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The emergence and reemergence of mosquito-borne diseases in Brazil such as Yellow Fever, Zika, Chikungunya, and Dengue have had serious impacts on public health. Concerns have been raised due to the rapid dissemination of the chikungunya virus (CHIKV) across the country since its first detection in 2014 in Northeast Brazil. Faced with this scenario, on-site training activities in genomic surveillance carried out in partnership with the National Network of Public Health Laboratories have led to the generation of 422 CHIKV genomes from 12 Brazilian states over the past two years (2021-2022), a period that has seen more than 312 thousand chikungunya fever cases reported in the country. These new genomes increased the amount of available data and allowed a more comprehensive characterization of the dispersion dynamics of the CHIKV East-Central-South-African (ECSA) lineage in Brazil. Tree branching patterns revealed the emergence and expansion of two distinct subclades. Phylogeographic analysis indicated that the northeast region has been the leading hub of virus spread towards other regions. Increased frequency of C>T transitions among the new genomes suggested that host restriction factors from the immune system such as ADAR and AID/APOBEC deaminases might be driving CHIKV ECSA lineage genetic diversity in Brazil.

The goal of this study was to develop a method for ultrasound-guided percutaneous intraovarian injection in Wistar rats. Intraovarian administration of chemicals or needle aspiration of the ovary has been undertaken in some species, including humans, equines, and bovines. In rodents, which are widely used in scientific research, a technique for intraovarian injection without surgical exposure of the organ has not been described. The current study standardized the procedure of ovarian percutaneous injection of 0.9% sodium chloride guided by ultrasound in rats. The ovaries were measured by ultrasound imaging before and immediately after injection and showed a significant increase in ovarian length but not width. No clinical abnormalities were detected within 15 d after injection. These findings indicate that the steps of ultrasound localization of the organ, digital restraint, and correct needle insertion achieved successful intraovarian administration of saline without invasive surgery. These results document the feasibility of ultrasound-guided intraovarian percutaneous injection in rats and may be useful for future research on female reproduction and chemical sterilization.

Copyright © 2022 The Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. OBJECTIVE: To propose a new decision algorithm combining biomarkers measured in a tumor biopsy with clinical variables, to predict recurrence after liver transplantation (LT). SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Liver cancer is one of the most frequent causes of cancer-related mortality. LT is the best treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients but the scarcity of organs makes patient selection a critical step. Additionally, clinical criteria widely applied in patient eligibility decisions miss potentially curable patients while selecting patients that relapse after transplantation. METHODS: A literature systematic review singled out candidate biomarkers whose RNA levels were assessed by quantitative PCR in tumor tissue from 138 HCC patients submitted to LT (>5 y follow up, 32% beyond Milan criteria). The resulting four gene signature was combined with clinical variables to develop a decision algorithm using machine learning approaches. The method was named HepatoPredict. RESULTS: HepatoPredict identifies 99% disease-free patients (>5 y) from a retrospective cohort, including many outside clinical criteria (16%-24%), thus reducing the false negative rate. This increased sensitivity is accompanied by an increased positive predictive value (88,5%-94,4%) without any loss of long-term overall survival or recurrence rates for patients deemed eligible by HepatoPredict; those deemed ineligible display marked reduction of survival and increased recurrence in the short and long term. CONCLUSIONS: HepatoPredict outperforms conventional clinical-pathologic selection criteria, (Milan, UCSF) providing superior prognostic information. Accurately identifying which patients most likely benefit from LT enables an objective stratification of waiting lists and information-based allocation of optimal versus suboptimal organs. publishersversion published

The sharp growth that additive manufacturing has been showing recently has broadened its application field and resulted in more varied demand of high-volume parts as well as a general increase in part series. The current focus on productivity enhancement of additive manufacturing has imposed the implementation of multiple-laser systems with larger scan fields. Its usage, combined with adequate layer thickness and laser power selection, makes high-volume parts less challenging to obtain. This paper focuses on understanding the influence of using multiple-scan fields for the fabrication of large components, especially on the parts region corresponding to scan field interface. The microstructure as well as mechanical behaviour of the multi-field manufactured samples are compared with parts fabricated using a single-field, for distinct processing parameters. Moreover, given the unreliability of additive manufacturing regarding dimensional and geometrical tolerances with increasing build rates, post-processing metal-cutting operations were studied towards additive manufacturing process hybridization. Despite the typical additive manufacturing process variability, a set of parameters, within testing conditions, could be identified as the most appropriate solution towards mechanical strength enhancement. Nonetheless, porosity levels can significantly impact the ductility of parts, which may be additionally compromised by its occurrence in the scan-field interface region.

BACKGROUND Coagulopathy is quite common in chronic liver disease patients undergoing orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). Diagnosis of intraoperative bleeding disorders is based on conventional laboratory tests (CLTs), and thus, the patients are frequently exposed to unnecessary transfusions of blood products. The present study aimed to analyze the intraoperative administration of blood products in patients undergoing OLT, using rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) or CLTs. PATIENTS AND METHODS A cohort comprising 153 patients undergoing OLT, of whom 82 were evaluated with ROTEM and 71 by CLTs. Both groups were analyzed intraoperatively: the transfusion of blood products. RESULTS The incidence of patients transfused with cryoprecipitate (CRYO) and/or fibrinogen concentrate (54.9 vs. 19.7%; P

Made available in DSpace on 2022-04-28T19:50:19Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2022-01-01 The cardiac evaluation of wild animals is still a wide and largely unknown field for several species. Therefore, through complimentary examinations such as radiography, echocardiography and serum troponin levels, this study aimed at describing the values observed in 12 crab-eating foxes (Cerdocyon thous) anesthetized with a combination of intramuscular ketamine and midazolam. Thus, through complementary exams such as radiography, echocardiography and serum troponin levels, the aim of this study was to describe the cardiac values in 12 wild foxes (C. thous) anesthetized with an intramuscular injection of ketamine and midazolam. After anaesthetization, the radiographic, echocardiographic and immunoenzymatic reference values for the 12 males in the sample group were determined. Compared with those in domestic canids, there was a decrease in the sizes of the septum, wall and left ventricular cavity as well as decreases in the transmitral blood flow velocity indices, correlated with preserved serum cardiac troponin (cTnI) levels. Thus, M-mode echocardiography proved to be safer, with results that were comparative to those for other species of wild canids with indexed values. In addition, when evaluating the systolic function and segmentary contractions, the anesthetic combination did not have any effects on the results of complementary examinations performed in crab-eating foxes (C. thous) included in this study. São Paulo State University (Universidade Estadual Paulista - UNESP), São Paulo Autonomous Veterinaria Pontifical Catholic University (Pontifical Catholic University-PUC-MG), Minas Gerais São Paulo State University (Universidade Estadual Paulista - UNESP), São Paulo

This article proposes the application of a linear quadratic regulator (LQR) optimized by linear matrix inequalities using the robust $\mathfrak{D}$-stability concept to ensure the stability of the single machine infinite bus system, which includes a generator and a load connected to an infinite bus. The power system is modeled using the current sensitivity model, which represents the nodal balance of currents at each bus of the power system. The objective is to damp the poles of interest existing in the power system with control techniques based on state feedback through the automatic voltage regulator of the synchronous generator. The obtained results allow to infer that the technique based on the robust $\mathfrak{D}$-stability concept is slightly more efficient than the LQR alone, what accredits it as a powerful tool for improving the small-signal stability of electric power systems.

The goal of this study was to develop a method for ultrasound-guided percutaneous intraovarian injection in Wistar rats. Intraovarian administration of chemicals or needle aspiration of the ovary has been undertaken in some species, including humans, equines, and bovines. In rodents, which are widely used in scientific research, a technique for intraovarian injection without surgical exposure of the organ has not been described. The current study standardized the procedure of ovarian percutaneous injection of 0.9% sodium chloride guided by ultrasound in rats. The ovaries were measured by ultrasound imaging before and immediately after injection and showed a significant increase in ovarian length but not width. No clinical abnormalities were detected within 15 d after injection. These findings indicate that the steps of ultrasound localization of the organ, digital restraint, and correct needle insertion achieved successful intraovarian administration of saline without invasive surgery. These results document the feasibility of ultrasound-guided intraovarian percutaneous injection in rats and may be useful for future research on female reproduction and chemical sterilization.

The cardiac evaluation of wild animals is still a wide and largely unknown field for several species. Therefore, through complimentary examinations such as radiography, echocardiography and serum troponin levels, this study aimed at describing the values observed in 12 crab-eating foxes (Cerdocyon thous) anesthetized with a combination of intramuscular ketamine and midazolam. Thus, through complementary exams such as radiography, echocardiography and serum troponin levels, the aim of this study was to describe the cardiac values in 12 wild foxes (C. thous) anesthetized with an intramuscular injection of ketamine and midazolam. After anaesthetization, the radiographic, echocardiographic and immunoenzymatic reference values for the 12 males in the sample group were determined. Compared with those in domestic canids, there was a decrease in the sizes of the septum, wall and left ventricular cavity as well as decreases in the transmitral blood flow velocity indices, correlated with preserved serum cardiac troponin (cTnI) levels. Thus, M-mode echocardiography proved to be safer, with results that were comparative to those for other species of wild canids with indexed values. In addition, when evaluating the systolic function and segmentary contractions, the anesthetic combination did not have any effects on the results of complementary examinations performed in crab-eating foxes (C. thous) included in this study.

Thiosemicarbazones (TSCs) encompasses a class of compounds relevant in the pharmacological context. Their specific applicability varies in function of the appropriated chemical modification and their binding to different transition metals. In the present work, we apply current standards functionals, B3LYP and B97D, with triple zeta basis set quality, 6-311++G(d,p), to investigate the relative stability of the various possible spatial arrangements for 2-acetylthiophene and 2-acetylthiophene-N1-phenyl thiosemicarbazones, denoted ATTSC and ATTSC-Ph, respectively. The relative stability of neutral and deprotonated species at ethanol described by an implicit solvent model was investigated. For ATTSC, the relative Gibbs energy changed significantly upon deprotonation, and for ATTSC-Ph, a novel global minimum was identified. Based on the present study, deprotonation determines population in condensed-media. Such information, valid for ATTSC and ATTSC-Ph, can be crucial in studying other thiosemicarbazones.

In construction, three-dimensional concrete printing technology is an innovative method that opens new design possibilities, reducing the construction time process. The incremental material deposition allows organic shapes without formwork, a mandatory constraint in preparatory phases of conventional complex concrete structures. Nowadays, in three-dimensional printing for construction industry, concrete is the most used material due to its workability, extrudability, and pumpability properties favorable for the printing conditions. Hence, this composition still has a poor sustainable efficiency due to the high levels of Portland Cement. In this research, a reduction of this material was studied and experimented searching for a mortar composition with better ecological footprint, with the objective of decreasing the CO2 emissions. A bibliometric analysis was made to study the constituents of a mortar for three-dimensional printing and respective dosage. The knowledge acquired in the analysis of the compositions contributed to the development of mortars with lower Portland Cement content. A mechanical extruder was used to check the extrusion capacity of the developed mortars, and the best compositions are presented.

We study a Lorentz invariance violating extension for the pure photonic sector of the standard model in a supersymmetric scenario. We identify a number of independent background fermion condensates. An effective photonic action is proposed which is induced by the SUSY background fermion condensates. The physical consequences leading to direct measurable effects over the screening and confining properties are considered. In the specific case of the Carroll-Field-Jackiw, we pay special attention in analyzing the dispersion relations to derive the photon and photino masses in terms of the supersymmetric background parameters. In connection with astrophysical aspects of Lorentz-symmetry violation, we discuss the time delay between electromagnetic waves of different frequencies as a consequence of the appearance of the massive photon. We also point out that, in the scenario we propose to accommodate Lorentz-symmetry violation in presence of a supersymmetric background, there is room for a sort of fermionic Primakoff effect in which a photino-photon conversion may be induced by the fermionic sector of the supersymmetric background., 25 pages. This work has been submitted for publication in the Special Issue, "Lorentz Violation in Astroparticles and Gravitational Waves", of Galaxies

Objective: To quantify the examinations performed with participation of Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging (RDI) residents of Hospital Universitário Walter Cantídio (HUWC) and compare it with guidelines and requirements of national and international entities. Methods: Retrospective study conducted through the survey of data generated by the medical-hospital system related to examinations signed by residents of RDI, from March 2016 to February 2018, with exclusively quantitative nature. Results: During the period, 47911 examinations were performed in 22694 patients, approximately 2555.28 exams per year per resident annually, 31096 by first year residents (R1), 10402 by second year residents (R2) and 6413 by third year residents (R3). Ultrasound exams predominated at R1 and R2; computed tomography and magnetic resonance predominated at R3. Of ultrasound and computed tomography examinations, internal medicine was responsible for the majority. Of magnetic resonance studies, predominance was of neuroimaging and head and neck exams. Conclusion: Quantitative examination of studies performed with participation of residents, demonstrating the profile of this tertiary hospital. The data helps in the planning of teaching activities, providing data for the development of quality control protocols and programs. Objetivo: Determinar o perfil quantitativo dos exames realizados com participação dos residentes de radiologia e diagnóstico por imagem (RDI) do Hospital Universitário Walter Cantídio (HUWC) e compará-lo com normativas e requisitos de entidades nacionais e internacionais. Metodologia: Estudo retrospectivo realizado através do levantamento de relatórios gerados por sistema médico-hospitalar da instituição relacionados a todos os exames de imagem finalizados e assinados por residentes de RDI, no período de março de 2016 a fevereiro de 2018, com natureza exclusivamente quantitativa. Resultados: No período, foram realizados 47911 exames em 22694 pacientes, com proporcional de 2555,28 exames por residente por ano, sendo 31096 realizados por residentes do primeiro ano (R1), 10402 por residentes do segundo ano (R2) e 6413 por residentes do terceiro ano (R3). Os exames de ultrassonografia predominaram no R1 e R2; e os de tomografia computadorizada e ressonância magnética no R3. Das ultrassonografias e tomografias, predominaram exames de medicina interna, e dos exames de ressonância magnética, predominaram exames de neuroimagem e cabeça e pescoço. Conclusão: Exposto quantitativo de exames realizados por residentes, traduzindo o perfil do serviço deste hospital terciário. Os dados auxiliam no planejamento das atividades de ensino, provendo insumos para desenvolvimento de protocolos e programas de controle de qualidade.

The application of DC-DC converters is widely approached in several studies to ensure its performance and robustness. This paper proposes the voltage control of a three-state switching cell (3SSC) boost converter in the continuous time. On this occasion, the output voltage is controlled by a Tagaki-Sugeno-Kang (TSK) Fuzzy with integral action, which thegains are obtained using Parallel Distributed Compensation via Linear Matrix Inequalities (PDC-LMI) combined through linear membership functions and activated by the duty cycle and inductor current. This approach aims to reject problems originated by load and input voltage variations and improve the stability response of the converter output voltage. The obtained results of this paper evidences the effectiveness of the proposed controller in the continuoustime, reducing the effects of external disturbances and maintaining the stability of the output voltage conforming to the control design characteristics.

Thiosemicarbazones (TSCs) encompasses a class of compounds relevant in the pharmacological context. Their specific applicability varies in function of the appropriated chemical modification and their binding to different transition metals. In the present work, we apply current standards functionals, B3LYP and B97D, with triple zeta basis set quality, 6-311++G(d,p), to investigate the relative stability of the various possible spatial arrangements for 2-acetylthiophene and 2-acetylthiophene-N1-phenyl thiosemicarbazones, denoted ATTSC and ATTSC-Ph, respectively. The relative stability of neutral and deprotonated species at ethanol described by an implicit solvent model was investigated. For ATTSC, the relative Gibbs energy changed significantly upon deprotonation, and for ATTSC-Ph, a novel global minimum was identified. Based on the present study, deprotonation determines population in condensed-media. Such information, valid for ATTSC and ATTSC-Ph, can be crucial in studying other thiosemicarbazones.