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Abstract Objetive: to analyze breast cancer screening monitoring indicators in the female population using the Brazilian National Health System, from 2018 to 2019. Methods: this was a descriptive study based on Cancer Information System (SISCAN) data; screening indicators were calculated following deterministic linkage of the mammography and histopathology databases. Results: in 2018, 807,430 women aged 50 to 69 years were screened for breast cancer, 91% of whom had a benign result, 1.8% probably benign, 6.7% inconclusive results and 0.5% results suggestive of cancer; the positive mammogram rate was 9.0%; biopsy was estimated to be indicated for 1.6% of the women, 33.9% of whom had a malignant result, and the cancer confirmation rate was 5.4 per 1,000 women. Conclusion: high benign lesion loss to follow-up was identified; the positive mammogram rate was lower than the international parameter, but the cancer detection rate was adequate and the percentage of inconclusive mammograms was acceptable.

A general-purpose method based on the implementation of the asymmetric Pound–Drever–Hall (PDH) technique is proposed to measure the carrier-envelope offset (CEO) frequency of a mode-locked laser using an external optical cavity. By analyzing the synchronously demodulated signal of the spectrally filtered cavity reflection when the optical resonator is locked to the mode-locked laser, a discriminating signal depending on the relative frequency offset between the mode-locked and optical cavity comb-like spectra is obtained. For a given geometry and group delay dispersion (GDD) of the cavity parameters (i.e., a known cavity mode offset), this signal can be used to retrieve the laser CEO. This approach turns out to be advantageous in terms of setup complexity with respect to other well-known techniques that rely on non-linear frequency generation, such as f–2f interferometers. In addition, this method can be used to precisely determine the laser–cavity spectral coupling, which is an important topic in cavity-enhanced spectroscopy and non-linear optics applications. After the theoretical description of the generalized asymmetric PDH signal, an experimental validation of the proposed method is reported using an Er-doped fiber frequency comb source centered at 1,550 nm, with a repetition rate of 250 MHz, locked to a linear optical cavity with a 1 GHz free spectral range. The theoretical effect of the GDD is confirmed experimentally using different cavity configurations. Moreover, the comparison with the CEO frequency values measured using an f–2f interferometer demonstrates the feasibility of the proposed method.

Summary: Recent studies have shown the importance of the dynamic tumor microenvironment (TME) in high-grade gliomas (HGGs). In particular, myeloid cells are known to mediate immunosuppression in glioma; however, it is still unclear if myeloid cells play a role in low-grade glioma (LGG) malignant progression. Here, we investigate the cellular heterogeneity of the TME using single-cell RNA sequencing in a murine glioma model that recapitulates the malignant progression of LGG to HGG. LGGs show increased infiltrating CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and natural killer (NK) cells in the TME, whereas HGGs abrogate this infiltration. Our study identifies distinct macrophage clusters in the TME that show an immune-activated phenotype in LGG but then evolve to an immunosuppressive state in HGG. We identify CD74 and macrophage migration inhibition factor (MIF) as potential targets for these distinct macrophage populations. Targeting these intra-tumoral macrophages in the LGG stage may attenuate their immunosuppressive properties and impair malignant progression.

Abstract We investigate the Mott–Anderson physics in interacting disordered one-dimensional chains through the average single-site entanglement quantified by the linear entropy, which is obtained via density-functional theory calculations. We show that the minimum disorder strength required to the so-called full Anderson localization—characterized by the real-space localization of pairs—is strongly dependent on the interaction regime. The degree of localization is found to be intrinsically related to the interplay between the correlations and the disorder potential. In magnetized systems, the minimum entanglement characteristic of the full Anderson localization is split into two, one for each of the spin species. We show that although all types of localization eventually disappear with increasing temperature, the full Anderson localization persists for higher temperatures than the Mott-like localization.

The genus Pseudamnicola Paulucci, 1878, is commonly found throughout the Mediterranean region. The genus displays considerable levels of endemism, accompanied by notable systematic and taxonomic ambiguity. However, the application of molecular data has proven highly effective in clarifying taxonomy and unveiling the diversity of cryptic species within the genus. Therefore, we employed all cytochrome c oxidase subunit I sequence data available and generated new ones from Greece to infer the phylogeny of the genus throughout its Mediterranean range and estimate the divergence times as well as the ancestral area of diversification. Our phylogenetic and time‐estimate analyses demonstrate that with 36 to 38 extant Pseudamnicola species and genetic divergences across species ranging from 0.5% to 11.9% on average, the genus underwent relatively recent diversification during late Miocene (6.53 Ma), and the primary speciation events occurred during Plio‐Pleistocene. The Italian Peninsula and Islands and the Ionian Drainages as defined by the Freshwater Ecoregions of the World are the ancestral regions of the genus following two different dispersal routes. Our study contributes to deepening our understanding of Pseudamnicola phylogeny by using data from throughout its range for the first time. This phylogeny provides evidence and confirms previous studies that relatively recent habitat isolation, followed by founder and dispersal events, has been one of the primary reasons for the evolution of the genus Pseudamnicola in the Mediterranean basin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

R18‐14147 (Reg. no. GP‐528, PI 705143) is a high‐protein conventional soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] germplasm of maturity group Mid‐IV developed and released by the University of Arkansas System – Division of Agriculture Research & Extension in 2023. The germplasm is an F3:4 selection from the cross LG10‐3671‐1 × R09‐430. Plants of R18‐14147 have an indeterminate growth habit with purple flowers, gray pubescence, brown pod wall, and imperfect black hilum. Across 28 environments in Arkansas (2019–2022), R18‐14147 yield averaged 4482 kg ha−1, with broad adaptability and yield stability. Seed of R18‐14147 contains on average 429 g kg−1 and 191 g kg−1 of protein and oil on a dry weight basis, respectively, and seed weight is 15.2 g 100 seeds−1. The average seed protein content of this line is 8%–27% higher than the average protein content of the check cultivars used in various trials to evaluate R18‐14147. Additionally, R18‐14147 has been identified as resistant to stem canker. R18‐14147 presents soybean growers in the mid‐southern United States with a promising germplasm alternative combining high yield potential and elevated seed protein content for alternative crop rotation in herbicide‐tolerant cultivar systems, offering potentially seed‐saving cost benefits and serving as a valuable germplasm for new cultivar development. Core Ideas: R18‐14147 is a high‐protein soybean genotype that can support the growing market for plant‐based protein.R18‐14147 is a non‐GMO genotype with improved economically important traits that can maximize profit for growers.R18‐14147 is a well‐adapted germplasm that can be important in pre‐breeding activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cold-pressed guabiroba juice was subjected to block freeze concentration. The best process efficiency (PE) was obtained for the first stage of freeze concentration compared to the second stage (C2; 57.47%). Yogurt formulations were carried out with the concentrated juice from stage 1 (C1) (0, 10% (I10), and 15% (I15)). For all concentrated juices (C1 and C2), ice fractions from the first and second stages (I1 and I2), and yogurts (control, I10, and I15), physicochemical analyses were performed and antioxidant activity, carotenoid content, total phenolic content (TPC), and mineral profile were determined. Total soluble solids contents for the concentrated juices increased by 1.56 to 2 times compared to the cold-pressed guabiroba juice. Furthermore, an increase in TPC and carotenoids was observed. For the I15 sample, TPC increased by 4,556%, with the control and increased carotenoids, vitamin C, and mineral profiles (Ca, K, Mg, and Na) contributing to increased antioxidant activity. The addition of concentrated guabiroba juice to yogurt formulations enhances the functional property of this dairy product by maintaining most of the bioactive compounds during cold-pressing associated with the freeze concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pathological perturbation affects whole brain network activity. Here the authors show in mice that cortical inactivation unexpectedly results in increased fMRI connectivity between the manipulated regions and its direct axonal targets.

The influence of temperature on the speed of an electrochemical coloration process of AISI 304 and AISI 430 stainless steel was investigated in temperature ranging from 25 °C to 40 °C. The surface properties of the interference colored nanofilms obtained in both types of stainless steel substrates, were also evaluated. A higher coloring speed was observed for AISI 304. The coloring time to obtain a gold color decreased with increasing temperature for both steels. This effect was stronger on the AISI 430 substrate, with a decrease of 36.6% in the coloration time for the samples colored at 40 °C and 25 °C. The Arrhenius model was applied to estimate the equations of colored films growth rate. The films porous fractions evaluated by SEM were in the range of 27–29%, without relevant variation with the coloring temperature. The nanohardness of the conjugated film-substrate obtained in a nanoindenter coupled to an AFM shows lower values than the uncolored substrates, and this reduction is more significant for the films grown on the AISI 430 ferritic specimens. The wettability of the surface to water and oil increased after coloring. The amplification effect of the hydrophilic effect can be associated with the increased AFM nanorugosity values.

ABSTRACT Questions about the safety of food additives and their consumption have been raised in recent years. The increased exposure to these substances, either by intake of ultra-processed foods or by the broad use and combination of various categories of additives, may be related to higher risks to consumer health. This article comments on the results of a study that quantified and characterized food additives found on the labels of 9,856 packaged foods and beverages available in Brazilian supermarkets. The study adopted a field diary method to record and analyze nonconformities in the lists of ingredients. The objective of this article is to discuss the use of additives identified on the labels and the limitations of Brazilian legislation, which should guarantee the right to information and health.

Resumo Introdução As hortas escolares como ambiente educador, reconhecidamente, têm desempenhado importantes mudanças nas atitudes dos estudantes. Porém, apesar dos aspectos positivos já descritos, não há no Brasil um instrumento que avalie a adesão da escola às propostas da horta escolar. Objetivo O presente estudo objetivou traduzir, adaptar transculturalmente e validar o instrumento Garden Resource, Education, and Environment Nexus (GREEN), após autorização da autora Kate Gardner Burt. Método O processo de operacionalização da adaptação transcultural baseou-se nos procedimentos sugeridos pela Organização Mundial da Saúde. O estudo psicométrico foi realizado por Análise Fatorial Exploratória. Resultados O instrumento traduzido e adaptado transculturalmente foi respondido por 123 servidores de 93 escolas do município do Rio de Janeiro. Ao longo do processo da adaptação transcultural do instrumento original em inglês “GREEN”, foi criado o constructo “HortEnsiA” (Horta, Ensino e Ambiente). Conclusão A avaliação psicométrica aponta a necessidade de uma melhor organização da gestão e das atividades sociais ligadas à horta na escola. A partir da participação de técnicos agrícolas na construção e aplicação do instrumento “HortEnsiA”, observou-se que a presença desses profissionais pode contribuir para a otimização da implementação e uso da horta como ambiente educador.

The widespread adoption of genetically modified (GM) dicamba-tolerant (DT) soybean was followed by numerous reports of off-target dicamba damage and yield losses across most soybean-producing states. In this study, a subset of the USDA Soybean Germplasm Collection consisting of 382 genetically diverse soybean accessions originating from 15 countries was used to identify genomic regions associated with soybean response to off-target dicamba exposure. Accessions were genotyped with the SoySNP50K BeadChip and visually screened for damage in environments with prolonged exposure to off-target dicamba. Two models were implemented to detect significant marker-trait associations: the Bayesian-information and Linkage-disequilibrium Iteratively Nested Keyway (BLINK) and a model that allows the inclusion of population structure in interaction with the environment (G×E) to account for variable patterns of genotype responses in different environments. Most accessions (84%) showed a moderate response, either moderately tolerant or moderately susceptible, with approximately 8% showing tolerance and susceptibility. No differences in off-target dicamba damage were observed across maturity groups and centers of origin. Both models identified significant associations in regions of chromosomes 10 and 19. The BLINK model identified additional significant marker-trait associations on chromosomes 11, 14, and 18, while the G×E model identified another significant marker-trait association on chromosome 15. The significant SNPs identified by both models are located within candidate genes possessing annotated functions involving different phases of herbicide detoxification in plants. These results entertain the possibility of developing non-GM soybean cultivars with improved tolerance to off-target dicamba exposure and potentially other synthetic auxin herbicides. Identification of genetic sources of tolerance and genomic regions conferring higher tolerance to off-target dicamba may sustain and improve the production of other non-DT herbicide soybean production systems, including the growing niche markets of organic and conventional soybean.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterised by synaptic surplus and atypical functional connectivity. Here, the authors show that synaptic pathology in Tsc2 haploinsufficient mice is associated with autism-like behavior and cortico-striatal hyperconnectivity, and that analogous functional hyperconnectivity signatures can be linked to mTOR-pathway dysfunction in subgroups of children with idiopathic ASD.

This paper reports a predominantly qualitative classroom study on cooperative learning about nature of science (NOS) using a case from the history of science. The purpose of the research was to gain insight into how students worked with the historical case study during cooperative group work, how students and teachers assessed the teaching unit, and in what ways students' ideas about selected aspects of NOS changed as a result of the teaching unit. In cooperation with two biology teachers, a four-lesson teaching unit about NOS and the early research on Archaeopteryx was developed, field-tested, modified, and tested again. Altogether, five classes of 10th and 11th grade students from two Swiss schools participated. Data were collected by videotaping group work, interviews with student groups and teachers, questionnaires, and pre- and post-tests about NOS conceptions. Results show that group work was mostly of good quality, both with regard to students' cooperation and understanding of the case study. Second, both the topic and the instructional design of the unit were judged very positively. Third, students showed more informed views on the selected target NOS aspects after the teaching unit. The paper ends with conclusions regarding teaching and learning about NOS, cooperative learning and questions for future research.

Background: Iliac crest bone graft (ICBG) is considered the gold standard for spine surgical procedures to achieve a successful fusion due to its known osteoinductive and osteoconductive properties. However, complications related to harvesting procedure and donor site morbidity have been largely reported in the literature, favoring the development of a wide range of alternative products to be used as bone graft extenders or substitutes for spine fusion. Among all, ceramic-based biomaterials have been widely studied and employed in the last years as bone graft substitutes.Methods: We report here the results of a prospective pilot study aimed to evaluating the grade of ossification obtained by the use of an Mg-doped hydroxyapatite (HA) product to achieve postero-lateral fusion in degenerative spine diseases.Results: Results show a successful degree of fusion of about 62% at the 12-month follow-up and an improvement of quality of life and health status following surgery, as evaluated by clinical scores (ODI, VAS, and EQ-5L). No adverse events related to the material were reported.Conclusion: The present pilot study shows the effectiveness and the safety profile of an Mg-doped HA bone graft substitute used to achieve postero-lateral fusion in the treatment of degenerative spine diseases, laying down the basis for further larger clinical investigations.

The consumption of ultra-processed beverages, including sugar-sweetened and artificially sweetened ones, is associated with several health problems, which is different considering minimally processed beverages. The objective of this study was to assess the trends in the volume of minimally and ultra-processed beverages purchased for consumption in Brazilian households and their relationship with the proportion of dietary energy derived from ultra-processed foods and beverages. Drawing on data from the nationwide 2002–03, 2008–09, and 2017–18 Household Budget Surveys, the daily volume of beverages purchased per capita (milligrams) was investigated. The minimally processed beverages purchased declined over the period [2002–2003: x̄ 156.5 ml (95%CI: 148.3–164.8); 2017–2018: x̄ 101.6 ml (95%CI: 98.1–105.1)] and ultra-processed beverages were stable [2002–03: x̄ 117.9 ml (95%CI: 108.1–127.7); 2017–18: x̄ 122.8 (95%CI: 111.2–134.4)]. The most purchased beverage in 2002–2003 was milk [x̄: 154.7 ml (95%CI: 146.4–162.9)], while in 2017–2018 regular soft drinks were the most purchased [x̄: 110.7 ml (95%CI: 99.2–122.2)]. There was a decrease in the purchase of whole and skimmed milk and an increase in the purchase of other ultra-processed beverages between the periods. With the increase in the proportion of ultra-processed foods and beverages in the diet, the volume of ultra-processed beverage purchases rose and minimally processed beverages declined. The monitoring of beverage consumption and the implementation of public policies, such as taxation on ultra-processed beverages, are essential to promote improvements in health and curbing non-communicable diseases.

Objetivo: identificar dúvidas de acadêmicos da área da saúde sobre a COVID-19 para a composição do conteúdo teórico de um aplicativo móvel. Método: pesquisa qualitativa, desenvolvida no estado do Rio de Janeiro, em julho de 2020, por meio de formulário eletrônico com acadêmicos da saúde, cujos dados foram processados no software Interface de R pour Analyses Multidimensionnelles de Textes Et de Questionnaires. Resultados: as dúvidas de acadêmicos da área da saúde sobre a COVID-19 que subsidiaram a composição do conteúdo do aplicativo móvel, versaram sobre: formas de contágio, cadeia de transmissão da doença, sinais e sintomas, contágio e prevenção, além do tratamento frente à COVID-19. Conclusão: a identificação de temas para composição do aplicativo móvel sob a ótica dos acadêmicos da área da saúde, possibilitará o uso deste como tecnologia educacional no âmbito da saúde, promovendo mudanças de atitudes, autonomia, além de favorecer a tomada de decisão frente a pandemia.

The availability of high-dimensional molecular markers has allowed plant breeding programs to maximize their efficiency through the genomic prediction of a phenotype of interest. Yield is a complex quantitative trait whose expression is sensitive to environmental stimuli. In this research, we investigated the potential of incorporating soil texture information and its interaction with molecular markers via covariance structures for enhancing predictive ability across breeding scenarios. A total of 797 soybean lines derived from 367 unique bi-parental populations were genotyped using the Illumina BARCSoySNP6K and tested for yield during 5 years in Tiptonville silt loam, Sharkey clay, and Malden fine sand environments. Four statistical models were considered, including the GBLUP model (M1), the reaction norm model (M2) including the interaction between molecular markers and the environment (G×E), an extended version of M2 that also includes soil type (S), and the interaction between soil type and molecular markers (G×S) (M3), and a parsimonious version of M3 which discards the G×E term (M4). Four cross-validation scenarios simulating progeny testing and line selection of tested–untested genotypes (TG, UG) in observed–unobserved environments [OE, UE] were implemented (CV2 [TG, OE], CV1 [UG, OE], CV0 [TG, UE], and CV00 [UG, UE]). Across environments, the addition of G×S interaction in M3 decreased the amount of variability captured by the environment (−30.4%) and residual (−39.2%) terms as compared to M1. Within environments, the G×S term in M3 reduced the variability captured by the residual term by 60 and 30% when compared to M1 and M2, respectively. M3 outperformed all the other models in CV2 (0.577), CV1 (0.480), and CV0 (0.488). In addition to the Pearson correlation, other measures were considered to assess predictive ability and these showed that the addition of soil texture seems to structure/dissect the environmental term revealing its components that could enhance or hinder the predictability of a model, especially in the most complex prediction scenario (CV00). Hence, the availability of soil texture information before the growing season could be used to optimize the efficiency of a breeding program by allowing the reconsideration of field experimental design, allocation of resources, reduction of preliminary trials, and shortening of the breeding cycle.