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We present estimates of the seasonal and spatial occupation by pinnipeds of the Wildlife Refuge of Ilha dos Lobos (WRIL), based on aerial photographic censuses. Twenty aerial photographic censuses were analysed between July 2010 and November 2018. To assess monthly differences in the numbers of pinnipeds in the WRIL we used a Generalized Linear Mixed Model. Spatial analysis was carried out using Kernel density analysis of the pinnipeds on a grid plotted along the WRIL. Subadult male South American sea lions (Otaria flavescens) were the most abundant pinniped in the WRIL. Potential females of this species were also recorded during half of the census. The maximum number of pinnipeds observed in the WRIL was 304 in September 2018, including an unexpected individual southern elephant seal (Mirounga leonina), and a high number of South American fur seal yearlings (Arctocephalus australis). However, there was no statistically significant difference in counts between months. In all months analysed, pinnipeds were most often found concentrated in the northern portion of the island, with the highest abundances reported in September. This study confirms the importance of the WRIL as a haulout site for pinnipeds in Brazil, recommends that land research and recreational activities occur in months when no pinnipeds are present, and encourages a regulated marine mammal-based tourism during winter and spring months. Fil: Procksch, Natália. Universidad de Vale do Rio dos Sinos; Brasil Fil: Grandi, Maria Florencia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico. Centro para el Estudio de Sistemas Marinos; Argentina Fil: Ott, Paulo Henrique. Universidade Estadual Do Rio Grande Do Sul; Brasil. Grupo de Estudos de Mamíferos Aquáticos Do Rio Grande Do Sul (GEMARS); Brasil Fil: Groch, Karina. Instituto Australis de Pesquisa E Monitoramento Ambiental. Projeto Baleia Franca; Brasil Fil: Flores, Paulo A. C.. Centro Mamíferos Aquáticos, Currently at Área de Proteção Ambiental; Brasil Fil: Zagonel, Marcelo. Universidad de Vale do Rio dos Sinos; Brasil Fil: Crespo, Enrique Alberto. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico. Centro para el Estudio de Sistemas Marinos; Argentina Fil: Machado, Rodrigo. Grupo de Estudos de Mamíferos Aquáticos Do Rio Grande Do Sul (GEMARS); Brasil Fil: Pavez, Guido. Universidad de Valparaiso; Chile Fil: Guimarães, Murilo. Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul; Brasil Fil: Veronez, Maurício. Universidad de Vale do Rio dos Sinos; Brasil Fil: de Oliveira, Larissa Rosa. Grupo de Estudos de Mamíferos Aquáticos Do Rio Grande Do Sul (GEMARS); Brasil. Universidad de Vale do Rio dos Sinos; Brasil

The bullfrog, Lithobates catesbeianus, is one of the most important invasive anurans, affecting especially native anurans due to their similar habits. Here we used a hierarchical co-occurrence model fit in a Bayesian framework to investigate the effects of the bullfrog on two native frog species from southern Brazil, testing the hypothesis that bullfrog presence changes the activity of native species and their relationship with habitat. We found that both occupancy and detection probabilities of native species were similar with bullfrog presence or absence at a site. However, we observed changes in activity and microhabitat use preferences of both native species when the bullfrog was present, suggesting that the presence of the invasive species altered the behavior of the native species. Changes induced by invasive species can result in severe long-term consequences for native species since niche differentiation may not mediate the ability of species to persist together indefinitely.

We studied the population biology and natural history of the endangered Swallowtail butterfly, Euryades corethrus to establish parameters for its conservation. We used capture-mark-recapture techniques and observations to study demography, mobility, foraging strategies, and sexual behavior. We captured 588 males and 367 females. Daily captures varied from zero to 44 per sex; sex ratio was male-biased. Abundance estimates showed that the population peaked during early spring and summer. Survival probability related to age, while temperature negatively affected recapture probability. Wing size varied throughout the study similarly for males and females, and both sexes displayed similar mobility. The distribution of flowers along sampling transects was not homogenous; Aristolochia sessilifolia was the only host plant recorded. The number of butterfly captures was higher in meadows and shrublands when compared to swamplands. Both the presence of flowers and host plants increased the chances of capturing individuals. The results shown here are relevant to design conservation strategies for the species, suggesting that classic conservation strategies, aimed to maintain a single patch of habitat protecting a single population, may not be the best strategy for the E. corethrus.

Habitat fragmentation is one of the sources of the global threat to wildlife populations. During the last four decades, urban development in Brazil’s southern coastline has seen considerable growth, fragmenting the habitat of the sand lizard Liolaemus occipitalis Boulenger, 1885, thus threatening it with extinction. In order to assess the influence of urban development on this species, we used tagging and recapture data to study two populations in Brazil’s southern coastline, one in a conserved area rarely subjected to disturbance and the other in an area undergoing different kinds of anthropogenic disturbance. We explored the consequences of this change in the natural landscape by comparing estimates of survival and abundance with Robust Design Model, and the body condition of individuals in both populations with analysis of covariance and variance. Survival of individuals were lower in the disturbed population than in the conserved population. The abundance of this lizard species was similar between populations. The body condition of females was higher in the disturbed area than in the conserved area, while males were similar among populations, but longer (SVL). This study shows how anthropic impacts can affect a population of lizards and the importance of maintaining protected areas and their interconnection to preserve Liolaemus occipitalis. RESUMO A fragmentação do habitat é uma das fontes de ameaça global às populações de vida selvagem. Durante as últimas quatro décadas, o desenvolvimento urbano do litoral sul do Brasil teve um crescimento considerável, fragmentando o habitat da lagartixa-da-praia lagarto-da-areia Liolaemus occipitalis Boulenger, 1885, ameaçando-o de extinção. Para avaliar a influência do desenvolvimento urbano sobre esta espécie, usamos dados de marcação e recaptura para estudar duas populações, uma em uma área conservada raramente sujeita a perturbações, e a outra em uma área submetida a diferentes tipos de perturbações antrópicas. Exploramos as consequências dessa mudança na paisagem natural comparando estimativas de sobrevivência e abundância com Modelo Robusto de Pollock, e condição corporal dos indivíduos com análises de covariância e variância, em ambas as populações situadas no litoral sul do Brasil. A abundância da espécie foi semelhante nas duas áreas, mas a sobrevivência dos indivíduos foi menor na população perturbada do que na conservada. A condição corporal das fêmeas foi maior na área perturbada, enquanto que o CRC dos machos foi maior na área conservada. Este estudo mostra como impactos antrópicos podem afetar uma população de lagartos e a importância da manutenção de áreas protegidas e sua interconexão para a preservação de Liolaemus occipitalis.

This laboratory randomized study was designed to evaluate the effect of polishing on roughness and color stability of bleached teeth after coffee immersion.Ninety bovine crowns were randomly allocated to six groups (n = 15), according to bleaching protocols: At-home: standard protocol using 10% hydrogen peroxide (HP) or In-office: standard protocol using 35% HP; and with polishing protocols: (1) no polishing, (2) bleached enamel polished with #0.5 μm or (3) #2-4 μm diamond particles grit pastes. Samples were daily immersed into coffee solution for 45 min followed by mechanical brushing simulation (30 s) for 30 days. The surface roughness (Ra) and color alteration, expressed by ΔEStaining increases Ra, ΔEUsing #0.5 μ-grit diamond paste to polish 35%HP in-office bleached enamel reduces the roughness and tooth staining. However, polishing after 10%HP at-home bleached enamel neither affects roughness nor improves tooth color stability after exposure to coffee.Polishing after at-home bleaching does not have benefits but after 35% hydrogen peroxide in-office bleaching, the polishing with #0.5 μ-grit polishing paste is indicated to reduce roughness and the tooth staining over time.

Introduction: Diastemas are found among the main aesthetic ones of patients and can be classified as extra spaces, located between the most important ones, caused by differences in the size of the two faces, absence of differences, disproportion of faces in the upper arch and lower, deleterious habits and several others. factors. The search for conservative treatments allowed the development of increasingly improved resins, which aim to establish restorations with satisfactory aesthetics in a shorter time of work, without the need for greater wear, preserving the dental structure. Objectives: To present a clinical case where aesthetics can be reestablished in previous diastema with the use of direct resins and wetting agents, avoiding further wear, restoring function and self-esteem to the patient. Description of the case: A photographic protocol was carried out, whitening in the office and at home, followed by a diagnostic wax-up, assembly in an articulator, revision of guides, elaboration of a silicone matrix to obtain the incisal, followed by a circle of the diastema with direct resins and a thin surface layer with a wetting agent. Final considerations: The composite resin has proven to be an excellent alternative when it correctly uses a trained professional who understands the aesthetic and psychological principles of your patient. The use of a humectant agent associated with composite resin provided the success of the restorative treatment, facilitating the manipulation of the resin and, consequently, the anatomy, surpassing the patient's expectations, restoring the aesthetics of their clients, thus increasing their self-esteem. Introducción: Los diastemas se encuentran entre las principales quejas estéticas de los pacientes y se pueden clasificar como espacios extra, localizados entre dos o más dientes, provocados por diferencias en el tamaño de los dientes, ausencia de los mismos, desproporción de los dientes en la arcada superior e inferior, hábitos deletéreos y varios otros. factores. La búsqueda de tratamientos conservadores permitió el desarrollo de resinas cada vez más mejoradas, que tienen como objetivo establecer restauraciones con una estética satisfactoria en un tiempo de trabajo más corto, sin necesidad de un mayor desgaste, preservando la estructura dental. Objetivos: Presentar un caso clínico donde se restableció la estética en diastemas previos con el uso de resinas directas y agentes humectantes, evitando un mayor desgaste, devolviendo la función y la autoestima al paciente. Descripción del caso: Se realizó un protocolo fotográfico, blanqueamiento en consultorio y en casa, seguido de encerado diagnóstico, montaje en articulador, revisión de guías, elaboración de una matriz de silicona para obtener el incisal, seguido de cierre del diastema con resinas directas y una fina capa superficial con agente humectante. Consideraciones finales: La resina compuesta demostró ser una excelente alternativa cuando la utiliza correctamente un profesional capacitado que comprende los principios estéticos y psicológicos de su paciente. El uso de un agente humectante asociado a resina compuesta proporcionó el éxito del tratamiento restaurador, facilitando la manipulación de la resina y, en consecuencia, la anatomía, superando las expectativas del paciente, devolviendo la estética de sus dientes, aumentando así su autoestima. Introdução: Diastemas estão entre as principais queixas estéticas dos pacientes e podem ser classificados como espaços extras, localizados entre dois dentes ou mais, causados por diferenças de tamanhos dentais, ausência dos mesmos, desproporção dos dentes no arco superior com inferior, hábitos deletérios e vários outros fatores. A busca por tratamentos conservadores possibilitou o desenvolvimento de resinas cada vez mais aprimoradas, que visam o estabelecimento de restaurações com estética satisfatória em um menor tempo de trabalho, sem necessidade de maiores desgastes, preservando a estrutura dental. Objetivos: Relatar um caso clínico onde foi restabelecida a estética em diastemas anteriores com o uso de resinas diretas e agentes umectantes, evitando maiores desgastes, devolvendo função e autoestima para o paciente. Descrição do caso: Foi realizado protocolo fotográfico, clareamento de consultório e caseiro, seguido de enceramento diagnóstico, com montagem em articulador, verificação de guias, confecção de matriz de silicone para obter a incisal, seguida do fechamento dos diastemas com resinas diretas e uma fina camada superficial com agente umectante. Considerações Finais: A resina composta se mostrou uma excelente alternativa quando utilizada de maneira correta por um profissional capacitado, que compreenda os princípios estéticos e psicológicos de seu paciente. A utilização de agente umectante associado a resina composta proporcionou o sucesso do tratamento restaurador facilitando manipulação da resina e consequentemente a anatomia, superando as expectativas do paciente, devolvendo ao mesmo a estética de seus dentes, elevando, assim, sua autoestima.

Although sickle cell anemia results from homozygosity for a single mutation at position 7 of the β-globin chain, the clinical aspects of this condition are very heterogeneous. Complications include leg ulcers, which have a negative impact on patients’ quality of life and are related to the severity of the disease. Nevertheless, the complex pathogenesis of this complication has yet to be elucidated. To identify novel genes associated with leg ulcers in sickle cell anemia, we performed whole-exome sequencing of extreme phenotypes in a sample of Brazilian sickle cell anemia patients and validated our findings in another sample. Our discovery cohort consisted of 40 unrelated sickle cell anemia patients selected based on extreme phenotypes: 20 patients without leg ulcers, aged from 40 to 61 years, and 20 with chronic leg ulcers. DNA was extracted from peripheral blood leukocytes and used for whole-exome sequencing. After the bioinformatics analysis, eight variants were selected for validation by Sanger sequencing and TaqMan® genotyping in 293 sickle cell anemia patients (153 without leg ulcers) from two different locations in Brazil. After the validation, Fisher’s exact test revealed a statistically significant difference in a stop codon variant (rs12568784 G/T) in the FLG2 gene between the GT and GG genotypes ( P = 0.035). We highlight the importance of rs12568784 in leg ulcer development as this variant of the FLG2 gene results in impairment of the skin barrier, predisposing the individual to inflammation and infection. Additionally, we suggest that the remaining seven variants and the genes in which they occur could be strong candidates for leg ulcers in sickle cell anemia. Impact statement To our knowledge, the present study is the first to use whole-exome sequencing based on extreme phenotypes to identify new candidate genes associated with leg ulcers in sickle cell anemia patients. There are few studies about this complication; the pathogenesis remains complex and has yet to be fully elucidated. We identified interesting associations in genes never related with this complication to our knowledge, especially the variant in the FLG2 gene. The knowledge of variants related with leg ulcer in sickle cell anemia may lead to a better comprehension of the disease’s etiology, allowing prevention and early treatment options in risk genotypes while improving quality of life for these patients.

CAPES - Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior O hidrociclone é um equipamento utilizado com o intuito de separar uma fase discreta sólida de outra fase contínua líquida, a instituição FEQUI/UFU possui diversos trabalhos utilizando esse equipamento. A instituição ao combinar a operação de hidrociclonagem à operação de filtração criou o chamado hidrociclone filtrante, que possui vantagens operacionais quando comparado com um hidrociclone convencional de mesma geometria. Uma das pesquisas realizadas pela instituição propôs um equipamento convencional geometricamente otimizado cujo objetivo foi o de alcançar altas eficiências, o HGOT1, quando operado com suspensões newtonianas e diluídas. Entretanto, várias suspensões utilizadas na indústria química são suspensões não-newtonianas e concentradas. Desse modo, esse trabalho se propôs a avaliar o desempenho de dois hidrociclones, ambos geometricamente inspirados no HGOT1, sendo um deles modificado e portador de um cone feito de material filtrante e outro convencional (sem filtro). Por meio de um planejamento de experimentos, foi possível estudar o efeito da concentração volumétrica de sólidos alimentada, da queda de pressão experimentada pelos hidrociclones e o efeito da reologia da suspensão alimentada. Foi, também, conduzido uma simulação tridimensional, monofásica e em estado transiente envolvendo o hidrociclone filtrante com o intuito de desenvolver uma abordagem capaz de descrever esse equipamento. Em resumo, observou-se que o aumento da viscosidade aparente e da concentração da suspensão prejudicaram o desempenho de separação dos hidrociclones. Ao comparar as respostas geradas pelos equipamentos convencional e filtrante, pôde-se observar que elas apresentam diferenças. A média da eficiência total do equipamento convencional foi 4,1% menor do que a do filtrante. Enquanto a média do número de Euler do equipamento filtrante foi aproximadamente 12% menor do que a do convencional. Acredita-se que, mesmo operando com suspensões não-newtonianas e concentradas, a presença do filtro foi capaz de mudar a fluidodinâmica do equipamento, o que garantiu ao hidrociclone filtrante uma vantagem no desempenho de separação e no consumo energético quando comparado ao equipamento convencional. The hydrocyclone is an equipment used in order to separate a discrete solid phase from another continuous liquid phase, the FEQUI/UFU institution have several studies investigating this device. The institution when combining the hydrocyclone operation with the filtration operation, created the so-called filtering hydrocyclone, which has operational advantages when compared to a conventional hydrocyclone of the same geometry. One of the researches carried out by the institution proposed a conventional geometrically optimized device whose objective was to achieve high efficiencies (HGOT1) when operated with Newtonian and diluted suspensions. Yet, several suspensions used in the chemical industry are non-Newtonian and concentrated suspensions. Hence, this work aims to evaluate the performance of two hydrocyclones, both geometrically inspired by the HGOT1, one being modified and having a cone made of filtering material and the other a conventional one (without the filtering media). Through a design of experiments, it was possible to study the effect of the volumetric concentration of solids fed, the pressure drop experienced by the hydrocyclones and the effect of the rheology of the fed suspension. Also, a three-dimensional, single-phase, transient state simulation involving the filtering hydrocyclone was conducted in order to develop an approach that is capable to describe this equipment. In conclusion, it was observed that the increase of the apparent viscosity and concentration of the suspension harmed the separation performance of hydrocyclones. When comparing the responses generated by conventional and filtering equipment, it was observed that they differ. The average total efficiency of conventional equipment was 4.1% lower than that of the filtering one. While the average Euler number of the filtering equipment was approximately 12% lower than the conventional one. It is believed, that even when operating with non-Newtonian and concentrated suspensions, the presence of the filter was able to change the fluid dynamics of the equipment, which guaranteed the filtering hydrdorcylclone an advantage in separation performance and energy consumption when compared to the conventional one. Dissertação (Mestrado) 2023-02-10

O tratamento de radioterapia é complexo e envolve a compreensão de princípios da física médica, radiobiologia, proteção radiológica, dosimetria, planejamento, simulação e integração da radioterapia com outras modalidades de tratamento. Como parâmetro físico fundamental para se estabelecer a modalidade e sucesso do tratamento, a dose a ser entregue deve estar em conformidade com a dose prescrita, o que torna o seu cálculo ou determinação parte central do processo de aprovação de uma proposta terapêutica. No âmbito nacional, a Comissão Nacional de Energia Nuclear (CNEN) exige que nos serviços de radioterapia deve existir um segundo sistema de cálculo de dose para verificação do planejamento do tratamento . No presente trabalho descrevemos o desenvolvimento e implementação de um conferidor automático para o cálculo das unidades monitoras e da dose no ponto de cálculo de forma independente do sistema de planejamento XiO®, disponível no serviço de radioterapia do Hospital de Clínicas da Universidade Estadual de Campinas, e aplicável a outros serviços mediante inserção e adequação das tabelas de comissionamento ao sistema. O ambiente computacional escolhido para desenvolvimento deste projeto foi o R, com a interface de desenvolvimento do RStudio. A avaliação da precisão do cálculo das unidades monitoras e da acurácia na dose pelo cálculo inverso, implementados pelo conferidor, se mostraram comparáveis ao cálculo manual.

Wildlife demography is typically studied at a single point in time within a year when species, often during the reproductive season, are more active and therefore easier to find. However, this provides only a low-resolution glimpse into demographic temporal patterns over time and may hamper a more complete understanding of the population dynamics of a species over the full annual cycle. The full annual cycle is often influenced by environmental seasonality, which induces a cyclic behavior in many species. However, cycles have rarely been explicitly included in models for demographic parameters, and most information on full annual cycle demography is restricted to migratory species. Here we used a high-resolution capture-recapture study of a resident tropical lizard to assess the full intra-annual demography and within-year periodicity in survival, temporary emigration and recapture probabilities. We found important variation over the annual cycle and up to 92% of the total monthly variation explained by cycles. Fine-scale demographic studies and assessments on the importance of cycles within parameters may be a powerful way to achieve a better understanding of population persistence over time.

For a better interpretation of variants, evidence-based databases, such as ClinVar, compile data on the presumed relationships between variants and phenotypes. In this study, we aimed to analyze the pattern of sequencing depth in variants from whole-exome sequencing data in the 1000 Genomes project phase 3, focusing on the variants present in the ClinVar database that were predicted to affect protein-coding regions. We demonstrate that the distribution of the sequencing depth varies across different sequencing centers (pair-wise comparison, p < 0.001). Most importantly, we found that the distribution pattern of sequencing depth is specific to each facility, making it possible to correctly assign 96.9% of the samples to their sequencing center. Thus, indicating the presence of a systematic bias, related to the methods used in the different facilities, which generates significant variations in breadth and depth in whole-exome sequencing data in clinically relevant regions. Our results show that methodological differences, leading to significant heterogeneity in sequencing depth, may potentially influence the accuracy of genetic diagnosis. Furthermore, our findings highlight how it is still challenging to integrate results from different sequencing centers, which may also have an impact on genomic research.

Agradecimentos: The authors thank Prof. Vera Solferini, Prof. Plinio Barbosa, Ph.D. Ticiana Mira, and Dr. Joana Prota for their contributions on technical assistance and critical review of the manuscript. This work was supported by Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP), grant #2013/07559-3; High-Performance National Center (CENAPAD-Campinas), Sao Paulo, Brazil), project "proj595" (UNICAMP / FINEP - MCT) and Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior Brasil (CAPES), grant # 001.Dr. IL-C is supported by Conselho Nacional de Pesquisa (CNPq), Brazil, grants # 309494/2014-1 and 403299/2016-0 Abstract: For a better interpretation of variants, evidence-based databases, such as ClinVar, compile data on the presumed relationships between variants and phenotypes. In this study, we aimed to analyze the pattern of sequencing depth in variants from whole-exome sequencing data in the 1000 Genomes project phase 3, focusing on the variants present in the ClinVar database that were predicted to affect protein-coding regions. We demonstrate that the distribution of the sequencing depth varies across different sequencing centers (pair-wise comparison, p < 0.001). Most importantly, we found that the distribution pattern of sequencing depth is specific to each facility, making it possible to correctly assign 96.9% of the samples to their sequencing center. Thus, indicating the presence of a systematic bias, related to the methods used in the different facilities, which generates significant variations in breadth and depth in whole-exome sequencing data in clinically relevant regions. Our results show that methodological differences, leading to significant heterogeneity in sequencing depth, may potentially influence the accuracy of genetic diagnosis. Furthermore, our findings highlight how it is still challenging to integrate results from different sequencing centers, which may also have an impact on genomic research FUNDAÇÃO DE AMPARO À PESQUISA DO ESTADO DE SÃO PAULO - FAPESP FINANCIADORA DE ESTUDOS E PROJETOS - FINEP COORDENAÇÃO DE APERFEIÇOAMENTO DE PESSOAL DE NÍVEL SUPERIOR - CAPES CONSELHO NACIONAL DE DESENVOLVIMENTO CIENTÍFICO E TECNOLÓGICO - CNPQ Aberto

OBJECTIVE Focal cortical dysplasias (FCDs) are an important cause of drug-resistant epilepsy. In this work, we aimed to investigate whether abnormal gene regulation, mediated by microRNA, could be involved in FCD type II. METHODS We used total RNA from the brain tissue of 16 patients with FCD type II and 28 controls. MicroRNA expression was initially assessed by microarray. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction, in situ hybridization, luciferase reporter assays, and deep sequencing for genes in the mTOR pathway were performed to validate and further explore our initial study. RESULTS hsa-let-7f (p = 0.039), hsa-miR-31 (p = 0.0078), and hsa-miR34a (p = 0.021) were downregulated in FCD type II, whereas a transcription factor involved in neuronal and glial fate specification, NEUROG2 (p

Although sickle cell anemia results from homozygosity for a single mutation at position 7 of the β-globin chain, the clinical aspects of this condition are very heterogeneous. Complications include leg ulcers, which have a negative impact on patients’ quality of life and are related to the severity of the disease. Nevertheless, the complex pathogenesis of this complication has yet to be elucidated. To identify novel genes associated with leg ulcers in sickle cell anemia, we performed whole-exome sequencing of extreme phenotypes in a sample of Brazilian sickle cell anemia patients and validated our findings in another sample. Our discovery cohort consisted of 40 unrelated sickle cell anemia patients selected based on extreme phenotypes: 20 patients without leg ulcers, aged from 40 to 61 years, and 20 with chronic leg ulcers. DNA was extracted from peripheral blood leukocytes and used for whole-exome sequencing. After the bioinformatics analysis, eight variants were selected for validation by Sanger sequencing and TaqMan® genotyping in 293 sickle cell anemia patients (153 without leg ulcers) from two different locations in Brazil. After the validation, Fisher’s exact test revealed a statistically significant difference in a stop codon variant (rs12568784 G/T) in the FLG2 gene between the GT and GG genotypes (P = 0.035). We highlight the importance of rs12568784 in leg ulcer development as this variant of the FLG2 gene results in impairment of the skin barrier, predisposing the individual to inflammation and infection. Additionally, we suggest that the remaining seven variants and the genes in which they occur could be strong candidates for leg ulcers in sickle cell anemia. IMPACT STATEMENT: To our knowledge, the present study is the first to use whole-exome sequencing based on extreme phenotypes to identify new candidate genes associated with leg ulcers in sickle cell anemia patients. There are few studies about this complication; the pathogenesis remains complex and has yet to be fully elucidated. We identified interesting associations in genes never related with this complication to our knowledge, especially the variant in the FLG2 gene. The knowledge of variants related with leg ulcer in sickle cell anemia may lead to a better comprehension of the disease’s etiology, allowing prevention and early treatment options in risk genotypes while improving quality of life for these patients.

Alterations in thermal niches have been widely associated with the Anthropocene erosion of reptiles' diversity. They entail potential physiological constraints for organisms' performance, which can lead to activity restrictions and impact fitness and demography. Reptiles are ectotherms which rely on seasonal periodicity to maximize the performance of biological functions. Despite it, the ecological implications of shifts in local temperatures are barely explored at the seasonal scale. This study aims to assess how changes in air temperature and substrate temperature affect the activity, body temperature (Tb) and thermoregulation patterns of the sand lizard, Liolaemus arambarensis (an endangered, microendemic species from southern Brazil), throughout a four-year period. Field surveys were conducted monthly on a restricted population in a sand-dune habitat. The annual fluctuations of the seasonal temperatures led to significant changes in the activity and Tb of L. arambarensis and shaped thermoregulation trends, suggesting biological plasticity as a key factor in the face of such variability. Lizards tended to maintain seasonal Tb in mild and harsh seasons through increased warming/cooling efforts. Anomalous winter conditions seemed especially critical for individual performance due to their apparent high impact favouring/constraining activity. Activity and thermoregulation were inhibited in frigid winters, probably due to a vulnerable physiology to intense cold spells determined by higher preferred body temperatures than Tb. Our results warn of a complex sensitivity in lizards to anomalous seasonal temperatures, which are potentially enhanced by climate change. The current work highlights the importance of multiannual biomonitoring to disentangle long-term responses in the thermal biology of reptiles and, thereby, to integrate conservation needs in the scope of global change.

In the original publication of the article, the last name of the first author was published incorrectly and the correct name is given in this correction.

Background Despite advances in treatments for endometriosis, some symptoms persist owing to the chronic inflammation observed in this disease. Objective To identify resources, methods, and/or complementary treatments to alleviate the pain symptoms of endometriosis, and to identify adverse effects of treatments. Search strategy Lilacs, Scielo, PEDro, Scopus, Pubmed, CENTRAL Cochrane, Science Direct, and Google Scholar were searched for studies published in Portuguese, English, and Spanish to July 31, 2017, using the terms "physical therapy" OR "complementary treatment" AND "endometriosis". Selection criteria Randomized controlled trials relating to complementary pelvic pain treatment and adverse effects. Data collection and analysis Eight studies were identified; two studies were included in the meta-analysis. Main results The complementary interventions studied were acupuncture, exercise, electrotherapy, and yoga. All were inconclusive in affirming benefit, but demonstrated a positive trend in the treatment of symptoms of endometriosis. Meta-analysis of acupuncture showed a significant benefit in pain reduction as compared with placebo (P=0.007). Conclusions Numerous complementary treatments have been used to alleviate the symptoms of endometriosis, but only acupuncture has demonstrated a significant improvement in outcomes. Nevertheless, other approaches demonstrated positive trends toward improving symptoms; this should encourage investigators to design controlled studies to support their applicability.