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This study investigated the pattern distribution of fires in the Brazilian Amazon and their relationship with deforested areas from 2003 to 2022. The primary objective was to analyze fire spots’ spatial and temporal variation. First, we examine whether open vegetation (non-forest areas) in the Amazon exhibit a higher density of fire spots than forested areas. Second, we analyze how the density of fire spots in deforested areas varies with the time elapsed since deforestation. Using recent fire monitoring data and satellite imagery, the study employed statistical techniques to reveal significant patterns and trends. Our findings indicate that fire spot density is associated with deforestation in forested lands; however, this relationship does not hold for non-forest ecosystems. Fire spots are more frequent in years with higher deforestation rates, exhibiting similar trends in both forested and non-forested areas. Nevertheless, fire spot density is generally higher in originally forested lands subjected to anthropogenic activities compared to non-forest areas experiencing similar disturbances. In contrast, fires are more common in non-forest ecosystems with minimal or no disturbance compared to forested areas. Additionally, we observe variations in fire spot density over time in deforested areas, with higher densities occurring in the year the forest was cleared. In non-forest vegetation, the frequency of fires is similar in natural and anthropized areas, but both are lower compared to areas where vegetation has been recently suppressed. This study enhances our understanding of the environmental impacts of deforestation and provides valuable insights for formulating management and conservation policies in the Amazon.

Abstract The Brazilian Amazon Satellite Monitoring Program (PRODES Amazonia) tracks forest loss in the Brazilian Amazon but excludes about 6.6% ( ~ 280,000 km²) of non-forest vegetation (NF). Here we developed the PRODES NF system to address this gap by adapting the well-established methodology of PRODES Amazonia. Initial findings from PRODES NF show that the Brazilian Amazon lost 10.46% ( ~ 30,000 km²) of NF area, mainly in the last two decades, with the estates of Mato Grosso, Roraima, and Amapá being primary hotspots of losses. Savannas were the most affected (13.3% of their extent). NF loss strongly correlates (r = 0.87; p

In this study, we present the initial results of the pilot project applying the Near Real-Time Deforestation Detection System (DETER), initially designed for monitoring forest ecosystems (DETER Amazon), recently expanded to surveil an area of approximately 280,000 km² of non-forest natural vegetation (NF) in the Brazilian Amazon. The system issues two types of alerts: 1) NF suppression alerts, categorized into three classes (suppression with exposed soil, suppression with cultivated area, and suppression by mining) and 2) burn scars, based on an adapted methodology from DETER Amazon and images with low spatial resolution (64 m) but high temporal resolution (two or three days to assess the entire biome). The pilot project period was from August 2022 to July 2023, with a total area of suppression alerts covering 575.22 km², predominantly composed of the NF suppression class with exposed soil, and 8,036.99 km² of burn scar areas. The majority of NF suppression alerts occurred in the states of Roraima, Mato Grosso, Rondônia, and Pará. Additionally, Amazonas and Amapá stood out among the states with a higher area of burn scar alerts. Savannas were the most affected non-forest physiognomies, with 5,037 km² (6.5%) of their area impacted by suppression and fire. Comparative analysis with other monitoring systems in the Amazon demonstrated the effectiveness of DETER NF in monitoring non-forest areas in the biome.

During the first phase of the COVID-19 epidemic, New York City rapidly became the epicenter of the pandemic in the United States. While molecular phylogenetic analyses have previously highlighted multiple introductions and a period of cryptic community transmission within New York City, little is known about the circulation of SARS-CoV-2 within and among its boroughs. We here perform phylogeographic investigations to gain insights into the circulation of viral lineages during the first months of the New York City outbreak. Our analyses describe the dispersal dynamics of viral lineages at the state and city levels, illustrating that peripheral samples likely correspond to distinct dispersal events originating from the main metropolitan city areas. In line with the high prevalence recorded in this area, our results highlight the relatively important role of the borough of Queens as a transmission hub associated with higher local circulation and dispersal of viral lineages toward the surrounding boroughs.

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are age-related pathologies in which alterations of hematopoietic stem cells lead to abnormal formation of blood cells. Here, the authors study the lesions that these cells undergo in aging and disease, characterizing a factor whose alteration in MDS leads to abnormal blood cell production.

The increasing pressure from agriculture and pasture activities over non-forest vegetation areas revealed the need of INPE to extend forest regular monitoring to non-forested areas. Non-forest vegetation consists of savannahs, shrub lands, grasslands or seasonal floodplains that occupy 279 thousand km2 (6,63 %) of Brazilian Amazon biome extension. Addressed ecosystem services of non-forest vegetation vary from climate, soil, carbon storage, biodiversity, water and fire regulation to cultural benefits and living of the population. The challenge in monitoring non-forest removal lies in climatic seasonality, high variability of phytophysiognomies and cloud coverage. In this work we developed a method to map non-forest vegetation from 2000 to 2021 in a pilot area enclosing five municipalities in Roraima and Amapá states. Considering the total area of 47 thousand km2, 58 % was originally forest and 37 % was non-forest vegetation. In 2020, soybean planted areas occupied 60 thousands hectares in these municipalities. We adapted PRODES protocol to non-forest features using visual interpretation of Landsat and SENTINEL-2 satellite images. Regional expertise supported the interpretation keys to distinguish non-forest removal from seasonal changes or other land use changes. A baseline map for 2000 is provided together with biannual and annual increments for 2002–2018 and 2019–2021, respectively. Results show removal of non-forested areas even overpassing deforestation in some municipalities. Accumulated non-forest removal was 3.133,06 km2 or 17,44 % of the non-forest area enclosed. This work consolidated the method to be applied in the Brazilian Amazon biome allowing a uniform historical mapping series of deforestation and non-forest removal.

Background Endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFTR) is an effective and safe technique for nonlifting colorectal lesions. Technical issues or failures with the full-thickness resection device (FTRD) system are reported, but there are no detailed data. The aim of our study was to quantify and classify FTRD technical failures. Methods We performed a retrospective study involving 17 Italian centers with experience in advanced resection techniques and the required devices. Each center shared and classified all prospectively collected consecutive failures during colorectal EFTR using the FTRD from 2018 to 2022. The primary outcome was the technical failure rate and their classification; secondary outcomes included subsequent management, clinical success, and complications. Results Included lesions were mainly recurrent (52 %), with a mean (SD) dimension of 18.4 (7.5) mm. Among 750 EFTRs, failures occurred in 77 patients (35 women; mean [SD] age 69.4 [8.9] years). A classification was proposed: type I, snare noncutting (53 %); type II, clip misdeployment (31 %); and type III, cap misplacement (16 %). Among endoscopic treatments completed, rescue endoscopic mucosal resection was performed in 57 patients (74 %), allowing en bloc and R0 resection in 71 % and 64 %, respectively. The overall adverse event rate was 27.3 %. Pooled estimates for the rates of failure, complications, and rescue endoscopic therapy were similar for low and high volume centers (P = 0.08, P = 0.70, and P = 0.71, respectively). Conclusions Colorectal EFTR with the FTRD is a challenging technique with a non-negligible rate of technical failure and complications. Experience in rescue resection techniques and multidisciplinary management are mandatory in this setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

O presente artigo tem como objetivo trazer algumas contribuições da psicanálise para o esclarecimento da questão da violência contra a mulher, um fenômeno que se repete na história das sociedades. Buscando pensar sobre as bases estruturais dessa violência, recorremos à teoria lacaniana dos gozos fálico e gozo Outro, feminino, propondo uma diferenciação entre o que se supõe como gozo Outro e o que se estabelece como gozo do Outro. Seguindo o caminho aberto por Lacan, lançamos a hipótese de que o gozo do Outro pode estar relacionado com a vivência no sujeito posicionado do lado do masculino, de um gozo intrusivo e devastador atribuído a um Outro vivido como absoluto, mobilizando reações misóginas e mesmo feminicidas. Tal distinção foi operativa no sentido de nos possibilitar pensar no que aqui designamos como “devastação no masculino” e sua possível relação com o que no artigo discernimos como “violência contra o feminino na mulher”.

Noncoding DNA sequences, which play various roles in gene expression and regulation, are under evolutionary pressure. Gene regulation requires specific protein-DNA binding events, and our previous studies showed that both DNA sequence and shape readout are employed by transcription factors (TFs) to achieve DNA binding specificity. By investigating the shape-disrupting properties of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in human regulatory regions, we established a link between disruptive local DNA shape changes and loss of specific TF binding. Furthermore, we described cases where disease-associated SNPs may alter TF binding through DNA shape changes. This link led us to hypothesize that local DNA shape within and around TF binding sites is under selection pressure. To verify this hypothesis, we analyzed SNP data derived from 216 natural strains of Drosophila melanogaster. Comparing SNPs located in functional and nonfunctional regions within experimentally validated cis-regulatory modules (CRMs) from D. melanogaster that are active in the blastoderm stage of development, we found that SNPs within functional regions tended to cause smaller DNA shape variations. Furthermore, SNPs with higher minor allele frequency were more likely to result in smaller DNA shape variations. The same analysis based on a large number of SNPs in putative CRMs of the D. melanogaster genome derived from DNase I accessibility data confirmed these observations. Taken together, our results indicate that common SNPs in functional regions tend to maintain DNA shape, whereas shape-disrupting SNPs are more likely to be eliminated through purifying selection.

O artigo em tela foi desenvolvido à luz da Teoria Fundamentada dos Dados na perspectiva filosófica e antropológica dos Disability Studies. Como escopo principal, os autores vislumbraram apresentar um panorama analítico-crítico-reflexivo sobre a temática de cães-guia e seus respectivos usuários com deficiência visual, apoiando-se fundamentalmente em algumas evidências empíricas vivenciadas em contextos da Educação Superior. O estudo resgata, ainda, dados públicos, elementos teórico-normativos, sócio-histórico-culturais, científicos, políticos e práticos sobre a temática.

Summary: Overwriting counterselectable markers is an efficient strategy for removing wild-type DNA or replacing it with payload DNA of interest. Currently, one bottleneck of efficient genome engineering in mammals is the shortage of counterselectable (negative selection) markers that work robustly without affecting organismal developmental potential. Here, we report a conditional Piga knockout strategy that enables efficient proaerolysin-based counterselection in mouse embryonic stem cells. The conditional Piga knockout cells show similar proaerolysin resistance as full (non-conditional) Piga deletion cells, which enables the use of a PIGA transgene as a counterselectable marker for genome engineering purposes. Native Piga function is readily restored in conditional Piga knockout cells to facilitate subsequent mouse development. We also demonstrate the generality of our strategy by engineering a conditional knockout of endogenous Hprt. Taken together, our work provides a new tool for advanced mouse genome writing and mouse model establishment.

The functional consequences of variation in human regulatory DNA depend on the local chromatin environment and the cell/tissue context. Here the authors use highly diverged hybrid mice to study genetic effects on DNA accessibility in vivo across multiple cell and tissue types.

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This study was conducted to determine whether the macroalgae Ulva papenfussi and Ulva nematoidea could be alternatives for preventing Litopenaeus vannamei vibriosis caused by the bacterium Vibrio parahaemolyticus. Phytochemical screening was performed on methanolic extracts to qualitatively determine the main groups of bioactive compounds, previous to an in vitro antibacterial test against V. parahaemolitycus. Phenols, polyphenols, flavonoids, and the high presence of carbohydrates were found in both macroalgae. U. papenfussi showed more presence of lipids and alkaloids than U. nematoidea. Macroalgae extracts prepared (v:v) with a 1:1 methanol: dichloromethane solvent was used for the in vitro test using the disc diffusion method (MDD). Filter paper discs impregnated with 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 3.0, and 4.0 mg of the extracts showed antibacterial activity against V. Parahaemolitycus in a dose-dependent manner in both macroalgae. The inhibition zone varied significantly (p < 0.05) from 8.33 ± 0.12 to 11.41 ± 0.73 mm for 1 to 3 mg of extract levels, respectively. In conclusion, both macroalgae have antibacterial activity in their crude extracts against this bacteria. It is suggested to evaluate it as a feed additive for L. vannamei. This study is the first report on a phytochemical screening and antibacterial activity of these macroalgae against V. parahaemolyticus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and declared by the World Health Organization a global public health emergency. Among the severe outbreaks across South America, Uruguay has become known for curtailing SARS-CoV-2 exceptionally well. To understand the SARS-CoV-2 introductions, local transmissions, and associations with genomic and clinical parameters in Uruguay, we sequenced the viral genomes of 44 outpatients and inpatients in a private healthcare system in its capital, Montevideo, from March to May 2020. We performed a phylogeographic analysis using sequences from our cohort and other studies that indicate a minimum of 23 independent introductions into Uruguay, resulting in five major transmission clusters. Our data suggest that most introductions resulting in chains of transmission originate from other South American countries, with the earliest seeding of the virus in late February 2020, weeks before the borders were closed to all non-citizens and a partial lockdown implemented. Genetic analyses suggest a dominance of S and G clades (G, GH, GR) that make up >90% of the viral strains in our study. In our cohort, lethal outcome of SARS-CoV-2 infection significantly correlated with arterial hypertension, kidney failure, and ICU admission (FDR

Monitoring the conversion of native vegetation has challenged Brazilian government and scientists since the 1980s. In the case of the Amazonian forests, the Amazon Gross Deforestation Monitoring Project - PRODES has developed an effective methodology that provides consistent annual data on deforestation areas on a scale of 1:250,000, since 1988. In this article, we present some aspects of the evolution of this methodology, the key processes to produce accurate deforestation maps during the last 30 years and the new challenges that the Project would face. A central lesson is that no computational technique has, to date, been able to achieve the quality of deforestation maps produced by visual interpretation of satellite images and manual mapping.

BackgroundMyocardial mass is a key determinant of cardiac muscle function and hypertrophy. Myocardial depolarization leading to cardiac muscle contraction is reflected by the amplitude and duration of the QRS complex on the electrocardiogram (ECG). Abnormal QRS amplitude or duration reflect changes in myocardial mass and conduction, and are associated with increased risk of heart failure and death.ObjectivesThis meta-analysis sought to gain insights into the genetic determinants of myocardial mass.MethodsWe carried out a genome-wide association meta-analysis of 4 QRS traits in up to 73,518 individuals of European ancestry, followed by extensive biological and functional assessment.ResultsWe identified 52 genomic loci, of which 32 are novel, that are reliably associated with 1 or more QRS phenotypes at p < 1 × 10(-8). These loci are enriched in regions of open chromatin, histone modifications, and transcription factor binding, suggesting that they represent regions of the genome that are actively transcribed in the human heart. Pathway analyses provided evidence that these loci play a role in cardiac hypertrophy. We further highlighted 67 candidate genes at the identified loci that are preferentially expressed in cardiac tissue and associated with cardiac abnormalities in Drosophila melanogaster and Mus musculus. We validated the regulatory function of a novel variant in the SCN5A/SCN10A locus in vitro and in vivo.ConclusionsTaken together, our findings provide new insights into genes and biological pathways controlling myocardial mass and may help identify novel therapeutic targets.

Este artigo pretende refletir sobre as falas dos sujeitos em tratamento psicanalítico durante a pandemia de COVID-19 pelo novo coronavírus (SARS-CoV-2) e, para tanto, elegeu alguns significantes que se impuseram à escuta dos psicanalistas ao longo do tempo.