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Polyomaviruses (PyVs) are small double-stranded DNA viruses able to infect species across all vertebrate taxa. In cetaceans, PyVs have been reported only in short-beaked common dolphin (Delphinus delphis), common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) and killer whale (Orcinus orca). Herein, we surveyed PyV in 119 cetaceans (29 mysticetes and 90 odontocetes) stranded along the Brazilian coast, from 2002 to 2022, comprising 18 species. DNA extracted from the lungs was tested using a nested PCR targeting the major capsid protein gene of PyV. Polyomavirus was detected in lung samples of 1.7% (2/119) cetaceans: two juvenile female Guiana dolphins (Sotalia guianensis) stranded in Rio de Janeiro (Rio de Janeiro state) and Guriri (Espírito Santo state), in 2018. Both retrieved sequences were identical and presented 93.3% amino acid identity with Zetapolyomavirus delphini, suggesting a novel species. On histopathology, one of the PyV-positive individuals presented basophilic intranuclear inclusion bodies morphologically consistent with polyomavirus in the lungs. Other available tissues from both cases were PyV-PCR-negative; however, both individuals tested positive for Guiana dolphin morbillivirus. To our knowledge, this is the first report of PyV infection in cetaceans of the Southern Hemisphere and the first description of a co-infection with morbillivirus.

This study evaluates the feasibility and effectiveness of using immobilized pectinase enzymes for juice processing to reduce cloudiness while preserving nutritional and bioactive properties. The research is driven by the increasing demand for innovative food products that offer enhanced functionality and health benefits. It focuses on the development and application of immobilized biocatalysts in bioprocessing, specifically using pectinase encapsulated in a sol–gel matrix. Reaction parameters for the interaction between immobilized pectinase and its primary substrate, pectin, were optimized through systematic experimentation. Optimal conditions were established, achieving enhanced enzyme activity and stability with 0.15 g of lens-shaped capsules containing 10.0 mg/mL pectinase in 24-well microplates as microreactors. Kinetic studies indicated improved substrate affinity after immobilization (Km = 0.115 mg/mL), particularly when magnetized (Kmi = 0.041 mg/mL). Operational stability and reusability assessments demonstrated potential for extended use with magnetized pectinase capsules retaining higher residual activity after a fourth reuse cycle (155% > 75%). The application of immobilized pectinase in processing peach nectar successfully reduced cloudiness and increased the release of bioactive compounds, enhancing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, as evaluated by the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) assay and the albumin method, respectively. In vitro digestion studies revealed dynamic activity profile changes, highlighting the impact of juice bioprocessing on bioavailability.

Our study sought to investigate the impact of incorporating guava agroindustrial waste (GAW) at varying concentrations on nutrient utilization, lamb performance and economic viability. Forty non-castrated, 4-month-old Santa Inês lambs with an initial mean weight of 21.3 ± 2.18 kg were utilized in a confined setting. These lambs were allocated randomly to five treatment groups, each consisting of eight replicates, and were subjected to diets containing increasing levels of GAW (0 %, 7.5 %, 15 %, 22.5 % and 30 % based on dry matter). The feed formulation also included Tifton hay, corn, soybean and mineral salt. Throughout the trial period, parameters such as dry matter intake (DMI), nutrient digestibility and economic metrics were meticulously evaluated. Notably, the performance metrics among the different GAW treatments did not exhibit statistically significant differences (p > 0.05), with an average daily gain of 328 g d−1 observed across all the groups. However, there was a discernible positive effect on the intake of ether extract (p > 0.05). Regarding nutrient digestibility, only the crude protein digestibility demonstrated no significant variance (p > 0.001) among the treatments. Consequently, our findings suggest that GAW can be effectively integrated into sheep diets at levels of up to 30 % without compromising lamb performance. Moreover, from an economic standpoint, this incorporation proves to be the most financially viable and cost-effective option among the evaluated treatments.

Abstract Scaling relationships are key in characterizing complex systems at criticality. In the brain, they are evident in neuronal avalanches—scale-invariant cascades of neuronal activity quantified by power laws. Avalanches manifest at the cellular level as cascades of neuronal groups that fire action potentials simultaneously. Such spatiotemporal synchronization is vital to theories on brain function yet avalanche synchronization is often underestimated when only a fraction of neurons is observed. Here, we investigate biases from fractional sampling within a balanced network of excitatory and inhibitory neurons with all-to-all connectivity and critical branching process dynamics. We focus on how mean avalanche size scales with avalanche duration. For parabolic avalanches, this scaling is quadratic, quantified by the scaling exponent, χ = 2, reflecting rapid spatial expansion of simultaneous neuronal firing over short durations. However, in networks sampled fractionally, χ is significantly lower. We demonstrate that applying temporal coarse-graining and increasing a minimum threshold for coincident firing restores χ = 2, even when as few as 0.1% of neurons are sampled. This correction crucially depends on the network being critical and fails for near sub- and supercritical branching dynamics. Using cellular 2-photon imaging, our approach robustly identifies χ = 2 over a wide parameter regime in ongoing neuronal activity from frontal cortex of awake mice. In contrast, the common ‘crackling noise’ approach fails to determine χ under similar sampling conditions at criticality. Our findings overcome scaling bias from fractional sampling and demonstrate rapid, spatiotemporal synchronization of neuronal assemblies consistent with scale-invariant, parabolic avalanches at criticality.

Sarcoidosis is a rare chronic granulomatous disease with unknown etiology. Definite diagnosis of cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) is especially difficult to establish. Several guidelines exist to make a diagnosis of CS but those have not been clinically validated. Despite the high specificity of endomyocardial biopsy, its sensitivity is low, and the severity of potential complications is high. Thus, we present 63-year-old male who was diagnosed with CS with the endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) transbronchial needle aspiration (TBNA) of intrathoracic lymph nodes which were non-enlarged without PET avidity. EBUS TBNA of radiographically normal appearing lymph nodes showed non-necrotizing granulomas. Given challenges of diagnosing CS, EBUS TBNA can be considered even in cases without obvious evidence of active pulmonary sarcoidosis.

This dataset presents the results of tensile tests conducted on 3D-printed nylon composites reinforced with short carbon fibers, commercially known as Onyx™. Specimens were printed using a Markforged™ Mark 2 printer with three different printing orientations: 0°, ±45°, and 90°, following the ASTM D638-22 standard for Type IV tensile specimens. The dataset includes mechanical testing data, scanning electron microscope (SEM) images, and digital image correlation (DIC) images. Mechanical test data were collected using an Instron universal testing machine, while SEM images were captured to examine microstructural features and fracture surfaces, both before and after testing. DIC images were obtained using two cameras positioned orthogonally to capture deformation on multiple planes. Limitations include fracture at the radius of the testing region in some 0° specimens and premature failure of 90° specimens, which reduced the number of captured images. These data provide valuable insights into the anisotropic mechanical behavior of 3D-printed composites and can be reused for further research on material behavior under varying conditions like multiscale simulations and deep learning algorithms.

Abstract Background In vitro expression involves the utilization of the cellular transcription and translation machinery in an acellular context to produce one or more proteins of interest and has found widespread application in synthetic biology and in pharmaceutical biomanufacturing. Most in vitro expression systems available are active at moderate temperatures, but to screen large libraries of natural or artificial genetic diversity for highly thermostable enzymes or enzyme variants, it is instrumental to enable protein synthesis at high temperatures. Objectives Develop an in vitro expression system operating at high temperatures compatible with enzymatic assays and with technologies that enable ultrahigh-throughput protein expression in reduced volumes, such as microfluidic water-in-oil (w/o) droplets. Results We produced cell-free extracts from Thermus thermophilus for in vitro translation including thermostable enzymatic cascades for energy regeneration and a moderately thermostable RNA polymerase for transcription, which ultimately limited the temperature of protein synthesis. The yield was comparable or superior to other thermostable in vitro expression systems, while the preparation procedure is much simpler and can be suited to different Thermus thermophilus strains. Furthermore, these extracts have enabled in vitro expression in microfluidic droplets at high temperatures for the first time. Conclusions Cell-free extracts from Thermus thermophilus represent a simpler alternative to heavily optimized or pure component thermostable in vitro expression systems. Moreover, due to their compatibility with droplet microfluidics and enzyme assays at high temperatures, the reported system represents a convenient gateway for enzyme screening at higher temperatures with ultrahigh-throughput.

ABSTRACT This study evaluated the effects of long-acting injectable progesterone supplementation (P4LA) on embryonic and fetal development and birth weight in Nellore cows seven days after timed artificial insemination (TAI). One hundred and nineteen Nellore female cows became pregnant after the TAI protocol and were divided into two groups: P4LA with cows that received 150mg of P4LA, seven days after insemination, in a single dose, and the control group, with cows who did not receive any hormonal supplementation after TAI. Blood samples were collected on days 17 and 30 after TAI to determine P4 concentration. Embryonic and fetal measurements were performed at 30 and 45 days of gestation, respectively, with the aid of ultrasonography, measuring craniocaudal length and thoracic diameter. No difference was observed in P4 concentration between the groups supplemented with or without injectable P4 on days 17 (P=0.73) and 30 (P=0.62) after TAI. There was no significant difference in embryonic and fetal development or birth weight between the supplemented and non-supplemented groups (P=0.59, P=0.09, and P=0.64, respectively). Supplementation with injectable progesterone seven days after TAI did not interfere with the embryonic and fetal development of Nellore cows, nor did it affect birth weight.

Abstract City size is a primary determinant of the urban heat island (UHI) intensity, with its effects further nuanced by the urban form. But how to factor in the urban form into the UHI assessment remains unresolved. We propose an every‐pair‐interaction model that meaningfully incorporates urban size and fractal dimension to characterize the UHI intensity. Regression on the summertime surface UHI intensity of 5,000 European cities shows that the model outperforms the simple linear combination of logarithmic size and fractal dimension. Subject to the interplay between the range of the every‐pair interaction and the urban fractal shape, the model also represents a generalization as it includes power‐law, logarithmic, and saturating size dependence of UHI—all three possibilities have been reported empirically in the literature. Our theoretical framework indicates that the surface UHI intensity saturates with urban size, opening up new research perspectives around UHI intensity.

Developing metal-free electrodes for prototypes of bio-based devices is an essential step in producing non-toxic components for implantable devices and wearables. In particular, the advancement in self-powered devices is a hot topic for several applications due to the possibility of creating free-battery devices and sensors. In this paper, the modification of bacterial cellulose by the progressive incorporation of carbon black (a conductive filler) was explored as a prototype for bio-based electrodes for triboelectric nanogenerators. This process was controlled by the percolation pathways’ activation through the contact of carbon black grains with the bacterial cellulose membrane, which represents a critical step in the overall process of optimization in the power output performance, reaching an open circuit voltage value of 102.3 V, short circuit current of 2 μA, and power density of 4.89 μW/cm2.

and the gastric glands of larvae/postlarvae (from hatching until 45 days posthatching) of three fish species (two teleostean and a chondrostean) were investigated using conventional histochemical methods (periodic acid schiff –PAS-, diastase-PAS; alcian blue pH 0.5, 1 and 2.5) in order to distinguish neutral and acidic (carboxylated and sulphated) glycoconjugates, as well as bromophenol blue reaction for identification of proteins. Additionally, the presence and distribution of sugar residues in the oligosaccharide side chains of glycoconjugates were investigated using horseradish peroxidase (HPR)-conjugated lectins (Con A, DBA, WGA and UEA-I). Most mucous cells (digestive, epidermal and branchial) of Siberian sturgeon, Acipenser baeri, sea bream, Sparus aurata and Senegal sole, Solea senegalensis larvae were PAS- and alcian blue- (pH 2.5 and 0.5) positive, with small variations between organs/tissues and species. Bromophenol blue reaction (general proteins) was positive in a minority of the mucous cells, usually in those cells which were PAS-negative. Proteins rich in sulphydryl (-SH) and/or disulphide (-S-S-) groups related with the glycoprotein nature of the glycoconjugates present in mucous cells were also observed. Epidermal, branchial and digestive mucous cells of all studied larvae did not contain glycogen or lipids.

Resumo Fundamento: A insuficiência cardíaca (IC) é responsável por alta carga de internações hospitalares. A sua forma de apresentação está relacionada ao prognóstico da doença. Objetivos: Descrever a associação entre o perfil hemodinâmico de admissão hospitalar na IC aguda, baseado em congestão (úmido ou seco) e perfusão (frio ou quente), e desfechos de mortalidade, tempo de internação e chance de reinternação. Métodos: Estudo de coorte, envolvendo pacientes do projeto "Boas Práticas Clínicas em Cardiologia", internados por IC aguda em hospitais públicos brasileiros, entre março de 2016 a dezembro de 2019, com seguimento de seis meses. Foram realizadas análises das características populacionais e do perfil hemodinâmico de admissão, além de análises de sobrevivência pelos modelos de Cox para associação entre o perfil de admissão e mortalidade, e regressão logística para chance de reinternação, considerando nível de significância estatística de 5%. Resultados: Foram avaliados 1978 pacientes, com idade média foi 60,2 (±14,8) anos e fração de ejeção média do ventrículo esquerdo de 39,8% (±17,3%). Houve altas taxas de mortalidade no seguimento de seis meses (22%), com associação entre os perfis hemodinâmicos frios e a mortalidade hospitalar (HR=1,72; IC95% 1,27-2,31; p < 0,001) e em 6 meses (HR= 1,61, IC 95% 1,29-2,02). A taxa de reinternação em 6 meses foi de 22%, sendo maior para os pacientes admitidos em perfis úmidos (OR 2,30; IC95% 1,45-3,65; p < 0,001). Conclusões: A IC aguda no Brasil apresenta altas taxas de mortalidade e reinternações e os perfis hemodinâmicos de admissão hospitalar são bons marcadores prognósticos dessa evolução.

Damage imaging algorithms are crucial for evaluating the condition of critical structures such as adhesively bonded joints. Particularly during service, baseline-free structural health monitoring (SHM) is essential for robust and real-time evaluation. This article proposes and investigates the impact of the shape of the damage intensity distribution and damage index on the damage imaging of composite lap joints using a baseline-free SHM system. This system comprises a parallel array of piezoelectric transducers attached to both sides of the lap joint for generating and receiving ultrasonic-guided waves. Various features are extracted from the received signals to serve as damage indices, representing the peak amplitude and energy of the signals as well as the time of flight (ToF). Different shapes of damage intensity distribution, including elliptical, diamond, rectangular, and quadrilateral, are considered between pairs of sensors to investigate their effects on the total damage intensity distribution. To evaluate the impact of these parameters, a 2-D correlation coefficient was employed to compare the results obtained from the baseline-free SHM system with the image containing actual defects. The results reveal that the ToF was ineffective in providing high correlation and considering the signal’s energy with quadrilateral shape achieved the highest correlation.

Mycoplasma spp. are wall-less bacteria able to infect mammals and are classified as hemotropic (hemoplasma) and nonhemotropic. In aquatic mammals, hemoplasma have been reported in California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) and river dolphins (Inia spp.). We investigated Mycoplasma spp. in blood samples of West Indian manatees (Trichechus manatus), pinnipeds (5 species), and marine cetaceans (18 species) that stranded or were undergoing rehabilitation in Brazil during 2002–2022. We detected Mycoplasma in blood of 18/130 (14.8%) cetaceans and 3/18 (16.6%) pinnipeds. All tested manatees were PCR-negative for Mycoplasma. Our findings indicate that >2 different hemoplasma species are circulating in cetaceans. The sequences from pinnipeds were similar to previously described sequences. We also detected a nonhemotropic Mycoplasma in 2 Franciscana dolphins (Pontoporia blainvillei) that might be associated with microscopic lesions. Because certain hemoplasmas can cause disease and death in immunosuppressed mammals, the bacteria could have conservation implications for already endangered aquatic mammals.

Exportin 1 (XPO1) is the main nuclear export receptor that controls the subcellular trafficking and the functions of major regulatory proteins. XPO1 is overexpressed in various cancers and small inhibitors of nuclear export (SINEs) have been developed to inhibit XPO1. In primary mediastinal B‐cell lymphoma (PMBL) and classical Hodgkin's lymphoma (cHL), the XPO1 gene may be mutated on one nucleotide and encodes the mutant XPO1E571K. To understand the impact of mutation on protein function, we studied the response of PMBL and cHL cells to selinexor, a SINE, and ibrutinib, an inhibitor of Bruton tyrosine kinase. XPO1 mutation renders lymphoma cells more sensitive to selinexor due to a faster degradation of mutant XPO1 compared to the wild‐type. We further showed that a mistrafficking of p65 (RELA) and p52 (NFκB2) transcription factors between the nuclear and cytoplasmic compartments accounts for the response toward ibrutinib. XPO1 mutation may be envisaged as a biomarker of the response of PMBL and cHL cells and other B‐cell hemopathies to SINEs and drugs that target even indirectly the NFκB signaling pathway.

Malignant Peritoneal Mesothelioma (MPM) is an uncommon tumour. Clinical presentation is indefinite and differential diagnosis with peritoneal carcinomatosis is difficult. It has a bad prognosis (survival of 6-12 months) due to the delay of the diagnosis and inefficacy of the conventional therapeutic. The authors present a case of MPM which was diagnosed over the investigation of ascitis. The laparoscopic peritoneal biopsy permitted the diagnosis. After systemic quimiotherapy, the patient is in partial remission at 42 months of follow-up.

Carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) is a composite material known for its high strength-to-weight ratio, stiffness, and corrosion and fatigue resistance, making it suitable for its use in structural components. However, CFRP can be subject to various types of damage, such as delamination, matrix cracking, or fiber breakage, requiring nondestructive evaluation to ensure structural integrity. In this context, damage imaging algorithms are important for assessing the condition of this material. This paper presents signal and image processing methods for delamination characterization of thin CFRP plates using eddy current testing (ECT). The measurement system included an inductive ECT probe with three coil elements, which has the characteristic of allowing eddy currents to be induced in the specimen with two different configurations. In this study, the peak amplitude of the induced voltage in the receiver element and the phase shift between the excitation and receiver signals were considered as damage-sensitive features. Using the ECT probe, C-scans were performed in the vicinity of delamination defects of different sizes. The dimensions and shape of the ECT probe were considered by applying the erosion method in the damage imaging process. Different thresholding approaches were also investigated to extract the size of the defective areas. To evaluate the impact of this application, a comparison is made between the results obtained before and after thresholding using histogram analysis. The evaluation of damage imaging for three different delamination sizes is presented for quantitative analysis.

3,4-Methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) is an emerging, chiral, new psychoactive substance belonging to the synthetic cathinones group that has been frequently detected in wastewater effluents and aquatic environments. However, the knowledge of its enantioselective occurrence and toxicity toward aquatic organisms is scarce. The aim of this work was to develop an enantioselective liquid chromatography (LC) method to monitor the enantiomers of MDPV in environmental and ecotoxicological assays. For that, different chiral columns and mobile phases in both normal and reversed elution modes were attempted. The optimized conditions were achieved using a Daicel® 3 μm—CHIRALPAK® IF-3 column with 5 mM of ammonium bicarbonate (NH4HCO3, pH 8.8) in ultra-pure water (UPW) and acetonitrile (ACN) (10:90, v/v) as a mobile phase, at a flow rate of 0.3 mL min−1. This condition was applied to monitor the racemate and the single enantiomers of MDPV in culture medium collected from ecotoxicity experiments. Racemization was observed for MDPV enantiomers (in individual exposure). The enantiomeric ratio (e.r.) of (S)-MDPV changed from an initial e.r. of 96.4/3.6 to 78.0/22.0 and for the (R)-enantiomer, the e.r changed from 15.6/84.4 to 28.3/71.7). These data highlight the importance of enantioselective monitoring of culture media in toxicity assays that involve chiral substances, since racemization can occur and lead to inaccuracy in the toxicity evaluation. Nevertheless, it is also important to stress that racemization may occur during storage conditions or sample procedures. Therefore, the enantioselective methodology is of utmost importance to warrant the quality of the results in enantioselective ecotoxicological studies.

Abstract Fungi exhibit three adverse effects on human health: inflammatory, allergic and toxic effects, these implications affect mainly immunodepressed patients. The objective of this work was to analyze the fungal microbiota of the ambient air of an Intensive Care Unit. Three collections were carried out in an Intensive Care Unit in the city of Rio Branco, Acre, Western Amazon, Brazil from March to May 2017. 126 Petri dishes were exposed with the culture medium Agar Sabouraud with chloramphenicol and Agar Mycosel, considering the distribution of the 21 air conditioners, split residential model. The plates were incubated for seven days at room temperature and the growth of Colony Forming Units was observed. Colony counting and isolation for the morphological characterization of the granted fungi was performed. After quantification, the concentration of fungi per cubic meters of air (CFU.m-3) was settled. The third collection had a larger number of colony forming units with 48.6%. In the total of the analyzed samples, filamentous fungi (85.5%) and yeasts (14.5%) were isolated. Thirteen genera of fungi were identified, with the most frequent filaments being Cladosporium spp. 33.0%, Aspergillus spp. 30.4% and Penicillium spp. 19.6%, and yeasts Candida spp. 52.6%, Trichosporon spp. 36.9%. The colony-forming unit per cubic meter (CFU.m-3) did not shown any difference between the Cores in the same collection period, however in the 1st and 3rd collection, Core 1 had the highest average. The fungal microbiota of this Unit presented thirteen different genera potentially pathogenic, revealing the need for monitoring microorganisms and prevention actions.

The current dataset brings raw compression test information of a vegetable-based polyurethane foam (PUF) exposed to different temperatures over different periods of time. Such experimental dataset can provide researchers with important information in the application of numerical and data-driven simulations. Also, it saves money and time once the experimental part is already available. At total, 90 compression tests were done following the ASTM D1621-16 standard with pictures for digital image correlation (DIC) being simultaneously acquired. The 90 specimens were divided in nine different ageing conditions. The foam was considered transversely isotropic, thus, 10 specimens for each condition were divided in two groups, five specimens for direction 1 and five for direction 3, where direction 3 is the foam expansion direction. The 3D DIC results show longitudinal and transverse strains from virtual extensometers. The results are available in .TRA and .csv files for the tests and DIC outputs, respectively. Also, the dataset brings the pictures used for DIC in .TIF format. It also brings the dimensions of each specimen prior to the test in .txt format. These results provide information for the calculation of major mechanical properties that can be freely used in finite element models for different and creative ways to simulate the ageing process of a vegetable-based PUF.

Background: Patients undergo total joint arthroplasty to improve function and resolve pain. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are often sought to determine the success of total joint arthroplasty but are time-consuming and patient response rates are often low. This study sought to determine whether pain numeric rating scores (NRSs) were associated with PROMs and objective mobility outcomes. Methods: This is a retrospective review of data in patients who utilized a smartphone-based care management application prior to and following total joint arthroplasty. NRS, Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, Joint Replacement and Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, Joint Replacement, and objective mobility data (step counts, gait speed, and gait asymmetry) were collected preoperatively and at 30 and 90 days postoperatively. Quantile regression was performed to evaluate the correlations between NRS and PROMs. Results: Total knee arthroplasty patients reported higher NRS than total hip arthroplasty patients postoperatively. NRS was significantly correlated with gait speed preoperatively and at 30 and 90 days postoperatively on quantile regression. Gait asymmetry was significantly associated with NRS at 30 days postoperatively. Regression results suggested significant correlations between NRS and PROMs scores; Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, Joint Replacement, −0.46 (95% confidence interval: −0.48 to −0.44, P < .001) and Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, Joint Replacement, -0.38 (95% confidence interval: −0.40 to −0.36, P < .001). Conclusions: NRS is correlated with both objective and subjective measures of function in patients undergoing arthroplasty. Simple pain ratings may be a valid measurement to help predict functional outcomes when collection of traditional PROMs is not feasible.

Summary: In the mammalian cortex, even simple sensory inputs or movements activate many neurons, with each neuron responding variably to repeated stimuli—a phenomenon known as trial-by-trial variability. Understanding the spatial patterns and dynamics of this variability is challenging. Using cellular 2-photon imaging, we study visual and auditory responses in the primary cortices of awake mice. We focus on how individual neurons’ responses differed from the overall population. We find consistent spatial correlations in these differences that are unique to each trial and linearly scale with the cortical area observed, a characteristic of critical dynamics as confirmed in our neuronal simulations. Using chronic multi-electrode recordings, we observe similar scaling in the prefrontal and premotor cortex of non-human primates during self-initiated and visually cued motor tasks. These results suggest that trial-by-trial variability, rather than being random noise, reflects a critical, fluctuation-dominated state in the cortex, supporting the brain’s efficiency in processing information.

Cyclodextrin (CD) drug delivery systems offer the potential to enhance the desired physicochemical properties and pharmacokinetic parameters of drugs while maintaining their safety. Cyclodextrin-glucosyl-transferase (CGTase) is amongst the most important enzymes used in CD biosynthesis. However, the bioproduction of CDs still faces challenges in terms of optimization and process complexity. This study proposes a novel CD bioproduction system in a batch mode to increase yield and reduce costs. Two bacterial strains were selected: the alkalophilic Bacillus pseudofirmus DSM2517 strain and the neutrophilic Paenibacillus macerans DSM1574 strain. Three different culture media, two temperatures (30 °C and 37 °C), and three scales (shake flasks 20 mL and 100 mL, and bioreactor 3.2 L) were evaluated with respect to bacterial growth kinetics, protein production, and CGTase biosynthesis and activity for β-CD production. Bacterial growth was monitored by measuring optical density (OD600 nm), while CGTase activity was assessed by measuring β-CD production directly in the medium after filtration or in samples after concentration (using a Vivaspin 500® ultrafiltration spin column with a 10 kDa cut-off). β-CD quantification was performed using the phenolphthalein colorimetric method and HPLC. The best conditions for combined growth and protein production, for both microorganisms, in shake flasks were achieved with a medium containing 2% dextrin as the carbohydrate source. Scale-up to the bioreactor displayed improved growth kinetics for both bacteria and higher protein production and CGTase activity for Paenibacillus macerans.

Anastrepha bistrigata Bezzi, 1919 and Anastrepha striata Schiner, 1868 (Diptera: Tephritidae) infest guava (Psidium guajava L.), but only A. striata is considered a serious pest in all countries where it occurs. Both species also exploit several other host plants. They are frequently collected in fruit fly surveys in Brazil, but it is unusual to collect them in the same locality. For this reason, we report the co-occurrence of A. bistrigata and A. striata in Barreiras, Bahia, Brazil, which is also the first record of both species in this state. Information on morphological identification, distribution in Brazil, hosts, and sympatric occurrences of these species is also provided.

Polyphenolic compounds (PC) are among the most abundant secondary metabolites in nature. They are widely distributed in the world and can be found in fruits, cereals, tea, coffee, and beverages. Due to their structural diversity, polyphenols have many different properties and biological effects. They are resistant to the acid of the gastric tract, and very few are hydrolysed or absorbed in the stomach. Significant portions of ingested polyphenols reach the large intestine and interact with the local bacteria, the so-called gut microbiota. Epidemiological studies confirm that moderate and prolonged intake of foods rich in polyphenols could prevent the development of cancer and chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular, neurodegenerative, type 2 diabetes, and obesity. The current work aims to provide an updated overview on the nature and occurrence of polyphenols, quantification methods, bioaccessibility and bioavailability, and impact on human health, namely through interactions with the gut microbiota.

Currently, tissue product producers try to meet consumers’ requirements to retain their loyalty. In perforated products, such as toilet paper, these requirements involve the paper being portioned along the perforation line and not outside of it. Thus, it becomes necessary to enhance the behavior of the perforation line in perforated tissue papers. The current study aimed to verify if the perforation line for 0° (the solution found in commercial perforated products) is the best solution to maximize the perforation efficiency. A finite element (FE) simulation was used to validate the experimental data, where the deviations from the experiments were 5.2% for the case with a 4 mm perforation length and 8.8% for a perforation of 2 mm, and optimize the perforation efficiency using the genetic algorithm while considering two different cases. In the first case, the blank distance and the perforation line angle were varied, with the best configuration being achieved with a blank distance of 0.1 mm and an inclination angle of 0.56°. For the second case, the blank distance was fixed to 1.0 mm and the only variable to be optimized was the inclination angle of the perforation line. It was found that the best angle inclination was 0.67°. In both cases, it was verified that a slight inclination in the perforation line will favor partitioning and therefore the perforation efficiency.

Steel Plate Cold-Rolled Commercial (SPCC) steel is known to have long-term durability. However, it still undergoes corrosion when exposed to corrosive environments. This paper proposes an evaluation method for assessing the corrosion level of SPCC steel samples using eddy current testing (ECT), along with two different machine learning approaches. The objective is to classify the corrosion of the samples into two states: a less corroded state (state-1) and a highly corroded state (state-2). Generative and discriminative models were implemented for classification. The generative classifier was based on the Gaussian mixture model (GMM), while the discriminative model was based on the logistic regression model. The features used in the classification models are the peaks of the perturbated magnetic fields at two different frequencies. The performance of the classifiers was evaluated using metrics such as absolute error, accuracy, precision, recall, and F1 score. The results indicate that the GMM model is more conducive to categorizing states with higher levels of corrosion, while the logistic regression model is helpful in estimating states with lower levels of corrosion. Meanwhile, high classification accuracy can be achieved based on both methods using eddy current testing.

Nanofibrous materials present interesting characteristics, such as higher area/mass ratio and reactivity. These properties have been exploited in different applications, such as drug-controlled release and site-specific targeting of biomolecules for several disease treatments, including cancer. The main goal of this study was to develop magnetized nanofiber systems of lysozyme (Lys) for biological applications. The system envisaged electrospun polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and PVA/chitosan (CS) nanofibers, loaded with Lys, crosslinked with boronic acids [phenylboronic acid (PBA), including 2-acetylphenylboronic acid (aPBA), 2-formylphenylboronic (fPBA), or bortezomib (BTZ)] and functionalized with magnetic nanobeads (IONPs), which was successfully built and tested using a microscale approach. Evaluation of the morphology of nanofibers, obtained by electrospinning, was carried out using SEM. The biological activities of the Lys-loaded PVA/CS (90:10 and 70:30) nanofibers were evaluated using the Micrococcus lysodeikticus method. To evaluate the success of the encapsulation process, the ratio of adsorbed Lys on the nanofibers, Lys activity, and in vitro Lys release were determined in buffer solution at pH values mimicking the environment of cancer cells. The viability of Caco-2 cancer cells was evaluated after being in contact with electrospun PVA + Lys and PVA/CS + Lys nanofibers, with or without boronic acid functionalation, and all were magnetized with IONPs.

This paper presents a baseline-free damage imaging technique using a parallel array of piezoelectric sensors and a control board that facilitates custom combinations of sensor selection. This technique incorporates an imaging algorithm that uses parallel beams for generation and reception of ultrasonic guided waves in a pitch–catch configuration. A baseline-free reconstruction algorithm for probabilistic inspection of defects (RAPID) algorithm is adopted. The proposed RAPID method replaces the conventional approach of using signal difference coefficients with the maximum signal envelope as a damage index, ensuring independence from baseline data. Additionally, conversely to the conventional RAPID algorithm which uses all possible sensor combinations, an innovative selection of combinations is proposed to mitigate attenuation effects. The proposed method is designed for the inspection of lap joints. Experimental measurements were carried out on a composite lap joint, which featured two dissimilar-sized disbonds positioned at the lap joint’s borderline. A 2D correlation coefficient was used to quantitatively determine the similarity between the obtained images and a reference image with correct defect shapes and locations. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed damage imaging method in detecting both defects. Additionally, parametric studies were conducted to illustrate how various parameters influence the accuracy of the obtained imaging results.

BackgroundRed blood cell distribution width (RDW) reflects the variability of circulating red blood cells. The relationship between multiple sclerosis (MS) and RDW is not well studied. The main objective of this work was to compare baseline RDW to EDSS at 5 years of diagnosis and verify if RDW predicts worse disability.MethodsWe conduct a retrospective observational study of relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) patients followed in the Neuroimmunology Clinic that had at least one measuring of RDW at baseline.ResultsWe included 82 patients with RRMS meeting inclusion criteria, 73,2% female with a mean age of 33,56 years old. Median EDSS score at baseline was 1.5.9,8% patients had new T2 lesions in MRI at 5 years and 4,9% showed lesions capturing contrast at 5 years. Regarding DMT, 75,6% were treated with interferon, glatiramer acetate, teriflunomide, or dimethyl fumarate, and 21,9% were under fingolimod, natalizumab, rituximab, and cladribine, and the remaining 2,4% were without treatment at 5 years.A multiple linear regression model confirmed increased disability (EDSS at 5 years) for patients undergoing second-line treatment (β=0,86;p=,003) and higher RDW at baseline (β=0,47;p=,007). Presenting RDW results for quartiles, it was statistically significant for quartile 4 [13,5;16,4[(β=0,74;p=,039), suggesting that a very increased RDW at baseline is strongly associated with higher EDSS at 5 years.ConclusionHigher RDW at baseline was correlated with a worse disability at 5 years in RRMS patients. Furthermore, RDW equal to or higher than 13,5% may be useful in identifying patients that will have a worse disability at 5 years. Resumen: IntroducciónAncho de distribución de glóbulos rojos (RDW) la combinación de los glóbulos rojos circulantes. La relación entre MS y RDW no está bien estudiada. El objetivo principal de este trabajo fue comparar el RDW basal con el EDSS a los 5 años del diagnóstico y verificar si el RDW predice una peor discapacidad.MétodosRealizamos un estudio observacional retrospectivo de EM remitente-recurrente (EMRR) de pacientes en la Clínica de Neuroinmunología que tenían al menos una medición de RDW al inicio del estudio.ResultadosSe incluyeron 82 pacientes con EMRR que cumplieron los criterios de inclusión, el 73,2% mujeres con una edad media de 33,56 años. La puntuación media de la EDSS al inicio del estudio fue de 1,5. El 9,8% de los pacientes presentaron nuevas lesiones T2 en la RM a los 5 años y el 4,9% mostró captación de contraste a los 5 años. En cuanto a DMT, el 75,6% se trató con interferón, acetato de glatiramer, teriflunomida o dimetilfumarato, y el 21,9% con fingolimod, natalizumab, rituximab y cladribina, y el 2,4% restante sin tratamiento a los 5 años.Un modelo de regresión lineal múltiple garantiza un aumento de la discapacidad (EDSS a los 5 años) para los pacientes sin tratamiento de segunda línea (β = 0,86; p = 0,003) y una mayor RDW al inicio del estudio (β = 0 ,47; p = 0,007). Al presentar los resultados de RDW para los cuartiles, fue estadísticamente significativo para el cuartil 4 [13.5; 16.4 [(β = 0.74; p = .039), lo que sugiere que un RDW muy elevado al inicio del estudio está fuertemente asociado con una mayor EDSS a los 5 años.ConclusionesUn mayor RDW al inicio del estudio se correlacionó con una peor discapacidad a los 5 años en los pacientes con EMRR. Además, una RDW igual o superior al 13,5% puede ser útil para identificar a los pacientes que tendrán una discapacidad peor a los 5 años.

Introduction Over this decade, there has been progressive growth and evolution of the concept of autoimmune encephalitis. However, international consensus overly focus on major neurological signs, while discarding some attenuated presentations, sometimes with just psychiatric manifestations. It was only very recently that a new concept arouse from this disorder, named autoimmune psychosis, which can mimic schizophrenia. Unfortunately, there is still a lack of a structured approach of psychotic patients to cover this disorder. This has numerous implications, namely on management and prognosis of these patients. Not only, these patients have an increased risk of neuroleptic malignant syndrome, but it is also important to intervene early in the course of disease. Objectives To conduct a review of the diagnostic and treatment guideliens of autoimmune psychosis Methods The authors conducted a non-systematic review, by resorting to the pubmed database, on the concept of autoimmune psychosis and updated proposals of diagnostic orienting lines. Results Recently, in 2016, Graus et al proposed diagnostic criteria for possible autoimmune encephalitis, in which the authors acknowledge subacute onset of psychiatric symptoms as a possible clinical manifestation. The authors accept normal diagnostic tests, provided that new neurological focal findings exist. Since then, there have been described a list of signs/symptoms, which should raise suspicion for this diagnostic on psychiatric patients, so called red flags. In accordance to diagnostic guidelines for autoimmune psychosis, defined by Pollak et, the presence of this symptoms should lead clinicians to perform diagnostic exams, as MRI, eletroencephalogram and blood serological tests and lumbar puncture. However, others criticize this initial lineup arguing that some patients could be missed, because they do not have any neurological signs, and so they propose new diagnostic criteria. Conclusions Autoimmune psychosis represents an attenuated clinical form of autoimmune encephalitis, although demanding the same medication and prompt initiation of treatment as other autoimmune encephalitis. It is important to acknowledge that there are patients who are seronegative and that some of the diagnostic exams mentioned have sometimes limited availability. As acknowledged by Guasp et al, there are patients with first psychotic episodes that have an autoimmune etiology, but because of the lack of neurological signs, could potentially be missed of treatment. So, it is important to establish formal diagnostic guidelines for this disorder, namely orienting lines for first psychotic episodes, which is the most commson psychiatric manifestation. This also enlightens the need for neurologic and psychiatric cooperation for these patients. Disclosure of Interest None Declared

Background We investigated the concurrent validity and test-retest reliability of the Jumpo 2 and MyJump 2 apps for estimating jump height, and the mean values of force, velocity, and power produced during countermovement (CMJ) and squat jumps (SJ). Methods Physically active university aged men (n = 10, 20 ± 3 years, 176 ± 6 cm, 68 ± 9 kg) jumped on a force plate (i.e., criterion) while being recorded by a smartphone slow-motion camera. The videos were analyzed using Jumpo 2 and MyJump 2 using a Samsung Galaxy S7 powered by the Android system. Validity and reliability were determined by regression analysis, typical error of estimates and measurements, and intraclass correlation coefficients. Results Both apps provided a reliable estimate of jump height and the mean values of force, velocity, and power. Furthermore, estimates of jump height for CMJ and SJ and the mean force of the CMJ were valid. However, the apps presented impractical or poor validity correlations for velocity and power. Compared with criterion, the apps underestimated the velocity of the CMJ. Conclusions Therefore, Jumpo 2 and MyJump 2 both provide a valid measure of jump height, but the remaining variables provided by these apps must be viewed with caution since the validity of force depends on jump type, while velocity (and as consequence power) could not be well estimated from the apps.

The adsorption equilibrium of methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2) on the metal–organic framework (MOF) UiO-66 is studied via molecular simulation. UiO-66 is a versatile MOF with vast potential for various adsorption processes, such as biogas upgrading, CO2 capture, and natural gas storage. The molecular simulations employ the grand canonical Monte Carlo (GCMC) method, covering a temperature range of 298–343 K and pressures up to 70 bar for CH4 and 30 bar for CO2. The accuracy of different forcefields in describing the adsorption equilibria is evaluated. Two modelling approaches are explored: (i) lumping each hydrogen atom in the MOF framework to the heavy atom it is bonded to (united atom approximation) and (ii) considering explicit hydrogen atoms. Additionally, the influence of electrical charges on CO2 adsorption is also evaluated. The findings indicate that the most effective forcefield to describe the adsorption equilibrium is a united atom forcefield based on the TraPPE parametrization. This approach also yields an accurate calculation of the isosteric heat of adsorption. In the case of CO2, it is observed that the use of electrical charges enhances the prediction of the heat of adsorption, especially in the low-coverage region.

Abstract The scaling of correlations as a function of size provides important hints to understand critical phenomena on a variety of systems. Its study in biological structures offers two challenges: usually they are not of infinite size, and, in the majority of cases, dimensions can not be varied at will. Here we discuss how finite-size scaling can be approximated in an experimental system of fixed and relatively small extent, by computing correlations inside of a reduced field of view of various widths (we will refer to this procedure as “box-scaling”). A relation among the size of the field of view, and measured correlation length, is derived at, and away from, the critical regime. Numerical simulations of a neuronal network, as well as the ferromagnetic 2D Ising model, are used to verify such approximations. Numerical results support the validity of the heuristic approach, which should be useful to characterize relevant aspects of critical phenomena in biological systems.

Abstract Carbon xerogels (CXs) were synthesized by polycondensation of resorcinol and formaldehyde, followed by thermal annealing, and subjected to hydrothermal oxidation. Solid-phase extraction (SPE) cartridges were filled with CXs and tested for extraction of metaflumizone and other seven environmental micropollutants (acetamiprid, atrazine, isoproturon, methiocarb, carbamazepine, diclofenac, and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid) before chromatographic analysis. The recoveries obtained with the pristine CX were low for most analytes, except for metaflumizone (69 ± 5%). Moreover, it was concluded that the adsorption/desorption process of the micropollutants performed better on CXs with a less acidic surface (i.e., pristine CX). Thus, cartridges were prepared with pristine CX and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in a multi-layer configuration. This reusable cartridge was able to simultaneously extract the eight micropollutants and was used to validate an analytical methodology based on SPE followed by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. A widespread occurrence of 6/8 target compounds was observed in surface water collected in rivers supplying three drinking water treatment plants and in the resulting drinking water at the endpoint of each distribution system. Therefore, the first study employing CXs and MWCNTs as sorbent in multi-layer SPE cartridges is herein reported as a proof of concept for determination of multi-class water micropollutants.