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Marine pollution by trace elements is a global concern due to potential toxicity to species and ecosystems. Copper is a fundamental trace element for many organisms; however, it becomes toxic at certain concentrations. The green turtle (Chelonia mydas) is a good sentinel species, due to its circumglobal distribution, long life cycle, coastal habits when juvenile, and is subject to environmental pollution. Quantifying and comparing copper levels makes it possible to understand the availability of this trace element in nature. During this research, comparisons were made between the levels of copper found in the liver, kidneys, and muscles of 35 turtles, from the United States (Hawaii and Texas), Brazil, and Japan. Copper was found in all specimens. In the liver, animals from Hawaii (91.08 µg g−1), Texas (46.11 µg g−1), and Japan (65.18 µg g−1) had statistically equal means, while those from Brazil (16. 79 µg g−1) had the lowest means. For the kidney, copper means were statistically equal for all Hawaii (3.71 µg g−1), Texas (4.83 µg g−1), Japan (2.47 µg g−1), and Brazil (1.89 µg g−1). In muscle, the means between Texas (0.75 µg g−1) and Japan (0.75 µg g−1) were the same, and the mean for Brazil (0.13 µg g−1) was the lowest. Among the organs, the highest levels of copper were found in the liver (28.33 µg g−1) followed by the kidney (2.25 µg g−1) and with the lowest levels in the muscle (0.33 µg g−1). This is the first study of copper levels among marine vertebrates in distant parts of the globe using similar comparative filters between different locations. Similar levels in turtles from such distant locations may indicate that there is a pantropical pattern of copper distribution in the biota, and that these animals are subject to the process of bioavailability of this metal in the environment and metabolic regulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pollution is one of the biggest threats to marine life and trace elements are among the most toxic pollutants in this environment. Zn is an essential trace element for biota but becomes toxic at high concentrations. Sea turtles are good bioindicators of trace element pollution, due to their longevity and cosmopolitan distribution that allow bioaccumulation for years in their tissues. Determining and comparing Zn concentrations in sea turtles from faraway places is relevant for conservation due to the lack of knowledge of geographically broader distribution patterns of Zn in vertebrates. In this study, comparative analyses of bioaccumulation in the liver, kidney, and muscles of 35 C. mydas from Brazil, Hawaii, the USA (Texas), Japan, and Australia of statistically equal sizes were performed. Zn was found in all specimens, with the highest levels in the liver and kidneys. Specimens from Australia (30.58 µg g−1), Hawaii (31.91 µg g−1), Japan (29.99 µg g−1), and the USA (33.79 µg g−1) showed statistically equal means in the liver. Kidney levels were the same in Japan (35.09 µg g−1) and the USA (37.29 µg g−1) and the same in Australia (23.06 µg g−1) and Hawaii (23.31 µg/g). Specimens from Brazil had the lowest means in both organs (12.17 µg g−1 in the liver and 9.39 µg g−1 in the kidney). The pattern of equal Zn values for most specimens in the liver is an important finding, demonstrating that there are pantropical patterns in the distribution of this metal even in regions so far from each other. A possible explanation is due to the essential nature of this metal linked to metabolic regulation, in addition to the bioavailability for biological absorption in marine environments, such as RS in Brazil, with a lower standard bioavailability also found in other organisms. Therefore, factors such as metabolic regulation and bioavailability indicate that there is a pantropical distribution of Zn in marine biota and green turtles can be a useful model as a sentinel species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During power outages in power distribution systems, a framework to detect and locate faults and broken cables is required to promptly restore the power supply and, therefore, to mitigate continuity indexes degradation. In developing countries, such as Brazil, customers' phone calls are usually the only way for the power distribution utility to become aware of a power outage. Researches on this matter have proposed meta-heuristics, artificial intelligence, and traveling waves-based methodologies. Currently, they are mostly based on a final specific technology, restricted to some monitoring devices. Such condition makes the proposed solutions unfeasible for immediate application to Brazilian distribution systems. This work presents the development of a robust Fault and Broken Cable Location framework (FBCL), successfully deployed at a Brazilian power distribution network. Two major guidelines are considered: (1) use of existing devices' records through corporate systems integration and (2) aggregation of innovative smart devices devised under the R&D scope and destined to expand monitoring capability. Aside from assisting the distribution utility in locating conventional low-impedance faults, the FBCL framework can also locate high-impedance faults with broken cables, which is a major contribution to mitigate safety issues in distribution networks. Based on the case studies conducted, the FBCL accurately located faults and broken cable events, considering multiple combinations of monitoring conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Acta Veterinaria Brasilica is the property of Acta Veterinaria Brasilica and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objective: To evaluate fall prevention strategies prescribed and performed for hospitalized older adults. Methods: This was a quantitative, cross-sectional study conducted in a tertiary public hospital between 2015 and 2016. Results: The sample consisted of 153 older adults, 101 (66.0%) of whom were women. Risk of falling was found in 60.9% (92), and women had a higher chance of falling (p=0.0016). Visual signaling of fall risk on the bed was not prescribed for 75.0% (69) of the elderly patients at risk, however, this precaution was taken for 92.4% (85) of those patients. Maintaining bed rails elevated was prescribed for 78.3% (72) of the elderly patients at risk of falling (p=0.006). This precaution was taken for 70.7% (65) of the patients at risk and 54.2% (32) of those not at risk of falling. Conclusion: Fall prevention strategies were performed more frequently than prescribed for every elderly inpatients, regardless of risk for falling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare the prevalence of esophageal and periesophageal thermal injury in patients undergoing radiofrequency (RF) atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation using 8 mm tip catheters during three different esophageal protection strategies. Methods: Forty‐five consecutive patients with paroxysmal or persistent AF underwent first ablation procedure, besides esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) combined with radial endosonography (EUS) performed before and after the pulmonary vein (PV) isolation. Before the procedure, patients were randomly assigned to one of three esophageal lesion protection strategies: group I—without any protective or monitoring dispositive and limiting RF applications to 30 W for 20 seconds, in left atrium posterior wall (LAPW); group II—power and time of RF delivery, up to 50 W for 20 seconds at LAPW, limited by esophageal temperature monitoring; group III—applications of RF in LAPW with fixed power application of 50 W for 20 seconds during continuous esophageal cooling. Results: Baseline characteristics of patients were similar in all groups. The four PVs were isolated in 14 (93.3%), 13 (86.7%), and 15 (100%) patients, respectively in groups I, II, and III. The mean RF power was significantly higher (P <.001) in the posterior side of PVs in group III. Post‐AF ablation EGD and EUS revealed two esophageal wall ulcerations and two periesophageal mediastinal edemas only in the esophageal cooling group (P =.008). Conclusion: Esophageal cooling balloon strategy resulted in a higher RF power energy delivery when ablating at the LA posterior wall, using 8 mm nonirrigated tip catheters under temperature mode control. Despite that, patients presented a relatively low incidence of esophageal and periesophaeal injuries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The objective of this study is to identify the role of working conditions as predictors of sleepiness while driving among truck drivers. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study carried out among truck drivers who transported grains to Paranaguá Port, Paraná, Brazil. The truck drivers were interviewed and completed a self-administered questionnaire to collect data on sociodemographic and behavioral variables, working conditions, consumption of illicit psychoactive substances, and sleep patterns. Drivers were considered to be sleepy while driving if they reported a medium or high probability of napping while driving at night, during the daytime, or while stopped in traffic. The statistical analysis used logistic regression models progressively adjusted for age, behavioral variables, sleep duration, and other working conditions. Results: In total, 670 male drivers, with a mean age of 41.9 (±11.1) years, were enrolled. The prevalence of sleepiness while driving was 31.5%. After model adjustments, the following working conditions were associated with sleepiness while driving: Distance from the last shipment of more than 1,000 km (odds ratio [OR] = 1.54; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.07-2.23) and a formal labor contract with a productivity-based salary (OR = 2.65; 95% CI, 1.86-3.78). Consumption of illicit psychoactive substances (OR = 1.99; 95% CI, 1.14-3.47) was also associated with sleepiness while driving. Conclusions: Distance traveled and a formal labor contract with productivity-based earnings were the working conditions associated with sleepiness while driving, regardless of other working or behavioral characteristics, age, consumption of illicit psychoactive substances, and sleep duration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Violence against women is an important public health problem in Brazil and in the world. The objective of the present study was to describe the profile of mortality due to aggression against women, and analyze whether the victims of reported violence are more likely to die from aggression than the general female population. This is a descriptive study of mortality due to aggression against women, from database linkage. The databases used for linkage were SINAN Brazil's Notifiable Diseases Information System (reports of violence against women) (2011 - 2015), and SIM, the Mortality Information System (women dying as a result of aggression) (2011 - 2016). The risk of death due to aggression among women previously reporting violence is higher than in the general female population, thus revealing a situation of vulnerability. Black women with lower schooling are the main victims of violence and homicides. The large number of women killed by aggression and repeated violence reveal the fragility of the care and protection networks in providing comprehensive, qualified and timely care for victims. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Rev Rene is the property of Rev Rene and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Agricultural Research in the Tropics / Pesquisa Agropecuária Tropical is the property of Pesquisa Agropecuaria Tropical and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Rev Rene is the property of Rev Rene and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Aim This study aimed to compare the clinical and radiographic effectiveness of Low Level Laser Therapy in vital pulp of human primary teeth. Methods Sixty mandibular primary molars of children aged between 5-9 years were assigned into four groups: Diluted Formocresol ( FC), Calcium Hydroxide ( CH), Low Level Laser Therapy ( LLLT) and Calcium Hydroxide preceded by Low Level Laser Therapy ( LLLT + CH). The clinical and radiographic evaluations were performed at 6, 12 and 18 post-operative months. Results All the groups studied were successful in the clinical evaluation over the follow-up period. At 6 months, the radiographic success rate for FC group was 100%, 60% for CH group, 80% for LLLT group and 85.7% for LLLT + CH group. After 12 months, the radiographic success rate was 100% for FC group, 50% for CH group, 80% for LLLT group and 78.6% for LLLT + CH group. At the 18 months follow-up, 100% of the FC group, 66.7% of CH group, 73.3% of the LLLT group and 75% of the LLLT + CH group. Conclusion These findings suggest that Low Level Laser Therapy may be considered as an adjuvant alternative for vital pulp therapy on human primary teeth. Low Level Laser Therapy preceding the use of calcium hydroxide showed satisfactory results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We tested the hypothesis that the highly flexible feeding repertoire of juvenile Chaetodipterus faber reflects their trophic adaptability by quantifying the feeding behaviour of juveniles in situ, for the first time, in a northeastern Brazilian estuary. The fishes presented a preference for alga-rich habitats, irrespective of the substrate type chosen during feeding bouts. The analysis of stomach contents revealed omnivorous feeding habits, indicating that the ingestion of plant material occurs incidentally during foraging for benthic prey hidden under the alga. Particulate feeding in the water column was often as important as bottom feeding on alga-rich substrates. The results of this study are consistent with those of other ephippid species in different coastal environments, which typically exploit an ample diversity of food items from different substrates. Therefore, the flexibility observed in the feeding behavior of the most ephippid species may be a fundamental determinant of the ecological success of this group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Vampire bat related rabies harms both livestock industry and public health sector in central Brazil. The geographical distributions of vampire bat-transmitted rabies virus variants are delimited by mountain chains. These findings were elucidated by analyzing a high conserved nucleoprotein gene. This study aims to elucidate the detailed epidemiological characters of vampire bat-transmitted rabies virus by phylogenetic methods based on 619-nt sequence including unconserved G-L intergenic region. Findings: The vampire bat-transmitted rabies virus isolates divided into 8 phylogenetic lineages in the previous nucleoprotein gene analysis were divided into 10 phylogenetic lineages with significant bootstrap values. The distributions of most variants were reconfirmed to be delimited by mountain chains. Furthermore, variants in undulating areas have narrow distributions and are apparently separated by mountain ridges. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that the 619-nt sequence including G-L intergenic region is more useful for a state-level phylogenetic analysis of rabies virus than the partial nucleoprotein gene, and simultaneously that the distribution of vampire bat-transmitted RABV variants tends to be separated not only by mountain chains but also by mountain ridges, thus suggesting that the diversity of vampire bat-transmitted RABV variants was delimited by geographical undulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thirty-three Brazilian bat rabies viruses (RVs) were studied by sequence analysis and were compared against sequences of bat-related RVs from other regions of the Americas. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that bat-related RVs formed several monophyletic lineages and that these were associated with bat species. Brazilian bat RVs were found to include nine major lineages, one of which grouped with RVs isolated from Lasiurus spp. from different regions of the Americas. These results suggest that there is considerable diversity among Brazilian bat RV variants and that some of these RV variants may be associated with bats from other countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although many outbreaks of rabies have been reported in northern Brazil, few epidemiological studies of these outbreaks have been undertaken. In this study, molecular epidemiological analyses were performed using 41 rabies virus samples isolated in the Maranhão (MA), Pará (PA), and Tocantins (TO) states of northeastern Brazil. A 599-bp region of the glycoprotein (G) gene was first amplified from each sample by RT-PCR, then sequenced and subjected to phylogenetic analysis. A phylogenetic tree divided the 41 isolates into two clades: Clade I was associated with terrestrial carnivores and Clade II was associated with vampire bats. The Clade I isolates were further sub-divided into two groups. The first group was closer to carnivore isolates that predominate in central Brazil, whereas the second group more closely resembled wild fox isolates from the northeastern coastal state of Paraíba (PB). MA isolates of Clade II formed an entirely separate group. These results demonstrate that bat- and dog-transmitted rabies occur in northwestern Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antiretrovirals (ARVs) have been detected in aquatic ecosystems throughout the world; however, studies focused on assessing their ecotoxicological effects on marine aquatic organisms are still rare. In the present study, the predicted environmental concentration (PEC) of 13 ARVs was estimated for surface seawater from Santos Bay, Brazil, according to the European Medicines Agency (EMEA) guidelines. The results indicated that all ARVs need to be assessed for their ecological effects, considering that they all exceeded the EMEA guideline limits (PEC > 0.01 µg L−1). In this sense, three ARVs (namely atazanavir, nevirapine and efavirenz) were selected for the acute and chronic tests with sea urchin (Echinometra lucunter). Furthermore, the Environmental Risk Assessment (ERA) for these three ARVs was also performed by calculating the risk quotient. The acute and chronic toxicity results showed inhibitory concentrations (IC) for the fertilization (IC50; 1 h; range: 11.46–84.61 mg L−1) and for the embryo–larval development (IC50; 42 h; range: 0.52–0.97 mg L−1) of the sea urchin, respectively. Moreover, the ERA showed that these three ARVs are potentially hazardous for aquatic life in Santos Bay, raising concerns about the continuous introduction of ARVs in aquatic ecosystems. The data presented may contribute to the provision of subsidies for the development of monitoring public policies that aim to reduce the introduction of ARVs into the aquatic environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) improves somatic manifestations in mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS). However, because intravenously administered enzymes cannot cross the blood–brain barrier (BBB), ERT is ineffective against the progressive neurodegeneration and resultant severe central nervous system (CNS) symptoms observed in patients with neuronopathic MPS. Attempts to surmount this problem have been made with intrathecal and intracerebroventricular ERT in order to achieve CNS effects, but the burdens on patients are inimical to long-term administrations. However, since pabinafusp alfa, a human iduronate-2-sulfatase fused with a BBB-crossing anti-transferrin receptor antibody, showed both central and peripheral efficacy in a mouse model, subsequent clinical trials in a total of 62 patients with MPS-II (Hunter syndrome) in Japan and Brazil substantiated this dual efficacy and provided an acceptable safety profile. To date, pabinafusp alfa is the only approved intravenous ERT that is effective against both the somatic and CNS symptoms of patients with MPS-II. This article summarizes the previously obtained preclinical and clinical evidence related to the use of this drug, presents latest data, and discusses the preclinical, translational, and clinical challenges of evaluating, ameliorating, and preventing neurodegeneration in patients with MPS-II. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A rabies virus isolate (BRmk1358 strain) was discovered from a rabid tufted capuchin monkey in Brazil. The present study determined the nucleotide sequence of the BRmk1358 strain and compared with the rabies viruses isolated from marmosets and other animals in the Americas. Phylogenetic analyses showed that the BRmk1358 strain formed a lineage distant from that of marmoset rabies virus within the Chiroptera-related rabies virus cluster. This result suggests that the source of rabies infection in the tufted capuchin monkey may have been bat, and that they have a risk to act as rabies reservoir in Brazil. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Ethnopharmacological relevance: Eupatorium triplinerve Vahl belongs to the Asteraceae family, popularly known as Japana. It is a perennial shrub native to Amazon rainforests of South America. Its leaves are used through infusions, decoctions, baths, and tea. It is largely used in Brazilian folk medicine as sedative, febrifuge, stimulant, tonic and anti-inflammatory. Aim of the study: The present study evaluated the putative effects of Eupatorium triplinerve on the central nervous system (CNS), including locomotor and anxiety activity, depression-like behavior, and antinociception and oxidative stress. Materials and methods: Two-month-old male Wistar rats (n=7–10 rats/group) and Swiss male and female mice of the species Mus musculus (n=7–10 per group) were administered with 100mg/kg, 200mg/kg, 400mg/kg, 600mg/kg, and 800mg/kg of hydroalcoholic extracts of Eupatorium triplinerve (HEET). The behavioral assays included open-field (OF), elevated Plus-maze (EPM), and forced swimming tests (FS). The antinociceptive activity was verified using chemical (acetic acid and formalin) and thermal (hot plate) models of nociception. The oxidative stress levels were measured in rat blood samples after behavioral assays and Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), nitric oxide and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured in vivo. Results: Oral pretreatment with HEET reduced the locomotion in OF test (200–800mg/kg), increased central locomotion and open arms entries in the OF and EPM tests, respectively (600–800mg/kg), and decreased the immobility time in the FS (200–800mg/kg). It also reduced the writhing number evoked by acetic acid injection (200–800mg/kg) and licking time in the first phase of the formalin test (400–800mg/kg). In the oxidative stress assays, the extract decreased TEAC, Nitric Oxide and MDA levels in response to swimming stress induced in rats. Conclusions: These results were indicative for the first time that Eupatorium triplinerve exerted mild sedative, anxiolytic and antidepressive effects on the CNS. Antinociceptive effects not related to opioid system and antioxidant activity were also observed. These results support the ethnopharmacological use of Eupatorium triplinerve in popular medicine. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The low rates of nonsynonymous evolution observed in natural rabies virus (RABV) isolates are suggested to have arisen in association with the structural and functional constraints operating on the virus protein and the infection strategies employed by RABV within infected hosts to avoid strong selection by the immune response. In order to investigate the relationship between the genetic characteristics of RABV populations within hosts and the virus evolution, the present study examined the genetic heterogeneities of RABV populations within naturally infected dogs and foxes in Brazil, as well as those of bat RABV populations that were passaged once in suckling mice. Sequence analyses of complete RABV glycoprotein (G) genes showed that RABV populations within infected hosts were genetically highly homogeneous whether they were infected naturally or experimentally (nucleotide diversities of 0–0.95×10−3). In addition, amino acid mutations were randomly distributed over the entire region of the G protein, and the nonsynonymous/synonymous rate ratios (d N/d S) for the G protein gene were less than 1. These findings suggest that the low genetic diversities of RABV populations within hosts reflect the stabilizing selection operating on the virus, the infection strategies of the virus, and eventually, the evolutionary patterns of the virus. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]