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We present an overview of the first data release (DR1) and first-look science from the Green Bank Ammonia Survey (GAS). GAS is a Large Program at the Green Bank Telescope to map all Gould Belt star-forming regions with {A}{{V}}≳ 7 mag visible from the northern hemisphere in emission from NH3 and other key molecular tracers. This first release includes the data for four regions in the Gould Belt clouds: B18 in Taurus, NGC 1333 in Perseus, L1688 in Ophiuchus, and Orion A North in Orion. We compare the NH3 emission to dust continuum emission from Herschel and find that the two tracers correspond closely. We find that NH3 is present in over 60% of the lines of sight with {A}{{V}}≳ 7 mag in three of the four DR1 regions, in agreement with expectations from previous observations. The sole exception is B18, where NH3 is detected toward ̃40% of the lines of sight with {A}{{V}}≳ 7 mag. Moreover, we find that the NH3 emission is generally extended beyond the typical 0.1 pc length scales of dense cores. We produce maps of the gas kinematics, temperature, and NH3 column densities through forward modeling of the hyperfine structure of the NH3 (1, 1) and (2, 2) lines. We show that the NH3 velocity dispersion, {σ }v, and gas kinetic temperature, T K, vary systematically between the regions included in this release, with an increase in both the mean value and the spread of {σ }v and T K with increasing star formation activity. The data presented in this paper are publicly available (https://dataverse.harvard.edu/dataverse/GAS_DR1)., Astronomy

We use data on gas temperature and velocity dispersion from the Green Bank Ammonia Survey and core masses and sizes from the James Clerk Maxwell Telescope Gould Belt Survey to estimate the virial states of dense cores within the Orion A molecular cloud. Surprisingly, we find that almost none of the dense cores are sufficiently massive to be bound when considering only the balance between self-gravity and the thermal and non-thermal motions present in the dense gas. Including the additional pressure binding imposed by the weight of the ambient molecular cloud material and additional smaller pressure terms, however, suggests that most of the dense cores are pressure-confined., Astronomy

We use Green Bank Ammonia Survey observations of NH3 (1, 1) and (2, 2) emission with 32″ FWHM resolution from a ∼10 pc2 portion of the Cepheus-L1251 molecular cloud to identify hierarchical dense gas structures. Our dendrogram analysis of the NH3 data results in 22 top-level structures, which reside within 13 lower-level parent structures. The structures are compact (0.01 {pc}≲ {R}{eff}≲ 0.1 {pc}) and are spatially correlated with the highest H2 column density portions of the cloud. We also compare the ammonia data to a catalog of dense cores identified by higher-resolution (18.″2 FWHM) Herschel Space Observatory observations of dust continuum emission from Cepheus-L1251. Maps of kinetic gas temperature, velocity dispersion, and NH3 column density, derived from detailed modeling of the NH3 data, are used to investigate the stability and chemistry of the ammonia-identified and Herschel-identified structures. We show that the dust and dense gas in the structures have similar temperatures, with median T dust and T K measurements of 11.7 ± 1.1 K and 10.3 ± 2.0 K, respectively. Based on a virial analysis, we find that the ammonia-identified structures are gravitationally dominated, yet may be in or near a state of virial equilibrium. Meanwhile, the majority of the Herschel-identified dense cores appear to be not bound by their own gravity and instead confined by external pressure. CCS (20 − 10) and HC5N (9-8) emission from the region reveal broader line widths and centroid velocity offsets when compared to the NH3 (1, 1) emission in some cases, likely due to these carbon-based molecules tracing the turbulent outer layers of the dense cores., Astronomy

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of replacing Tifton 85 hay (0, 33, 66, or 100 %) with by castor bean hulls on the intake and nutrient digestibility and performance of 28 noncastrated lambs, averaging 7 months in age, 19.5 ± 2.0 kg average live weight, fed on diets based on forage cactus. The animals were housed in individual pens for 100 days. The digestibility trial occurred 40 days after the start of the performance using LIPE® as an external indicator for estimating fecal dry matter production. The replacement of hay with Castor beans hulls linearly decreased the intakes of dry matter, neutral detergent fiber, organic matter, and crude protein and reduced the digestibility coefficients of the dry matter, neutral detergent fiber, organic matter content, crude protein, and total digestible nutrient content. The hot carcass and true carcass yields were not influenced by the treatments and the feed conversion increased linearly. The empty body weight, live weight at slaughter, hot and cold carcass weights, total gain, and average daily gain decreased linearly with the replacement. The replacement of Tifton 85 hay with castor bean hulls reduced the intake of dry matter, crude protein and energy, consequently reducing the performance of the animals. However, as the regression coefficients were of low magnitude, data were subjected to analysis of variance and means were compared using the Dunnett test with diet without castor bean hulls set as the control treatment. The Tifton 85 hay can be replaced up to 66 % by castor bean hulls in finishing diets for lambs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Introduction: Social jetlag is associated with several negative health outcomes, but its impact on asthma control has not been previously investigated. Although impaired sleep is common in asthma, studies on the relationship between sleep quality, social jetlag and asthma control in adolescents are scarce.Objective: To investigate the relationship between asthma control and sleep quality, sleep-wake pattern and excessive daytime sleepiness in adolescents.Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of 1457 Brazilian high-school adolescents. Asthma was identified using the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood questionnaire, and disease control was measured by the Asthma Control Test. Sleep-wake pattern and social jetlag were assessed by the Munich Chrono-Type Questionnaire; sleep quality, by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index; and daytime sleepiness, by the Epworth Sleepiness Scale.Results: Asthma was present in 250 (17.2%) participants and was classified as uncontrolled in 120 (47.9%). Both uncontrolled and controlled asthma groups, compared with non-asthmatics, had worse sleep quality (81.7% vs 77.4% vs 56.5%; p < 0.001) and excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS: 56.2% vs 56.5% vs 39.2%; p < 0.001). On average, adolescents with uncontrolled asthma, compared to non-asthmatics, showed later sleep onset (mean ± SD: 23:54pm ± 1 h:45min vs 23:20pm ± 1 h:27min; p = 0.002) and shorter sleep duration (5.7 h ± 1.8 h vs 6.3 h ± 1.4 h; p = 0.002) on school days. No significant difference in social jetlag was found among the three groups.Conclusions: Asthma is associated with EDS and poor-quality sleep in adolescents. Social jetlag is common in these subjects and is not related to the presence and control of asthma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Brasileira de Terapia Intensiva is the property of Associacao de Medicina Intensiva Brasileira 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.)

The barbell squat is a multijoint exercise often employed by athletes and fitness enthusiasts due to its beneficial effects on functional and morphological neuromuscular adaptations. This study compared the effects of squat variations on lower limb muscle strength and hypertrophy adaptations. Twenty‐four recreationally trained females were assigned to a 12‐week front squat (FS; n = 12) or back squat (BS; n = 12) resistance training protocol (twice per week). Maximum dynamic strength (1‐RM) on the 45° leg press, a nonspecific strength test, and muscle thickness of the proximal, middle, and distal portions of the lateral thigh were assessed at baseline and post‐training. A significant time versus group interaction was observed for 1‐RM values (F(1,22) = 10.53; p = 0.0004), indicating that BS training elicits greater improvements in muscle strength compared with FS training (p = 0.048). No time versus group interactions were found for muscle thickness (F(1,22) = 0.103; p = 0.752); however, there was a significant main effect of time for the proximal (F(1,22) = 7.794; p = 0.011), middle (F(1,22) = 7.091; p = 0.014), and distal portions (F(1,22) = 7.220; p = 0.013) of the lateral thigh. There were no between‐group differences for any muscle thickness portion (proximal: p = 0.971; middle: p = 0.844; and distal: p = 0.510). Our findings suggest that BS elicits greater improvements in lower limb muscle strength on the 45° leg press than FS, but hypertrophic adaptations are similar regardless of variations during the squat exercise. Highlights: Back squat training elicited greater strength‐related improvements in a nonspecific strength test than front squat training.Hypertrophic adaptations of the lateral thigh are similar between both squat variations.Both squat variations elicited similar growth at proximal, middle, and distal regions of the lateral thigh. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work presents IMplicit-EXplicit (IMEX) formulations for discontinuous Galerkin (DG) discretizations of the compressible Euler equations governing non-hydrostatic atmospheric flows. In particular, we show two different IMEX formulations that not only treat the stiffness due to the governing dynamics but also the domain discretization. We present these formulations for two different equation sets typically employed in atmospheric modeling. For both equation sets, efficient Schur complements are derived and the challenges and remedies for deriving them are discussed. The performance of these IMEX formulations of different orders are investigated on both 2D (box) and 3D (sphere) test problems and shown to achieve their theoretical rates of convergence and their efficiency with respect to both mesoscale and global applications are presented. • Various IMplicit-EXplicit (IMEX) formulations for discontinuous Galerkin non-hydrostatic atmosphere are presented. • Efficient Schur complements for each IMEX formulation are derived and analyzed. • IMEX formulations and Schur complements for two different equations sets used in atmospheric sciences are presented. • The performance of the methods are investigated on 2D and 3D, mesoscale and global test problems. • The developed formulations are shown to be efficient and achieve their theoretical rates of convergence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have observed the low-mass protostellar source IRAS 15398−3359 at a resolution of 0.″2–0.″3, as part of the Atacama Large Millimeter/Submillimeter Array Large Program FAUST, to examine the presence of a hot corino in the vicinity of the protostar. We detect nine CH3OH lines including the high-excitation lines with upper-state energies up to 500 K. The CH3OH rotational temperature and the column density are derived to be 119 − 26 + 20 K and 3.2 − 1.0 + 2.5 × 10 18 cm−2, respectively. The beam filling factor is derived to be 0.018 − 0.003 + 0.005 , indicating that the emitting region of CH3OH is much smaller than the synthesized beam size and is not resolved. The emitting region of three high-excitation lines, 183,15–182,16, A (E u = 447 K), 193,16–192,17, A (E u = 491 K), and 203,17–202,18, A (E u = 537 K), is located within the 50 au area around the protostar and seems to have a slight extension toward the northwest. Toward the continuum peak, we also detect one emission line from CH2DOH and two features of multiple CH3OCHO lines. These results, in combination with previous reports, indicate that IRAS 15398−3359 is a source with hybrid properties showing both hot corino chemistry rich in complex organic molecules on small scales (∼10 au) and warm carbon-chain chemistry rich in carbon-chain species on large scales (∼100–1000 au). A possible implication of the small emitting region is further discussed in relation to the origin of the hot corino activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. Observations of protostellar envelopes are essential in order to understand better the process of gravitational collapse toward star and planet formation. From a theoretical perspective, magnetic fields are considered an important factor during the early stages of star formation, especially during the main accretion phase. Aims. Our aim is to study the relation between kinematics and magnetic fields at a very early stage of the star formation process by using data from the Atacama Pathfinder EXperiment (APEX) single-dish antenna with an angular resolution of 28". Methods. We observed the two molecular lines C18O (2-1) and DCO+ (3-2) toward the Class 0 young stellar object IRAS15398-3359. We implemented a multi-component Gaussian fitting on the molecular data to study the kinematics. In addition, we used previous polarization observations on this source to predict the influence of the magnetic field on the core. Results. The velocity gradient along the central object can be explained as an ongoing outflow motion. We report the flowing of material from the filament toward the central object, and the merging of two velocity components in the C18O (2-1) emission around the protostar position, probably due to the merging of filamentary clouds. Our analysis shows that the large-scale magnetic field line observed previously is preferentially aligned to the rotation axis of the core. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerical weather prediction is pushing the envelope of grid resolution at local and global scales alike. Aiming to model topography with higher precision, a handful of articles introduced unstructured vertical grids and tested them for dry atmospheres. The next step toward effective high‐resolution unstructured grids for atmospheric modeling requires that also microphysics is independent of any vertical columns, in contrast to what is ubiquitous across operational and research models. In this paper, we present a non‐column based continuous and discontinuous spectral element implementation of Kessler's microphysics with warm rain. We test the proposed algorithm against standard three‐dimensional benchmarks for precipitating clouds and show that the results are comparable with those presented in the literature across all of the tested effective resolutions. While presented for both continuous and discontinuous spectral elements in this paper, the method that we propose can be adapted to any numerical method used in other codes, as long as the code can already handle vertically unstructured grids. Plain Language Summary: The earth climate is warming faster than ever. While climate models are the tool available to scientists to forecast its future evolution, they are biased by uncertainties that are, arguably, mostly embedded in the modeling of clouds. Thanks to the advent of exascale computing, a reduction of cloud modeling uncertainties can be expected by simulating clouds at higher and higher resolutions. While uniform high resolution across the whole domain is ideal, for computational efficiency reasons scientists are likely to increase the model resolution in some regions more than others not only in the horizontal direction—which is a standard approach—but also along the vertical direction. Grid refinement in the vertical direction, however, may lead to the loss of the vertical structure of the grid columns, affecting the usability of column‐based physics packages that are used to model clouds and precipitation. To overcome this problem, we present an algorithm to solve the equations that model precipitating clouds along arbitrarily shaped grids in any spatial direction. This approach is advantageous from a modeling perspective as well as from a computational one because it allows full flexibility of the domain partitioning algorithms when hundreds of thousands of parallel processors are used. Key Points: A non‐column based spectral element approach to model precipitating clouds is presentedThe approach can be easily applied to any microphysics scheme with and without precipitationThis approach will make full physics simulations of the atmosphere on unstructured grids possible [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prestellar cores represent the initial conditions in the process of star and planet formation. Their low temperatures (<10 K) allow the formation of thick icy dust mantles, which will be partially preserved in future protoplanetary disks, ultimately affecting the chemical composition of planetary systems. Previous observations have shown that carbon- and oxygen-bearing species, in particular CO, are heavily depleted in prestellar cores due to the efficient molecular freeze-out onto the surface of cold dust grains. However, N-bearing species such as NH3 and, in particular, its deuterated isotopologues appear to maintain high abundances where CO molecules are mainly in the solid phase. Thanks to ALMA, we present here the first clear observational evidence of NH2D freeze-out toward the L1544 prestellar core, suggestive of the presence of a “complete depletion zone” within a ≃1800 au radius, in agreement with astrochemical prestellar core model predictions. Our state-of-the-art chemical model coupled with a non-LTE radiative transfer code demonstrates that NH2D becomes mainly incorporated in icy mantles in the central 2000 au and starts freezing out already at ≃7000 au. Radiative transfer effects within the prestellar core cause the NH2D(111 âˆ' 101) emission to appear centrally concentrated, with a flattened distribution within the central ≃3000 au, unlike the 1.3 mm dust continuum emission, which shows a clear peak within the central ≃1800 au. This prevented NH2D freeze-out from being detected in previous observations, where the central 1000 au cannot be spatially resolved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Volumetric and health assessment of the liver is crucial to avoid poor post-operative outcomes following liver resection surgery. No current methods allow for concurrent and accurate measurement of both Couinaud segmental volumes for future liver remnant estimation and liver health using non-invasive imaging. In this study, we demonstrate the accuracy and precision of segmental volume measurements using new medical software, Hepatica™. Methods: MRI scans from 48 volunteers from three previous studies were used in this analysis. Measurements obtained from Hepatica™ were compared with OsiriX. Time required per case with each software was also compared. The performance of technicians and experienced radiologists as well as the repeatability and reproducibility were compared using Bland–Altman plots and limits of agreement. Results: High levels of agreement and lower inter-operator variability for liver volume measurements were shown between Hepatica™ and existing methods for liver volumetry (mean Dice score 0.947 ± 0.010). A high consistency between technicians and experienced radiologists using the device for volumetry was shown (± 3.5% of total liver volume) as well as low inter-observer and intra-observer variability. Tight limits of agreement were shown between repeated Couinaud segment volume (+ 3.4% of whole liver), segmental liver fibroinflammation and segmental liver fat measurements in the same participant on the same scanner and between different scanners. An underestimation of whole-liver volume was observed between three non-reference scanners. Conclusion: Hepatica™ produces accurate and precise whole-liver and Couinaud segment volume and liver tissue characteristic measurements. Measurements are consistent between trained technicians and experienced radiologists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study investigated the effect of increased protein supplementation levels on fecal egg count, performance and feeding behavior of lambs grazing elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schum.). The treatments consisted of five levels of crude protein (CP) in an isoenergetic supplement (0%, 8%, 16%, 24% and 32% CP) provided to growing lambs. Fifty lambs at initial live weight of 20.2 ± 2.94 kg were slaughtered after 75 days of protein supplementation. Ether extract intake decreased with the increase of CP in the supplement. Average daily weight gain was over 60% greater for lambs receiving supplement with 16% and 24% CP than lambs in the control group. Protein supplementation did not affect grazing and ruminating behavior but lambs in the control group spent from 82% to 88% less time eating the supplement (4.01 min; P < 0.01) and visited the supplement trough 3.01 times a day. Fecal egg count remained low with the increase of protein in the supplement in the beginning of the grazing period. Intake, weight gain, carcass length and rump width of the lambs enhanced as CP in the supplement increased, with optimal performance obtained with 8% CP in the supplement for lambs grazing elephant grass. • Nutrition and health status of grazing lambs enhances with protein supplementation. • 16% protein supplementation provides optimal performance for lambs grazing elephant grass. • Protein supplementation does not affect grazing and ruminating behaviour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Gold exploration is generally based on methods such as soil, stream and drill core geochemistry and geophysical techniques, but X-ray diffraction (XRD) and the Rietveld method-based mineral quantification are seldomly used. Here, a multi-methodological approach coupling traditional drill core macroscopic description and multi-element analysis, scanning electron microscopy/energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (SEM/EDS), and electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) with XRD/Rietveld method and statistical techniques is presented as a useful tool for deposit characterization, mineral exploration and predictive metallurgy purposes. The Pilar gold deposit, situated in the Quadrilátero Ferrífero province, Brazil, was used as a case study for the proposed multi-methodological approach. Carbonate-facies banded iron formations (BIFs) and schist sequences showing an intense quartz and sulfide hydrothermal alteration represent the host rocks of Pilar mineralized intervals, which may be identified by three signatures: Au-As-W-S-quartz-chlorite-pyrrhotite-arsenopyrite-calcite for schists, and Au-As-quartz-chlorite-arsenopyrite-pyrrhotite and Au-Ag-S-Te-quartz-chlorite-pyrrhotite for BIFs. Within the mineralized BIFs, the expected average Au grades and gold textures vary according to the signature. In As-poor BIFs, gold is only observed within the structure of sulfide and telluride phases. On the other hand, native gold is present in As-rich BIF samples, which usually contain relatively higher Au grades, compared to the As-poor BIFs. Native gold is also identified in mineralized schists, whose average Au grades are similar to those of As-poor BIFs. Therefore, the proposed multi-methodological approach is useful in providing the following information: geochemical-mineralogical signatures and the expected average Au grades and mode of occurrence of gold for each one of these signatures. At Pilar, the geochemical-mineralogical behavior of mineralized zones is directly linked to Au grades and textures. In terms of a practical workflow, this study illustrates that, after the multi-methodological approach is applied and the representativeness of the ore-petrography is tested, the general described behavior of gold within each group of ores can be used for mineral exploration and metallurgical purposes without the need of repeated SEM/EDS and EPMA analyses. Instead, the average Au grades and the gold textures may be predicted solely by the signature definition based on the drill core geochemical-mineralogical analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enhancing the initial stages of plant growth by using polymeric gels for seed priming presents a significant challenge. This study aimed to investigate a microgel derived from polyetheramine-poly(propylene oxide) (PPO) and a bisepoxide (referred to as micro-PPO) as a promising alternative to optimize the seed germination process. The micro-PPO integrated with an iron micronutrient showed a positive impact on seed germination compared with control (Fe solutions) in which the root length yield improved up to 39%. Therefore, the element map by synchrotron-based X-ray fluorescence shows that the Fe intensities in the seed primers with the micro-PPO-Fe gel are about 3-fold higher than those in the control group, leading to a gradual distribution of Fe species through most internal embryo tissues. The use of micro-PPO for seed priming underscores their potential for industrial applications due to the nontoxicity results in zebrafish assays and environmentally friendly synthesis of the water-dispersible monomers employed.

Duckweed ( Lemna minor L.) is a small floating aquatic plant that has an important economic impact in several industrial areas. With its high biomass production, reasonable protein content, and resilience to several climates, it has been attracting increasing interest for potential use in animal and human food systems. Historically consumed in southwest Asia, this duckweed is now gaining attention as a potential novel food in Europe. This manuscript explores the contributions of duckweed to various food and feed industries, including aquaculture and livestock, while also pointing out the incipient research carried out for human consumption. Most importantly, it highlights the potential of Lemna minor as a vegetable for future human consumption whether eaten whole or through extraction of its nutrients.

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is the most common skin malignancy in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) as a result of immunosuppression. A worldwide increase in kidney transplantation justifies the determination of prognostic biomarkers by collecting detailed patient data on metastasis development. This study aims to characterize the clinical, epidemiological, and histopathological profiles of KTRs who developed metastasis of cSCC. We conducted a retrospective single-center study on 18 KTRs and 21 immunocompetent patients (ICs) with metastatic cSCC, using data from 2004 to 2021. ICs were older (median age 70.5 years) than KTRs (median age: 59.5 years). Both groups were predominantly male with Fitzpatrick skin phototype I/II. The primary tumor appeared around 83.5 months post-transplant, usually in sun-exposed areas (61.1%), though some non-exposed areas in ICs (23.8%) contradicted literature findings. KTRs took longer to develop metastasis (median: 11.0 months) compared to ICs (median: 5.5 months). The mean size of the primary tumor was smaller in KTRs (2.50 cm 2 ) compared to ICs (4.55 cm 2 ). The main lymph node chain affected by metastasis was parotid lymph nodes in KTRs (27.8%) and cervical/axillar lymph nodes in ICs (both 19.0%). Both groups exhibited similar primary tumor grades and metastasis evolution, but KTRs had a higher prevalence of lymphovascular invasion. Metastasis of cSCC was more common in males with low skin phototype, in KTRs, particularly on the head and neck. The study suggests a possible link between lymphovascular invasion and metastasis development in KTRs., (© 2024 the International Society of Dermatology.)

Dengue virus (DENV) and chikungunya (CHIKV) are arthropod-borne viruses belonging to the Flaviviridae and Togaviridae families, respectively. Infection by both viruses can lead to a mild indistinct fever or even lead to more severe forms of the diseases, which are characterized by a generalized inflammatory state and multiorgan involvement. Infected mothers are considered a high-risk group due to their immunosuppressed state and the possibility of vertical transmission. Thereby, infection by arboviruses during pregnancy portrays a major public health concern, especially in countries where epidemics of both diseases are regular and public health policies are left aside. Placental involvement during both infections has been already described and the presence of either DENV or CHIKV has been observed in constituent cells of the placenta. In spite of that, there is little knowledge regarding the intrinsic earlier immunological mechanisms that are developed by placental cells in response to infection by both arboviruses. Here, we approach some of the current information available in the literature about the exacerbated presence of cells involved in the innate immune defense of the placenta during DENV and CHIKV infections.

Introduction: Dengue virus (DENV), the etiologic agent of dengue fever illness, represents a global public health concern, mainly in tropical and subtropical areas across the globe. It is well known that this acute viral disease can progress to severe hemorrhagic stages in some individuals, however, the immunopathogenic basis of the development of more severe forms by these patients is yet to be fully understood., Objective: In this context, we investigated and characterized the histopathological features as well as the cytokine profile and cell subpopulations present in liver tissues from three fatal cases of DENV in children., Methods: Hematoxylin and Eosin, Periodic Acid Schiff and Picro Sirius Red staining were utilized for the histopathological analysis. Immunohistochemistry assay was performed to characterize the inflammatory response and cell expression patterns., Results: Vascular dysfunctions such as hemorrhage, vascular congestion and edema associated with a mononuclear infiltrate were observedin all three cases. Liver tissues exhibited increased presence of CD68+ and TCD8+ cells as well as high expression of MMP-9, TNF-a, RANTES, VEGFR-2 mediators. Viral replication was confirmed by the detection of NS3 protein., Conclusion: Taken together, these results evidenced key factors that may be involved in the development of severe alterations in liver tissues of children in response to DENV infection., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2023 Moragas, Alves, Oliveira, Salomão, Azevedo, da Silva, Basílio-de-Oliveira, Basílio-de-Oliveira, Mohana-Borges, de Carvalho, Rosman, Paes and Rabelo.)

Introduction: The strict demands of the military environment, associated with the increase in violence, as well as the frequent use of body armor, can further aggravate health problems., Objectives: To investigate the perception of police officers of the Countryside Specialized Police Battalion in relation to comfort, fatigue, and lower back pain, resulting from the use of body armor., Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted with 260 male military police officers (34.62 ± 5.83 years old) belonging to the ostensive rural police battalion in the state of Ceará, Brazil. The questionnaire related to comfort, fatigue, and lower back pain was used to identify the perception of pain from the use of body armor, with staggered responses, and the results were analyzed using the SPSS 21.0 software., Results: Regarding the use of body armor, 41.5% of participants perceived it to be little comfortable in general; furthermore, 45 and 47.5% of military police officers considered it little comfortable in relation to weight and use during operational activities, respectively. With regard to body measurements, 48.5% reported being little comfortable, and 70% perceived that the body armor is adjustable to the body. At the end of the work shift, 37.3% complained of lower back pain, and 45.8% felt moderate fatigue. Moreover, 70.1% felt pain in the lower back after the work shift., Conclusions: Military police officers reported lower back pain at the end and after the work shift due to use of body armor, as well as little comfort of the protective equipment and moderate fatigue at the end of the work shift., Competing Interests: Conflicts of interest: None

Introduction: Military police officers play a crucial role in contemporary society, which is marked by the increase in criminality. Therefore, these professionals are constantly under pressure, both socially and professionally, so occupational stress is something present in their routine., Objectives: To investigate the stress levels of military police officers in the municipality of Fortaleza and its metropolitan region., Methods: This was a cross-sectional, quantitative study, conducted with 325 military police officers (53.1% men; 20> 51 years old) who belonged to military police battalions. The Police Stress Questionnaire was used to identify the stress level, following the Likert scale from 1 to 7; the higher the score, the higher the stress level., Results: The results indicated that the lack of professional recognition is the main stress factor among military police officers (Median = 7.00). Other items were relevant to the quality of life of these professionals, which are: "risks of injuries or wounds resulting from the profession", "working on days off", "lack of human resources", "excessive bureaucracy in the police service", " having the perception that we are pressured to give up free time "," lawsuits resulting from police service," "going to court, relationship with the judicial actors, " and "use of inadequate equipment for the service," respectively (Median = 6. 00)., Conclusions: The stress of these professionals is organizational in nature and comes from factors that transcend the violence with which they deal., Competing Interests: Conflicts of interest: None

Dengue virus (DENV) infection represents a worldwide public health concern and can cause damage to multiple organs, including the kidney. In this work, we investigated the histopathological changes caused by dengue virus infection along with the detection of inflammatory mediators, cytokines, and cell expression patterns in the renal tissue of three fatal cases in children. Hematoxylin and Eosin staining was performed to analyze these histopathological changes. Immunohistochemistry allowed for the detection of immunological inflammatory markers in renal tissues that were quantified and further analyzed. Vascular congestion, edema and glomerular infiltrate were observed in the three cases, in addition to the thickening of the matrix area around the glomerular capillaries and mononuclear infiltrate associated with vascular congestion in the medullary region. The renal tissues exhibited collagen deposition and high expression of CD68 + Mø, CD8 + T, CD56 + cells and MMP-9, and the cytokine profile was mainly characterized by the expression of IFN-γ and TNF-α. Additionally, the expression of RANTES, VEGFR-2 and VCAM-1 were observed. The replication of DENV was evidenced by the detection of the NS3 protein. These results contributed to clarifying the main factors that may be involved in changes in the renal tissue of fatal cases of dengue in children.

Zika virus (ZIKV) is an arthropod-borne virus that belongs to the Flaviviridae family, genus Flavivirus and was first isolated 1947 in Uganda, Africa, from the serum of a sentinel Rhesus monkey. Since its discovery, the virus was responsible for major outbreaks in several different countries, being linked to severe complications in pregnant women, neonatal birth defects and the congenital zika syndrome. Maternal-fetal transmission of ZIKV can occur in all trimesters of pregnancy, and the role of the placenta and its cells in these cases is yet to be fully understood. The decidua basalis and chorionic villi, maternal-fetal components of the placenta, contain a rich immunological infiltrate composed by Hofbauer cells, mastocytes, dendritic cells and macrophages, primary cells of the innate immune response that have a role that still needs to be better investigated in ZIKV infection. Recent studies have already described several histopathological features and the susceptibility and permissiveness of placenta cells to infection by the Zika virus. In this review, we address some of the current knowledge on the innate immune responses against ZIKV, especially in the placenta.

Dengue viral (DENV) infections can lead to acute pancreatitis and associated tissue damage. This study examined the pancreas from two fatal cases of DENV for histopathological changes as well as for the detection of cytokines, and other inflammatory mediators. Tissue sections were prepared for examination by ultrastructural and histopathological techniques. Sections from the pancreas of non-infected individuals were prepared in parallel as a control. The presence of viral replication in macrophages was detected by co-staining for the proteins NS3 and CD68 by immunofluorescence. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect cells that expressed cytokines and inflammatory mediators to characterize the inflammatory response. Edema, acinar necrosis and fibrosis areas associated with a mononuclear infiltrate were found in infected tissues. The major site of virus replication appeared to be macrophages based on their exclusive presentation of the viral protein NS3. Pancreatic tissues from the infected individuals also displayed increased levels of high mobility group box-1, caspase-3, gelatinase B and tumor necrosis factor alpha compared to controls. The presence of virus replicating macrophages in the pancreas was associated with multiple changes in tissue structure that included elevated levels of cytokines and inflammatory markers that may differentiate acute pancreatitis due to DENV infections from other causes., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Background: The practice of physical activity has been recommended during the pandemic period of COVID-19 as a way of preventing the worsening of physical and mental health. After the increase in COVID-19 cases in Brazil and the new lockdown decrees, many people have reported that they are unable to engage in physical activity during the lockdown., Aims: The present study aimed to investigate the barriers to physical activity in the 2nd lockdown in the state of Ceará, Northeast Brazil., Methods: 1036 (55.6% women) residents of the state of Ceará, Northeastern Brazil participated in the study. For data collection, a questionnaire was used including sample characterization questions, physical activity, and barriers to physical activity during the 2nd lockdown in the state of Ceará. This instrument was made available by Google Forms, between March 8th and 19th, 2021. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were used for data analysis., Results: The three most relevant barriers were: Lack of motivation (7.3%), lack of space at home (5.9%) professional instructions (2.8%). The lack of space at home barrier was associated with age (OR = 2.56; CI 95% 1.05-6.02) and living in the capital (OR = 2.53; CI 95% 1.26-5.33). The barriers, taking care of children (OR = 3.75; CI 95% 1.37-10.2) and increased time spent on daily activities (OR = 2.20; CI 95% 1.02-4.74) were associated with living in the metropolitan region., Conclusion: The lack of motivation, space at home, and professional instruction showed as being limiting factors to physical activity during the lockdown, indicating plans of action aimed at encouraging the practice of physical activity during a pandemic period., Competing Interests: Conflict of interestThe authors declare that they have no conflict of interest., (© The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag Italia S.r.l., part of Springer Nature 2021.)

The study aimed to investigate the occurrence of Nursing Diagnosis Impaired Physical Mobility in patients with stroke. This exploratory study was developed at rehabilitation units from November 2007 to march 2008, through an interview and physical examination. Nursing diagnoses were made using NANDA Taxonomy II. A total 121 patients were evaluated. Subjects' average age was 62.1 years, 52.3% were males with an average 1.5 stroke events in 3.4 years. The diagnosis was present in 90%, with an average of 5.8 defining characteristic. Difficulty turning was the most present characteristic and there were 3.4 related factors per patient, and most reported decreased strength and endurance besides neuromuscular impairment (100%). There should be a closer look towards this diagnosis when planning interventions after a stroke with aiming at health promotion for these patients.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of dengue virus infection on liver function by measuring aminotransferase in blood samples from patients serologically diagnosed by according to two MAC-ELISA protocols. Degrees of liver damage were classified according to aminotransferase levels: grade A--normal enzyme levels; grade B--increased levels of at least one of the enzymes; grade C--increased, with at least one of the enzymes being at levels higher than three times the upper reference values; grade D--acute hepatitis, with aminotransferase levels at least ten times their normal values. Of the 169 serologically confirmed cases of dengue at the dengue referral center in Campos dos Goytacazes in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 65.1% had abnormal aminotransferase levels: 81 cases being classified as grade B, 25 as grade C and 3 as grade D. A further 34.9% of cases had normal enzyme levels and were classified as grade A. Liver damage is a common complication of dengue infection and aminotransferase levels are a valuable marker for monitoring these cases.