment report (AR6) of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.The MaxEnt model predicts the habitat suitability for A. guerreronis outside its present distribution, with suitable habitats in Oceania, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. The habitat suitability for the pest will decrease from 2040 to 2060.The areas with the highest risk of A. guerreronis are those with an annual average temperature of around 25°C, mean annual precipitation of about 1459 mm, mean precipitation seasonality close to 64%, an average variation of daytime temperature of about 8.6°C, and mean seasonality of temperature of about 149.7°C.Our findings provide information for quarantine measures and policymaking, especially where A. guerreronis is presently still absent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Several pieces of evidence have shown the neurotrophic effect of erythropoietin (EPO) and its introduction in the therapeutic practice of neurological diseases. However, its usefulness in the treatment of spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 (SCA2) has not been proven despite the fact that it is endogenously reduced in these patients. Objective: The study aims to investigate the safety, tolerability, and clinical effects of a nasally administered recombinant EPO in SCA2 patients. Methods: Thirty‐four patients were enrolled in this double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled, phase I–II clinical trial of the nasally administered human‐recombinant EPO (NeuroEPO) for 6 months. The primary outcome was the change in the spinocerebellar ataxia functional index (SCAFI), while other motor, neuropsychological, and oculomotor measures were assessed. Results: The 6‐month changes in SCAFI score were slightly higher in the patients allocated to NeuroEPO treatment than placebo in spite of the important placebo effect observed for this parameter. However, saccade latency was significantly decreased in the NeuroEPO group but not in placebo. The frequency and severity of adverse events were similar between both groups, without evidences of hematopoietic activity of the drug. Conclusions: This study demonstrated the safety and tolerability of NeuroEPO in SCA2 patients after 6 months of treatments and suggested a small clinical effect of this drug on motor and cognitive abnormalities, but confirmatory studies are warranted. © 2022 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: The Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Liviidae) is a destructive, invasive species that poses a serious threat to the citrus industry wherever it occurs. The psyllid vectors the phloem‐limited bacteria 'Candidatus Liberibacter americanus' and 'Ca. L. asiaticus', causal agents of the incurable citrus greening disease or huanglongbing (HLB). It is essential to understand which regions and areas are suitable for colonization by ACP to formulate appropriate policy and preventive measures. Considering its biology and ecology, we used a machine learning algorithm based on the MaxEnt (Maximum Entropy) principle, to predict the potential global distribution of ACP using bioclimatic variables and elevation. RESULTS: The model predictions are consistent with the known distribution of ACP and also highlight the potential occurrence outside its current ecological range, that is, primarily in Africa, Asia and the Americas. The most important abiotic variables driving the global distribution of ACP were annual mean temperature, seasonality of temperature and annual precipitation. CONCLUSION: Our findings highlight the need for international collaboration in slowing the spread of invasive pests like D. citri. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: A standardized language system can support the elaboration of clinical guidelines by matching information from similar patterns of response to people. To identify the factors that are related to a higher likelihood of an ineffective health management nursing diagnosis. Methods: We conduct a systematic review and meta‐analysis. An electronic search was conducted in MEDLINE databases via PubMed, Web of Science, SciELO, CINAHL, SCOPUS, and Embase between October and November 2020. Descriptive data were extracted from each article. The odds ratios for each etiological factor related to ineffective health management were directly extracted from the articles or calculated from the data described in the articles. The analysis of the measurements of exposure and the magnitude of the effect was performed using the statistical software R, and a forest plot was constructed for each etiological factor. Findings: Ten studies were included, and 15 related factors were recovered from the primary studies. The factors that significantly increased the likelihood of an ineffective health management nursing diagnosis were insufficient knowledge of the therapeutic regimen, perceived barriers, powerlessness, economic disadvantage, and difficulty managing complex treatment regimens. No effect was verified with the following factors: decision conflict, family pattern of healthcare, and inadequate number of cues to action. Conclusion: Factors related to a higher likelihood of ineffective health management may be the focus of early and targeted nursing interventions, contributing to an improved quality of care. Clinical relevance: Understanding exposure to these factors can improve diagnostic reasoning at different population levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper is to analyse the factors associated with the dropout from brief psychotherapy for adults with major depressive disorder (MDD) treated at a mental health outpatient clinic. This is a randomized clinical trial with two models of psychotherapy: cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and supportive expressive dynamic psychotherapy (SEDP). MDD and anxiety disorders were evaluated through the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview‐Plus. The personality disorders were evaluated by the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory‐III. The severity of depressive symptoms was measured using the Beck Depression Inventory‐II and resilience through Resilience Scale. Of the 215 participants, 41.9% abandoned psychotherapy (n = 90), and, of these, 54.4% (n = 49) abandoned after the fourth session. The proportion of psychotherapy dropout was higher among those with nonwhite skin colour, belonging to economic classes C and D, who had children and whose depressive symptoms were moderate. Presence of obsessive–compulsive personality trait was protective against dropout. The damage caused by this abrupt interruption is evident for all those involved in the psychotherapeutic process, so the clinician should pay attention to the predictors found in this study in order to develop strategies that promote therapeutic adherence. [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]

Objectives: This cross‐sectional study aimed to assess eating behavior traits in children with or without dental caries. Methods: A sample of 580 children aged 8 years enrolled in 20 public schools in the city of Pelotas, Brazil were included. Parents/caregivers provided sociodemographic information and answered the Children's Eating Behavior Questionnaire (CEBQ) to assess eating behavior traits. This instrument possesses the subscales: food responsiveness, enjoyment of food, satiety responsiveness, slowness in eating, food fussiness, emotional overeating, emotional undereating, and desire to drink. To assess the presence of decayed, missing or filled teeth (DMFT/dmft), the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria were adopted. WHO criteria were used to evaluate presence of overweight and obesity. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare the mean score in each CEBQ subscale according to the different exposure variables. Linear regression was used to assess the association between dental caries and CEBQ subscales means. Results: Approximately half of the children were male (51.03 percent) and 66.73 percent had low/middle socioeconomic status. The mean DMFT/dmft was 2.41, ranging from 0 to 13, and 63 percent of the children showed DMFT/dmft > 0. After adjustments for potential confounders, children with dental caries showed higher scores on the subscales desire to drink (P = 0.03), and satiety responsiveness (P = 0.04). Conclusion: The present study showed that some aspects of eating behaviors differ in children with or without caries. Such knowledge adds to the understanding of the multifactorial etiology of caries and may help in the development of nutritional interventions to promote healthy eating behaviors, with benefits for oral health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The revised Helping Alliance Questionnaire (HAq‐II) is among the most used instruments that measure therapeutic alliance. Despite its use in research, this instrument is not validated for the Brazilian population. The aim of this study was to explore the evidence of validity of the HAq‐II based on the internal structure in a sample of Brazilian psychiatric patients. An ambulatory convenience sample of 204 patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) and 81 patients with obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) was randomized between two different types of treatment. The HAq‐II was completed by patients (patient version) and by 33 therapists who performed the interventions (therapist version) between the second and third sessions. We used confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to investigate two models: (1) a one‐dimensional therapeutic alliance model and (2) a two‐dimensional model considering the factors 'positive alliance' and 'negative alliance'. The internal consistency of the HAq‐II was measured by Cronbach's alpha. To investigate discriminant validity, we used the t‐test for independent samples, ANOVA and Pearson's correlation coefficient. The analysis showed that the best model of the instrument was one‐dimensional. Cronbach's alpha for both versions displayed values above 0.89. The Brazilian version of the HAq‐II presented properties similar to those found in the original version. However, studies related to the one‐dimensional model with other samples are necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Raman and infrared (IR) active lattice vibrations of xMn‐concentration Bi2 − xMnxTe3 nanocrystals (NCs) as a dopant in semiconductor Bi2Te3 nanocrystals grown in a host glass matrix, whose symmetries correspond to the R3¯m−D3d5 space group, are investigated by Raman scattering. Transmission electron microscopy images confirm the formation of Bi2 − xMnxTe3 nanocrystals with an average size of around 5.4 nm. The observation of the six hyperfine structure lines in electron paramagnetic resonance spectra confirms the incorporation of Mn2+ ions in Bi2Te3 nanocrystals. The vibrational modes of quintuple layer (QL) of the diluted magnetic semiconductor Bi2 − xMnxTe3 nanocrystals are modified in relation to pure Bi2Te3 nanocrystals. The appearance of the A2u1 (95.5 cm−1), A2u2 (114 cm−1), and Eu2 (103 cm−1) IR‐active modes is mainly due to quantum size effects. Indeed, the redshifts of the A2u1 (95.5 cm−1), Eu2 (103 cm−1), Eg2 (110 cm−1), A2u2 (114 cm−1), and A1g2 (141 cm−1) vibrational modes give strong indications of the substitutional and interstitial incorporation of Mn2+ in the Bi2Te3 crystalline structure. In addition, the Raman spectra show the formation of Bi2OTe2 semiconductor due to the appearance of the (123 cm−1) mode. The investigation of the Bi2 − xMnxTe3 nanocrystal has promising potential to design new devices with magnetic and optical properties adjusted according to the xMn‐concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The crab‐eating fox (Cerdocyon thous) is a canid widely distributed throughout South America, considered the only representative of the gender. There is a lack of information about anatomical aspects of the species, mainly regarded of nervous system anatomy. For clinical and surgical approaches of these animals, the domestic dog is adopted as anatomophysiological model. So, the aim of the present study was to analyse origin and branches of the phrenic nerve in the diaphragm of crab‐eating fox compared to domestic dog. Four specimens of Cerdocyon thous and four of Canis lupus familiaris were used. The phrenic nerve originated from the ventral branches of the fifth (C5), sixth (C6) and seventh (C7) cervical spinal nerves. Phrenic nerves were distributed in the diaphragm as lumbocostal trunk and sternal branch (100%) in the crab‐eating fox, and in costosternal trunk and lumbar branch (75%) and lumbocostal trunk and sternal branch (25%) in the domestic dog. In both species, the lumbar branch innervates the diaphragm pillars, the costal branch addresses all costal region, and the sternal branch distributes in the costal ventrolateral region and the sternal part of the diaphragm, to the left and to the right. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Morphology study of root canal systems is essential for a correct diagnosis, therapy and prognosis of root canal treatment. This study aimed to analyse the dental anatomy of the lower anterior teeth, using cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT). Lower anterior teeth were classified in terms of type, number and location of root canals, evaluating the bilaterality of anatomical occurrences and determining whether the gender and age influence the findings. We analysed 749 CBCT of patients attending the School of Dentistry for different reasons. Spearman's correlations and Wilcoxon signed‐rank test were used to analyse data (α = 0.05). There was no significant correlation between gender (male and female) and anatomy of the canals 33 (P = 0.162), 32 (P = 0.815), 31 (P = 0.708), 41 (P = 0.422), 42 (P = 0.382) and 43 (P = 0.063). There was a significant correlation between age and anatomy of the canals 33 (P = 0.045), 32 (P = 0.033), 31 (P = 0.022), 41 (P = 0.000), 42 (P = 0.037) and 43 (P = 0.037). There was no significant correlation between gender and patients' age (P = 0.325). There was no anatomical difference between the bilateral pairs (right and left homologous teeth) (P > 0.05). The most common anatomical configuration was single‐canal teeth (85.29%), followed by the configuration in which one canal leaves the chamber, divides into two and unite again (12.88%). Anatomy of the lateral incisors and lower canines does not change with the gender of patients. However, as age rises, single canals and the incidence of division into two canals ending in a single foramen also increases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To evaluate an ultrasonic‐based experimental model (US), to assess the setting time of AH Plus®, Bio‐C Sealer® and MTA Fillapex®, and compare the results obtained with ANSI/ADA specifications (2012). Methods: To determine the setting time according to the ANSI/ADA specification, moulds measuring 10 mm (diameter) × 2 mm (thickness) were used, and for the US tests a transducer (1 MHz) and an oscilloscope were used. Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was used to evaluate the changes on chemical structure at the different setting times found by the US and ANSI/ADA methods. After checking the normal distribution, setting time data were analysed using unilateral analysis of variance with Tukey‐HSD post‐test to compare the methods. Results: AH Plus® and Bio‐C Sealer® had longer mean setting time values for the US method than for the ANSI/ADA (p <.05), whilst for MTA Fillapex® no significant difference was found between the methods (p <.05). FTIR spectra demonstrated that at the setting time determined by the US method, AH Plus® and Bio‐C Sealer® were in a more advanced stage of polymerization than at the ANSI/ADA, whilst there was no significant difference for MTA Fillapex®. Conclusions: The use of US was effective for setting time determination and measured longer values than ANSI/ADA specification for AH Plus® and Bio‐C Sealer®, identifying the entire (and not only superficial) setting of the endodontic sealers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Virus‐based biologicals are one of the most promising biopharmaceuticals of the 21st century medicine and play a significant role in the development of innovative therapeutic, prophylactic, and clinical applications. Oncolytic virus manufacturing scale can range from 5 L in research and development up to 50 L for clinical studies and reach hundreds of liters for commercial scale. The inherent productivity and high integration potential of periodic counter‐current chromatography (PCC) offer a transversal solution to decrease equipment footprint and the reduction of several non‐value‐added unit operations. We report on the design of an efficient PCC process applied to the intermediate purification of oncolytic adenovirus. The developed ion‐exchange chromatographic purification method was carried out using a four‐column setup for three different scenarios: (i) variation in the feedstock, (ii) potential use of a post‐load washing step to improve virus recovery, and (iii) stability during extended operation. Obtained virus recoveries (57%–86%) and impurity reductions (>80% DNA, and >70% total protein) match or overcome batch purification. Regarding process stability and automation, our results show that not only the dynamic control strategy used is able to suppress perturbations in the sample inlet but also allows for unattended operation in the case of ion exchange capture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the present study was to evaluate whether sorghum silage exposure to air for 8, 16 or 24 hr before re‐ensiling reduces silage quality and animal feed efficiency. Sorghum was ensiled in 52 metal drums (13 for each exposure time) with 200‐L capacity, and after 112 days, 39 drums were opened and silage was exposed to air for 8, 16 or 24 hr. Thirteen silos were not opened and considered control treatment. Subsequently, silage was re‐ensiled, and after 56 days, all silos were opened to determine silage quality variables. In addition, the silage was offered to sheep to determine animal feed efficiency. The experimental design was completely randomized with five replications per treatment, and orthogonal polynomials were used to determine linear or quadratic effects of the exposure time. The non‐fibrous carbohydrate (NFC) (minimum of 278 g/kg), in vitro dry‐matter digestibility (IVDMD) (minimum of 570 g/kg) and lactic acid (1.51 g/kg for each hour) decreased with longer exposure. The pH (0.011 for each hour), ammonia nitrogen (0.057 g/kg for each hour), acetic acid (maximum of 17.9 g/kg) and aerobic stability (maximum of 62.4 hr) increased with longer exposure. Although silage exposure reduced NFC and IVDMD and increased pH and ammonia nitrogen, animal feed efficiency was not compromised. These results indicate that sorghum silage exposure for up to 24 hr does not compromise its use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seasonal and pandemic influenza outbreaks present severe health and economic burdens. To overcome limitations on influenza vaccines' availability and effectiveness, researchers chase universal vaccines providing broad, long‐lasting protection against multiple influenza subtypes, and including pandemic ones. Novel influenza vaccine designs are under development, in clinical trials, or reaching the market, namely inactivated, or live‐attenuated virus, virus‐like particles, or recombinant antigens, searching for improved effectiveness; all these bring downstream processing (DSP) new challenges. Having to deal with new influenza strains, including pandemics, requires shorter development time, driving the development of faster bioprocesses. To cope with better upstream processes, new regulatory demands for quality and safety, and cost reduction requirements, new unit operations and integrated processes are increasing DSP efficiency for novel vaccine formats. This review covers recent advances in DSP strategies of different influenza vaccine formats. Focus is given to the improvements on relevant state‐of‐the‐art unit operations, from harvest and clarification to purification steps, ending with sterile filtration and formulation. The development of more efficient unit operations to cope with biophysical properties of the new candidates is discussed: emphasis is given to the design of new stationary phases, 3D printing approaches, and continuous processing tools, such as continuous chromatography. The impact of the production platforms and vaccine designs on the downstream operations for the different influenza vaccine formats approved for this season are highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three different procedures are used to deposit aluminium onto O‐terminated (100) and (111) boron‐doped diamond, with the aim of producing a thermally stable surface with low work function and negative electron affinity. The methods are 1) deposition of a > 20 nm film of Al by high‐vacuum evaporation followed by HCl acid wash to remove excess metallic Al, 2) deposition of <3 Å of Al by atomic layer deposition, and 3) thin‐film deposition of Al by electron beam evaporation. The surface structure, work function, and electron affinity are investigated after annealing at temperatures of 300, 600, and 800 °C. Except for loss of excess O upon first heating, the Al + O surfaces remain stable up to 800 °C. The electron affinity values are generally between 0.0 and −1.0 eV, and the work function is generally 4.5 ± 0.5 eV, depending upon the deposition method, coverage, and annealing temperature. The values are in broad agreement with those predicted by computer simulations of Al + O (sub)monolayers on a diamond surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: A variety of abiotic and biotic factors promoting seasonal variation in the population of insect pests. Knowledge of the timing and magnitude of these factors is important for the study of population dynamics and the development of efficient pest management programs. Currently, there are few studies regarding Tuta absoluta Meyrick (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) seasonal dynamics in tomato cultivation under open field conditions, either with or without insecticide application. This study aimed to investigate the effects of tomato phenology, climatic factors, and insecticide spraying on the seasonal dynamics of T. absoluta in tomato cultivation under open field conditions, using data from monitoring performed for 3 years. RESULTS: Insecticide, host plant, and climatic conditions can affect T. absoluta life cycles directly over time, resulting in shifts of peaks of the pest. Insecticides for T. absoluta control reduced injury caused by larvae; however, this was not enough to reduce the density below economic injury levels (EIL) during periods of climatic conditions more suitable for population growth. Tuta absoluta densities surpassed EIL more frequently during the tomato plant fruiting stage. The highest densities of mines and damaged fruits occurred during periods of August to January and September to January in crops without and with the application of insecticides, respectively. Regarding the climatic factors, the highest densities of T. absoluta occurred during periods of increasing air temperature and low rainfall. CONCLUSION: This study provides relevant insights into the factors that regulate the dynamics of T. absoluta in tomato cultivation and the decision‐making process of control of this pest. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following from smaller‐scale investigations of grid‐forming converter control applied to wind turbines in 2017–2018, this study describes a much larger trial involving an entire wind farm, owned and operated by ScottishPower Renewables. To the authors' knowledge, this was the first UK converter‐connected wind farm to operate in grid‐forming mode, and the largest in the world to date. The 23‐turbine, 69 MW farm ran in the grid‐forming mode for 6 weeks, exploring inertia contributions between H = 0.2 s and H = 8 s. A number of unscheduled frequency disturbances occurred due to interconnector, combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) and other trips, to which un‐curtailed turbines were able to respond. In addition, several deliberate tests were carried out. The turbines were able to provide a stable and appropriate response at relatively high inertia levels to the frequency events commonly occurring today. The captured responses stimulated a debate as to whether external damping power might be required in a grid‐forming converter, or whether internal damping is sufficient to allow stable and robust power‐sharing with parallel devices in all grid event scenarios. Analysis in this study suggests that, practically, internal damping is probably appropriate, and that any deficiency in external damping power can be more than mitigated by reactance and/or droop‐slope response‐time management in the grid‐forming converters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Time series forecasting is an important type of quantitative model used to predict future values given a series of past observations for which the generation process is unknown. Two of the most well‐known methods for the modeling of linear time series are the autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) and the autoregressive fractionally integrated moving average (ARFIMA). For different datasets, the number of past observations necessary for an accurate prediction may vary. Short and long memory dependency problems require different handling, with the ARIMA model being limited to the first, while the ARFIMA model was specifically developed for the latter. Preprocessing techniques and modification on specific components of these models are common approaches used to tackle the memory dependency problem in order to improve their accuracy. However, such solutions are specific to certain datasets. This paper proposes a new method that combines the short and long memory characteristics of the two aforementioned models in order to keep a low accumulative error in several different scenarios. Twelve public time series datasets were used to compare the performance of the proposed method with the original models. The results were also compared with two alternative methods from the literature used to deal with datasets of different memory dependencies. The new approach presented a lower error for the majority of the experiments, failing only for the datasets that contain a large number of features. © 2020 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this research is to improve innovation effectiveness during new product development (NPD) processes in industry by using problem‐solving techniques during the conceptual development phase. The concept phase of physical NPDs is widely recognized in the literature as the time when the target market is identified, alternative product concepts are created and evaluated for further development and testing, also called the "fuzzy front end" or "discovery stage". Design Thinking (DT) and TRIZ were the chosen problem‐solving techniques to support this stage because of their complementariness. While DT is most recognized as an approach that drives project teams toward the end‐users, TRIZ has its main strength during idea generation and selection processes where it has a robust set of analytical tools to drive NPD teams to a final product concept. After conducting a literature review to understand the strengths and limitations of both techniques, a framework is proposed by integrating them into the conceptual development phase of an industrial NPD process. The proposed framework is then tested and validated after being applied successfully in an NPD process in the automotive industry. The automotive industry is a good example of an incremental type of industry when designing its components for new vehicle models, and is therefore a very appropriate laboratory for validating the proposed framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We evaluated the impact of thoracic radiation in patients with non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), considering the depletion of total lymphocytes, use or not of chemotherapy, and radiation doses in healthy lung tissue. Methods: Patients with stage III NSCLC, ECOG 0 to 2, receiving radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy were prospectively evaluated. All patients should be treated with three‐dimensional radiotherapy and received biologically effective doses (BED10α/β 10) of 48 to 80 Gy. Peripheral blood lymphocyte total counts were measured at the start of radiotherapy and at 2, 6 and 12 months after radiotherapy. Along with lymphocytes, PTV and doses of 5 Gy and 20 Gy in healthy lung tissue were also evaluated as potential factors influencing overall survival (OS) and progression‐free survival (PFS). Results: A total of 46 patients were prospectively evaluated from April 2016 to August 2019, with a median follow‐up of 13 months (interquartile range, 1–39 months). The median of OS of all cohort was 22,8 months (IC 95% 17,6–28,1) and the median PFS was 19,5 months (IC 95%: 14,7–24,2). Most patients received concurrent or neoadjuvant chemotherapy (43; 93.4%). No patient received adjuvant immunotherapy. The lower the lymphocyte loss at 6 months after radiotherapy (every 100 lymphocytes/mcL), the greater the chance of PFS (HR, 0.44; 95%CI, 0.25–0.77; P = 0.004) and OS (HR, 0.83; 95%CI, 0.70–0.98; P = 0.025; P = 0.025). BED was a protective factor for both PFS (HR, 0.52; 95%CI 0.33–0.83; P = 0.0006) and OS (HR, 0.73; 95%CI 0.54–0.97; P = 0.029). Conclusions: Our results suggest that lymphocyte depletion after radiotherapy reduces tumor control and survival in patients with stage III lung cancer. Radiation doses equal or higher than 60 Gy (BED1072 Gy) improve PFS and OS, but they negatively affect lymphocyte counts for months, which reduces survival and the potential of immunotherapy. Key points: Significant findings of the study: Thoracic irradiation for locally advanced lung cancer depletes T lymphocytes for months. Patients whose lymphocyte loss is lower have better overall survival and progression‐free survival. What this study adds: It is necessary to protect the lymphocyte population, as well as other organs at risk. New forms of irradiation for large fields are needed. Furthermore, could immunotherapy before chemo‐radiotherapy, with a greater number of lymphocytes, bring an even better result? [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND Raoiella indica Hirst (Acari: Tenuipalpidae) is the most critical coconut and banana pest recently introduced in Brazil. Once the mite pests are introduced, it is essential to understand their dynamics in important crops under open‐field climatic conditions to implement strategies for their management and determine the periods when species populations may increase in the field. Modelling tools have been used to determine the potential distribution of species and implications for the management of invasive species. Thus, our aim in this study was to determine the seasonal variation in R. indica and the influence of the monthly climate using CLIMEX modelling. We adjusted the CLIMEX model for R. indica based on distribution data, additional biological characteristics, and fluctuations in the R. indica population in a commercial coconut plantation. RESULTS: The model for the current climate shows a good match between the ecoclimatic index and the global distribution of R. indica. The model results demonstrate that most states of Brazil and several regions worldwide include areas with highly suitable climatic conditions for R. indica. We observed variations in the density of R. indica in commercial coconut crops, with the highest incidence occurring during the first months of the year. CONCLUSION: Our results showed different alterations in seasonal suitability for R. indica that may provide information for the implementation of methods for time management, such as strategies for sampling and control during periods with a high degree of suitability for R. indica. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Local anesthesia protocols for intradetrusor onabotulinum toxin A (BoNTA) injection lack standardization. We aimed to determine if an alkalinized lidocaine solution is more effective than lidocaine only. Methods: Patients of both genders aged 18 or above enlisted for intradetrusor BoNTA injection (idiopathic, neurogenic, and bladder pain syndrome) were included in a double‐blinded randomized controlled trial after obtaining their informed consent. All participants filled a bladder diary and a urine culture was performed. Subjects were randomized 1:1 to Protocol A (20 ml 2% lidocaine + 10 ml 8.4% sodium bicarbonate) or Protocol B (20 ml 2% lidocaine + 10 ml 0.9% saline solution). A Numeric Rating Scale (0–10) was used to assess the level of pain immediately after the procedure (primary endpoint). Secondary endpoints included pain after 1 h, urinary tract infection, acute urinary retention, and hematuria related to the procedure. Results: A total of 116 patients were randomized. Baseline characteristics (age, sex, indication, and bladder diary parameters) of patients in Group A and B were similar. Pain scores at the end of the procedure were significantly lower with the alkalinized solution (Protocol A and B, respectively, 2.37 ± 0.31 vs. 4.44 ± 0.36, p <.01). No differences were observed 1 h after treatment (Protocol A and B, respectively, 0.54 ± 0.17 vs. 0.69 ± 0.19, p =.487). The only adverse event reported was mild‐to‐moderate self‐limited hematuria in 15.4% of patients. Conclusions: The use of an alkalinized lidocaine solution has proven to be significantly superior to lidocaine only as local anesthesia before intradetrusor BoNTA injection, suggesting that this may be considered a first‐line option. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are a common urological referral, which sometimes can have a neurological basis in a patient with no formally diagnosed neurological disease ("occult neurology"). Early identification and specialist input is needed to avoid bad LUTS outcomes, and to initiate suitable neurological management. Methods: The International Continence Society established a neurological working group to consider: Which neurological conditions may include LUTS as an early feature? What diagnostic evaluations should be undertaken in the LUTS clinic? A shortlist of conditions was drawn up by expert consensus and discussed at the annual congress of the International Neurourology Society. A multidisciplinary working group then generated recommendations for identifying clinical features and management. Results: The relevant conditions are multiple sclerosis, multiple system atrophy, normal pressure hydrocephalus, early dementia, Parkinsonian syndromes (including early Parkinson's Disease and Multiple System Atrophy) and spinal cord disorders (including spina bifida occulta with tethered cord, and spinal stenosis). In LUTS clinics, the need is to identify additional atypical features; new onset severe LUTS (excluding infection), unusual aspects (eg, enuresis without chronic retention) or "suspicious" symptoms (eg, numbness, weakness, speech disturbance, gait disturbance, memory loss/cognitive impairment, and autonomic symptoms). Where occult neurology is suspected, healthcare professionals need to undertake early appropriate referral; central nervous system imaging booked from LUTS clinic is not recommended. Conclusions: Occult neurology is an uncommon underlying cause of LUTS, but it is essential to intervene promptly if suspected, and to establish suitable management pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: We aimed to identify whether lifetime cocaine use is a risk factor for conversion from major depressive disorder (MDD) to bipolar disorder (BD) in an outpatient sample of adults. Methods: This prospective cohort study included 585 subjects aged 18 to 60 years who had been diagnosed with MDD as assessed by the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI‐Plus) at baseline (2012–2015). Subjects were reassessed a mean of 3 years later (2017–2018) for potential conversion to BD as assessed by the MINI‐Plus. Lifetime cocaine use was assessed using the Alcohol, Smoking, and Substance Involvement Screening Test. Results: In the second wave, we had 117 (20%) losses, and 468 patients were reassessed. The rate of conversion from MDD to BD in 3 years was 12.4% (n = 58). A logistic regression analysis showed that the risk for conversion from MDD to BD was 3.41‐fold higher (95% confidence interval, 1.11–10.43) in subjects who reported lifetime cocaine use at baseline as compared to individuals who did not report lifetime cocaine use at baseline, after adjusting for demographic and clinical confounders. Conclusion: These findings showed that lifetime cocaine use is a potential predictor of conversion to BD in an MDD cohort. Further studies are needed to assess the possible underlying mechanisms linking exposure to cocaine with BD conversion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vertically aligned carbon nanotubes (VA‐CNTs) of 2.3 µm in height were produced by thermal chemical vapor deposition (TCVD) on Si/SiO2 substrates. These carbon arrays were coated with zinc oxide (ZnO) via atomic layer deposition (ALD) technique. Conformal, uniform and very thin films (max. 26 nm) around the CNTs were obtained after 200 ALD cycles. The photocatalytic performance of these nanocomposite materials was tested in the degradation of rhodamine B, a harmful dye present in food and textile wastewaters. The optimal degradation performance is already obtained after 100 ALD cycles on VA‐CNTs, which provide 77 % of RhB degradation after 420 min of irradiation. The photocatalytic results suggested a remarkable synergistic effect between the CNT and ZnO phases. The stability of ZnO/CNTs nanocomposites after being used as photocatalysts was demonstrated by Raman spectroscopy, as the CNTs structure stayed intact and the ZnO remained coupled to the CNTs. Thus, a main advantage of the present approach is the immobilization of the photocatalyst material on a solid support, avoiding further complex nanomaterial separation from the treated water stream. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tissue engineering aims to regenerate and restore damaged human organs and tissues using scaffolds that can mimic the native tissues. The requirement for modern and efficient biomaterials that are capable of accelerating the healing process has been considerably increased. In this work, a novel electrospun poly(lactic acid) (PLA) nanoporous membrane incorporated with niobium pentoxide nanoparticles (Nb2O5) for biomaterial applications was developed. Nb2O5 nanoparticles were obtained by microwave‐assisted hydrothermal synthesis, and different concentrations (0, 1, 3, and 5% wt/wt) were tested. Chemical, morphological, mechanical, and biological properties of membranes were evaluated. Cell viability results demonstrated that the membranes presented nontoxic effects. The incorporation of Nb2O5 improved cell proliferation without impairing the wettability, porosity, and mechanical properties of membranes. Membranes containing Nb2O5 nanoparticles presented biocompatible properties with suitable porosity, which facilitated cell attachment and proliferation while allowing diffusion of oxygen and nutrients. This study has demonstrated that Nb2O5 nanoparticle‐loaded electrospun PLA nanoporous membranes are potential candidates for drug delivery and wound dressing applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the last two decades, Brazil has advanced significantly with the expansion and improvement of its national system of protected areas. Until recently most of the expansion was concentrated in the Amazon region (with useful lessons). It also had an uneven ecological representation of coastal and marine ecosystems, concentrated in coastal waters. Despite significant advances, the levels of funding, staff and stakeholders' engagement remain relatively low for such a vast system.Within the past few years, key elements of a new strategy for protection of coastal and marine areas have started to emerge, combined with some participatory processes and a focus on expansion of the total area protected (from <1.5% protection of the country's marine area). These included: a renewed focus on priority areas for conservation; attention to national and international commitments and targets; clarity about the need for partnerships and funding; better engagement of Brazilian society and stakeholders; new, and more collaborative, models of protected areas management and conservation; and openness in the relationships with wider society.Significant results of this effort have started to appear: new large mosaics of oceanic protected areas were created; Amazon mangroves were recognized by the Ramsar Convention; new mangrove protected areas were created, besides other ones proposed; project proposals are under development with partners for better funding and sharing of responsibility; and there is a better engagement with stakeholders. The building of the Brazilian Blue Initiative is underway.The implementation of the proposed 15‐year marine strategy is at its onset: partnerships need to be strengthened and substantial funding is required. It will only be possible to manage the larger system of protected areas if there are more collaborative and innovative models for protected areas and conservation management. These should include partnerships with civil society, local and traditional communities and the private sector, as well as greater engagement of scientists and research institutions, stronger and more qualified tourism, volunteer work, etc. Further innovative funding mechanisms will also be needed along the way. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND For the first time, a model was applied at the global scale to investigate the effects of climate change on Dalbulus maidis. D. maidis is the main vector of three plant pathogens of maize crops and has been reported as one of the most important maize pests in Latin America. We modelled the effects of climate change on this pest using three Global Climate Models under two Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs) using MaxEnt software. RESULTS: Overall, climate change will lead to a decrease in suitable areas for D. maidis. In South America, climate change will decrease the areas suitable for the pest, especially in Brazil. However, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela will have small areas that are highly suitable for the corn leafhopper. Outside the pest's range, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi and South Africa also should be concerned about the risk of corn leafhopper invasions in the future because they are projected to have conditions that are highly suitable for this insect in some areas. CONCLUSION: This study allows the relevant countries to increase their quarantine measures and guide researchers to develop new Zea mays varieties that are resistant or tolerant to D. maidis. In addition, the maize‐stunting pathogens for the areas are highlighted in this modelling. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]