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In Dichotomius genus, transposable elements (TE) have been related to chromosome remodeling, genomic evolution, and, possibly, to the speciation process. The objective of this study was to verify the interpopulational and interspecific conservation/variation of Tc1-Mariner elements (possibly autonomous) in Dichotomius species, aiming to identify possible contributions in the speciation process of this group. The analysis was performed on four species of Dichotomius, belonging to the Selenocopris subgenus. We verified the presence of the DsPogo_8 and DsTc1_5 elements by PCR and sequencing. We also isolated and sequenced the 28S and 16S rRNA genes aiming at the phylogenetic reconstruction of the analyzed species. Chromosomal mapping of TEs DsTc1_5 and DsPogo_8 was performed by fluorescent in situ hybridization. The results revealed the presence of the elements in the different species analyzed, except for DsTc1_5 in D. (S.) geminatus. These results suggest a vertical inheritance, with the presence of these elements in the common ancestor of these species. In the analyzed species, the nucleotide similarity of DsTc1_5 was higher than that of the 28S and 16S rRNA genes, suggesting the occurrence of horizontal transfer. The phylogenetic tree indicated that the absence of DsTc1_5 in D. (S.) geminatus is related to stochastic loss of this TE. Chromosomal mapping revealed dispersed signals, with predominance in euchromatic regions and wide variation in the chromosomal localization pattern of DsTc1_5 and DsPogo_8, both interpopulational and interspecific. This variation indicates that DsTc1_5 and DsPogo_8 may have contributed to prezygotic and postzygotic isolation, thus contributing to the speciation of these species.

Acrolein is the main toxic metabolite of Ifosfamide (IFO) that causes urothelial damage by oxidative stress and inflammation. Here we investigate the molecular mechanism of action of gingerols, Zingiber officinale bioactive molecules, as an alternative treatment for ifosfamide-induced hemorrhagic cystitis. Female Swiss mice were randomly divided into 5 groups: control; IFO; IFO + Mesna; and IFO + [8]- or [10]-gingerol. Mesna (80 mg/kg, i.p.) was given 5 minutes before, 4 and 8 hours after IFO (400mg/kg, i.p.). Gingerols (25 mg/Kg, p.o.) were given 1 hour before and 4 and 8 hours after IFO. Animals were euthanized 12 hours after IFO injection. Bladders were submitted to macroscopic and histological evaluation. Oxidative stress and inflammation were assessed by malondialdehyde (MDA) or myeloperoxidase assays, respectively. mRNA gene expression was performed to evaluate Mesna and gingerols mechanisms of action. Mesna was able to protect bladder tissue by activating NF-κB and NrF2 pathways. However, we demonstrated that gingerols acted as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent stimulating the production of IL-10, which intracellularly activated JAK/STAT/FOXO signaling pathway.

With advancements in medical treatments for cancer, an increase in the life expectancy of patients undergoing new treatments is expected. Consequently, the field of statistics has evolved to present increasingly flexible models to explain such results better. In this paper, we present a lung cancer dataset with some covariates that exhibit nonproportional hazards (NPHs). Besides, the presence of long-term survivors is observed in subgroups. The proposed modeling is based on the generalized time-dependent logistic model with each subgroup's effect time and a random term effect (frailty). In practice, essential covariates are not observed for several reasons. In this context, frailty models are useful in modeling to quantify the amount of unobservable heterogeneity. The frailty distribution adopted was the weighted Lindley distribution, which has several interesting properties, such as the Laplace transform function on closed form, flexibility in the probability density function, among others. The proposed model allows for NPHs and long-term survivors in subgroups. Parameter estimation was performed using the maximum likelihood method, and Monte Carlo simulation studies were conducted to evaluate the estimators' performance. We exemplify this model's use by applying data of patients diagnosed with lung cancer in the state of São Paulo, Brazil.

Background and Aims Upper GI bleeding (UGIB) is a medical emergency associated with elevated mortality and significant costs to the health care system. EGD is currently the method of choice for the diagnosis and management of these conditions. However, the location of bleeding lesions and technical difficulties in achieving endoscope stability may challenge even the most experienced endoscopists. Herein, we demonstrate the use of the cap and underwater technique as a helpful aid in these situations. Methods We present a case series of 4 patients with acute UGIB who underwent EGD with suboptimal endoscopic visualization or technical difficulties in identifying the source of bleeding. A transparent plastic cap was attached to the distal tip of the gastroscope, and the water immersion technique (underwater) was used for endoscopic re-evaluation of the bleeding site. Results Three patients presented with duodenal bleeding, and 1 was diagnosed with diffuse bleeding from the esophagus. The clear and accurate identification of the source of bleeding and effective hemostasis were possible after cap and underwater technique evaluation in all patients. Conclusion The use of the cap and underwater technique is a simple, safe, and low-cost strategy that improves the identification and control of UGIB in locations with poor visibility and technical challenges during endoscopic evaluation., Video Video 1 The use of the cap and underwater technique as an aid in endoscopic diagnosis and treatment of upper GI bleeding—case series.

Anthropogenic land use changes have broad impacts on biological diversity, often resulting in shifts in community composition. While many studies have documented negative impacts on occurrence and abundance of species, less attention has been given to native species that potentially benefit from anthropogenic land use changes. For many species reaching high densities in human‐dominated landscapes, it is unclear whether these environments represent higher quality habitat than more natural environments. We examined the influence of landscape ecological integrity on relative abundance and body condition of two native generalist freshwater turtle species that are prevalent in anthropogenic systems, the painted turtle (Chrysemys picta) and red‐eared slider (Trachemys scripta elegans). Relative abundance was negatively associated with ecological integrity for both species, but the relationship was not strongly supported for painted turtles. Body condition was positively associated with ecological integrity for painted turtles, with no strong association for red‐eared sliders. Our study suggests that both species benefitted at the population level from reduced ecological integrity, but individual‐level habitat quality was reduced for painted turtles. The differing responses between these two habitat generalists could partially explain why red‐eared sliders have become a widespread exotic invasive species, while painted turtles have not., Identifying the differences in the relationship between landscape integrity and body condition for painted turtles and red‐eared sliders may porovide insight on how red‐eared sliders have become a widespread invasive species, while painted turtles have not. We collected and collated turtle capture and morphometric data to create model‐estimated relationships between mean 2.5 km landscape condition value (LCV) and standardized body condition index (BCI) scores for (A) painted turtles (Chrysemys picta; n = 625) sampled at 46 wetlands across 10 counties in West Virginia and (B) red‐eared sliders (Trachemys scripta elegans; n = 715) sampled at 42 wetlands across five counties in Texas.

The diagnosis of diseases based on immunosensors have been objective of research in the last years, providing an improvement for a rapid detection, high sensitivity, precision, accuracy, specificity and resolution. Areas of progress such as analytical technologies, interpretation and standardization has been done for common biomarkers. However, years of research and development of a functional immunosensor with an unusual biomarker require further investigation to be optimized in any aspect. Recent development of biosensors to diagnose nervous system diseases, such as immunosensors for multiple sclerosis, has been the object of study in the past 10 years to improve common in vitro diagnostic methods such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), showing a big opportunity for further diagnostic optimization. The aim of this review is to show a report on the development of in vitro immunosensors for multiple sclerosis diagnosis until today, with the particular focus on monitoring analyte concentration levels on cerebrospinal fluid and serum as a contribution and improvement to current diagnostic methods.

In this paper, we discuss several mathematical properties and estimation methods for a reparameterized version of the weighted Lindley (RWL) distribution. The RWL distribution can be particularly useful for modeling reliability (survival) data with bathtub-shaped or increasing hazard rate function. The inferential procedure to obtain the parameter estimates is conducted via the maximum likelihood approach considering random right-censoring. Extensive numerical simulations are carried out to investigate and evaluate the performance of the proposed estimation method. Finally, the potentiality of the RWL model is analyzed by employing two real data sets.

Para avanzar en la institucionalización del aprendizaje-servicio (ApS) en las universidades católicas, en 2020 se llevó a cabo el lanzamiento del programa UNISERVITATE. Este artículo tiene como objetivo describir cómo se aborda un proceso participativo de diagnóstico de la institucionalización del ApS a partir de la rúbrica de Furco en St. Mary’s university, Universidade Católica de Portugal y Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore. Dicho proceso ha sido liderado por el hub de la región, la Universidad de Deusto. Para ello se ha llevado a cabo una evaluación del grado de institucionalización del ApS a través de una herramienta que identifica en qué punto del proceso de institucionalización se encuentran las universidades. Como resultado se presenta la herramienta, las fortalezas y debilidades identificadas en las instituciones, y los planes de acción derivados de estas. Finalmente, se pone de relieve la necesidad de abordar investigaciones sobre lo que supone la institucionalización del ApS en las instituciones de educación superior católicas, así como la importancia de potenciar dicho proceso para promover el desarrollo humano integral del alumnado en educación superior., To advance the institutionalization of service-learning (SL) in Catholic universities, the launch of the UNISERVITATE program was carried out in 2020. The objective of this article is to describe how a participatory process for diagnosing the institutionalization of SL is approached from the Furco rubric at St. Mary’s university, Universidade Católica de Portugal and Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore. This process has been led by the region's hub, the University of Deusto. To this end, an evaluation of the degree of institutionalization of the SL has been carried out through a tool that identifies where the universities are in the institutionalization process. As a result, the tool, the strengths and weaknesses identified in the institutions, and the action plans derived from them are presented. Finally, the need to undertake research on what the institutionalization of SL implies in Catholic higher education institutions is highlighted, as well as the importance of promoting said process to promote the integral human development of students in higher education., Per avançar en la institucionalització de l'aprenentatge servei (ApS) a les universitats catòliques, el 2020 es va dur a terme el llançament del programa UNISERVITATE. Aquest article té com a objectiu descriure com s'aborda un procés participatiu de diagnòstic de la institucionalització de l'ApS a partir de la rúbrica de Furco a la St. Mary's University, la Universidade Catòlica de Portugal i la Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore. Aquest procés ha estat liderat pel hub de la regió, la Universitat de Deusto. Per això s'ha dut a terme una avaluació del grau d'institucionalització de l'ApS a través d'una eina que identifica en quin punt del procés d'institucionalització es troben les universitats. Com a resultat es presenta l'eina, les fortaleses i les debilitats identificades a les institucions, i els plans d'acció que se'n deriven. Finalment, es posa en relleu la necessitat d'abordar investigacions sobre el que suposa la institucionalització de l'ApS a les institucions d'educació superior catòliques, així com la importància de potenciar aquest procés per promoure el desenvolupament humà integral de l'alumnat en educació superior.

In this article, we investigate the mathematical properties of the Lehmann type II inverse Weibull distribution. We show that this model is a reparameterized version of the Kumaraswamy-inverse Weib...

The endangered butterfly Scada karschina delicata Talbot, 1932 (Nymphalidae: Danainae: Ithomiini) is endemic to northeastern Brazil, occurring in very few forest remnants of the 'Pernambuco Center of Endemism'. Larvae feed on Solanaceae and are very similar to those of other species in the subtribe Mechanitina, with lateral projections on body, one of the main synapomorphies of this subtribe. Based on molecular data, S. k. delicata clustered together with S. karschina karschina, as a monophyletic group sister to the amazon clade of S. reckia. Based on all available data, S. k. delicata is known from only five localities of mid- to high-altitude forests (from 500 to 1000 m of altitude) in northeastern Brazil. Grounded on available data, a new assessment of extinction risk is proposed, and S. k. delicata is now considered Vulnerable (VU) taxon.

Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) demonstrated similar efficacy to surgical myotomy in the management of achalasia. However, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is common after POEM. The aim of this study is to identify factors associated with GERD after POEM. After searching electronic databases, randomized trials and observational studies including patients with achalasia or other spastic esophageal disorders, treated by POEM, and providing GERD data were selected. GERD was evaluated by 3 methods: pH monitoring, endoscopic findings, and symptoms. For each method, an analysis was performed comparing the outcomes related to the following independent variables: full-thickness (FT) vs circular myotomy, anterior vs posterior, long myotomy vs short myotomy, naive vs previous treatment failure, previous Heller myotomy (HM) vs non-previous-HM, Type I vs II, Type I vs III, and Type II vs III. 2869 publications were identified, and 25 studies met criteria for inclusion in the qualitative analysis. Of these, 18 were included in the meta-analysis. According to the endoscopic findings, circular and anterior myotomy demonstrated a lower trend of GERD with borderline significance (p = 0.06; p = 0.07, respectively). In the pH monitoring and symptom analyses, circular myotomy, anterior myotomy, treatment naive, and non-HM patients were associated with a lower occurrence of GERD; however, no statistically significant difference was found. When comparing achalasia subtypes, no statistical difference was found in all analyses. This systematic review and meta-analysis suggest that a circular anterior approach may limit post-POEM GERD and should be considered in appropriate patients.

The natural history and morphology of the later instars and pupa of the metalmark butterfly Pachythone xanthe H. Bates are described and illustrated for the first time. The caterpillars are myrmeco...

The richest butterfly communities in the world are found in the Amazon rainforest. Despite of this, and the importance of species inventories for the knowledge of diversity patterns, there are few comprehensive lists of butterflies for localities in the Brazilian Amazon. Here, we present an updated list of the butterflies of Cristalino Lodge (Alta Floresta, Mato Grosso, Brazil), in southern Amazonia, based on specimens collected by researchers and photographic records taken by ecotourists, butterfly watchers, and tour guides. With 1010 species recorded, this is currently the largest list of butterflies published for a single locality in Brazil and the first to reach (and surpass) 1000 species, with more than one third of the records coming from citizen science. The region has about 29% of the butterfly species in Brazil and one of the greatest richnesses known in the country, inferior only to areas in the western Amazon. Its fauna is mainly composed of species widely distributed in lowland Amazonia, with the addition of some species typical of the Cerrado. It has a relatively low number of species of the tribe Ithomiini (Nymphalidae: Danainae), generally considered a good indicator of the total butterfly diversity in neotropical forests, which points to the need for caution when using a single taxonomic group as a surrogate of richness of entire communities. The present work highlights the importance of citizen science and ecotourism centers for inventories and data on species distribution in diverse tropical forests. Resumo As comunidades de borboletas mais ricas do mundo são encontradas na Amazônia. Apesar disso, e da importância dos inventários de espécies para o conhecimento dos padrões de diversidade, existem poucas listas abrangentes de borboletas para localidades da Amazônia brasileira. Aqui, apresentamos uma lista atualizada das borboletas do Cristalino Lodge (Alta Floresta, Mato Grosso, Brasil), no sul da Amazônia, baseada em espécimes coletados por pesquisadores e em registros fotográficos feitos por ecoturistas, observadores de borboletas e guias turísticos. Com 1010 espécies registradas, essa é atualmente a maior lista de borboletas publicada para uma localidade no Brasil e a primeira a atingir 1000 espécies, sendo mais de um terço dos registros provenientes da ciência cidadã. A região apresenta cerca de 29% das espécies de borboletas do Brasil e uma das maiores riquezas conhecidas no país, inferior apenas a áreas no oeste da Amazônia. Sua fauna é composta principalmente por espécies amplamente distribuídas na planície amazônica, com adição de algumas típicas do Cerrado. Possui um número relativamente baixo de espécies da tribo Ithomiini (Nymphalidae: Danainae), que é geralmente considerada uma boa indicadora da riqueza total de borboletas em florestas neotropicais, o que aponta para a necessidade de cautela ao se usar um grupo taxonômico como previsor da riqueza de comunidades inteiras. O presente trabalho destaca a importância da ciência cidadã e dos centros de ecoturismo para inventários e dados sobre distribuição de espécies em florestas tropicais diversas.

The pathophysiological link between adiposity and blood pressure is not completely understood, and evidence suggests an influence of sex and genetic determinants. We aimed to identify the relationship between adiposity and blood pressure, independent of a robust set of lifestyle and metabolic factors, and to examine the modulating role of sex and Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphisms. In the Relationship Between Insulin Sensitivity and Cardiovascular Disease (RISC) study cohort, 1211 normotensive individuals, aged 30 to 60 years and followed-up after 3.3 years, were characterized for lifestyle and metabolic factors, body composition, and ACE genotype. Body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) were independently associated with mean arterial pressure, with a stronger relationship in women than men (BMI: r =0.40 versus 0.30; WC: r =0.40 versus 0.30, both P ID and II ACE genotypes in both sexes ( P ACE genotype only in women ( P =0.03). A 5 cm larger WC at baseline increased the risk of developing hypertension at follow-up only in women (odds ratio, 1.56 [95% CI, 1.15–2.10], P =0.004) and in II genotype carriers (odds ratio, 1.87 [95% CI, 1.09–3.20], P =0.023). The hypertensive effect of adiposity is more pronounced in women and in people carrying the II variant of the ACE genotype, a marker of salt sensitivity.

When dealing with predictive modeling of credit-granting, different types of attributes are used: Cadastral, Behavioral, Business / Proposal, Credit Bureaux, in addition to Public, Private or Subsidiaries Sources. The Postal Address Code (Código de Endereçamento Postal CEP in Portuguese) in Brazil, in particular, has a unique contribution capacity (uncorrelated with most other attributes in general) and reasonably good predictive power. CEP is frequently used by truncating its numeric representation, considering the first d digits, for example. In this report, a preliminary methodology is proposed, aiming to elaborate clustering sets of CEPs by considering the information of clients' defaults over a period of time. Additionally, we tested the number of clusters obtained using the Information Value criterion. Promising solutions are obtained using statistical and optimizing approaches. Other methodologies are suggested and could be complementary with the principal methodology proposed.

When dealing with predictive modeling on credit-granting, different types of attributes are used: Cadastral, Behavioral, Business / Proposal, Credit Bureaux, in addition to Public, Private or Subsidiaries Sources. The Postal Address Code (Código de Endereçamento Postal CEP in Portuguese) in Brazil, in particular, has a unique contribution capacity (uncorrelated with most other attributes in general) and reasonably good predictive power. CEP is frequently used by truncating its numeric representation, considering the first d digits, for example. In this report, a preliminary methodology is proposed, aiming to elaborate clustering sets of CEPs by considering the information of clients' defaults over a period of time. Additionally, we tested the number of clusters obtained using the Information Value criterion. Promising solutions are obtained using statistical and optimizing approaches. Other methodologies are suggested and could be complementary with the principal methodology proposed.

Background and study aims TC-325 is a novel mineral hemostatic powder that creates a mechanical barrier by absorbing blood components and promoting clotting. Recently approved for use in humans, it has shown promise for treatment of upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB). However, because there have been no large studies of TC-325, its true efficacy and safety profile remain unknown. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the safety and efficacy of TC-325 in treating UGIB, based on rates of initial hemostasis, rebleeding, and adverse events (AEs). Methods We searched the MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, CENTRAL, Latin-American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature databases, as well as the gray literature, to identify articles describing use of TC-325 up to October 2018. Primary outcomes were initial hemostasis and rebleeding. AEs were described as a secondary outcome. Risk of bias was assessed with international scores. Results We identified 2077 records after removal of duplicates. We included 50 studies, involving a collective total of 1445 patients, in the quantitative synthesis. Primary hemostasis and rebleeding rates were 90.7 % and 26.1 %, respectively. Subgroup analyses showed similar results. Only eight AEs were reported. Conclusions TC-325 appears to be a safe, effective treatment for UGIB. The overall rate of initial hemostasis after TC-325 use is high, regardless of etiology of bleeding or whether TC-325 is used as a primary or rescue therapy. Although it is also associated with high rebleeding rates, rates of AEs and equipment failure after TC-325 use are extremely low.

Radiotherapy (RT) plays a pivotal role in the treatment of breast cancer (BC) and various thoracic malignancies. Radiation induced heart disease (RIHD) is one such long term toxicity which can offset the improvement in cancer specific mortality. Long term normal tissue toxicity is becoming a bigger concern, as early diagnosis and the improvement in the treatment of these cancers has led to patients surviving longer. Our research group on Physics applied to biomedical sciences has been investigating the side effects of BC treatment (RT and chemotherapy) for more than ten years. The cardiac regeneration has been studied to better understand the damage that occurs following radiation procedures in the heart tissue after many thoracic cancer treatments. One possible complication is coronary artery disease induced by irradiation after radiotherapy in thoracic area. Studies on the structures of cardiac tissue and the distribution of low atomic weight element can help to understand mechanisms associated with damage to healthy tissue, as these are of fundamental importance to metabolism in biological systems. The present study aimed to elucidate how radiotherapy in the thoracic area causes damage in the coronary artery, and to verify the potential use of losartan in reducing, or even preventing, the side effects of irradiation in this artery. To assess elemental and morphological differences in aortic and coronary samples, the Low Energy X-Ray Fluorescence (LEXRF) technique using Synchrotron Radiation was employed. SR- LEXRF and scanning transmission X-ray microscopy measurements were carried out at the beamline TwinMic at Elettra Sincrotrone Triste, Italy.

In this work, we present a method to locate the dominant zero of the Energy Probability Distribution (EPD) Zeros method applied to the study of phase transitions. The technique strongly reduces computer processing time and also increases the accuracy of the results. As an example, we apply it to the 2D Ising model, comparing with both the exact Onsager's results and the previous EPD zeros method results. We show that, for large lattices, the processing time is drastically reduced when compared to other EPD zeros search procedures, whereas for small lattices the gain in accuracy allows very accurate predictions in the thermodynamic limit., Comment: 10 pages, 5 figures. Revised extended version

Under terrestrial conditions, solidification processes are influenced to a large degree by the gravity effects such as natural convection or buoyancy force, which can dramatically modify the final characteristics of the grown solid. In the last decades, the coupling of in situ observation of growth from the melt, that enables the study of microstructure formation dynamics, and microgravity experimentation, that allows to approach diffusive conditions, has been implemented for both transparent and metallic materials. The results of these investigations enable to test the validity of advanced solidification theories, to validate or develop numerical models and sometimes to reveal unexpected phenomena. The aim of this paper is to present a selection of conclusive experiments obtained with this combined approach in our group to highlight the gravity effects by a comparative study of experiments carried out on earth and in microgravity conditions.

Syzygium malaccense is popularly used to treat inflammation and pain-related ailments. The species was assessed regarding its antioxidant, antiglycant, anti-inflammatory, including anti-neuroinflammatory, and antinociceptive activities. Different models were employed to measure S. malaccense extract (ESM) antioxidant activity. The antiglycant activity was determined using the glucose-induced protein glycation model. LPS-induced neuroinflammation on murine BV-2 microglial cell line was used for anti-neuroinflammatory activity evaluation. The croton oil-induced ear edema test was accomplished to evaluate the in vivo anti-inflammatory activity. Acetic acid-induced writhing together with formalin-induced paw licking assays were performed to evaluate the antinociceptive potential. Finally, the chemical characterization was accomplished by a UHPLC-MS analysis. ESM presented relevant antioxidant and antiglycant activity. NO production by BV-2 cells was reduced, indicating the relevant neuroprotective activity. ESM significantly decreased the mice ear edema induced by croton oil and the nociceptive stimulus induced by acetic acid and formalin by central and peripheral mechanisms. The flavonoids myricitrin, myricetin and quercetin were identified and, as far as we know, the alkaloid reserpine was reported in the species for the first time. The antioxidant and antiglycant potential of ESM, may be related to the in vivo anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects, and to the in vitro neuroinflammation inhibition.

The inverse generalized gamma (IGG) distribution can be particularly useful for modelling reliability (survival) data with an upside-down bathtub hazard rate function. The mathematical properties a...