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According to recent data reported, it is noted that lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death internationally followed by cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. This disease is observed in both women and men and is related to lifestyle habits. Several causes are reported to be at the origin of lung cancer, especially smoking. It is important to note that the majority of lung cancers develop in the bronchi, that is to say at the level of the upper airways which lead to the lungs, which does not however make it possible to rule out the risk factors that come under environmental pollution since man breathes the air quality of the environment every day for his breathing. This review of the literature has made it possible to draw up a state of knowledge in order to understand the risk factors that increase lung cancer. More specifically, this work will make it possible to raise awareness in the field of the fight against cancer, in particular lung cancer.

Radio frequency (RF) energy harvesting and wireless power transmission (WPT) technologies —both near-field and far-field—have attracted significant interest for wireless applications and RFID systems. We already utilize near-field WPT products in our life and it is expected that RF EH and far-field WPT systems can drive the future low-power wireless systems. In this article, we initially present a brief historical overview of these technologies. The main technical challenges of rectennas and WPT transmitters are discussed. Furthermore, this paper presents the recent advances on the development of these technologies, including the possibility of powering RFID systems through the millimeter wave power from 5G networks, the trends in flexible rectennas design and the technological developments on the simultaneous wireless information and power transfer (SWIPT).

Os AA. demonstraram o grande valor que a cintilografia cerebral desempenha no diagnóstico dos tumores primitivos e metastáticos. Em casuística de 109 exames realizados encontraram 36 casos de neoplasias malignas. O trabalho foi ilustrado com diversas figuras.

This paper presents a performance evaluation of single and dual-band software-defined radio (SDR) front-ends using commercially available barium strontium titanate (BST) thin film to control SDR receivers dynamic range and mitigate interference. Firstly, an SDR front-end solution using a BST-based single-band bandpass filter (BPF) is developed to manage in-band attenuation according to the input power. Secondly, a dual-band SDR front-end to avoid high power interference with its spectral content on the below side of the second band is designed. This device is performed with a BST-based dual-band BPF providing independent control of the power limiting capabilities of the first and second bands. The BST component introduces a dependence on bias voltage, frequency, and input power. Consequently, by applying a 0 V bias, it is possible to target interferers between 700 MHz up to 1 GHz and attenuate them more than 7 dB at 40 dBm. The frequency dependence is defined by the second band, which retains its filtering performance while performing interference cancellation in the first band. This SDR solution implements a three functional dimension device in the upper MHz with a power-dependent insertion loss, high threshold power level, and frequency selectivity.

ABSTRACT: The application of zinc fertilizers in the soil has been an agronomic practice to correct Zn deficiency in plants, aiming to increase productivity and/or nutritional quality. This study evaluated how zinc sulfate fertilization affects plant growth, yield performance and nutrient accumulation in the cassava ‘IAC 576-70’. The experimental design was in randomized blocks with eight replications. The treatments consisted of 0, 1.5, 3.0, 4.5 and 6.0 g p1-1 ZnSO4. Results showed improvement in yield with soil fertilization with ZnSO4, with the optimal dose of 2.5 g pl-1. The uptake of nutrients in plant parts is favored with lower doses of zinc fertilizer, with maximum points ranging from 0.8 to 3.2 g pl-1 for macronutrients and 1.6 to 3.6 g pl-1 for micronutrients. The Zn content in tuberous roots increases by more than 40% with fertilization up to 2.8 g pl-1 of fertilizer, which contributes to the nutritional value of roots.

Aim: Preventive approaches to oral health diseases, mainly dental caries, require individual and collective policies. Thus, this review was conducted to identify the primary prevention methods of dental caries in adults to improve oral health at the clinical and community levels. Methods: This review followed the PICO strategy with the research question: “What are the methods of primary prevention of dental caries, in adults, for improving and maintaining oral health integrating clinical and community-based strategies?” Electronic screening was carried out by two independent reviewers in five databases (MedLine/PubMed, SciELO, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and LILACS) to find relevant publications between 2015–2022. We applied eligibility criteria for selection of the articles. The following MeSH terms were used: “Primary Prevention”; “Adult”; “Oral Health”; “Dental Caries”; “Fluorides, Topical”; “Fluoride Varnishes”; “Pit and Fissure Sealants”; “Preventive Dentistry”. Although the term “Prevention strategy” is not a MeSH descriptor, several correlated terms appeared and were used in the search engines: “Preventative Care”, “Disease Prevention, Primary”, and “Prevention, Primary”. The tool provided by the JBI organization (Joanna Briggs Institute) was used to assess the quality of the included studies. Results: Nine studies were included. Overall, it was found that the main primary prevention methods applied in dentistry in adults are the application of pit and fissure sealants, topical application of fluoride performed in the dental clinic, use of fluoridated toothpaste, mouthwash with chlorhexidine at home, use of xylitol, the recommendation for regular appointments with the dentist, and the need to inform patients about the saliva buffer capacity and adoption of a non-cariogenic diet. For that purpose, preventive policies should be taken to prevent dental caries. These include three major challenges: providing the adult population with more knowledge regarding their oral health, empowering patients through adopting healthy lifestyles, and developing new preventive strategies and awareness campaigns aimed at the adult population to promote proper oral health habits. Conclusions: A small number of studies were found whose participants were adult patients. There was some consistency regarding primary prevention methods in our studies. However, good quality randomized control studies are still required to define the best intervention strategies for adult caries prevention.

Abstract Formation, maintenance, and repair of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) are critical for central nervous system homeostasis. The interaction of endothelial cells (ECs) with brain pericytes is known to induce BBB characteristics in brain ECs during embryogenesis and can be used to differentiate human ECs from stem cell source in in vitro BBB models. However, the molecular events involved in BBB maturation are not fully understood. To this end, human ECs derived from hematopoietic stem cells were cultivated with either primary bovine or cell line-derived human brain pericytes to induce BBB formation. Subsequently, the transcriptomic profiles of solocultured vs. cocultured ECs were analysed over time by Massive Analysis of cDNA Ends (MACE) technology. This RNA sequencing method is a 3′-end targeted, tag-based, reduced representation transcriptome profiling technique, that can reliably quantify all polyadenylated transcripts including those with low expression. By analysing the generated transcriptomic profiles, we can explore the molecular processes responsible for the functional changes observed in ECs in coculture with brain pericytes (e.g. barrier tightening, changes in the expression of transporters and receptors). Our results identified several up- and downregulated genes and signaling pathways that provide a valuable data source to further delineate complex molecular processes that are involved in BBB formation and BBB maintenance. In addition, this data provides a source to identify novel targets for central nervous system drug delivery strategies.

Echovirus-30 (E-30) is a non-polio enterovirus responsible for meningitis outbreaks in children worldwide. To gain access to the central nervous system (CNS), E-30 first has to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) or the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier (BCSFB). E-30 may use lipid rafts of the host cells to interact with and to invade the BCSFB. To study enteroviral infection of the BCSFB, an established in vitro model based on human immortalized brain choroid plexus papilloma (HIBCPP) cells has been used. Here, we investigated the impact of E-30 infection on the protein content of the lipid rafts at the BCSFB in vitro. Mass spectrometry analysis following E-30 infection versus uninfected conditions revealed differential abundancy in proteins implicated in cellular adhesion, cytoskeleton remodeling, and endocytosis/vesicle budding. Further, we evaluated the blocking of endocytosis via clathrin/dynamin blocking and its consequences for E-30 induced barrier disruption. Interestingly, blocking of endocytosis had no impact on the capacity of E-30 to induce loss of barrier properties in HIBCPP cells. Altogether, these data highlight the impact of E-30 on HIBCPP cells microdomain as an important factor for host cell alteration.

Echovirus-30 (E-30) is responsible for the extensive global outbreaks of meningitis in children. To gain access to the central nervous system, E-30 first has to cross the epithelial blood–cerebrospinal fluid barrier. Several meningitis causing bacteria preferentially infect human choroid plexus papilloma (HIBCPP) cells in a polar fashion from the basolateral cell side. Here, we investigated the polar infection of HIBCPP cells with E-30. Both apical and basolateral infections caused a significant decrease in the transepithelial electrical resistance of HIBCPP cells. However, to reach the same impact on the barrier properties, the multiplicity of infection of the apical side had to be higher than that of the basolateral infection. Furthermore, the number of infected cells at respective time-points after basolateral infection was significantly higher compared to apical infection. Cytotoxic effects of E-30 on HIBCPP cells during basolateral infection were observed following prolonged infection and appeared more drastically compared to the apical infection. Gene expression profiles determined by massive analysis of cDNA ends revealed distinct regulation of specific genes depending on the side of HIBCPP cells’ infection. Altogether, our data highlights the polar effects of E-30 infection in a human in vitro model of the blood–cerebrospinal fluid barrier leading to central nervous system inflammation.

We hereby describe a rare case of unilateral sphenoid wing dysplasia nonassociated with neurofibromatosis, which presented with pulsating proptosis with resting enophthalmos and with Valsalva-induced exophthalmos.

O objetivo deste artigo é analisar a criação da lei de 15 de outubro de 1886 que aboliu a pena de açoites no Brasil. Diferentemente da historiografia dedicada ao tema que destacou o contexto antiescravista internacional e as disputas parlamentares, pretendo olhar para os debates travados no âmbito da Justiça e da imprensa a partir do estudo de três casos que tiveram grande repercussão nas décadas de 1870 e 1880. Minha intenção é demonstrar como as discussões parlamentares para a abolição da pena de açoites no Brasil relacionavam-se a um amplo debate de crítica aos castigos físicos nos anos finais da escravidão.

Indirect selection can be considered an interesting strategy for plant breeding, especially when an easily measurable/high heritability trait is highly correlated with a target trait which has a lower heritability in segregating populations. The objective of this study was to obtain estimates of phenotypic, genotypic and environmental correlations and to evaluate the partition of genotypic correlations in direct and indirect effects of agronomic variables on the GY variable, through the analysis of two cultivated environments in fifteen wheat segregating populations. The agronomic traits grain yield per plant (GY), number of grains per ear (NGE), grain weight per ear (GWE), thousand grain weight (TGW), number of fertile tillers (NFT), days from emergence to flowering (DEF), days from flowering to maturity (DFM), total development cycle (CYC), and percentage of lodging (LODG), were evaluated in F4 populations under two cropping systems (with and without flooding). In all populations, by means of simple correlations, the selection of more productive plants can be accomplished by indirect selection for NGE, GWE and NFT. Through path analysis, it was possible to identify an indirect effect on GY by NGE. Also, the effect of GWE, NFT, CYC and DEF on the correlation between other characters (NGE x GY, GY x WTG, DFM x GY, GY x CYC and GY x LODG), emphasizing that the NGE, GWE, NFT, DEF and CYC are the main characters to consider for increasing grain yield in wheat.

Extracellular vesicles are released by numerous cell types of the human body under physiological but also under pathophysiological conditions. They are important for cell−cell communication and carry specific signatures of peptides and RNAs. In this study, we aimed to determine whether extracellular vesicles isolated from patients with pulmonary hypertension show a disease specific signature of small non-coding RNAs and thus have the potential to serve as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. Extracellular vesicles were isolated from the serum of 23 patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) and 23 controls using two individual methods: a column-based method or by precipitation. Extracellular vesicle- associated RNAs were analyzed by next-generation sequencing applying molecular barcoding, and differentially expressed small non-coding RNAs were validated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). We identified 18 microRNAs and 21 P-element induced wimpy testis (PIWI)-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) or piRNA clusters that were differentially expressed in CTEPH patients compared with controls. Bioinformatic analysis predicted a contribution of these piRNAs to the progression of cardiac and vascular remodeling. Expression levels of DQ593039 correlated with clinically meaningful parameters such as mean pulmonary arterial pressure, pulmonary vascular resistance, right ventricular systolic pressure, and levels of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide. Thus, we identified the extracellular vesicle- derived piRNA, DQ593039, as a potential biomarker for pulmonary hypertension and right heart disease.

Purpose: This study aimed to assess five intraocular lens (IOL) formula refractive outcomes in eyes with extreme axial length (AL) in the day-to-day practice of a secondary care center. Design: This is a retrospective consecutive case series. Methods: From all uneventful phacoemulsification cataract surgeries performed during 2018 (n = 1528), eyes with AL ≤22 mm and ≥25 mm were included and, after applying exclusion criteria, were validated (n = 114). Five IOL power formula predictions were compared to registered postsurgical refractions using IOL Master 500©. Two subgroups were created: eyes with AL ≤22 mm (n = 52) and AL ≥25 mm (n = 62). The formula performance in each subgroup was assessed by values of mean error, mean absolute error (MAE), median absolute error, standard deviation, and frequencies of eyes within lesser values of prediction error (PE). Results: The formulae presented different PE values in both subgroups. In AL ≤22 mm subgroup, the MAE was 0.622 (±0.120) for Barrett II, 0.684 (±0.153) for Haigis, 0.625 (±0.131) for Hoffer Q, 0.593 (±0.130) for Holladay I, and 0.593 (±0.119) for SRK/T, without statistical significance (P > 0.05). In AL ≥25 mm subgroup, the MAE was 0.409 (±0.110) for Barrett II, 0.739 (±0.159) for Haigis, 1.143 (±0.224) for Hoffer Q, 1.058 (±0.212) for Holladay I, and 0.928 (±0.190) for SRK/T, with statistical significance compared to Barrett II and Haigis (P < 0.001). In this subgroup, the application of Wang–Koch AL adjustment seemed an advantage in Hoffer Q and Holladay I, whereas a disadvantage in Haigis and SRK/T. Conclusions: Despite performing better than any other formulae, the 4th generation formulae performed worse than initially expected. Formula constants might explain this difference, and different IOL models can be used. However, these limitations are faced in day-to-day practice. Thus, these results hold their value as real-life refractive outcomes in eyes with extreme AL.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to validate the multimedia version of the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD) Axis II Questionnaire in Portuguese language. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The sample comprised 30 patients with signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders (TMD), evaluated at the Orofacial Pain Control Center of the Dental School of the University of Pernambuco, Brazil, between April and June 2006. Data collection was performed using the following instruments: Simplifed Anamnestic Index (SAI) and RDC/TMD Axis II written version and multimedia version. The validation process consisted of analyzing the internal consistency of the scales. Concurrent and convergent validity were evaluated by the Spearman's rank correlation. In addition, test and analysis of reproducibility by the Kappa weighted statistical test and Spearman's rank correlation test were performed. RESULTS: The multimedia version of the RDC/TMD Axis II questionnaire in Portuguese was considered consistent (Crombrach alpha = 0.94), reproducible (Spearman 0.670 to 0.913, p

Postharvest handling of corn is an important factor in the production of green corn, since it can represent up to 50% of the total production cost of this crop. As a few studies have analyzed the procedures for this fresh product, the objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of storage conditions and type of package on starch contents in green corn grains. Two corn hybrids were used in this experiment: AG 1051 and DINA 170, harvested at approximately 80 percent moisture. Two assays were conducted, being one under refrigeration at 5ºC ± 0.8ºC, and another at room temperature (22ºC ± 1.8ºC). In these conditions, three different types of package were evaluated: ears with husks, ears without husks and ears wrapped in a PVC film (without husks). Evaluations and samplings were done every three days for the treatments at room temperature and every five days for the treatments at 5ºC. Starch quantification was done using anthrone reaction. A completely randomized design with a subdivided plots scheme was used, with two replications. The means were compared by Turkey test at 5% probability. Results showed that, at room temperature, grains from wrapped ears presented lowest starch contents, regardless hybrid analyzed, and PVC film was unable to reduce the starch accumulation rates, at the tested temperatures, in both hybrids, during the ten days of storage.

O objetivo deste artigo é analisar as questões que envolvem a pesquisa e a narrativa de biografias de escravos e forros, tomando como ponto de partida o estudo de um plano de insurreição, descoberto na cidade de Campinas no ano de 1832. A intenção é destacar os desafios que implicam a construção de trajetórias de “gente comum” e ainda algumas das estratégias que podem ser adotadas. Chamaremos a atenção para o método de ligação nominativa de fontes e para a análise quantitativa dos dados como possíveis caminhos para a elaboração dessas biografias.

Nos dias 8 e 9 de janeiro de 1873 dois senhores de Campos dos Goytacazes, no norte fluminense, foram assassinados por seus escravos. Os casos despertaram na época temores de uma grande agitação cativa, forçando o envio de tropas policiais da Corte para a cidade de Campos e a condenação dos réus nas rígidas disposições da lei de 10 de junho de 1835. O objetivo deste artigo é analisar a documentação judicial e burocrática gerada por esses dois casos de assassinato, buscando aprofundar o conhecimento sobre a organização do plano dos escravos, dos seus objetivos e de sua relação com o contexto emancipacionista da década de 1870. Interessa ainda analisar o conhecimento que os cativos tinham da estrutura repressiva do Estado e como tal saber influenciou na própria organização de seus movimentos rebeldes. Palavras-chave: Rebeldia escrava; Justiça criminal; Emancipação.

O Holocausto é um dos temas mais tratados pela História Pública, mas uma forma de pseudo-história, o Negacionismo do Holocausto contamina o debate público em torno do assunto com um discurso de ódio, maniqueísta e antissemita que é usado pela extrema-direita contemporânea como um elemento de coesão ideológica e, simultaneamente, como uma estratégia de tentar se viabilizar politicamente por meio da negação dos crimes contra a humanidade cometidas pelo regime Nacional-Socialista alemão.

An intense metabolic activity is observed in plant organs harvested at immature stage, especially in corn, which may increase the postharvest losses. The use of storage techniques and adequate hybrids can reduce such losses, allowing longer period for commercialization. The present work had the goal to evaluate the influence of different forms of storage on weigh loss of corn harvested at milk stage for “in natura” consumption of hybrids DINA 170 and AG 1051. The experiment was disposed in complete random design with four replicates, arranged in factorial array of 3 X 2 X 2 (three storage conditions: ear included in husks, ear exposed and ear wrapped in PVC film), (two hybrids: DINA 170 and AG 1051), (two temperatures of storage: room temperature and 5 oC). Fresh weight loss was determined daily and the averages were compared by Tukey test at 5% probability. Ears wrapped in PVC had lower weight loss, regardless of the temperature of storage and hybrid used. At room temperature, the ears included in husks of hybrid DINA 170 showed lower weight loss. The ear exposed treatment the hybrid AG 1051 showed lower weight loss. No significant differences were observed at storage at 5 oC, regardless of the treatment.

Resumo O objetivo deste artigo é analisar a decisão do Imperador Dom Pedro II datada de 17 de outubro de 1872 de alforriar réus escravos que viessem a ser perdoados de uma sentença perpétua. Isto é, com essa decisão, os escravos que fossem contemplados com o perdão da pena de prisão ou de galés perpétuas não mais seriam obrigados a retornar ao domínio de seus antigos senhores, ficando plenamente livres. Mesmo não sendo desconhecida da bibliografia especializada, essa decisão de 1872 ainda tem sido pouco explorada. Assim, o objetivo deste artigo é analisar tanto os debates que antecederam a resolução do monarca, ocorridos no Ministério da Justiça e seção Justiça do Conselho de Estado, como ainda investigar o perfil dos réus libertados, a frequência com que tais decisões ocorriam e seu impacto no processo emancipacionista. Também interessa analisar a relação da decisão de 17 de outubro de 1872 com a intensificação do envio de cartas de perdão de réus escravos ao Imperador nos anos subsequentes.

Em 1933 e 1934 as esquerdas brasileiras criaram organizações para impedir o crescimento do fascismo no Brasil, representado pela Ação Integralista Brasileira (AIB). O Partido Comunista e a "trotskista" Liga Comunista (LC) disputaram a hegemonia neste embate político. Nos últimos meses de 1934 o antifascismo de esquerda teve dois importantes momentos que criaram as condições para sua ampliação política e geográfica: a "Batalha da Praça da Sé" e a criação da Comissão Jurídica e Popular de Inquérito (CJPI) que aglutinou os diferentes grupos políticos antifascistas e progressistas e preparou as bases da formação de um mais amplo movimento político, a Aliança Nacional Libertadora (ANL).

We analyzed the first 96 patients tested for HIV resistance to antiretroviral therapy in three Brazilian states. The HIV-1 reverse transcriptase (RT) and protease (PR) were sequenced by using the ABI ViroSeq system. The drugs previously used for each patient were recorded and correlated with the mutations found in the samples. Viral load (VL) and CD4 count were also recorded. Only one patient had the wild type sequence. The most prevalent mutations were: 184V (59%), 41L (47.9%), 63P (53%), 215Y (50%), 36I (46%), 10I (35%), 67N (42%), 77I (37%), 90M (36%) and 210W (33%). A positive correlation between the number of previously used ARVs and the number of mutations was observed (p

Saroglitazar is a novel medication for dyslipidemia, but its specific effects remain unclear. Therefore, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the efficacy and safety of saroglitazar for managing dyslipidemia. The PubMed, Scopus, and EMBASE databases were systematically searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing 2 and 4 mg of saroglitazar with placebos for treating dyslipidemia. A random-effects model calculated the pooled mean differences for continuous outcomes with 95% confidence intervals. The study included seven RCTs involving 1975 patients. Overall, 340 (31.0%) and 513 (46.8%) participants received 2 and 4 mg of saroglitazar, respectively; 242 (22.11%) received the placebo. The mean ages ranged from 40.2 to 62.6 years, and 436 (39.8%) were women. Compared to the control group, 4 mg of saroglitazar significantly decreased the triglyceride and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels but did not affect the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level. Furthermore, the alanine aminotransferase level significantly decreased, the creatine level significantly increased, and body weight did not differ between the groups. Finally, 4 mg of saroglitazar, compared to 2 mg, significantly lowered the triglyceride level. Saroglitazar (4 mg) may be an effective treatment, but safety concerns remain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic skin condition. Its complexity and impact on patients highlight the need for multidisciplinary care that can address the physical, psychological, and social aspects. Centers of excellence can ideally provide the necessary infrastructure, resources, and expertise to effectively treat HS. However, there are still no consolidated models of centers of excellence in HS, and establishing their foundations is an intricate research challenge. Purposely, design and co-creation as innovation techniques are helpful approaches to this type of research.Methods: In this study, we conducted a co-creation with consensus among HS specialists to propose the criteria and requirements to establish outpatient centers of excellence of HS in Brazil. We followed a linear process with mixed methods in 6 stages.Results: The process resulted in 10 categories for establishing outpatient centers, including their respective requirements, rationale, and classification. The categories include onboarding and welcoming; infrastructure and procedures; infusion therapy; flows and referrals; staffing; disease management; metrics during diagnosis; metrics during treatment; awareness and advocacy; research and education.Discussion: The idealized outpatient centers can play a role in the complete multidisciplinary treatment for HS and advancing the science of healthcare services by providing a focus for research, training, and translation of findings into practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two‐ and three‐dimensional computations have been performed to study incompressible laminar flow of viscous fluids in symmetric channels with gradual expansions. The divergent form advective and viscous terms of Navier–Stokes equations are discretized by means of the UNIFAES scheme, which has been showing unpaired accuracy. Explicit time‐wise integration allows continuity to be imposed via the Poisson equation for the pressure, solved iteratively with several iterations per velocity step in order to ensure mass conservation throughout the transient regime. The proposed finite volume approach uses the semi‐staggered mesh structure, in which pressure is put at the center of the continuity cell and the velocity components at the cell vertexes. Comparative studies have shown this mesh to be highlighted by accuracy, in relation to the traditional, staggered and collocated meshes. Furthermore, it was observed that the semi‐staggered mesh allowed to treat a plane diverging channel in entirely regular fashion without losing accuracy, by appropriate choice of the aspect ratio of the numerical cell, providing geometrical flexibility that does not exist in more common meshes, such as staggered and collocated structures. The present proposal explored the geometric flexibility of the semi‐staggered mesh to solve with simplicity a relevant problem of a channel with gradual expansion. Overall, good agreement was observed against experimental and numerical results in the literature, therefore, it illustrates the capability of the semi‐staggered approach to easily handle flat surfaces nonparallel to the coordinates axes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Thermodynamic property calculations of solutions containing electrolytes are relevant to design and optimize industrial process, among which water desalination. The conventional way of designing such processes relies on specific models or correlations for vapor pressure, density, osmotic coefficient, and mean ionic activity coefficient. Nonetheless, an equation of state (EOS) for electrolyte solutions enables, in principle, the evaluation of all of them. In previous work, the electrolattice EOS was presented, being composed by three terms: the Mattedi–Tavares–Castier (MTC) lattice-based contribution, the Born contribution, and an explicit mean spherical approximation (MSA) for ions of equal diameters. In the present work, an explicit MSA term suitable for ions of unequal diameters is used instead, along with new water parameters and two adjustable parameters per ion. The new expression for the Helmholtz energy, referred to as Q-electrolattice model, is used to correlate mean ionic activity coefficients and densities in strong 78 single-salt aqueous solutions. Additionally, calculations of vapor pressure, osmotic coefficient, and apparent molar volume of salt are performed. Predictions of thermodynamic properties for aqueous solutions containing multiple salts and seawater are also presented without using any additional adjustable parameter. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Boron is an essential nutrient for plants, involved in cell growth and flower development. In the reproductive phase, its deficiency reduces male fertility due to damage to microsporogenesis and subsequent pollen tube growth. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of boron application on the agronomic and physiological quality of irrigated rice seeds. Boron applied as sodium borate (Na2B4O7.10H2O) at a dosage of 10 kg ha-1, was made at different times (sowing, tillering, panicle differentiation, and booting full flowering). The performance, sterility and yield components of the rice, as well as seed physiological quality, were evaluated. It was found that application of sodium borate at a dosage of 10 kg ha-1 at different growth stages did not cause sterility or affect grain yield, yield components and the physiological quality of irrigated rice seeds of the IRGA 422CL cultivar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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This study aimed to investigate the effect of growth and differentiation factor 9 (GDF-9) during the in vitro culture of isolated caprine early antral follicles. The isolated and selected early antral follicles were individually cultured for 18 days, and the following treatments were tested: α-MEM+ (control treatment) or α-MEM+ supplemented with 200 ng/mL GDF-9. The following endpoints were evaluated: follicular growth and morphology, estradiol production, oocyte nuclear maturation, and relative expression of key genes related to steroidogenesis (CYP19A1, CYP17, and insulin receptor) and basement membrane remodeling (MMP-9 and TIMP-2). In both treatments, a decrease was observed in the percentage of morphologically intact follicles with a concomitant increase in the rates of extruded and degenerated follicles (P < 0.05). The GDF-9 treatment showed higher rates of extruded follicles only on day 6 of culture (P < 0.05). Follicle diameter increased progressively throughout the culture period (P < 0.05) with similar diameters between treatments at all culture times (P > 0.05). Growth and differentiation factor 9 increased the daily growth rate from the first to the second third of culture, with higher values (P < 0.05) than control in the second third. Oocyte maturation rate as well as estradiol levels and relative mRNA expression for CYP19A1, CYP17, MMP-9, TIMP-2, and insulin receptor genes were similar between treatments (P > 0.05). This study shows for the first time that GDF-9 added to a culture medium increased the follicle growth rate of goat early antral follicles cultured in vitro. Keywords: in vitro culture; antral follicle; goat; GDF-9

Ovarian tissue transplantation methods using cooled and cryopreserved samples have been attractive options for fertility preservation in animal models and humans. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of previous exposure to cooling, cryopreservation, and VEGF on the overall efficiency of equine ovarian tissue after heterotopic xenotransplantation in mice. The endpoints evaluated were follicular morphology and development, follicular and stromal cell densities, angiogenesis (i.e. the density of new and mature blood vessels), collagen types I and III fiber densities, and total fibrosis. Ovaries of adult mares were harvested after ovariectomy, and ovarian fragments were xenografted in the i.p. wall of BALB nude mice. Ten types of treatments involving different combinations of cooling, cryopreservation, xenografting procedures, and VEGF exposure were compared. The novel aspect of this study was the use of equine ovarian tissue xenotransplantation in mice, challenging the fragments with different combinations of treatments. The main findings were (i) cooling but not cryopreservation was effective in preserving the follicular morphology, (ii) a greater percentage of developing follicles but lower follicular and stromal cell densities were observed after ovarian tissue engraftment, (iii) exposure to VEGF increased new and mature vessels in cryopreserved-transplanted tissue, and (iv) an appropriate balance in the collagen types I and III fiber ratio in cooling-transplanted tissue was observed after exposure to VEGF. This study contributes to advancing knowledge in the preservation of ovarian tissue after cooling-cryopreservation and transplantation aiming to be applied to genetically superior/valuable horses, livestock, endangered animals, and, possibly, humans.

Es un hecho que, si bien no se dispone de información reproductiva básica sobre las alpacas, la reserva ovárica normal de esta especie en comparación con otras especies tampoco está identificada. En este estudio, se caracterizaron los folículos preantrales ováricos en alpacas adultas sanas. Se recogieron diez ovarios de cinco alpacas adultas. Las muestras de la corteza ovárica se fijaron con paraformaldehído y se realizó un análisis histológico. Se determinaron los porcentajes de folículos normales y degenerados. Los folículos normales se midieron y clasificaron en estadios: primordiales, de transición, primarios y secundarios. La mayoría de los folículos preantrales presentes en la corteza ovárica de las alpacas eran estadios primordiales y de transición; Raras veces se encontraron folículos primarios (6.10%) y secundarios (0.37%). Los folículos primarios y secundarios tenían un diámetro mayor en comparación con los folículos primordiales y de transición. El mayor diámetro de ovocitos se registró en los folículos secundarios (P

Dynamic statistical equations for the turbulent fluxes of scalars and momentum in incompressible flows are derived after time wise integration of the equation for the oscillating transported property, decomposing the turbulent fluxes in terms representing distinct features of the main and fluctuating flow that influence the respective turbulent transport. These expressions provide a means for discussing the gradient diffusion hypothesis for the turbulent transport, for reconsidering the mixed length model in entirely continuous terms, and for seeking possible alternatives or corrections. Applying this methodology to the turbulent transport flux of kinetic energy, two dominating terms are found: one identified with a kinetic energy gradient model for shear layers; the other related to the main velocity gradient. Accordingly, a composed, Statistical Dynamic model is proposed for the turbulent transport of kinetic energy in shear layers, adding a velocity derivative term to Daly and Harlow’s generalized gradient model. This velocity derivative term is calibrated in a nearly homogeneous turbulent shear flow, and the resulting Statistical Dynamic model is proved superior to Daly and Harlow’s and other gradient models in channel and boundary layer flows.

The present study evaluated the effect of supplementing in vitro culture medium with J. insularis compared to FSH on isolated secondary follicles and in vitro maturation of oocytes from those follicles. Secondary follicles were isolated from sheep ovaries and individually cultured for 18 days in α-MEM+ (Control), α-MEM+ supplemented with 100 ng/mL recombinant bovine follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) or with 0.3, 1.25, or 2.5 mg/mL of J. insularis extract (JI0.3, JI1.25, and JI2.5, respectively). Culture medium collected every 2 days was used to measure ROS levels. At the end of the culture period, cumulus oocytes complex (COCs) were collected and matured in vitro. Follicular walls were used for mRNA quantitation. JI0.3 led to a higher (P < 0.05) percentages of intact follicles than other groups after 18 days of culture. While follicular diameter remained unchanged from Day 6 onwards with JI0.3 and FSH, percentages of antral cavity formation were higher (P < 0.05) with JI0.3 at Day 6 than in all other treatments. No differences were observed between controls and treatment groups regarding ROS levels and mRNA expression of genes. Viability of resulting oocytes was higher (P < 0.05) in JI0.3 compared to FSH. Interestingly, in control experiment, supplementation of maturation medium with JI0.3 led to higher (P < 0.05) percentages of metaphase II compared to controls. Although more validations will be needed, it seems that this natural extract could be used as a cheap and easily available alternative to commercial FSH.

This study investigated the levels of messenger ribonucleic acids (mRNA) for inhibin-ßA subunit in goat primordial, primary and secondary follicles, as well as in cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) and mural granulosa / theca cells of antral follicles. The effects of activin-A (100ng mL-1) and/or follicle stimulating hormone (FSH, 50ng mL-1) on growth and expression of mRNA for activin-A and FSH receptor (FSH-R) in secondary follicles cultured for six days were evaluated. The data showed that the expression of inhibin-ßA is lower in secondary follicles than in primary follicles and is higher in large antral follicles than in small antral follicles. After culture, activin-A and/or FSH promoted growth of secondary follicles, while FSH increased the levels of mRNA for inhibin-ßA, and activin-A increased the levels of FSH-R mRNA. In conclusion, mRNA for inhibin-ßA is expressed at different levels in pre-antral and antral follicles and activin-A acts as a stimulator of the FSH-R expression in goat follicles. On its turn, the expression of inhibin-ßA is stimulated by FSH, which together with activin-A promotes secondary follicle growth in-vitro.Este estudo investigou os níveis de ácidos ribonucleicos (RNAm) para a subunidade ßA da inibina em folículos primordiais, primários e secundários caprinos, bem como em complexos cumulus-oócitos (CCOs) e células da granulosa mural/teca de folículos antrais. Além disso, avaliaram-se os efeitos da ativina-A (100ng mL-1) e/ou hormônio folículo estimulante (FSH, 50ng mL-1) sobre o crescimento e a expressão do RNAm para inibina-ßA e receptores de FSH (FSH-R) em folículos secundários cultivados por seis dias. Os dados mostraram que a expressão de inibina-ßA é menor em folículos secundários do que em folículos primários e é maior em grandes folículos antrais que nos pequenos folículos antrais. Após o cultivo, ativina-A e/ou FSH promoveram o crescimento de folículos secundários. Enquanto o FSH aumentou os níveis de RNAm para inibina-ßA, a ativina-A aumentou os níveis de RNAm para FSH-R. Em conclusão, a inibina-ßA é expressa em diferentes níveis em folículos pré-antrais e antrais e a ativina-A atua como um estimulador da expressão de FSH-R em folículos caprinos. Por sua vez, a expressão de inibina-ßA é estimulada pelo FSH, que, juntamente com ativina, promove o crescimento de folículos secundários in vitro.

O presente trabalho teve como objetivos determinar a influência de células ovarianas no desenvolvimento in vitro de folículos pré-antrais, avaliar a viabilidade das células ovarianas em monocamada e a influência do soro na manutenção de folículos pré-antrais in vitro. Folículos pré-antrais (FPs) e células ovarianas foram isolados de ovários de fetos bovinos, com idade entre 6 e 8 meses de gestação, oriundos de matadouro. Células ovarianas em monocamada foram cultivadas em meio TCM-199, e a viabilidade celular, após o cultivo na presença ou ausência de FSH, foi determinada com o corante vital azul de tripan. FPs foram distribuidos em quatro tratamentos e cultivados em TCM-199 modificado, contendo soro de novilho castrado (SNC), SNC em monocamada de células ovarianas (MCO), MCO com FSH ou meio definido com álcool polivinílico (PVA) como macromolécula. A viabilidade celular não foi afetada em conseqüência da presença ou ausência de FSH. No entanto, houve um incremento significativo no tamanho dos FPs cultivados na presença de SNC, MCO e FSH (PThe aim of the present work was to determine the influence of ovarian cells in the in vitro development of preantral follicles (PF). The viability of monolayer ovarian cells and the effect of the serum in the survive of in vitro PF was also investigated. Ovarian cells and PF were isolated from ovaries of bovine fetus between 6 and 8 months of pregnancy, obtained in a slaughterhouse. Monolayer of ovarian cells were cultured in a modified TCM-199 in the presence and absence of FSH and its viability after incubation was determined with Trypan Blue. PFs were divided in four different treatments, cultured in modified TCM-199, containing serum of castrated steer (SCS), SCS in monolayer of ovarian cells (MOC), MOC with FSH or a defined medium with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as macromolecule. The cellular viability was not affected by the presence or absence of FSH. However, PFs had a significant development (P

O presente experimento foi delineado com o objetivo de determinar a influência de diferentes períodos de digestão enzimática nos ovários de fetos bovinos, sobre o número total de folículos pré-antrais resgatados e o número de folículos resgatados em cada estágio de desenvolvimento. A presença da membrana basal, envolvendo o complexo formado pelas células da granulosa e o oócito, foi observada através de um estudo histológico, o que permitiu avaliar a integridade morfológica dos folículos pré-antrais isolados. Para isso, ovários de fetos bovinos, entre 150 e 270 dias de gestação, foram obtidos em frigorífico. No laboratório, os ovários foram seccionados em vários fragmentos com uma tesoura cirúrgica e dissociados com pipetas de Pasteur, com diâmetros aproximados de 1000 e 500mim. Após este processo, os fragmentos foram submetidos à digestão enzimática com colagenase em uma concentração de 200UI/ml de TCM199 modificado, por períodos de 20, 30 ou 40 minutos. Os resultados obtidos com esta técnica permitiram determinar que o número de folículos pré-antrais isolados, assim como, os estágios de desen- volvimento em que esses folículos encontravam-se no momento do isolamento, são similares nos três períodos de incubação enzimática. A estrutura morfológica desses folículos, formada pelo oócito, células da granulosa e membrana basal, manteve-se intacta após o isolamento nos três períodos de digestão enzimática.The objective of this experiment was to determine the efficiency and the effect of different enzymatic digestion periods on the number and developmental stages of preantral follicles isolated from bovine fetal ovaries. The presence of basal membrane, surrounding granulosa cells-oocyte complex, was observed, after digestion, through histologycal study. For this, ovaries from bovine fetues, were collected in slaughterhouses, between 150 and 270 days of pregnancy. In the laboratory, the ovaries were cut into several fragments with surgical scissors and dissociated with Pasteur pipette, having either 1000 or 500mum diameter. After these steps, the fragments were submitted to an enzymatic digestion with collagenase in a concentration of 200IU/ml of modified TCM 199, for periods of 20, 30 or 40 minutes. The results showed that determined the total number and the quantity of the different developmental stages of isolated preantral follicles were similar in the three different periods of enzymatic digestion. The histological analyses demonstrated that the enzymatic digestion periods did not affect the morphological structure of the follicles.

The aim of this study was to investigate the ultrastructural characteristics of primordial follicles after culturing of sheep ovarian cortical slices in the presence of indol acetic acid (IAA), Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF), and FSH. To evaluate ultrastructure of primordial follicles cultured in MEM (control) or in MEM containing IAA, EGF, and FSH, fragments of cultured tissue were processes for transmission electron microscopy. Except in the control, primordial follicles cultured in supplemented media for 6 d were ultrastructurally normal. They had oocyte with intact nucleus and the cytoplasm contained heterogeneous-sized lipid droplets and numerous round or elongated mitochondria with intact parallel cristae were observed. Rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) was rarely found. The granulosa cells cytoplasm contained a great number of mitochondria and abundant RER. In conclusion, the presence of IAA, EGF, and FSH helped to maintain ultrastructural integrity of sheep primordial follicles cultured in vitro.