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Background:Ischemic Heart Disease(IHD) characterized by atheroma formation, is a leading contributor for the rising disease burden of chronic non-communicable diseases in Sri Lanka. Even though excessive salt-consumption has been attributed with hypertension, documented literature is scarce on exploring its direct association with atheroma formation with primary data. Coronary-Artery- Bypass-Grafting(CABG) is done as a tertiary preventive measure for IHDs. The aim was to estimate the sodium-intake and to describe the association of salt consumption and atheroma formation among preoperative patients undergoing CABG at Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital, Sri Lanka.MethodsA descriptive cross-sectional study was done on a calculated sample size of 213 participants who were awaiting CABG at SJGH. An interviewer-administered Additional file 1 was used, and dietary intake of sodium was calculated with food-frequency tables and web-based tools. A data extraction form was used and details regarding Coronary arterial segments with atheroma formation were obtained from angiogram reports. After exploring the normality, Spearman-correlation-coefficient and Mann-Whitney-U tests were used to explore associations of atheroma formation. Independent association of sodium-intake and Coronary arterial segments affected with atheroma was explored with multiple-logistic regression. ResultsThe sample was with a male preponderance(male to female ratio=3:1). Comorbidities were observed in a notable proportion: diabetes(47%), dyslipidemia(40%), hypertension(56%). The median(IQR) of BMI and waist circumference were 25.00(23.00-27.00)kg/m2 and 87.00(82.00-91.00)cm. The median(IQR) sodium-intake was 5875.50(4905.25-7091.25)mg. All participants (n=210) had a sodium intake of more than 2000mg/day. Sodium intake(rs=0.599,p0.05). Sodium intake was found to be an independent predictor of affecting “5 or more segments” when multiple logistic regression was applied(OR= 2.25,CI=1.41 to 3.61). Conclusions and RecommendationsThe daily intake of sodium by a regular person is more than the dietary recommendations in the study sample. Salt intake reflected by sodium intake seemingly increase the risk of atheroma formation in more coronary segments irrespective of age, sex as well as several known disease conditions and risk factors. More research must be promoted with analytical approaches in proving this hypothesis.

Introduction The Finnish Diabetes Risk Score (FINDRISC) was developed in Europe to predict type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) risk without need of laboratory tests. Small cross-sectional studies analyzed the association between RF with metabolic syndrome (MS) or hepatic steatosis (HS). Our objective was to test the association of FINDRISC with MS or HS, in a transversal and longitudinal way. Methods In 41,668 individuals (age 41.9±9.7 years; 30.8% women) who underwent health evaluation between 2008 and 2016 in a single centre in Brazil, we tested the transversal association between FINDRISC and MS or HS, in multivariate models. The same analyzes were performed longitudinally in non-diabetic subgroups, followed for 5±3 years, to test the predictive value of FINDRISC and the incidental risk of MS (n=10,075 individuals) or HS (n=7,097 individuals), using logistic regression. Models were adjusted for confounders such as sex, use of medications for dyslipidemia, smoking, and baseline plasma levels of glucose, creatinine and lipids. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the discriminative and predictive values of FINDRISC for MS and HS. Results In the cross-sectional analysis, 2,252 (5%) individuals had MS and 14,176 (34%) HS. In the longitudinal analysis, there were 302 cases of incidental MS (2%) and 1,096 cases of HS (15%). FINDRISC was independently associated with MS and HS in the cross-sectional analysis (respectively, OR 1.27, 95% CI: 1.25–1.28, P Conclusion FINDRISC was associated with the presence and onset of MS and HS, but it predicted better metabolic syndrome risk than hepatic steatosis. Therefore, this simple, practical and low-cost score can be useful for population screening and identification of subgroups of individuals at higher risk future metabolic diseases. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

This paper describes the creation of an ontology to represent the knowledge around the Machine Learning discipline. Protégé 5 was used, which produces results suitable for agents developed by software and for humans. The knowledge created by Protégé is explicit and Protégé has itself inference machines capable of producing implicit knowledge. The resources available in Protégé 5 are displayed and the ontology is made available for public use, in all of its versions.

Leafy vegetables have a high demand for nitrogen availability; however, excessive nitrogen supply causes economic, environmental and agronomic losses, compromising food security. Given the above, the objective was to assess the agronomic responses of arugula that are associated with different nitrogen sources and doses. The experiment was run under greenhouse conditions. A randomized block design was employed; the blocks were arranged in a factorial scheme (2 × 4), using two sources (urea and calcium nitrate) and four nitrogen doses (0, 40, 120 and 360 mg kg-1), with four replications. Thirty-five days after transplanting, the following were assessed: plant height, number of leaves, shoot fresh mass, root fresh mass, shoot dry mass, root dry mass, shoot/root dry matter ratio, leaf area, and leaf nitrogen content. It was found that nitrogen fertilization optimizes crop development and yield. Doses of 100 to 272 kg ha-1 promote increase in plant height and leaf number, respectively. Under the conditions studied, 200 kg ha-1 of N is recommended as a dose of maximum economic efficiency in arugula production. Calcium nitrate is indicated as the best nitrogen source for the production of the crop.

Objetivo: Descrever a incidência das condições clínicas e o perfil demográfico de pacientes atendidos pelo Serviço de Atendimento Móvel de Urgência (SAMU), por motivos traumáticos, na cidade de Belém do Pará, nos meses de fevereiro e março de 2016. Metodologia: Estudo transversal, quantitativo e descritivo, tendo como fonte as fichas de atendimento do SAMU de Belém do Pará. Inclui-se apenas as que tinha identificação dos motivos do trauma de pacientes atendidos pelo SAMU do município de Belém, nos meses de fevereiro e março de 2016. Resultado: Foram analisados 944 registros de ocorrência de acidentes por causas externas, no período de estudo. Quanto às condições clínicas, a maioria dos pacientes apresentava valores pressóricos acima da normalidade (49,9%), acordados (62,4%), com saturação de oxigênio entre 95 e 99% (52,3%), frequências cardíaca e respiratória dentro da normalidade (75,6% e 47,9%, respectivamente) e com lesão em múltiplos segmentos corporais (26,9%). A faixa etária e o sexo mais acometidos foram, respectivamente, 20 a 59 anos de idade (71%) e o sexo masculino (66,9%). Quanto ao nível de consciência, boa parte dos homens (12,8%), de 20 a 59 anos (10%), foram encontrados alcoolizados. O motivo de acionamento mais prevalente foi devido a acidentes de trânsito, que predominou em ambos os sexos (50,8%) e na faixa etária de 20 a 59 anos (74%). Conclusão: Essa realidade encontrada reforça a necessidade de divulgação de medidas preventivas capazes de diminuir o número de ocorrências, por parte das autoridades governamentais sobre a educação, por exemplo, no trânsito, nas escolas, igrejas.

Soybean rust (SBR), caused by Phakopsora pachyrhizi, is controlled with sequential applications of commercial premixes containing two and, more recently, three site-specific fungicides. However, their efficacy has been reduced due to the development of fungicide resistance in the fungal population; hence the use of multi-site fungicides in tank mixing has been encouraged. In this work we used data from 45 uniform fungicide trials conducted across eight Brazilian states during three crop seasons (2014/15, 2015/16, and 2017/18) to identify scenarios when the practice of adding multi-site fungicides in commercial premixes was both technical- and cost-effective. Premixes of quinone outside inhibitor (QoI) + demethylation inhibitors (DMI) or succinate dehydrogenase inhibitors (SDHI) were applied alone, or tank mixed with multi-site fungicides. Three premixes (PICOxystrobin + CYPRoconazole, PYRAclostrobin + FLUXapyroxad and AZOXystrobin + BENZovindiflupyr) were tank mixed with one of three multi-site fungicides (+MANCozeb, +COPpeR oxychloride, and +ChLORothalonil). The benefits from tank mixing a multi-site tended to be highest for the least effective premix. Improvements in control efficacy ( C ¯ , percent point; p.p.) and yield response ( D ¯ , kg/ha) ranged from 3 to 15 p.p. and 58–240 kg/ha, respectively. The improvements in C ¯ and D ¯ were affected by severity in the non-treated check; significantly higher improvements in D ¯ were determined in trials experiencing high SBR severity levels (>80%). The economic analysis for scenarios of soybean price and multi-site costs showed that the addition of +MANC, given its lower price, was more likely to be profitable compared with +CLOR and +COPR, particularly when tank mixed with the least effective commercial premix.

AimsThe aim of this study was to examine the factor structure of attitudes towards psychiatry among medical students by using the ‘Attitude towards psychiatry-30’ (ATP-30) scale, which is one of the most widely used psychometric tools in assessing medical students’ attitudes regarding psychiatry. We also aimed to explore the possible existence of meaningful subscales in the ATP-30 scale.MethodSecondary data from a survey of 743 final-year medical students from nine medical schools in Sri Lanka were subjected to factor analysis. Models based on empirical evidence were tested with Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) for model fit using Comparative Fit Index (CFI), Tucker Lewis Index (TLI), root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) and Chi square. To explore the underlying latent structure of the scale, Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) with oblique (i.e. Promax) rotation was employed. Horn's parallel analysis and goodness-of-fit statistics for a series of EFA models tested with different numbers of factors were used in determining the number of factors to retain. Items conceptually external to the emerging factors or with factor loadings less than 0.4 were discarded. Gender invariance of the final model was tested by configural, metric and scalar invariance. Internal consistency of subscales was assessed using McDonald's omega (ω).ResultThree models based on literature (one-, five-, and eight- factor) were disproved by CFA. EFA revealed a six-factor solution, encompassing 18 out of the 30 items, to be the most theoretically meaningful factor structure. This six-factor model was affirmed by a CFA (CFI = 0.94, TLI = 0.92, RMSEA = 0.036). These factors were, namely, ‘the image of psychiatrists’, ‘psychiatric patients and mental illness’, ‘efficacy of treatment’, ‘psychiatric teaching’, ‘career choice’, and ‘psychiatry as an evidence-based discipline’. This six-factor solution was invariant across gender. ‘The image of psychiatrists’ appeared to be the most salient factor, and formed the most consistent subscale (ω = 0.71). The internal consistencies of the other subscales were modest (ω = 0.55–0.67). The overall 18-item scale showed good internal consistency (ω = 0.78).ConclusionOur findings provide evidence of a multi-dimensional structure in medical students’ attitudes towards psychiatry, endorsing six meaningful subscales of the ATP-30. Future researchers and educators can utilize these subscales in identifying specific attitudinal domains which are more closely associated with students’ future choice of a career in psychiatry, and also in identifying specific areas where attitudes are more stigmatized, so that appropriate interventions can be incorporated into the undergraduate psychiatric curriculum.

Background:Ischemic Heart Disease(IHD) characterized by atheroma formation, is a leading contributor for the rising disease burden of chronic non-communicable diseases in Sri Lanka. Even though excessive salt-consumption has been attributed with hypertension, documented literature is scarce on exploring its direct association with atheroma formation with primary data. Coronary-Artery- Bypass-Grafting(CABG) is done as a tertiary preventive measure for IHDs. The aim was to estimate the sodium-intake and to describe the association of salt consumption and atheroma formation among preoperative patients undergoing CABG at Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital, Sri Lanka.MethodsA descriptive cross-sectional study was done on a calculated sample size of 213 participants who were awaiting CABG at SJGH. An interviewer-administered Additional file 1 was used, and dietary intake of sodium was calculated with food-frequency tables and web-based tools. A data extraction form was used and details regarding Coronary arterial segments with atheroma formation were obtained from angiogram reports. After exploring the normality, Spearman-correlation-coefficient and Mann-Whitney-U tests were used to explore associations of atheroma formation. Independent association of sodium-intake and Coronary arterial segments affected with atheroma was explored with multiple-logistic regression. ResultsThe sample was with a male preponderance(male to female ratio=3:1). Comorbidities were observed in a notable proportion: diabetes(47%), dyslipidemia(40%), hypertension(56%). The median(IQR) of BMI and waist circumference were 25.00(23.00-27.00)kg/m2 and 87.00(82.00-91.00)cm. The median(IQR) sodium-intake was 5875.50(4905.25-7091.25)mg. All participants (n=210) had a sodium intake of more than 2000mg/day. Sodium intake(rs=0.599,p0.05). Sodium intake was found to be an independent predictor of affecting “5 or more segments” when multiple logistic regression was applied(OR= 2.25,CI=1.41 to 3.61).Conclusions and RecommendationsThe daily intake of sodium by a regular person is more than the dietary recommendations in the study sample. Salt intake reflected by sodium intake seemingly increase the risk of atheroma formation in more coronary segments irrespective of age, sex as well as several known disease conditions and risk factors. More research must be promoted with analytical approaches in proving this hypothesis.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are continuously produced in semen and are essential for important spermatozoa functions that allow fertilization. However, an excessive amount of ROS is associated with poor sperm quality, which can compromise male fertility potential. This chemiluminescence assay is based on the production of light through the reaction between luminol and ROS. The emitted light is converted to an electrical signal by a luminometer, and the ROS levels in the sample are calculated as relative light units (RLU) per second per million spermatozoa per milliliter (RLU/s/million sperm/mL).

A Geração Distribuída (GD) apresenta potenciais benefícios, assim como desafios operativos em relação ao fornecimento de energia. Neste trabalho, realizou-se um estudo sobre a conexão de Geração distribuída em redes de distribuição cujo secundário é reticulado, isto é, malhado. A presença de GD em altos níveis neste tipo de topologia pode ocasionar inversão do fluxo de potência nos transformadores de distribuição. Tradicionalmente, a inversão de fluxo nestes transformadores está atrelada a curtos-circuitos no trecho de média tensão da rede, causando a sensibilização de dispositivos de proteção. Este estudo analisa situações envolvendo curtos-circuitos e GD em redes reticuladas com o intuito de diferenciar as inversões de fluxo de potência ocasionadas por estes. Realizaram-se simulações no software OpenDSS com um sistema real de 81 barras. Os resultados obtidos permitiram a observação de um padrão para a maior parte dos casos. Estes padrões podem apoiar a programação dos protetores de rede presentes no sistema, evitando ou minimizando os chamados falsos trips, que correspondem à atuação indevida destes dispositivos. Ressalta-se ainda que, para a aplicação de possíveis soluções para o problema, necessitam-se de estudos posteriores, como tecnologias que permitam a comunicação entre os protetores de rede.

Introduction: Transgender people are subject to discrimination and illness due to social marginalization and lack of access to basic rights, especially health care. They suffer from the inadequacy of care directed to basic health demands, high incidence of diseases and non-fulfillment of specific demands. The vulnerability of these people reaches a disturbing level due to disrespectful attitudes that lead trans people to avoid seeking help. Understanding that medical education geared to the needs of marginalized populations is the basis for universal access and adequate care, it is essential that medical schools define contents and pedagogical strategies for vulnerable groups. The aim of this study was to investigate and discuss how (and if) the topic of transgender people healthcare is contemplated in the undergraduate curriculum of medical schools in the state of São Paulo. Method: Exploratory, descriptive-analytical study based on data collected from medical schools in São Paulo, conducted in two stages: 1st, documentary research on the inclusion of the topic of trans people health in the undergraduate curricula; 2nd, research with teachers of the Bioethics courses, where a questionnaire was applied to evaluate how and if the topic is approached as a programmatic content. The data obtained in the 1st stage were analyzed quantitatively and are presented as relative frequencies of the evaluated characteristics, while those of the 2nd stage were analyzed through the descriptive statistical method (closed questions) and content analysis (open questions). Results: We identified references to the trans topic in the formal curricula of only 2 of the 32 surveyed medical schools, with a total of 5 citations on the topic. Analyzing the questionnaires applied to teachers in the area of bioethics, we found reports of discussions on this topic in 5/12 (42%) schools. Although all participants consider the topic to be important, only 7/12 (58%) consider themselves prepared to address it. Conclusion: It is postulated that the evident lack of content aimed at trans health in medical schools can make it difficult to reduce transphobia and develop more dignified services within the healthcare network for these people. Based on the subsidies found in the Bioethics of Protection theoretical framework, we believe the medical curricula and Bioethics courses should create spaces to address this issue, using different and effectively transformative pedagogical practices, and respecting gender identity in all environments.

Background: CrossFit® training is a high-intensity functional training program that aims to increase physical functional performance through biochemical responses, i.e., hormonal, metabolic, and inflammatory responses. Most hormonal, metabolic, and inflammatory changes induced by CrossFit® training have been reported in isolated clinical studies. The purpose of this review was to systematically explore the existing literature on characterization of hormonal, metabolic, and inflammatory responses resulting from CrossFit® training. Methods: A systematic search of the literature was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus from August 2019 to October 2019. Studies were selected through critical review of the content. Using specific keywords, 623 articles were found, of which 597 were excluded for ineligibility, and 25 were eligible. The papers were separated according to subject area: hormonal (n = 8), metabolic (n = 19), and inflammatory (n = 6) changes. All were published between 2015 and 2019. Results: This review reveals potential effects of CrossFit® training on hormonal, metabolic, and inflammatory responses. However, studies had low levels of evidence and reliability due to methodological limitations. Conclusion: In summary, the results showed a greater volume and intensity of workouts accentuate the responses, that are of paramount importance for improving understanding of the effects of CrossFit® training and serve as a basis for prescribing future exercise protocols.

Properties attributed to the Panax ginseng are also attributed to the Brazilian ginseng, such as adaptogenic and aphrodisiac effects. There are studies demonstrating that the Brazilian ginseng (BGE) possibly increases the serum levels of testosterone and nitric oxide in mice and rats. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of its extract on male fertility and sperm quality. Male Swiss mice (n = 60) were divided into six groups. The control animals were provided 0.5 mL of water, and 0.5 mL of water containing 7 mg/kg per day (d) sildenafil citrate. Other animals were treated with BGE at 100 mg/kg/d, 200 mg/kg/d, and 400 mg/kg/d by gavage for 42 days. Finally, animals from the last group received 200 mg/kg BGE every 3 days (3-3d) by gavage for 42 days. The results showed a reduction in the number of resistant spermatids in the testis and damage to daily sperm production, culminating in a reduction in the number of epididymal spermatozoa. Although the sperm quality decreased in all experimental animals, only males treated with BGE 100 mg/kg/d showed pre and post implantation embryo losses. We concluded that BGE alters sperm viability compromising the embryonic development after implantation.

Testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) are predominant in young males (15&ndash, 44 years). Seminomatous and non-seminomatous TGCTs account for about 98% of all TGCTs cases. In this study, we aimed to compare the sperm proteome of patients with seminomatous and non-seminomatous TGCTs to identify possible protein biomarkers that could help distinguish between them in a non-invasive manner. We analyzed semen samples from patients with seminomatous or non-seminomatous TGCTs (n = 15/group) that were cryopreserved before the start of cancer treatment. Quantitative proteomic analysis was conducted on pooled samples (n = 3/group) and a total of 258 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were identified. The overexpression of acrosin precursor (ACR) and chaperonin containing TCP1 subunit 6B (CCT6B) as well as the underexpression of S100 calcium-binding protein A9 (S100A9) in the spermatozoa of patients with non-seminomatous TGCTs were validated by western blotting conducted on individual samples (n = 6 for seminomatous group and n = 6 for non-seminomatous group). Our overall results suggest an association between the higher and faster invasiveness of non-seminomatous TGCTs and the altered protein expressions, providing important information for future studies.

Prenatal treatment with magnesium sulfate (MgSO

Pratylenchus brachyurus, a root-lesion nematode, depends on host plants for growth and survival. Weeds, volunteer plants, and crop root residues may act as reservoirs for the parasite in the field, but little is known about the ability of P. brachyurus to survive in the absence of a host. This study aimed to evaluate P. brachyurus survival and infectivity in artificially and naturally infested soil under dry conditions. Two experiments were conducted, the first using artificially infested soil and the second using naturally infested soil. Soil samples were inoculated with a nematode suspension or infected root fragments. At 0, 30, 60, and 90 days post-inoculation, pots were planted with nematode-susceptible maize and soybean. Fallow pots were also analyzed. Nematode survival, infectivity, and morphology were determined 30 days after planting. P. brachyurus showed enhanced survival in soil in the presence of root fragments. However, inoculation method had no effect on the ability of surviving nematodes to infect host roots. Parasites showed signs of anhydrobiosis (C-shaped or tightly coiled body) after 90 and 120 days under dry conditions., Anhydrobiotic state; Glycine max; Root-lesion nematode; Zea mays; Rhizosphere; Crop production; Crop protection; Field crops; Soil biology; Agricultural sciences

Ca2+-overload contributes to the oxidation of mitochondrial membrane lipids and associated events such as the permeability transition pore (MPTP) opening. Numerous experimental studies about the Ca2+/cardiolipin (CL) interaction are reported in the literature, but there are few studies in conjunction with theoretical approaches based on ab initio calculations. In the present study, the lipid fraction of the inner mitochondrial membrane was modeled as POPC/CL large unilamellar vesicles (LUVs). POPC/CL and, comparatively, POPC, and CL LUVs were challenged by singlet molecular oxygen using the anionic porphyrin TPPS4 as a photosensitizer and by free radicals produced by Fe2+-citrate. Calcium ion favored both types of lipid oxidation in a lipid composition-dependent manner. In membranes containing predominantly or exclusively POPC, Ca2+ increased the oxidation at later reaction times while the oxidation of CL membranes was exacerbated at the early times of reaction. Considering that Ca2+ interaction affects the lipid structure and packing, density functional theory (DFT) calculations were applied to the Ca2+ association with totally and partially protonated and deprotonated CL, in the presence of water. The interaction of totally and partially protonated CL head groups with Ca2+ decreased the intramolecular P-P distance and increased the hydrophobic volume of the acyl chains. Consistently with the theoretically predicted effect of Ca2+ on CL, in the absence of pro-oxidants, giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) challenged by Ca2+ formed buds and many internal vesicles. Therefore, Ca2+ induces changes in CL packing and increases the susceptibility of CL to the oxidation promoted by free radicals and excited species.

Aqueous extracts of commercially available red macroalgae Porphyra dioica were integrated as inner coatings of food-grade polypropylene (PP) films through use of electrospinning and electrospraying technologies. Two coating formulations (A = 5 wt% P. dioica extract and 7.5 wt% polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), B = 1 wt% P. dioica extract, 1 wt% PVA, and 17% gelatine) were evaluated as to their capacity to delay spoilage of minced chicken breasts, through monitoring of microbial growth (total mesophile aerobic colony counts), colour stability, lipid oxidation (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS)), and sensory analysis over a 4-day refrigerated storage. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging revealed an increased nanofiber and nanoparticle density on extract-enriched fibers, without compromise to their morphology or the homogeneity of the coatings. Total microbial counts on coating B samples was significantly (p &lt, 0.001) reduced compared to uncoated plastic wraps. The coated samples also exhibited fewer colour degradation, though the coatings did not differ substantially from uncoated plastic wrap. Sensory analysis test subjects successfully distinguished the raw samples based on their treatment and gave a positive approval rating (66.7%) to the extract-enriched coatings when asked about edibility post storage.

Introduction: Transgender people are subject to discrimination and illness due to social marginalization and lack of access to basic rights, especially health care. They suffer from the inadequacy of care directed to basic health demands, high incidence of diseases and non-fulfillment of specific demands. The vulnerability of these people reaches a disturbing level due to disrespectful attitudes that lead trans people to avoid seeking help. Understanding that medical education geared to the needs of marginalized populations is the basis for universal access and adequate care, it is essential that medical schools define contents and pedagogical strategies for vulnerable groups. The aim of this study was to investigate and discuss how (and if) the topic of transgender people healthcare is contemplated in the undergraduate curriculum of medical schools in the state of São Paulo. Method: Exploratory, descriptive-analytical study based on data collected from medical schools in São Paulo, conducted in two stages: 1st, documentary research on the inclusion of the topic of trans people health in the undergraduate curricula; 2nd, research with teachers of the Bioethics courses, where a questionnaire was applied to evaluate how and if the topic is approached as a programmatic content. The data obtained in the 1st stage were analyzed quantitatively and are presented as relative frequencies of the evaluated characteristics, while those of the 2nd stage were analyzed through the descriptive statistical method (closed questions) and content analysis (open questions). Results: We identified references to the trans topic in the formal curricula of only 2 of the 32 surveyed medical schools, with a total of 5 citations on the topic. Analyzing the questionnaires applied to teachers in the area of bioethics, we found reports of discussions on this topic in 5/12 (42%) schools. Although all participants consider the topic to be important, only 7/12 (58%) consider themselves prepared to address it. Conclusion: It is postulated that the evident lack of content aimed at trans health in medical schools can make it difficult to reduce transphobia and develop more dignified services within the healthcare network for these people. Based on the subsidies found in the Bioethics of Protection theoretical framework, we believe the medical curricula and Bioethics courses should create spaces to address this issue, using different and effectively transformative pedagogical practices, and respecting gender identity in all environments.

The sensitivity of the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) to neutrino oscillation is determined, based on a full simulation, reconstruction, and event selection of the far detector and a full simulation and parameterized analysis of the near detector. Detailed uncertainties due to the flux prediction, neutrino interaction model, and detector effects are included. DUNE will resolve the neutrino mass ordering to a precision of 5σ, for all δCP values, after 2 years of running with the nominal detector design and beam configuration. It has the potential to observe charge-parity violation in the neutrino sector to a precision of 3σ (5σ) after an exposure of 5 (10) years, for 50% of all δCP values. It will also make precise measurements of other parameters governing long-baseline neutrino oscillation, and after an exposure of 15 years will achieve a similar sensitivity to sin 22 θ13 to current reactor experiments. © 2020, The Author(s).

The Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment is a next-generation neutrino oscillation experiment that aims to measure CP-violation in the neutrino sector as part of a wider physics program. A deep learning approach based on a convolutional neural network has been developed to provide highly efficient and pure selections of electron neutrino and muon neutrino charged-current interactions. The electron neutrino (antineutrino) selection efficiency peaks at 90% (94%) and exceeds 85% (90%) for reconstructed neutrino energies between 2-5 GeV. The muon neutrino (antineutrino) event selection is found to have a maximum efficiency of 96% (97%) and exceeds 90% (95%) efficiency for reconstructed neutrino energies above 2 GeV. When considering all electron neutrino and antineutrino interactions as signal, a selection purity of 90% is achieved. These event selections are critical to maximize the sensitivity of the experiment to CP-violating effects.

This work was supported by National Funds from the FCT, Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia, through the projects UID/Multi/50016/2019, UID/Multi/04044/2019, and POCI-01-0145-FEDER-31146, a post-doctoral fellowship to SB-S (SFRH/BPD/116024/2016), the European Union through PT2020 and Centro2020 (CENTRO-01-0145-FEDER-000014 and POCI-01-0247-FEDER-024533), the Fundo Europeu de Desenvolvimento Regional (FEDER) through the project NORTE-01-0145-FEDER-000012 (Biotherapies – Structured Programme on Bioengineering Therapies for Infectious Diseases and Tissue Regeneration) funded by the NORTE2020 program, and the Interreg V-A POCTEP Program through FEDER funds from the European Union (0245_IBEROS_1_E). In situ tissue regeneration can be defined as the implantation of tissue-specific biomaterials (by itself or in combination with cells and/or biomolecules) at the tissue defect, taking advantage of the surrounding microenvironment as a natural bioreactor. Up to now, the structures used were based on particles or gels. However, with the technological progress, the materials’ manipulation and processing has become possible, mimicking the damaged tissue directly at the defect site. This paper presents a comprehensive review of current and advanced in situ strategies for tissue regeneration. Recent advances to put in practice the in situ regeneration concept have been mainly focused on bioinks and bioprinting techniques rather than the combination of different technologies to make the real in situ regeneration. The limitation of conventional approaches (e.g., stem cell recruitment) and their poor ability to mimic native tissue are discussed. Moreover, the way of advanced strategies such as 3D/4D bioprinting and hybrid approaches may contribute to overcome the limitations of conventional strategies are highlighted. Finally, the future trends and main research challenges of in situ enabling approaches are discussed considering in vitro and in vivo evidence. info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

Os eletrocatalisadores PtRh/C, PtSn/C e PtSnRh/C foram preparados pelo método da redução por álcool e caracterizados pelas técnicas de EDX, difração de raios X e voltametria cíclica. A eletro-oxidação direta de etanol foi estudada por voltametria cíclica utilizando a técnica do eletrodo de camada fina porosa. Na região de interesse para aplicações em células a combustível a etanol dire- to (0,3 a 0,4 V) os eletrocatalisadores PtSn/C e PtSnRh/C se mostraram mais ativos que os eletro- catalisadores PtRh/C.

Root-knot nematodes limit lettuce crop productivity. Efficient control is achieved through integrated management, and research about the efficiency of new products for nutrition and biological control is required. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of fertilizers, applied alone or in combination with microorganisms based product on the control of Meloidogyne javanica in lettuce. In the first research (research 1), conducted at two different periods, the products Agro-Mos®, Soil-SetTM and Copper-Crop® applied on shoots were evaluated; in research 2, the same products were applied isolated on shoots or associated to NemOutTM (Bacillus licheniformis, B. subtilis and Trichoderma longibrachiatum) applied to the soil. In research 1, the fertilizers Agro-Mos®, Soil-SetTM and Copper-Crop® applied alone promoted reduction in reproduction of M. javanica ranging from 31 to 75%, 36 to 79%, and 71 to 75%, respectively. The effect on plant development was variable, obtaining better results of fresh shoot mass applying Copper-Crop®. The combination of products did not have an additional effect on the control of the nematode, on the contrary, in general the products had antagonistic action. However, fertilizers and biological control applied isolated were efficient for nematode control. RESUMO Os nematoides das galhas limitam a produtividade da cultura da alface e o controle eficiente dá-se por meio do manejo integrado, sendo necessárias pesquisas em relação à eficiência de novos produtos para nutrição e controle biológico. Assim, objetivou-se avaliar o efeito de fertilizantes, aplicados isoladamente, ou em associação com produto à base de microrganismos, no controle de Meloidogyne javanica em alface. No primeiro experimento (Experimento 1), conduzido em duas épocas distintas, foram avaliados os produtos Agro-Mos®, Soil-SetTM e Copper-Crop® aplicados em parte aérea; no Experimento 2, os mesmos produtos foram aplicados em parte aérea isoladamente ou associados ao NemOutTM (Bacillus licheniformis, B. subtilis e Trichoderma longibrachiatum) aplicado ao solo. No Experimento 1, os fertilizantes Agro-Mos®, Soil-SetTM e Copper-Crop®, aplicados isoladamente, promoveram reduções na reprodução de M. javanica que variaram de 31 a 75%, 36 a 79% e 71 a 75%, respectivamente. O efeito sobre o desenvolvimento vegetal foi variável, sendo obtidos melhores resultados de massa fresca de parte aérea quando se aplicou o Copper-Crop®. A associação entre produtos não promoveu efeito adicional no controle do nematoide, ao contrário, em geral, os produtos tiveram ação antagônica. No entanto, os fertilizantes e o controle biológico aplicados isoladamente foram eficientes para o controle do nematoide.

The variability of successive RR intervals has been pointed out as an indicator of systemic homeostasis. The entropy of successive RR intervals is associated with a greater adaptive capacity, which is essential after childbirth, characterized by a change from an intrauterine environment that constantly adapts to the fetal demands, to an extrauterine environment that requires constant biological adaptations by the neonate.To analyze the association between gestational age (GA) and the entropy of RR intervals in term infants with adequate birth weight in the first hours of extrauterine life.In a cross-sectional study design maternal, labor and neonatal characteristics were collected from the obstetric records. Successive RR intervals were recorded from neonates up to 72 hours (i.e. 3 days) of birth.Fifty term infants, healthy and with adequate birth weight. Outcome measures: the variability of RR intervals was analyzed obtaining the entropy of 1000 successive RR intervals. Pearson's correlation was used to evaluate the association between GA and the entropy of successive RR intervals, while linear regression was used to obtain the coefficient of determination (There was a positive and significant association between the studied variables (Our results indicate that, even within a normal range of GA (≥37 a 42 weeks) and birth weight, a longer intrauterine life allows a greater entropy of successive RR intervals, indicating a greater maturation of biological systems and adaptive capacity.

Resistance to thyroid hormone (RTH), characterized by persistent hyperthyroxinemia with non-suppressed thyrotropin (TSH), is mostly caused by mutations in thyroid hormone receptor beta gene (THRB). Two differential diagnoses should be considered due to similar clinical and laboratory findings: TSH-producing pituitary adenoma (TPA) and Familial Dysalbuminemic Hyperthyroxinemia (FDH). The aim of this study is to describe our single tertiary center experience in the molecular diagnosis of RTH in Brazilian patients, analyzing their clinical and laboratory characteristics and the most common differential diagnosis. We enrolled 30 subjects with clinical and laboratory features of RTH. Patient´s evaluations included clinical examination, thyroid hormone profile and imaging tests. Sequencing analysis for THRB hot spot region was conducted on all patients, and those without mutations in beta isoform of the thyroid hormone receptor (TRβ) (non-TR-RTH) were investigated for albumin gene (ALB) mutation. Seventeen patients presented mutations in TRβ (RTHβ); six were non-TR-RTH, three had a diagnosis of FDH with a mutation in ALB, and four were diagnosed with TPA. Two characteristics were different to what is commonly described in the literature: higher serum TSH levels in RTHβ patients when compared to the non-TR-RTH group, but this difference did not extend to free T4 (FT4) level; also the percentage of non-TR-RTH was higher than what was reported in other series. In the present series, most cases were RTHβ with higher levels of TSH. We described three novel mutations in THRB (p.M313V, p.R320G and p.R438P) and the first patients with FDH molecular diagnosis (p.R242H) documented in Brazil.

Due to the emergence of target spot disease on cotton, caused by the fungus Corynespora cassiicola, the aim of this study was the development and validation of a diagrammatic scale to assess the severity of target spot on cotton leaves using Lin’s statistic and linear regression models. For the design of the scale, 200 cotton leaves were collected from naturally infected plants. Severity was measured by APS assess image analysis software. The diagrammatic scale was developed with seven levels of severity: 1%, 2%, 5%, 9%, 19%, 37 and 53%. Validation was determined by severity estimates of 50 leaves by five experienced and five inexperienced evaluators. The first assessment was performance without a scale and the second with a scale aid. The data were analyzed by two methods: Lin’s statistics and linear regression. The diagrammatic scale aid reduced the absolute and relative error and improved precision (R2 = 0.79 and 0.91 without and with the scale, respectively). Evaluators overestimated the severity without the scale. Agreement (Lin’s concordance correlation coefficient, pc = 0.83 and 0.94, without and with the scale, respectively) and accuracy (Bias correction factor, Cb = 0.93 and 0.98, without and with the scale, respectively) were improved with the scale. The agreement between experience evaluators was higher with the scale. The use of the proposed diagrammatic scale contributed to assessment of target spot in cotton leaves by improving inter- and intra-rater reliability and accuracy of experienced and inexperienced evaluators.

It is known that sarcopenia is a multifaceted phenomenon, which involves genetic, nutritional, hormonal and living habits aspects. Then, an integrated analysis, as a multivariate approach, could improve the comprehension about the determinants of sarcopenic state in old adults. The present study aimed to investigate the interaction among serum vitamin D, daily caloric and protein intake, lifestyle habits, ACE I/D gene polymorphism and sarcopenic state in community-dwelling old adults. One hundred one community-dwelling old adults were clinically stratified as sarcopenic or non-sarcopenic. Serum vitamin D, daily caloric and protein intake, lifestyle habits (smoking, physical activity level and sedentary behavior) and ACE I/D gene polymorphism were recorded. A multivariate logistic regression technique was applied to investigate the interaction among the selected independent variables and the sarcopenic state. The independent variables age, smoking, serum Vitamin D and ACE I/D polymorphism achieved the statistical criteria to be inserted in the multivariate analysis. After a stepwise procedure from the multivariate logistic regression, the variables age, serum Vitamin D and ACE I/D polymorphism remained, together, in the final model. Sarcopenic state was significantly associated to older age, II-genotype and low serum Vitamin D in old adults from 60 years old.

The Porto-Tomar-Ferreira do Alentejo dextral Shear Zone is one of the most important structures of the Iberian Variscides. In its vicinity, close to Abrantes (Central Portugal), a localized heterogeneous strain pattern developed in a decimetric metamorphic siliceous multilayer. This complex pattern was induced by the D2 dextral shearing of the early S0//S1 foliation in brittle-ductile conditions, giving rise to three main shear zone families. One of these families, with antithetic kinematics, delimits blocks with rigid clockwise rotation surrounded by coeval cataclasites, generating a local domino structure. The proposed geometrical and kinematic analysis, coupled with statistical studies, highlights the relation between subsidiary shear zones and the main shear zone. Despite the heterogeneous strain pattern, a quantitative approach of finite strain was applied based on the restoration of the initial fracture pattern. This approach shows the importance of the cataclastic flow coupled with the translational displacement of the domino domain in solving space problems related to the rigid block rotation. Such processes are key in allowing the rigid block rotation inside shear zones whenever the simple shear component is a fundamental mechanism.

Obesity is one of the most challenging health issue worldwide that has been steadily increasing in the last decades. Obesity arises from a positive energy balance in result of increased intake and decreased energy expenditure, usually due to inadequate dietary habits and a sedentary lifestyle, which results in the accumulation of excess body fat. There are few pharmacological tools to address obesity, thus calorie restriction and increased physical activity are still the cornerstone of obesity treatment. In recent years, natural products obtained from plants have been thoroughly studied to infer whether these have any potential to target obesity. Methylxanthines comprise one of those classes of compounds that are abundant in common food products consumed on a daily basis worldwide, such as coffee, chocolate, or tea. Despite caffeine is the most popular and well-studied methylxanthine, theobromine and theophylline are also abundant in humans’ diet. Notably, methylxanthines proved to stimulate lipolysis and inhibit adipogenesis, which are interesting properties that could contribute for obesity management. This review aims to discuss the most recent information concerning the promising role of methylxanthines in the modulation of adipose tissue functions, highlighting the potential of these molecules in the development of novel therapeutic approaches for obesity treatment.

This paper is concerned with the study of the uniform decay rates of the energy associated with mixed problems involving the wave equation with nonlinear localized damping. The domain is an unbound...

As a multifactorial and multiorgan syndrome, cancer cachexia is associated with decreased tolerance to antitumor treatments and increased morbidity and mortality rates. The current approaches for the treatment of this syndrome are not always effective and well established. Drug repurposing or repositioning consists of the investigation of pharmacological components that are already available or in clinical trials for certain diseases and explores if they can be used for new indications. Its advantages comparing to de novo drugs development are the reduced amount of time spent and costs. In this paper, we selected drugs already available or in clinical trials for non-cachexia indications and that are related to the pathways and molecular components involved in the different phenotypes of cancer cachexia syndrome. Thus, we introduce known drugs as possible candidates for drug repurposing in the treatment of cancer-induced cachexia.