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Abstract Soft robotic actuation concepts meet and sometimes exceed their natural counterparts. In contrast, artificially recreating natural levels of autonomy is still an unmet challenge. Here, we come to this conclusion after defining a measure of energy- and control-autonomy and classifying a representative selection of soft robots. We argue that, in order to advance the field, we should focus our attention on interactions between soft robots and their environment, because in nature autonomy is also achieved in interdependence. If we better understand how interactions with an environment are leveraged in nature, this will enable us to design bio-inspired soft robots with much greater autonomy in the future.

Abstract Introduction Entrustable professional activities (EPAs) are one way to assess competencies, and are designed to bridge the gap between theoretical competencies and real world clinical practice. Aims This was a systematic review which aims to answer the question: “Which EPAs related to Emergency Medicine are described for medical schools?”. Methods We included original qualitative, interventional and observational studies (cross-sectional, case-control, and cohort studies) that described EPAs relevant to Emergency Medicine for Medical School. The search strategy was created using a combination of keywords and standardized index terms related to EPAs and Emergency Medicine. Results The search strategy identified 991 citations. After screening the titles and abstracts, we identified 85 potentially relevant studies. After the full-text review, a total of 11 reports met the criteria for inclusion. Conclusion Recognizing a patient requiring urgent or emergent care and initiating evaluation and management is the most common EPA related to Emergency Medicine described at Medical Schools. Use of EPAs is associated with increased student satisfaction and improved competences. However, there is a lack of undergraduate EM specific EPAs being systematically developed and published, and this should be an area to be explored in future studies.

Abstract Antiferromagnets have attracted significant attention in the field of magnonics, as promising candidates for ultralow-energy carriers for information transfer for future computing. The role of crystalline orientation distribution on magnon transport has received very little attention. In multiferroics such as BiFeO3 the coupling between antiferromagnetic and polar order imposes yet another boundary condition on spin transport. Thus, understanding the fundamentals of spin transport in such systems requires a single domain, a single crystal. We show that through Lanthanum (La) substitution, a single ferroelectric domain can be engineered with a stable, single-variant spin cycloid, controllable by an electric field. The spin transport in such a single domain displays a strong anisotropy, arising from the underlying spin cycloid lattice. Our work shows a pathway to understanding the fundamental origins of magnon transport in such a single domain multiferroic.

O interesse em dispositivos IoT (Internet of Things) é cada dia maior por parte de várias verticais da Indústria, tais como automotiva, agrícola, elétrica, manufatura, saúde e cidades inteligentes, devido à flexibilidade e à facilidade que eles oferecem no monitoramento e na gestão da cadeia produtiva. Contudo, utilizar essa tecnologia habilitadora em ambientes industriais se mostrou um grande desafio, devido à heterogeneidade na diversidade tanto dos dispositivos quanto das aplicações e dos serviços disponibilizados. Portanto, gerenciá-los de forma eficiente não é uma tarefa trivial. Nesse contexto, com o crescimento da popularidade do conceito de Indústria 4.0, o número de artigos científicos que englobam o tema de gerenciamento de redes e serviços em redes IoT industriais (IIoT) vem crescendo. Várias soluções têm sido propostas nas diferentes subáreas possíveis da gerência de redes. Este trabalho tem o propósito de mapear as pesquisas relacionadas ao gerenciamento de recursos e aplicações IoT industriais, com o intuito de investigar tais soluções e identificar os direcionamentos de pesquisa, além das possíveis lacunas a serem exploradas.

The Car and Beam prototype is a teaching piece of equipment, inspired by Ball and Beam systems. It consists of a beam supported in its center by means of a rotating axis installed in two rolling bearings, allowing the beam to rotate through the actuation of a servo motor. A car is coupled to this beam, and its displacement is measured using a linear encoder. This paper focuses on two key aspects: firstly, it offers a mathematical model of the Car and Beam system, and secondly, it outlines the development of a state-feedback tracking controller through pole placement to this system. To validate the modeling and control approach, we present simulation and experimental results using three different reference profiles: step, square wave, and sine wave. Our findings demonstrate the effectiveness of the control strategy in tracking predefined trajectories, both in simulation and with the physical prototype. In conclusion, this study highlights the efficacy of the methodology employed for mathematical modeling and the controller's design in the context of this specific application. The results indicate promising potential for further exploration in this domain.

A perspectiva curricular crítica da Abordagem Temática caracteriza-se pela organização curricular ser estruturada em temas. Nessa perspectiva, os debates e as discussões acerca da avaliação escolar são, muitas vezes, negligenciadas. Diante disso, o problema que permeia este estudo é: Como pode-se realizar uma avaliação escolar coerente com a Abordagem Temática? Longe de fornecer densas discussões ou apresentar uma matriz a ser seguida, este artigo discute um processo de avaliação escolar em sintonia com a perspectiva curricular da Abordagem Temática, desenvolvido em uma escola pública estadual do bairro Camobi de Santa Maria/RS. Nesse sentido, este estudo caracteriza-se de natureza qualitativa, em que os instrumentos de coleta de dados foram os diários reflexivos elaborados pelo professor da turma. A análise dos dados foi realizada à luz da Análise Textual Discursiva, a partir da categoria a priori “Avaliação Escolar em sintonia com a Abordagem Temática”. A partir do exposto neste trabalho, observou-se que os modelos e critérios de avaliação utilizados ao longo das aulas contribuiu para um melhor entendimento da realidade local e uma formação crítica dos educandos, alguns dos objetivos almejados pela Abordagem Temática.

Abstract Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a debilitating motor neuron disease and lacks effective disease-modifying treatments. This study utilizes a comprehensive multiomic approach to investigate the early and sex-specific molecular mechanisms underlying ALS. By analyzing the prefrontal cortex of 51 patients with sporadic ALS and 50 control subjects, alongside four transgenic mouse models (C9orf72-, SOD1-, TDP-43-, and FUS-ALS), we have uncovered significant molecular alterations associated with the disease. Here, we show that males exhibit more pronounced changes in molecular pathways compared to females. Our integrated analysis of transcriptomes, (phospho)proteomes, and miRNAomes also identified distinct ALS subclusters in humans, characterized by variations in immune response, extracellular matrix composition, mitochondrial function, and RNA processing. The molecular signatures of human subclusters were reflected in specific mouse models. Our study highlighted the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway as an early disease mechanism. We further demonstrate that trametinib, a MAPK inhibitor, has potential therapeutic benefits in vitro and in vivo, particularly in females, suggesting a direction for developing targeted ALS treatments.

Schistosomiasis is an infectious disease caused by parasitic flatworms of the genus Schistosoma. The species Schistosoma mansoni is associated with hepatosplenic disease. Schistosomiasis involving the gallbladder alone is highly unusual, with a few cases reported. Herein, we present the case of a woman from a region with endemic schistosomiasis who presented with a painless solid lesion and wall thickening of the gallbladder. She underwent an uneventful laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Microscopic examination of the surgical specimen revealed Schistosoma mansoni eggs associated with granulomatous reaction, leading to the diagnosis of schistosomiasis of the gallbladder, prompting subsequent treatment with praziquantel and follow-up. This case illustrates the importance of suspicion for this diagnosis in endemic areas, as it can be misdiagnosed with malignancy if not examined microscopically. Complications and treatment strategies are poorly characterized for the few cases of schistosomiasis; reporting this case can serve as a helpful reminder of a rare presentation of this disease.

Abstract. Chronic pain is one of the major causes of disability with a tremendous impact on an individual's quality of life and on public health. Transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) is a safe therapeutic for this condition. We aimed to evaluate its effects in adults with chronic pain. A comprehensive search was performed, including randomized controlled trials published until October 2023, which assessed the effects of noninvasive tVNS. Cohen's d effect size and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated, and random-effects meta-analyses were performed. Fifteen studies were included. The results revealed a mean effect size of 0.41 (95% CI 0.17-0.66) in favor of tVNS as compared with control, although a significant heterogeneity was observed (χ2 = 21.7, df = 10, P = 0.02, I2 = 53.9%). However, when compared with nonactive controls, tVNS shows a larger effect size (0.79, 95% CI 0.25-1.33), although the number of studies was small (n = 3). When analyzed separately, auricular tVNS and cervical tVNS against control, it shows a significant small to moderate effect size, similar to that of the main analysis, respectively, 0.42 (95% CI 0.08-0.76, 8 studies) and 0.36 (95% CI 0.01-0.70, 3 studies). No differences were observed in the number of migraine days for the trials on migraine. This meta-analysis indicates that tVNS shows promise as an effective intervention for managing pain intensity in chronic pain conditions. We discuss the design of future trials to confirm these preliminary results, including sample size and parameters of stimulation.

Este estudo revisou intervenções terapêuticas e farmacológicas para o tratamento do transtorno por uso de Cannabis. Foram incluídos estudos de revisão que abordassem diretamente intervenções terapêuticas, farmacológicas ou psicossociais para a dependência de Cannabis. A busca identificou 430 artigos, dos quais 11 foram incluídos na revisão. Os resultados destacaram descobertas sobre farmacoterapia, intervenções mistas, psicoterapias e tratamentos digitais. Concluímos que, embora existam intervenções promissoras, como terapias comportamentais e programas digitais, são necessárias mais pesquisas rigorosas para enfrentar eficazmente o uso problemático de Cannabis.

Abstract Objective To determine the relationship between early age at menarche, late age at menopause with specific subtypes of breast cancer (BC). Methods A literature search was conducted in Embase, Lilacs, PubMed, Scopus, and Scielo databases, following the Joanna Briggs Institute scoping review protocol and answering the question “How early age at menarche or late age at menopause are related to different breast cancer subtypes?”. Results A number of 4,003 studies were identified, of which 17 were selected. Most of the included articles found a clear relationship between early menarche, late menopause and some subtypes of BC, mainly, PR+, ER+, luminal, and HER-2 tumors. However, some studies have found a contradictory relationship and one study didn’t find any relationship between them. Conclusion A relationship between early age at menarche and advanced age at menopause was observed with some subtypes of breast cancer, since other factors must be considered in its understanding.

Background A scarcity of evidence on the health and social needs of justice-involved young people contributes to persistent health and social inequities. Linking data from multiple sectors provides an opportunity to improve the health, justice, and social systems that this group interacts with, with a view to reducing these inequities. Methods We established two population-level cohorts of justice-involved young people using multi-sectoral data linkage: (1) we linked youth justice records in Queensland from 1993-2014 for 48,670 young people to adult correctional records, death records, and coronial records; (2) we linked all youth justice records in Australia from 2000-2019 for 88,110 young people with national emergency department, hospital, primary care, pharmaceutical, and death records. We calculated mortality rates among young people exposed to the youth justice system and compared them with the age- and sex-matched general population. Results Justice-involved young people in Queensland died at a 4.1 times higher rate than their non-justice-involved peers. Approximately one-third (34.6%) of deaths were from suicide. There was a 67% increased rate of death due to non-communicable diseases compared to the general population. Conclusions The national cohort will fill evidence gaps on health needs and health care use after justice system contact. These two cohorts provide the first comprehensive look into the health of justice-involved young people in Australia and internationally. They form the foundation for routine monitoring and reporting on health needs and trajectories. Multi-sectoral data linkage is essential for sustainable, timely, and evidence-informed decision-making to improve systems, health, and mortality outcomes.

ABSTRACT Objectives: To evaluate the early and late results of surgical treatment of patients with bronchiectasis, comparing the Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery (VATS) vs. the open thoracotomy (OT). Methods: Observational retrospective study of patients who underwent surgery for bronchiectasis. Patients were divided into two groups according to surgical access OT/VATS. Variables collected included gender, age, preoperative symptoms, etiology, segments involved, FVC and FEV1, type of surgical resection, complications, mortality, and length of hospital stay. Late surgical results were classified as excellent, complete remission of symptoms; good, significative improvement; and poor, little/no improvement. Results: 108 surgical resections (103 patients). OT group 54 patients (52.4%) vs. VATS 49 (47.6%). A high percentage of complications was observed, but no difference between the OT (29.6%) and VATS (24.5%) groups was found. Post-operative hospital stay was shorter in the VATS group (5.4 days) vs. the OT group (8.7 days (p=0.029). 75% of the patients had a late follow-up; the results were considered excellent in 71.4%, good in 26%, and poor in 2.6%. Regarding bronchiectasis distribution, an excellent percentage was obtained at 82.1% in patients with localized bronchiectasis and 47.5% with non-localized bronchiectasis, p=0.003. Conclusions: VATS leads to similar results regarding morbidity, compared to OT. However, VATS was related to shorter hospital stays, reflecting the early recovery. Late results were excellent in most patients, being better in patients with localized bronchiectasis. VATS should be considered a preferable approach for bronchiectasis lung resection whenever possible.

In the present study two extreme events that occurred in the East Coast of Northeast Brazil (ENEB) during 2022 and 2023 were evaluated. These events are becoming increasingly frequent in all regions of Brazil, associated with significant material and human losses, emphasizing the significance of a deeper comprehension of these events. ERA5 global reanalysis data, GOES-16 satellite imagery and pluviometric stations were used for the analysis. Model simulations were also conducted using the Model for Prediction Across Scales (MPAS) with variable resolution (60–3 km). Both events corresponded to Easterly Wave Disturbances (EWDs) that occurred under opposite large-scale conditions of the ENSO cycle, since extreme events are becoming increasingly frequent in all regions of Brazil and could be responsible for significant material and human losses. Thus, an emphasis was given to characterize the synoptic conditions. Both analyzed cases occurred along the ENEB, specifically over the Alagoas state. The trough axis penetrating the studied area was observed on both examined dates, with a very characteristic relative vorticity of this tropical disturbance. In general, moisture convergence resulted from the high flow of moisture prevailing over the region combined with upward movements caused by the trough present at low levels, which combined with local factors in the region such as topography, contributed to the increase in rainfall over the study area in both analyzed cases. The MPAS showed excellent spatial representation when compared to station data, highlighting intense precipitation over parts of Alagoas.

Introduction Pituitary tumors account for 25% of all primary brain tumors and for 15% of overall intracranial expansive masses. Pituitary metastases, in contrast, are a rare condition, estimated as 1.8% of all resected sellar lesions. We present here a rare case of clear cell renal carcinoma metastasis to the pituitary gland.

Resumo O artigo tem como objetivo propor uma sistematização dos paradigmas epistemológicos já identificados por pesquisas que estudaram o estado da arte da epistemologia da administração. Tal sistematização é realizada por meio de uma resenha analítica, na qual um modelo de análise, fruto de um consórcio teórico entre Alberto Guerreiro Ramos e Jean Piaget, é o fio condutor. Os diferentes paradigmas são analisados em função de seu grau de reflexividade, tendo como pano de fundo os fundamentos filosóficos da epistemologia geral. No campo da epistemologia da administração, foi observado que, dos trabalhos seminais aos atuais, os diferentes autores defendem um descentramento reflexivo capaz de gerar um movimento que leve a teoria das organizações do construto, chamada por Ramos de teoria da necessidade, para o campo da teoria da possibilidade e além, superando a utilização de arquétipos platônicos/aristotélicos/cartesianos por arquétipos kantianos e pós-kantianos. O modelo de análise é aplicado uma segunda vez, agora nos resumos das últimas 30 teses de um programa de pós-graduação em administração, defendidas de julho de 2019 a novembro de 2022. Foram analisados 10 resumos de cada uma das três linhas de pesquisa do programa. Nessa segunda aplicação, o modelo foi ajustado com a inclusão de outros aspectos teóricos e metodológicos, passando a conter 9 indicadores de reflexividade. Foi demonstrado que, em função dos diferentes graus de reflexividade, cada linha de pesquisa apresenta uma característica própria na forma de aplicar teorias e métodos.

Os manguezais na Ilha de São Luís/MA margeiam a costa e cursos d’água doce, mas já se encontram bastante reduzidos diante da crescente urbanização sem planejamento. Um exemplo de urbanização desordenada e ausência de planejamento ocorre no bairro do São Francisco, São Luís do Maranhão. Estabelece-se assim, a necessidade de se conhecer um pouco mais sobre os manguezais, especialmente aqueles que interferem diretamente no dia a dia dos moradores. Para tanto, relatamos aqui a experiência de desenvolver o projeto de extensão “O impacto dos resíduos sólidos nos manguezais”, elaborado pelos integrantes do Programa de Educação Tutorial (PET) Biologia, da Universidade Federal do Maranhão, campus de São Luís, em colaboração com professores e alunos do 2° Ano itinerário formativo de Ciências da Saúde do Centro Educa Mais Desembargador Sarney, localizado no bairro São Francisco, São Luís, Maranhão. O projeto teve como objetivo de trazer um espaço de discussão sobre os manguezais e resíduos sólidos como forma de sensibilização e divulgação científica. Para isso, as ações foram tomadas em três passos: 1) Abordagem com temáticas centrais “manguezais” e “resíduos sólidos” a serem aplicadas pelos petianos; 2) Pesquisa e produção de material escrito com monitoria dos petianos; 3) Divulgação do que foi produzido em volume especial do Boletim do PET Bio-UFMA. O projeto de extensão “O impacto dos resíduos sólidos no manguezal” foi de grande importância para fortalecer o PET no curso de Ciências Biológicas, reforçar a importância da ciência junto à comunidade e aproximar os alunos do ensino médio das atividades desenvolvidas nas universidades.

In this paper we analyze students’ mathematics errors in the early years of Brazilian school. To achieve this goal, we developed a questionnaire with eight math problems that included basic operations. This instrument was distributed to 76 third-grade students in three different classes from three different schools. To comprehend what caused the errors, we analyzed each question. To perform these analyzes we used the following categories: Errors due to language difficulties; Errors due to difficulties in obtaining spatial information; Errors due to incorrect associations or rigidity of thinking; Errors due to the application of irrelevant rules or strategies; Errors due to deficient mastery of prerequisite skills, facts, and concepts; Incorrect reproduction of the task; Error of counting; Errors in the assemblage of the arithmetic operations; Errors in the summing up with values bigger than ten; and Specific errors of subtraction. We believe that using errors as motivation could improve students' understanding of mathematics. We seek to help teachers (and researchers) identify most of the mistakes made by students in order to recognize them in their classrooms. The results indicated that some of the students' most common errors are in line with what the literature points out, that is, difficulty in translating the problem into mathematical language; difficulties in using the operations algorithms and difficulties in understanding what the problem is asking.

Abstract Population aging and the reduction in the availability of family caregivers have driven the demand for care for older adults in long-term care facilities (LTCF). This study aimed to characterize the sociodemographic, functional, cognitive and emotional aspects of residents of philanthropic LTCF in a medium-sized Brazilian city. This study also sought to correlate variables in residents’ life and their levels of depression and cognitive performance. Cognitive (MMSE and ACE-R) and mood screening instruments (GDS-15) and a guided interview were applied to 78 residents. Generally, residents were White, single/widowed, independent women showing depressive symptoms (52%) and cognitive impairment (74%). Most participants reported satisfaction with the care offered by the LTCF, but this satisfaction was negatively correlated with the depression score. This profile suggests the need for an institutional arrangement that considers the needs of residents and promotes their quality of life.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is an atherosclerotic disease impacting over 200 million individuals and the prevalence increases with age. PAD occurs when plaque builds up within the peripheral arteries, leading to reduced blood flow and oxygen supply to the outer extremities. Individuals who experience PAD suffer from ischemia, which is typically accompanied by significant damage to skeletal muscles. Additionally, this tissue damage affects mitochondria, causing them to become dysregulated and dysfunctional, resulting in decreased metabolic rates. As there is no known cure for PAD, researchers are exploring potential therapeutic targets by examining coexisting cardiovascular conditions and metabolic risk factors, such as the aging process. Among these comorbidities, type-two diabetes mellitus and obesity are particularly common in PAD cases. These conditions, along with aging itself, are associated with an elevated accumulation of ectopic lipids within skeletal muscles, similar to what is observed in PAD. Researchers have attempted to reduce excess lipid accumulation by increasing the rate of fatty acid beta oxidation. Manipulating acetyl coenzyme A carboxylase 2, a key regulatory protein of fatty acid beta oxidation, has been the primary focus of such research. When acetyl coenzyme A carboxylase 2 is inhibited, it interrupts the conversion of acetyl-CoA into malonyl-CoA, resulting in an increase in the rate of fatty acid beta oxidation. By utilizing samples from PAD patients and applying the pharmacological strategies developed for acetyl coenzyme A carboxylase 2 in diabetes and obesity to PAD, a potential new therapeutic avenue may emerge, offering hope for improved quality of life for individuals suffering from PAD.

Abstract In dermatologists' clinical practice, the use of systemic glucocorticoids is recurrent for the management of different comorbidities that require chronic immunosuppression. The prescription of this medication requires caution and basic clinical knowledge due to the several adverse effects inherent to the treatment. However, different doubts may arise or inappropriate conduct may be adopted due to the lack of objective and specific guidelines for the screening, prophylaxis and management of complications from chronic corticosteroid therapy. Considering this problem, the authors carried out a narrative review of the literature to gather up-to-date data on adverse effects secondary to the chronic use of systemic glucocorticoids. The broad approach to this topic made it possible to review the pathophysiology and risk factors for these complications, as well as to develop updated orientation that can be used as a learning tool and quick reference for dermatologists during their clinical practice with glucocorticoids.

ABSTRACT Objective: This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of low-dose prednisone as a rescue therapy for patients with deteriorating semen parameters following vasovasostomy. Materials and Methods: Electronic medical records were queried at the University of Miami with documented CPT code 55400 (Bilateral Vasovasostomy) between January 2016 and April 2023. Records were then reviewed to identify patients who demonstrated ≥50% decrease in semen parameters, specifically sperm concentration, motility and total motile sperm count. Patients who were treated with 6 weeks of low-dose prednisone were identified, and baseline semen parameters and subsequent changes after prednisone therapy were assessed. A Mann-Whitney U Test was used to compare semen parameter changes before and after prednisone. Adverse effects associated with prednisone were monitored. Results: A total of 8 patients were identified with deteriorating semen parameters who were treated with 6 weeks of low-dose prednisone. Following prednisone therapy, all patients demonstrated improvements in total motile sperm count (TMSC), with a median improvement of 6 million. The median relative improvement in TMSC was 433%. Sperm concentration and motility also improved compared to post-operative baseline. No adverse effects were reported during the treatment period. Conclusions: Low-dose prednisone therapy appears to be a safe and effective intervention for managing deteriorating semen parameters following VV. The observed improvements in TMSC suggest the potential of prednisone to rescue patients with delayed failure after VV. Further research with larger sample sizes is warranted to confirm the safety and efficacy of low-dose prednisone as a rescue therapy in this specific patient population. Optimizing VV outcomes is crucial in male infertility, and further exploration of steroid therapy and innovative biotechnologies is warranted.

Abstract Bismuth ferrite (BiFeO3) is a multiferroic material that exhibits both ferroelectricity and canted antiferromagnetism at room temperature, making it a unique candidate in the development of electric-field controllable magnetic devices. The magnetic moments in BiFeO3 are arranged into a spin cycloid, resulting in unique magnetic properties which are tied to the ferroelectric order. Previous understanding of this coupling has relied on average, mesoscale measurements. Using nitrogen vacancy-based diamond magnetometry, we observe the magnetic spin cycloid structure of BiFeO3 in real space. This structure is magnetoelectrically coupled through symmetry to the ferroelectric polarization and this relationship is maintained through electric field switching. Through a combination of in-plane and out-of-plane electrical switching, coupled with ab initio studies, we have discovered that the epitaxy from the substrate imposes a magnetoelastic anisotropy on the spin cycloid, which establishes preferred cycloid propagation directions. The energy landscape of the cycloid is shaped by both the ferroelectric degree of freedom and strain-induced anisotropy, restricting the spin spiral propagation vector to changes to specific switching events.

Wooden utility poles are crucial in supporting overhead telecommunication lines in Portugal. Maritime pine (Pinus pinaster Aiton) is the most common wood species used for this purpose. The durability of the poles is typically determined by the deterioration observed in their ground line. Aiming to reduce the use of new sound wooden poles, reducing the economic costs involved, and the environmental impacts, the reuse of those old wooden poles by removing the degraded part is one possible solution. This study aimed to develop and validate solutions with composed poles, specifically for the connections between the wood members, so that it is possible to more efficiently incorporate used parts into the remanufactured poles. Two types of connections were used: members joined by a cylindrical steel tube, and members joined by finger joints. The static bending moduli of elastic and rupture were tested. The mechanical properties of the reused wooden utility poles showed to be in line with the values of new sound wooden poles made of different wood species. Finally, both proposed solutions proved to be practical for use in the production of reused utility poles, which are mostly made from old timber poles.

Of the few endemic vertebrates found in Paraguay, Homonota rupicola Cacciali, Ávila & Bauer, 2007 is considered micro-endemic, globally threatened, absent in conservation units, and restricted to rocky outcrops in a small mountain range, a priority hotspot, known as Cordillera de los Altos. Through sampling efforts in areas surrounding the type locality, we recorded H. rupicola at other sites. Together the current geographic range of this species is approximately 13 km along a segment of the Cordillera de los Altos. Nonetheless, H. rupicola is currently unknown from any protected areas, and non-governmental organizations are working towards establishing conservation units within the geographic range of the species.

Hoje, mais que nunca, a engenharia tem respondido as necessidades do homem moderno e possibilitado a construção de edifícios cada vez mais altos com estruturas tão econômicas quanto possível. Estes edifícios são projetados, via de regra, com muita altura nominal e/ou com grande esbeltez geométrica, tornando-os sensíveis aos efeitos das ações horizontais e sua produção de efeitos de segunda ordem de magnitude relevante para a estabilidade e capacidade resistiva da estrutura. Este fato confere, por si só, continuada importância ao estudo da instabilidade global, que já conta com dois parâmetros oficiais: o parâmetro de instabilidade e o coeficiente , desenvolvido no Brasil. O segundo deles, referido pela NBR 6118 de 2023 como Coeficiente Gama Z de avaliação da importância dos esforços de segunda ordem globais e a sua relação com o parâmetro alfa, numérica e conceitual, são os objetivos deste trabalho. Por esta razão, um levantamento detalhado da origem, da evolução e das tendências desse coeficiente é efetuado, destacando concordâncias e faltas de consenso, entre diversos autores e diferentes edições da NBR 6118, acerca de limites e hipóteses simplificadoras consideradas para o cálculo. Também é realizada, neste trabalho, uma reformulação das equações convencionais que relacionam e , considerando não a redução global de 70% da rigidez, mas sim as reduções mais específicas preconizadas na norma atual. Isto é feito de modo que se possa compreender, de forma mais clara, as potencialidades e as suas limitações, criando condições de torná-lo mais confiável e mais simples de ser calculado.

Abstract Introduction: Growth failure in chronic kidney disease is related to high morbidity and mortality. Growth retardation in this disease is multifactorial. Knowing the modifiable factors and establishing strategies to improve care for affected children is paramount. Objectives: To describe growth patterns in children with chronic kidney disease and the risk factors associated with short stature. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed anthropometric and epidemiological data, birth weight, prematurity, and bicarbonate, hemoglobin, calcium, phosphate, alkaline phosphatase, and parathormone levels of children with stages 3–5 CKD not on dialysis, followed for at least one year. Results: We included 43 children, the majority of which were boys (65%). The mean height/length /age z-score of the children at the beginning and follow-up was –1.89 ± 1.84 and –2.4 ± 1.67, respectively (p = 0.011). Fifty-one percent of the children had short stature, and these children were younger than those with adequate stature (p = 0.027). PTH levels at the beginning of the follow-up correlated with height/length/age z-score. A sub-analysis with children under five (n = 17) showed that 10 (58.8%) of them failed to thrive and had a lower weight/age z-score (0.031) and lower BMI/age z-score (p = 0.047). Conclusion: Children, particularly younger ones, with chronic kidney disease who were not on dialysis had a high prevalence of short stature. PTH levels were correlated with height z-score, and growth failure was associated with worse nutritional status. Therefore, it is essential to monitor the growth of these children, control hyperparathyroidism, and provide nutritional support.

Este artigo analisa do papel de dois juristas brasileiros, Clovis Bevilaqua e Raul Fernandes, na elaboração do Estatuto da Corte Permanente de Justiça Internacional, questionando-se se existiam elementos nacionais ou regionais em suas contribuições ou atuação. Os dois juristas participaram em diferentes momentos ao longo processo de confecção do Estatuto, e suas respectivas contribuições foram variadas. está estruturado em quatro partes. Com análise bibliográfica documental e obras doutrinais comentando os autores, este artigo analisa o projeto de Bevilaqua, bem como seu papel como formulador de políticas e sua não adesão às ideias do direito internacional americano. Em seguida, o foco se volta para Raul Fernandes, o delegado brasileiro no Comitê Consultivo de Juristas e no Conselho da Liga das Nações. Argumenta-se que o regionalismo defendido por esses autores era um regionalismo muito mais interessado em um projeto de inserção do Brasil no cenário internacional do que em uma tentativa de irrigar a nascente corte internacional com elementos da cultura jurídica latino-americana

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate, characterize and search for trends in the underreporting of diabetes mellitus (DM) as the cause of death in Bauru, São Paulo, Brazil, over 40 years. Subjects and methods This was a documental study. Clinical and mortality data were collected from individuals known to have type 1 (DM1) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2), residing in Bauru, State of São Paulo, followed at a local endocrinology clinic from 1982 to 2021, who deceased during this period. Results A significant underreporting of DM as the cause of death (64.41%) was found, mostly associated with male gender (OR = 1.59 [95% CI: 1.18; 2.15]; p < 0.01), DM2 (OR = 2.64 [95% CI: 1.32; 5.26]; p < 0.01), dying in the first decade of the study (OR = 4.07 [95% CI: 1.54; 10.71]; p < 0.001) and shorter DM duration (OR = 1.02 [95% CI: 1.01; 1.04]; p < 0.01). Age, type of treatment, body mass index, marital status and ethnicity, did not show a significant association with DM underreporting. There was a decreasing trend in DM1 underreporting (Decade Percentual Change = -7.10 [95% CI: -11.35; -3.40]), but a stationary trend for DM and DM2. The main primary cause of death was cardiovascular-related complications. Conclusion The underreporting of DM as the cause of death was very frequently found, and was associated with male gender, decade of death, shorter DM duration and DM2. If our data could be applied to the whole country, DM would possibly emerge as a more prominent cause of death in Brazil. Future studies in other cities and geographic regions are warranted to confirm our findings.

Neste artigo analisamos quais operações estético-formais que o longa-metragem “E agora? Lembra-me” (Joaquim Pinto, 2013) lança mão para subverter o caráter colonial-patológico deste corpo-fílmico que o próprio realizador denomina de “caderno de apontamentos de um ano de ensaios clínicos”. Nossa reflexão aprofunda o estudo de narrativas doentes como potência de visibilização de corpos diversos em sentido formal e temático, expandindo assim a doença como uma experiência naturocultural e um instrumento para subversão formal. Esta perspectiva está assentada em uma abordagem teórica e metodológica que temos denominado como patologias fílmicas e na Teoria de cineastas (respeitando o caráter autobiográfico do filme). Utilizamos a base filosófico-política dos estudos crip para propor um outro tipo de arquivamento, a somateca anticolonial, onde manifesta-se potência de vida.

Resumo Fundamento: A cardiomiopatia associada à lipodistrofia parcial (LP) ainda não foi bem descrita. Objetivo: Caracterizar a morfologia e a função cardíaca na LP. Métodos: Pacientes com LP e controles foram avaliados prospectivamente por ecocardiografia transtorácica e ecocardiografia por speckle-tracking (Strain Longitudinal Global, SLG). A relação entre as variáveis ecocardiográficas e o diagnóstico de LP foi testada com modelos de regressão, considerando o efeito da pressão arterial sistólica (PAS). Adotou-se um nível de significância de 5%. Resultados: Vinte e nove pacientes com LP foram comparados com 17 controles. Eles não se diferiram quanto à idade (p=0,94), sexo ou índice de massa corporal (p= 0,05). Os pacientes com LP apresentaram PAS estatisticamente mais alta (p=0,02) em comparação aos controles. Ainda, os pacientes com LP apresentaram maior dimensão do átrio (37,3 ± 4,4 vs. 32,1 ± 4,3 mm, p= 0,001) e maior volume atrial (30,2 ± 7,2 vs. 24,9 ± 9,0 mL/m2, p=0,02), massa do Ventrículo Esquerdo (VE) (79,3 ± 17,4 vs. 67,1 ± 19,4; p=0,02), e parâmetros sistólicos reduzidos do VE (E’ lateral, p= 0,001) (E’ septal, p= 0,001), (razão E/E’, p= 0,02). A fração de ejeção do VE (64,7 ± 4,6 vs. 62,2 ± 4,4 %, p = 0,08) e o SLG não foram estatisticamente diferentes entre os grupos (-17,1±2,7 vs-18.0 ± 2,0%, p= 0,25). Observou-se uma reação positiva do átrio esquerdo (β 5,6; p

Introducción: El cordón umbilical es una estructura de forma espiroidea y es quien comunica el feto a la placenta, dentro de las patologías del mismo está la torsión, una de las más infrecuentes pero con alta mortalidad fetal. Presentación de caso: se trata de un producto de sexo masculino, hijo de madre de 19 años de edad, de 39 semanas de gestación, se le realizó una autopsia en el Instituto Nacional de patología Dr. Sergio Sarita Valdez, evidenciándose torsión de cordón umbilical. Conclusiones: se evidenció durante el procedimiento de autopsia, producto de sexo masculino, de 39 semanas de edad gestacional, se encontró una torsión y una estenosis del cordón umbilical asociado a polihidramnios severo.

Abstract Honey is a natural food derived from nectar and other natural plant secretions, collected, and processed by bees. To be safely consumed, it must be free of chemical contamination and have quality and identity parameters following established standards. The continuous search for agricultural productivity has increased the use of pesticides, widely used in crops. Residues of these compounds have been found in honey samples. This work aimed to determine the physicochemical parameters and verify the presence of pesticides in Apis mellifera bee honey sold in the regions of Pelotas and Rio Grande/in Rio Grande do Sul state (RS)/ Brazil. The honey samples presented values for the physicochemical parameters within the acceptable limits established by Brazilian legislation. Among the 100 pesticides investigated, the insecticide λ-cyhalothrin was detected in 50% of the samples in concentrations between 5.95 and 25.30 µg/kg. The calculated estimated daily intake was 1.0×10-4 µg/kg bw/day, below the maximum limits Brazilian and European legislation recommended. The results contribute to the generation of data on the quality of honey produced in the region, thus ensuring safe consumption, however, it causes an alert about the environmental contamination by the pollinators bee’s exposure to pesticides in regions with intense agricultural activity.

Objectives: To assess the impact of different concentrations TiO2-nt incorporated into a glass ionomer cement on the proliferation, mitochondrial metabolism, morphology, and pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine production of cultured fibroblasts (NIH/3T3), whether or not stimulated by lipopolysaccharides (LPS-2 μg/mL, 24 h). Methods: TiO2-nt was added to KM (Ketac Molar EasyMix™, 3 %, 5 %, 7 % in weight); unblended KM was used as the control. The analyses included: Cell proliferation assay (n = 6; 24/48/72h); Mitochondrial metabolism assay (n = 6; 24/48/72h); Confocal laser microscopy (n = 3; 24/48/72h); Determination of biomarkers (IL-1β/IL-6/IL-10/VEGF/TNF) by using both multiplex technology (n = 6; 12/18 h) and the quantitative real-time PCR assay (q-PCR) (n = 3, 24/72/120 h). The data underwent analysis using both the Shapiro-Wilk and Levene tests, and by generalized linear models (α = 0.05). Results: It demonstrated that cell proliferation increased over time, regardless of the presence of TiO2-nt or LPS, and displayed a significant increase at 72 h; mitochondrial metabolism increased (p

Abstract Artificial organelles can manipulate cellular functions and introduce non-biological processes into cells. Coacervate droplets have emerged as a close analog of membraneless cellular organelles. Their biomimetic properties, such as molecular crowding and selective partitioning, make them promising components for designing cell-like materials. However, their use as artificial organelles has been limited by their complex molecular structure, limited control over internal microenvironment properties, and inherent colloidal instability. Here we report the design of dipeptide coacervates that exhibit enhanced stability, biocompatibility, and a hydrophobic microenvironment. The hydrophobic character facilitates the encapsulation of hydrophobic species, including transition metal-based catalysts, enhancing their efficiency in aqueous environments. Dipeptide coacervates carrying a metal-based catalyst are incorporated as active artificial organelles in cells and trigger an internal non-biological chemical reaction. The development of coacervates with a hydrophobic microenvironment opens an alternative avenue in the field of biomimetic materials with applications in catalysis and synthetic biology.

Schistosomiasis causes over 200,000 deaths annually. The current treatment option, praziquantel, presents limitations, including low bioavailability and resistance. In this context, nanoparticles have emerged as a promising option for improving schistosomiasis treatment. Several narrative reviews have been published on this topic. Unfortunately, the lack of clear methodologies presented in these reviews leads to the exclusion of many important studies without apparent justification. This integrative review aims to examine works published in this area with a precise and reproducible method. To achieve this, three databases (i.e., Pubmed, Web of Science, and Scopus) were searched from March 31, 2022, to March 31, 2023. The search results included only original research articles that used nanoparticles smaller than 1 µm in the treatment context. Additionally, a search was conducted in the references of the identified articles to retrieve works that could not be found solely using the original search formula. As a result, 65 articles that met the established criteria were identified. Inorganic and polymeric nanoparticles were the most prevalent nanosystems used. Gold was the primary material used to produce inorganic nanoparticles, while poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) and chitosan were commonly used to produce polymeric nanoparticles. None of these identified works presented results in the clinical phase. Finally, based on our findings, the outlook appears favorable, as there is a significant diversity of new substances with schistosomicidal potential. However, financial efforts are required to advance these nanoformulations.

Sooty Tern, Onychoprion fuscatus (Linnaeus 1766), is a rare species along the Brazilian coast due to oceanic habits. We report the first documented record of this species from São Paulo state, southeastern Brazil. The specimen was found beached in Mongaguá municipality. Morphological assessment, necropsy, and histological analysis allowed us to identify species, reproductive state (non-breeding), and sex (male) of this specimen.

The avocado cv. Hass requires a suitable rootstock for optimal development under water stress. This study evaluated the performance of two avocado rootstocks (ANRR88 and ANGI52) grafted onto cv. Hass under four water stress conditions, 50% and 25% deficit, and 50% and 25% excess during the nursery stage. Plant height, leaf area (LA), dry matter (DM), and Carbon (OC) content in the roots, stems, and leaves were measured. Root traits were evaluated using digital imaging, and three vegetation indices (NDVI, CIRE, and MTCI) were used to quantify stress. The results showed that genotype significantly influenced the response to water stress. ANRR88 exhibited adaptation to moderate to high water deficits. ANGI52 adapted better to both water deficit and excess, and showed greater root exploration. LA and DM reductions of up to 60% were observed in ANRR88, suggesting a higher sensitivity to extreme changes in water availability. More than 90% of the total OC accumulation was observed in the stem and roots. The NDVI and the MTCI quantified the presence and levels of stress applied, and the 720 nm band provided high precision and speed for detecting stress. These insights are crucial for selecting rootstocks that ensure optimal performance under varying water availability, enhancing productivity and sustainability.

Identified as a potential reference pathogen by the WHO Guidelines for Drinking-Water Quality, Rotavirus (RV) is among the main enteric viruses that cause waterborne diseases. The aim of this study was to identify and correlate the presence of RV in collective and individual water sources of rural communities in the state of Goiás, within the seasons in which the collections were made (rainy and dry seasons). For this, 86 water samples in the dry period and 160 samples in the rainy period were collected. Concentration of water samples, extraction of viral genetic material and molecular tests were performed. When analyzing the presence of RV in the samples, taking into consideration the period studied, RV was found to be more prevalent in the dry season (54.7%) than in the rainy season (20%), showing a strong statistical association with the dry season (p-value < 0.001). The presence of pathogenic microorganisms in water is a public risk issue, enabling the emergence of outbreaks, endemics and epidemics. In the present research, there was an association between the presence of Rotavirus and the dry period of the year when compared to the rainy period.

Neurodegenerative disorders, including traumatic injuries to the central nervous system (CNS) and neurodegenerative diseases, are characterized by early axonal damage, which does not regenerate in the adult mammalian CNS, leading to permanent neurological deficits. One of the primary causes of the loss of regenerative ability is thought to be a developmental decline in neurons’ intrinsic capability for axon growth. Different molecules are involved in the developmental loss of the ability for axon regeneration, including many transcription factors. However, the function of microRNAs (miRNAs), which are also modulators of gene expression, in axon re-growth is still unclear. Among the various miRNAs recently identified with roles in the CNS, miR-17, which is highly expressed during early development, emerges as a promising target to promote axon regeneration. Here, we used adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors to overexpress miR-17 (AAV.miR-17) in primary cortical neurons and evaluate its effects on neurite and axon regeneration in vitro. Although AAV.miR-17 had no significant effect on neurite outgrowth and arborization, it significantly enhances neurite regeneration after scratch lesion and axon regeneration after axotomy of neurons cultured in microfluidic chambers. Target prediction and functional annotation analyses suggest that miR-17 regulates gene expression associated with autophagy and cell metabolism. Our findings suggest that miR-17 promotes regenerative response and thus could mitigate neurodegenerative effects.

ABSTRACT Carbon flows into and out of the soil are important processes that contribute to controlling the global climate. The relationship between soil organisms and the climate is interdependent since the organisms that contribute to carbon and greenhouse gas fluxes are simultaneously affected by climate change and soil management. Temperature, soil moisture, pH, nutrient level, redox potential and organic matter quality are key elements affecting the microorganisms involved in organic carbon flows in the soil. Climate, topography (slope and position in the landscape), soil texture, soil mineralogy and land-use regulate those key elements and, thus, the C fluxes in the pedosphere. Soil microbes can increase carbon influx and storage by promoting plant growth, mycorrhizal establishment, and particle aggregation. Conversely, microorganisms contribute to carbon efflux from the soil via methanogenesis, rhizospheric activity, and organic carbon mineralization. Nevertheless, strategies and management practices could be used to balance out carbon emissions to the atmosphere. For example, carbon influx and storage in the soil can be stimulated by plant growth promoting microorganisms, greater plant diversity via crop rotation and cover crops, cultivating mycotrophic plants, avoiding or reducing the use of fungicides and adopting organic farming, no-tillage crop systems and conservative soil management strategies. Therefore, this review aimed to shed light on how soil microorganisms can contribute to increase C influxes to the soil, and its significance for climate change. Then, we also seek to gather the practical actions proposed in the scientific literature to improve carbon sequestration and storage in the soil. In summary, the review provides a comprehensive basis on soil microorganisms as key to carbon fluxes and helpers to lessen climate change by increasing carbon fixation and storage in agroecosystems via stimulation or application of beneficial microorganisms.

This theoretical essay presents reflections about the textbook (TB) as a material widely used in the teaching and learning of Mathematics, aiming to present a perspective on what constitutes a TB and the different roles it assumes in school practice. In this sense, we start from its understanding as a didactic, curricular, and school material to characterize it as a resource that is not neutral and central in disseminating formal knowledge that is the school’s responsibility. Therefore, it is a component of its culture. We emphasize that the use of this material in the classroom mobilizes its different roles, namely: curricular, ideological-cultural reference, source of theoretical and methodological knowledge and scientific dissemination, as well as the role of the teacher in this particular resource, highlighting his critical performance when using TB in classroom practice, either with a reproduction character, adaptation, or improvisation. We conjecture that properly articulating TB-related attributes will favour the teacher’s practice and assist in students’ learning, directing educational institutions to a work that achieves their main objectives.