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Cork oak (Quercus suber L.) mortality has reached alarming proportions in the last decades, exacerbated by climate change. Understanding this phenomenon is crucial in finding mitigation or adaptation strategies. This study conducts a diachronic analysis of cork oak mortality over 10 years using GIS (Geographic Information Systems) tools, focusing on Portugal’s Tagus Lezíria region. Topographic, edaphic and climatic variables were employed to create maps of edaphoclimatic aptitude for cork oaks. Dead trees were identified using remote sensing techniques and crown coverage was determined to calculate the trees’ mortality index. The diachronic analysis aimed the exploration of climate change effects on cork oak mortality. A decrease in precipitation was observed, significantly impacting stands with canopy cover below 40%. Furthermore, a negative effect of solar radiation identified only in stands with canopy cover of 40% suggested its role in cork oak decline. This study introduces a novel perspective, highlighting the protective effect of denser canopy cover against excessive solar radiation and the impact of reduced precipitation. The integrated and diachronic approach provides valuable information for adapting management strategies to climate change challenges.

Background: The recent COVID-19 pandemic and the emergence of infectious diseases at the human-animal interface highlight the global challenge of mitigating zoonotic risks. The One Health approach emphasizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, urging for holistic and interdisciplinary strategies in disease prevention. Despite growing interest, the attention to wildlife in pandemic prevention remains limited. This systematic literature review aims to evaluate recent One Health research on zoonotic diseases and wildlife in terms of study design, interdisciplinary collaboration, and participatory approaches. Key questions addressed include the consideration of One Health domains, disciplinary involvement, and the inclusion of non-academic stakeholders. Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, PubMed and Web of Science were searched for primary research papers on zoonotic diseases and wildlife from 2018 to 2023. Eligibility criteria included a focus on wildlife, zoonotic diseases, and adoption of the One Health approach. Results: A total of 228 primary research papers were retrieved. Out of these, 105 studies were included in the review. Few studies integrated human, animal, and environmental domains simultaneously in data collection (4.8 %) and knowledge generation (29.5 %). While extensive knowledge was generated for animal health (97.1 %) and human health (84.8 %), environmental health (34.3 %) remained underrepresented. Laboratory methods predominated (82.9 %), with limited integration of social science methodologies (19 %). The majority were epidemiological studies (86.7 %), yet analytical design within these was sparse (17.1 %). Participation of non-academic stakeholders was limited (36.2 % included non-academics; 3.8 % encompassed participative approaches). Conclusions: The synthesis of the domains human, animal and environmental health remained fragmentary in the studies reviewed. Environmental health is underrepresented and the interdisciplinary involvement of social sciences lacks. Neglecting these fields of competence impedes comprehensive understanding of disease dynamics and hampers effective zoonosis prevention strategies. In result, greater inter- and transdisciplinary collaboration, along with participatory approaches, are still needed for advancing One Health research.

Monique da Silva Pinto,1 Caroline de Oliveira Ribeiro,1 Paula Morisco de Sá,2 Hermano Albuquerque Castro,3 Thiago Prudente Bártholo,4 Agnaldo José Lopes,4 Pedro Lopes Melo1,5 1Biomedical Instrumentation Laboratory, Institute of Biology and Faculty of Engineering, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; 2University of the Brazilian Air Force, Postgraduate Program in Operational Human Performance, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; 3National School of Public Health, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; 4Pedro Ernesto University Hospital, Pulmonary Function Laboratory, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; 5State University of Rio de Janeiro, Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Research in Vascular Biology, Rio de Janeiro, BrazilCorrespondence: Pedro Lopes Melo, Department of Physiology, State University of Rio de Janeiro, São Francisco Xavier Street, Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Tel +55(21)2334-0705, Email plopes@uerj.brBackground: Asthma onset or worsening of the disease in adulthood may be associated with occupational asthma (OA) or work-exacerbated asthma (WEA). Oscillometry and respiratory modeling offer insight into the pathophysiology and contribute to the early diagnosis of respiratory abnormalities.Purpose: This study aims to compare the changes due to OA and WEA and evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of this method.Patients and Methods: Ninety-nine volunteers were evaluated: 33 in the control group, 33 in the OA group, and 33 in the WEA group. The area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUC) was used to describe diagnostic accuracy.Results: Oscillometric analysis showed increased resistance at 4 hz (R4, p< 0.001), 20 hz (R20, p< 0.05), R4-R20 (p< 0.0001), and respiratory work (p< 0.001). Similar analysis showed reductions in dynamic compliance (p< 0.001) and ventilation homogeneity, as evaluated by resonance frequency (Fr, p< 0.0001) and reactance area (p< 0.0001). Respiratory modeling showed increased peripheral resistance (p< 0.0001), hysteresivity (p< 0.0001), and damping (p< 0.0001). No significant changes were observed comparing OA with WEA in any parameter. For OA, the diagnostic accuracy analyses showed Fr as the most accurate among oscillometric parameters (AUC=0.938), while the most accurate from respiratory modeling was hysteresivity (AUC=0.991). A similar analysis for WEA also showed that Fr was the most accurate among traditional parameters (AUC=0.972), and hysteresivity was the most accurate from modeling (AUC=0.987). The evaluation of differential diagnosis showed low accuracy.Conclusion: Oscillometry and modeling have advanced our understanding of respiratory abnormalities in OA and WEA. Furthermore, our study presents evidence suggesting that these models could aid in the early diagnosis of these diseases. Respiratory oscillometry examinations necessitate only tidal breathing and are straightforward to conduct. Collectively, these practical considerations, coupled with the findings of our study, indicate that respiratory oscillometry in conjunction with respiratory modeling, may enhance lung function assessments in OA and WEA.Keywords: occupational asthma, work-exacerbated asthma, pulmonary function, forced oscillations, respiratory modeling, fractional order modeling

Ana RS Ribeiro,1,2 Theresa Neuper,1– 3 Jutta Horejs-Hoeck1– 3 1Department of Biosciences and Medical Biology, Paris Lodron University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria; 2Cancer Cluster Salzburg (CCS), Salzburg, 5020, Austria; 3Center for Tumor biology and Immunology (CTBI), Salzburg, 5020, AustriaCorrespondence: Jutta Horejs-Hoeck, Department of Biosciences and Medical Biology, Paris-Lodron University Salzburg, Hellbrunner Strasse 34, Salzburg, 5020, Austria, Tel +43(0)662 8044 5709, Email jutta.horejs-hoeck@plus.ac.atAbstract: The signaling pathway that comprises cyclic guanosine monophosphate–adenosine monophosphate (cGAMP or GMP-AMP) synthase (cGAS) and Stimulator of Interferon Genes (STING) is emerging as a druggable target for immunotherapy, with tumor-resident dendritic cells (DC) playing a critical role in mediating its effects. The STING receptor is part of the DNA-sensing cellular machinery, that can trigger the secretion of pro-inflammatory mediators, priming effector T cells and initiating specific antitumor responses. Yet, recent studies have highlighted the dual role of STING activation in the context of cancer: STING can either promote antitumor responses or enhance tumor progression. This dichotomy often depends on the cell type in which cGAS-STING signaling is induced and the activation mode, namely acute versus chronic. Of note, STING activation at the DC level appears to be particularly important for tumor eradication. This review outlines the contribution of the different conventional and plasmacytoid DC subsets and describes the mechanisms underlying STING-mediated activation of DCs in cancer. We further highlight how the STING pathway plays an intricate role in modulating the function of DCs embedded in tumor tissue. Additionally, we discuss the strategies being employed to harness STING activation for cancer treatment, such as the development of synthetic agonists and nano-based delivery systems, spotlighting the current techniques used to prompt STING engagement specifically in DCs.Keywords: dendritic cell, cGAS-STING pathway, cancer immunotherapy, nanoparticle

Allison F O’Neill,1 Raul C Ribeiro,2 Emilia M Pinto,3 Michael R Clay,4 Gerard P Zambetti,3 Brent A Orr,3 Christopher B Weldon,5 Carlos Rodriguez-Galindo2,6 1Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber/Boston Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Boston, MA, USA; 2Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA; 3Department of Pathology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA; 4Department of Pathology, Children’s Hospital Colorado, Denver, CO, USA; 5Department of Surgery, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; 6Department of Global Pediatric Medicine, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USACorrespondence: Allison F O’Neill, Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Avenue – DA3111, Boston, MA, 02215, USA, Email Allison_oneill@dfci.harvard.eduAbstract: Adrenocortical tumors (ACTs) are infrequent neoplasms in children and adolescents and are typically associated with clinical symptoms reflective of androgen overproduction. Pediatric ACTs typically occur in the context of a germline TP53 mutation, can be cured when diagnosed at an early stage, but are difficult to treat when advanced or associated with concurrent TP53 and ATRX alterations. Recent work has demonstrated DNA methylation patterns suggestive of prognostic significance. While current treatment standards rely heavily upon surgical resection, chemotherapy, and hormonal modulation, small cohort studies suggest promise for multi-tyrosine kinases targeting anti-angiogenic pathways or immunomodulatory therapies. Future work will focus on novel risk stratification algorithms and combination therapies intended to mitigate toxicity for patients with perceived low-risk disease while intensifying therapy or accelerating discoveries aimed at improving survival for patients with difficult-to-treat disease.Keywords: adrenocortical, pediatric, management, discovery, carcinoma, tumors

Due to the lack of irrigation management techniques, the application of water in forest nurseries is generally carried out without control, resulting in great waste. This study aimed to develop and evaluate weighing mini-lysimeters (ML) to automate the irrigation system and determine the water demand and evaluation of the initial tree species seedling growth. The structure was built out of wood to fit a tray of 54 tubes measuring 280 cm³. It was equipped with a load cell with a nominal capacity of 10 kg, located in the center of the structure. The mass variations of the set were recorded on a micro SD card using an Arduino Mega board, which allowed for the automated irrigation management system through an algorithm. Two MLs were built, determining the water demand of Dalbergia nigra (DN) and Enterolobium contortisiliquum (EC) seedlings in the initial growth phase. After calibration, the MLs presented an absolute error and mean squared error below 1% of the total mass, allowing effective irrigation control. During the evaluation period, 1.47 L seedling-1 of DN and 1.45 L seedling-1 of EC were applied, reaching 89 days after emergence, height and stem diameter of 39.2 cm and 3.4 mm, and 19.3 cm and 4.6 mm, respectively. The weighing mini-lysimeters developed demonstrated the ability to automate the irrigation of tree species seedlings, reducing the amount of water applied in forest nurseries.

Margarida Ribeiro,1,2,&ast; João Nogueira Freitas,3,&ast; Mário Lima-Fontes,1 Mariana Leuzinger-Dias,1 Marta Inês Silva,1 Joana Araújo,1,4 Sérgio Estrela-Silva,1,4 António Benevides Melo,1,4 João Tavares-Ferreira,1 Flávio Alves,1 João Barbosa-Breda1,4– 6 1Department of Ophthalmology, Unidade Local de Saúde de São João, Porto, Portugal; 2Department of Biomedicine – Unit of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; 3Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; 4Department of Surgery and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; 5UnIC@RISE, Department of Surgery and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; 6KULeuven, Research Group Ophthalmology, Department of Neurosciences, Leuven, Belgium&ast;These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Margarida Ribeiro, Department of Ophthalmology – Unidade Local de Saúde de São João, Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, Porto, 4200-319, Portugal, Email margarida.ribeiro.guimaraes@gmail.comPurpose: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of transscleral diode cyclophotocoagulation (TSCPC) at 2 years of follow up.Methods: This is a retrospective review of the records of all adult patients who underwent their first TSCPC treatment between 2014 and 2019 at Unidade Local de Saúde de São João, Porto, Portugal. Data regarding intraocular pressure (IOP), best corrected visual acuity, number of IOP-lowering medications, use of oral acetazolamide, retreatments and complications during a 2-year period following TSCPC were registered. The primary outcome was overall success at 2 years, defined as IOP≥ 6 and ≤ 21 mmHg, with at least 20% IOP reduction from baseline, with or without IOP-lowering medications (qualified and complete success, respectively), without the development of phthisis bulbi or loss of light perception due to glaucoma and no further glaucoma procedures except TSCPC retreatment.Results: Ninety-six eyes from 96 patients were included, mean age was 63 (± 14) years. Mean IOP at baseline was 39.1 (± 13.3) mmHg. Mean IOP reduction at 2 years was 18.5 (42.9%) mmHg (± 16.0, min − 16.0, max 56.0) (p < 0.001) and a significant reduction in the number of IOP-lowering medications and use of oral acetazolamide was observed. IOP reduction at 2 years was positively correlated with baseline IOP (r=0.682; p < 0.001). Overall success (including complete and qualified) was achieved in 42 patients (43.8%), with 34 (35.4%) presenting qualified success. Neovascular glaucoma (NVG) was the predominant diagnosis (n = 30, 31.3%), with a higher mean baseline IOP of 46.3 mmHg (± 11.8, min 21.0, max 70.0) and a larger mean IOP reduction at 2 years of 24.7 (51.0%) mmHg (± 16.4, min − 2.0, max 55.0). Thirteen patients (13.5%) developed persistent hypotony, eight of which converted to phthisis bulbi, of which half had NVG.Conclusion: TSCPC can be an effective IOP-lowering procedure, demonstrating a stronger effect when the preoperative IOP is highest. However, there is a wide variability in the effect (specially in eyes with NVG) and some relevant complications, including 8.3% of patients developing phthisis bulbi after 2 years of follow up.Keywords: intraocular pressure, glaucoma, ocular hypotension, transscleral cyclophotocoagulation, neovascular glaucoma, phthisis bulbi

A prevenção da obesidade infantil é uma questão crítica para a saúde pública, pois a grande maioria do excesso de peso é adquirido ainda em idade pré-escolar. De acordo com a Organização Mundial de Saúde, em 2016, 41 milhões de crianças apresentavam excesso de peso ou obesidade com menos de 5 anos. A obesidade é difícil de combater, persistindo na idade adulta, e aumenta o risco de doenças crónicas. Embora os comportamentos de estilo de vida modificáveis, como alimentação saudável e atividade física, sejam determinantes no sucesso do combate à obesidade, outros fatores da sociedade atual decorrentes do avanço tecnológico têm um peso marcado nesta doença. Para prevenir a obesidade na primeira infância, é importante entender os fatores de risco e as suas interações. As intervenções multidisciplinares demonstram ser eficazes, quando há disponibilidade e motivação, principalmente do ambiente familiar e escolar, onde as crianças estão inseridas. No entanto, desenvolver e avaliar intervenções complexas para a prevenção da obesidade é um desafio para todos os envolvidos, profissionais de saúde, crianças, famílias e outros cuidadores.Esta revisão tem como objetivo discutir as linhas mais recentes para a prevenção e abordagem da obesidade infantil, analisando as evidências das intervenções e discutindo as barreiras da sua aplicação.

The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of 40 endophytic bacteria isolates on the control of Meloidogyne javanica in ‘Prata-Anã’ banana seedlings. Two experiments were carried out in a completely randomized design with eight replicates. In each trial, 20 bacteria isolates and control were evaluated. Bacterial suspensions were applied to substrates during the acclimatization of seedlings at 15 and 30 days. On the 31st day, seedlings were transplanted into pots and soil was infested with M. javanica egg suspension at 8 days. After 90 days, the following variables were evaluated: number of galls, egg masses, eggs per root, reproduction factor (RF), second-stage juveniles, and shoot dry matter. The results of nematological variables were submitted to Principal Components Analysis. In trial I, the variables that most contributed to data variability were as follows: number of eggs and RF. In trial II, RF had greater influence. Of the 40 isolates evaluated, 39 reduced RF, and of the 20 isolates evaluated in the first trial, all reduced the number of eggs per root. Bacillus methylotrophicus EB26, Bacillus cereus EB25, and Bacillus sp. EB37 isolates stood out in the control of nematodes, with RF reduction above 80%.

Ricardo Machado Soares,&ast; Catarina Cunha Ferreira,&ast; Joana da Silva Fernandes, Carolina Madeira, Luís MA Silva, Eduardo Saraiva, Lígia Ribeiro, Sofia Fonseca Department of Ophthalmology - Centro Hospitalar Vila Nova de Gaia e Espinho, Porto, Portugal&ast;These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Ricardo Machado Soares, Department of Ophthalmology, Centro Hospitalar Vila Nova de Gaia e Espinho, EPE, Rua Conceição Fernandes, S/N, 4434-502, Vila Nova de Gaia, Porto, Portugal, Tel +351 915045174, Email ricardo.machado.soares@chvng.min-saude.ptPurpose: To report the long-term functional, anatomical and safety outcomes of 0.2 μg/day fluocinolone acetonide 0.19mg in patients with persistent or recurrent diabetic macular edema (DME).Methods: Retrospective, observational, single-center study of patients with recurrent or persistent DME. All patients received 0.2 μg/day of fluocinolone acetonide 0.19mg, and data were collected at baseline and months 1, 3, 6, 12, 24 and 36 after implantation. Outcomes measured included best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central macular thickness (CMT), intraocular pressure (IOP), and safety outcomes.Results: A total of 28 eyes from 28 patients were included. The mean age was 66.5 years (95% CI 62.8– 70.2) with a mean duration of DME of 8.8 years (95% CI 7.7– 10.0). Only two eyes were phakic. Mean follow-up was 25.4 months (95% CI 21.2– 29.6). Mean BCVA at baseline was 48.6 ETDRS letters (95% CI 41.3– 55.8) and improved as early as month 1 of follow-up with a mean gain in BCVA of 7.8 (95% CI 4.3– 11.3) ETDRS letters (p< 0.001). Statistically significant improvements in BCVA were also observed at months 6, 12 and 24. At baseline, patients had a mean CMT of 530.5μm (95% CI 463.0– 598.0), and a decrease in CMT was observed, starting at the first month of follow-up (mean CMT reduction of − 170.5μm, 95% CI − 223.8– − 117.1; p< 0.001). Statistically significant decreases in CMT were also observed at months 6, 12, 24, and 36, with the maximum decrease observed at month 12 (p< 0.001). Mean IOP at baseline was 16.4mmHg (95% CI 15.3– 17.5) and nine eyes (32.1%) had an IOP ≥ 21mmHg during follow-up.Conclusion: Our results support the effectiveness and safety profile of fluocinolone acetonide. Although additional long-term real-world evidence is required, fluocinolone acetonide may represent a safe strategy for daily, low-dose, sustained and localized release to the posterior segment of the eye, providing both functional and anatomical benefits in DME.Keywords: diabetic macular edema, intravitreal implant, best corrected visual acuity, intravitreal corticosteroid, sub-optimal response

Elayne Moura Teixeira,1 Caroline Oliveira Ribeiro,1 Agnaldo José Lopes,2,3 Pedro Lopes de Melo1,4 1Biomedical Instrumentation Laboratory, Institute of Biology and Faculty of Engineering, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; 2Pulmonary Function Laboratory, Pedro Ernesto University Hospital, Faculty of Medical Sciences, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; 3Pulmonary Rehabilitation Laboratory, Augusto Motta University Center, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; 4Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Research in Vascular Biology - Biomedical Center, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, BrazilCorrespondence: Pedro Lopes de Melo, Rua São Francisco Xavier 524, Pavilhão Haroldo Lisboa da Cunha, Sala 104, Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 20550-013, Brazil, Tel +55-21-2334-0705, Email plopes@uerj.brPurpose: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) phenotypes may introduce different characteristics that need to be known to improve treatment. Respiratory oscillometry provides a detailed analysis and may offer insight into the pathophysiology of COPD. In this paper, we used this method to evaluate the differences in respiratory mechanics of COPD phenotypes.Patients and Methods: This study investigated a sample of 83 volunteers, being divided into control group (CG = 20), emphysema (n = 23), CB (n = 20) and asthma-COPD overlap syndrome (ACOS, n = 20). These analyses were performed before and after bronchodilator (BD) use. Functional capacity was evaluated using the Glittre‑ADL test, handgrip strength and respiratory pressures.Results: Initially it was observed that oscillometry provided a detailed description of the COPD phenotypes, which was consistent with the involved pathophysiology. A correlation between oscillometry and functional capacity was observed (r=− 0.541; p = 0.0001), particularly in the emphysema phenotype (r = − 0.496, p = 0.031). BD response was different among the studied phenotypes. This resulted in an accurate discrimination of ACOS from CB [area under the receiver operating curve (AUC) = 0.84] and emphysema (AUC = 0.82).Conclusion: These results offer evidence that oscillatory indices may enhance the comprehension and identification of COPD phenotypes, thereby potentially improving the support provided to these patients.Keywords: asthma-COPD overlap, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, respiratory impedance, handgrip analysis, Glittre-ADL test, forced oscillation technique, bronchodilator response

Mateus Guilherme Calixto Assis,1 José Geraldo Gomes Barbosa Junior,2 Aldo Seffrin,2 Vinícius Ribeiro dos Anjos Souza,2 Lavínia Vivan,2 Mila Alves Matos Rodrigues,3 Claudio André Barbosa de Lira,3 Rodrigo Luiz Vancini,4 Beat Knechtle,5 Katja Weiss,5 Marilia Santos Andrade6 1Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil; 2Postgraduate Program in Translation Medicine, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil; 3Human and Exercise Physiology Division, Federal University of Goiás, Goiás, Brazil; 4Center for Physical Education and Sports, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Espírito Santo, Brazil; 5Institute of Primary Care, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; 6Department of Physiology, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, BrazilCorrespondence: Beat Knechtle, Medbase St. Gallen Am Vadianplatz, Vadianstrasse 26, St. Gallen, 9001, Switzerland, Tel +41 (0) 71 226 93 00, Fax +41 (0) 71 226 93 01, Email beat.knechtle@hispeed.chPurpose: Endurance sports performance is influenced by several factors, including maximal oxygen uptake (⩒O2max), the percentage of ⩒O2max that can be sustained in endurance events, running economy, and body composition. Traditionally, ⩒O2max can be measured as an absolute value, adjusted for body mass, reflecting the athlete’s central capacity (maximal cardiac output), or adjusted for lean mass (LM), reflecting the athlete’s peripheral capacity (muscular oxidative capacity). The present study aims to evaluate absolute, total body mass, and lower limb LM-adjusted ⩒O2max, ventilatory thresholds (VT), respiratory compensation points (RCP), and body composition during two training periods separated by 8 months.Patients and Methods: Thirteen competitive amateur triathletes [seven men (40.7± 13.7 years old, 76.3± 8.3kg, and 173.9± 4.8cm) and six women (43.5± 6.9 years old, 55.0± 2.7kg, 164.9± 5.2cm)] were evaluated for body composition with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and ⩒O2max, VT, RPC, and maximal aerobic speed (MAS) with a cardiorespiratory maximal treadmill test.Results: The absolute ⩒O2max (p = 0.003, d = 1.05), body mass–adjusted ⩒O2max (p < 0.001, d = 1.2859), and MAS (p = 0.047, d = 0.6139) values differed significantly across evaluation periods. Lower limb LM–adjusted ⩒O2max (p = 0.083, d = − 0.0418), %⩒O2max at VT (p = 0.541, d = − 0.1746), speed at VT (p = 0.337, d = − 0.2774), % ⩒O2max at RCP (p = 0.776, d = 0.0806), and speed at RCP (p = 0.436, d = 0.2234) showed no difference.Conclusion: The sensitivities of ⩒O2max adjusted for body mass and ⩒O2max adjusted for LM to detect changes in physical training state differ. Furthermore, decreases in physical fitness level, as evaluated by ⩒O2max values, are not accompanied by changes in VT.Keywords: amateur triathletes, skeletal muscle oxidative capacity, triathlon, performance

Diarrhea is a prevalent and economically impactful ailment in cattle herds, resulting in substantial losses attributed to mortality, treatment expenses, and impaired calf growth. The aim of this study was to establish data about the occurrence of the main bacterial agents involved in diarrhea in dairy calves in the state of Maranhão, as well as to determine the most effective and/or resistant antibiotics, establishing a foundation for treatment and prevention protocols. The samples were collected with rectal swabs and initially cultivated on sheep blood agar (5%) and MacConkey agar and later on Salmonella-Shigella agar and eosin-methylene blue agar. Gram staining, biochemical tests, and antibiograms were performed on the obtained colonies. Ten municipalities were studied, with 230 calves evaluated from ten dairy farms. A total of 21 animals exhibited clinical signs of diarrhea, representing a frequency of 9.13%. The frequency of positive farms was 35%, and in 50% of municipalities. Bacteria isolated belonged to the Enterobacteriaceae family, with 71.4% Escherichia coli, 14.3% Enterobacter sp., 9.5% Proteus sp. and 4.8% Klebsiella sp. On the antibiogram, the bacteria that showed the highest resistance levels were those of the Proteus genus, followed by Enterobacter sp. and E. coli. The bacteria found are relevant for both animal and human health due to their zoonotic potential and serve as a public health alert since the isolates in this study showed in vitro resistance to several antibiotics, which predisposes them to the emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria.

Remya Valsalakumari,1– 3 Abhilash D Pandya,3,&ast; Lina Prasmickaite,3,&ast; Audun Kvalvaag,1,2 Anne Grethe Myrann,1,2 Andreas KO Åslund,4 Marianne Steinsvik Kjos,4 Cristina Fontecha-Cuenca,5,6 Hajira B Haroon,5 Ana RS Ribeiro,7 Jutta Horejs-Hoeck,7,8 S Moein Moghimi,5,9,10 Ýrr Mørch,4 Tore Skotland,1,2 Kirsten Sandvig,1,2,11 Gunhild Mari Mælandsmo,3,12 Tore Geir Iversen1,2 1Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, 0379, Norway; 2Centre for Cancer Cell Reprogramming, University of Oslo, Oslo, 0379, Norway; 3Department of Tumor Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, 0379, Norway; 4Department of Biotechnology and Nanomedicine, SINTEF AS, Trondheim, 7034, Norway; 5School of Pharmacy, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU, UK; 6Department of Biomedical Science, University of Padova, Padova, Italy; 7Department of Biosciences and Medical Biology, Paris Lodron University Salzburg, Salzburg, 5020, Austria; 8Cancer Cluster Salzburg, Salzburg, 5020, Austria; 9Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK; 10Colorado Center for Nanomedicine and Nanosafety, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Center, Aurora, CO, USA; 11Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, 0316, Norway; 12Department of Medical Biology, University of Tromsø, Tromsø, 9019, Norway&ast;These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Tore Geir Iversen, Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, 0379, Norway, Tel +47 22781826, Email t.g.iversen@ous-research.noBackground: Biodegradable poly(alkyl cyanoacrylate) (PACA) nanoparticles (NPs) are receiving increasing attention in anti-cancer nanomedicine development not only for targeted cancer chemotherapy, but also for modulation of the tumor microenvironment. We previously reported promising results with cabazitaxel (CBZ) loaded poly(2-ethylbutyl cyanoacrylate) NPs (PEBCA-CBZ NPs) in a patient derived xenograft (PDX) model of triple-negative breast cancer, and this was associated with a decrease in M2 macrophages. The present study aims at comparing two endotoxin-free PACA NP variants (PEBCA and poly(2-ethylhexyl cyanoacrylate); PEHCA), loaded with CBZ and test whether conjugation with folate would improve their effect.Methods: Cytotoxicity assays and cellular uptake of NPs by flow cytometry were performed in different breast cancer cells. Biodistribution and efficacy studies were performed in PDX models of breast cancer. Tumor associated immune cells were analyzed by multiparametric flow cytometry.Results: In vitro studies showed similar NP-induced cytotoxicity patterns despite difference in early NP internalization. On intravenous injection, the liver cleared the majority of NPs. Efficacy studies in the HBCx39 PDX model demonstrated an enhanced effect of drug-loaded PEBCA variants compared with free drug and PEHCA NPs. Furthermore, the folate conjugated PEBCA variant did not show any enhanced effects compared with the unconjugated counterpart which might be due to unfavorable orientation of folate on the NPs. Finally, analyses of the immune cell populations in tumors revealed that treatment with drug loaded PEBCA variants affected the myeloid cells, especially macrophages, contributing to an inflammatory, immune activated tumor microenvironment.Conclusion: We report for the first time, comparative efficacy of PEBCA and PEHCA NP variants in triple negative breast cancer models and show that CBZ-loaded PEBCA NPs exhibit a combined effect on tumor cells and on the tumor associated myeloid compartment, which may boost the anti-tumor response. Keywords: poly(alkyl cyanoacrylate), cabazitaxel, breast cancer, patient-derived xenograft, tumor microenvironment

Catarina Castro,1 Bruno Ribeiro,1 Inês Maria Campos Couto,1 Ana Carolina Abreu,1,2 Sílvia Monteiro,1,2 Maria do Céu Pinto1 1Department of Ophthalmology, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Santo António, Porto, Portugal; 2Department of Ophthalmology, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar – Universidade do Porto, Porto, PortugalCorrespondence: Catarina Castro, Tel +351222077500, Email catarinamscastro@gmail.comPurpose: To perform a multimodal assessment of refractive outcomes and quality of vision (QoV) in patients with high myopia submitted to multifocal intraocular lens (IOL) implantation.Methods: Retrospective study that included consecutive eyes with high myopia (axial length [AL] > 26.00mm) submitted to multifocal IOL implantation between January 2014 and February 2020. Minimum follow-up time was 3 years. QoV was evaluated with the Objective Scatter Index (OSI) and the Modular Transfer Function (MTF) by HD Analyzer®. Two QoV questionnaires were applied to patients in which both eyes were included: the McAlinden and the Catquest-9 SF.Results: We included 50 eyes (28 patients). The mean follow-up time was 5.4± 1.0 years. Comparing to month 1 after surgery, at the last follow-up visit, there was a decrease in the uncorrected visual acuity (0.14± 0.13 vs 0.08± 0.09 LogMAR, p=0.024), a negative increase in the spherical equivalent (− 0.31± 0.60 vs − 0.02± 0.20, p=0.006) and no changes in the best-corrected visual acuity (p> 0.999). An uncorrected near visual acuity of at least J2 was achieved in 89% of eyes one month after surgery and in 91% of eyes at the last follow-up visit (p=0.829). At the last follow-up, the mean OSI was 5.1± 1.8 and the mean MTF was 17.5± 10.6. Some degree of near vision difficulty was reported by 91% of patients, and 74% of patients reported photic phenomena (halos, glare, starbursts). However, most patients reported that these symptoms caused none to little bothersome. At the last follow-up, 87% of patients were at least fairly satisfied with the surgery.Conclusion: Even after a mean follow-up time of 5 years, patients maintained good uncorrected visual acuity. Even though most patients experienced some degree of near vision difficulty and visual symptoms, globally, our patients were satisfied with their current vision, and the experienced symptoms did not have a significant impact on their daily lives.Keywords: refractive surgery, multifocal intraocular lens, high myopia

In recent years, archaeological research has relied on large datasets, both temporally and geographically, with some archaeologists discussing that there should be a shift towards a more scientific form of conducting archaeological research called “macroarchaeology.” Ironically, and contradictorily, this shift towards large-scale research has involved the use of inductive approaches, which means that archaeological material needs to be converted into universal quantitative values. The inductive approaches used by archaeologists today, as argued by Karl Popper, and other authors in recent years, cannot be considered scientific in the strict sense of the word, since there is always a degree of uncertainty in inductive reasoning. This study suggests that archaeological data can be considered as traces of the past, clues that allow us to reconstruct past phenomena. As Carlo Ginzburg’s evidential paradigm demonstrates, thinking of the past in terms of traces and clues is much more scientific than appears at first. In addition to traces and clues, a second interpretative procedure can be conducted on data. Based on Ginzburg’s conjectural paradigm and discussion on fiction, we can recognize the past as real, while at the same time, conjecture the several ways past agents could have acted otherwise.

Excitation energy transport can be significantly enhanced by strong light–matter interactions. In the present work, we explore intriguing features of coherent transient exciton wave packet dynamics on a lossless disordered polaritonic wire. Our main results can be understood in terms of the effective exciton group velocity, a new quantity we obtain from the polariton dispersion. Under weak and moderate disorder, we find that the early wave packet spread velocity is controlled by the overlap of the initial exciton momentum distribution and its effective group velocity. Conversely, when disorder is stronger, the initial state is nearly irrelevant, and red-shifted cavities support excitons with greater mobility. Our findings provide guiding principles for optimizing ultrafast coherent exciton transport based on the magnitude of disorder and the polariton dispersion. The presented perspectives may be valuable for understanding and designing new polaritonic platforms for enhanced exciton energy transport.

Objective: Determine the prevalence and risk factors for anxiety, stress and depression among higher education students in a sample from Portugal and Brazil. Methods: Students from Portugal (n = 709) and Brazil (n = 487) answered the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21) and demographic and academic characteristics questions. Results: Rates of anxiety, stress, and depression were 55.3 %, 55.9 % and 56.3 % for Portuguese students and 71.5 %, 75.6 % and 68.2 % for Brazilian students, respectively. In the total sample, being Brazilian was found to predict anxiety, stress and depression. In both samples, being female was found to predict anxiety and stress. Being displaced was also found to affect mental health: anxiety for the Portuguese sample; stress for the Brazilian sample. Furthermore, in the Portuguese sample, fields of study were found to affect mental health: Education and Human Motricity protected from anxiety, stress and depression; Psychology protected from anxiety and depression; Medicine protected from depression. Non-working status was also found to predict depression in this sample. Limitations: The cross-sectional design prevents the establishment of causal relationships; self-report measures may be susceptible to response bias; the recruitment of participants may be susceptible to selection bias; cultural factors and institutional differences between these countries may affect mental health. Conclusions: Country, gender, displacement, field of study, and working status were found to affect higher education students’ mental health. From a clinical perspective, specific programs addressing anxiety, stress and depression in university students should be tested, as these disorders have a noteworthy prevalence in this population.

Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) are fructose oligomers beneficial to human health and nutrition for prebiotic sugars. Their production occurs by a transfructosylation reaction in sucrose molecules catalyzed by fructosyltransferase enzymes (FTase, E.C.2.4.1.9) adhered to microbial cells. The purpose of this work was to study the preparation, enzymatic activity, and stability of glutaraldehyde-crosslinked Aspergillus oryzae IPT-301 cells used as a biocatalyst for the transfructosylation reaction of sucrose in a packed bed reactor (PBR), aiming at FOS production. The highest transfructosylation activity (AT) was presented by the biocatalyst prepared by cross-linking at 200 rpm and 45 min. The highest AT in the PBR was obtained at 50 °C, with flow rates from 3 mL min-1 to 5 mL min-1 and sucrose concentrations of 473 g L-1 and 500 g L-1. The enzymatic kinetics was described using the Michaelis-Menten model. Finally, the biocatalyst showed constant AT of approximately 75 U g-1 and 300 U g-1 for 12 h of reaction in the PBR operating in continuous and discontinuous flow, respectively. These results demonstrate a high potential of glutaraldehyde-crosslinked A. oryzae IPT-301 cells as heterogeneous biocatalysts for the continuous production of FOS in PBR reactors.

Ramiro Salgado,1 Paulo Torres,2 António Marinho,3 Filomena J Ribeiro4 1Departamento de Oftalmologia do Hospital da Arrábida, Hospital de Santo António, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário do Porto, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal; 2Departamento de Oftalmologia do Hospital da Prelada, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal; 3Departamento de Oftalmologia do Hospital da Luz Arrábida, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal; 4Departamento de Oftalmologia do Hospital da Luz Lisboa, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, PortugalCorrespondence: Ramiro Salgado, Departamento de Oftalmologia do Hospital da Arrábida, Hospital de Santo António, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário do Porto, Praceta Henrique Moreira 150, Vila Nova de Gaia, 4400-346, Portugal, Tel +351 915677244, Fax +351 224003046, Email rsalgadoft2@gmail.comPurpose: This study presents a comparison of pupil changes according to cataract grade between low-energy femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) and conventional phacoemulsification (CP) in the same patient.Patients and Methods: Data from surgical records from patients submitted to cataract surgery with CP in one eye and FLACS in the other were retrospectively reviewed. The inclusion criterion was both eyes of the same patient having the same cataract grade in accordance with Lens Opacity Classification System (LOCS) III. Total pupil variation (TPV) was measured after recorded images, with intraindividual comparison between techniques, according to cataract grade (≤ 3 and > 3), age and cumulative dissipated energy (CDE).Results: The study included a total of 124 eyes of 62 patients (mean age 72.65 ± 7.64 years). Analysis showed a statistically significant difference in TPV between techniques in the grade ≤ 3 cataract group (0.08 ± 0.22 mm²; p=0.034), with less pupil narrowing with FLACS, but not in the grade > 3 group (0.01 ± 0.23 mm²; p=0.849). Regarding CDE, a significant difference (p< 0.001) was found between techniques in both softer and harder cataracts, with lower values for FLACS. Correlation between CDE and TPV was significant for CP (p=0.021) but not for FLACS (p=0.922). TPV was significantly lower in older patients (age > 74 years) for both techniques (p< 0.001).Conclusion: There was a statistically significant difference between techniques (although of mild clinical relevance), with less reduction of pupil area with FLACS in softer cataracts (grade ≤ 3), as compared to CP. Higher levels of CDE are associated with more pupil narrowing in CP.Keywords: cataract grade, pupil, low energy FLACS, femtosecond laser, phacoemulsification

Débora de Fátima Camillo Ribeiro,1,2 Paula Karina Hembecker,2 Adriane Muller Nakato,2 Beatriz Luci Fernandes,2 Percy Nohama2,3 1Neonatal Services, Waldemar Monastier Hospital, Campo Largo, Paraná, Brazil; 2Graduate Program on Health Technology, Pontifícia Universidade Católica Do Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil; 3Graduate Program on Biomedical Engineering, Universidade Tecnológica Federal Do Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, BrazilCorrespondence: Percy Nohama, Graduate Program on Health Technology, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná, Rua Imaculada Conceição 1155, Curitiba, Paraná, CEP 80215-901, Brazil, Tel +55 41 3271-1357, Email percy.nohama@pucpr.brPurpose: To evaluate the health professionals’ satisfaction regarding the short binasal prong used in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU), evaluate the difficulties related to its use, and present possible improvements in the design of this device.Patients and Methods: Observational, cross-sectional study with prospective data collection carried out in the NICU of a public hospital in southern Brazil. This research was presented into two stages. In the first stage, the Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with Assistive Technology was applied with 90 health professionals to evaluate the satisfaction regarding the short binasal prong. In the second stage, the health professional’s experiences and difficulties in using the binasal prongs in 14 newborns (NBs) that required non-invasive ventilation was collected. The short binasal prongs used was the Fanem® brand and the CPAP circuit was Gabisa Medical International (GMI®). Finally, improvements and recommendations were presented to optimize the device’s design.Results: The mean score of the health professionals’ satisfaction with short binasal prongs was 3.8 ± 0.6. Ease of adjustment (3.27) and dimensions (3.62) variables had the worst scores. The main difficulties pointed out by health professionals were: circuit disconnection (57.1%), the size of the prong did not correspond to NBs’ anatomical characteristics (35.7%), air leakage (21.4%), and difficulty in fixing and positioning the prong in the NB (14.28%). The improvements suggested were: appropriate prong sizes based on the anatomical characteristics of the NBs; adjustable distance between insertion and base catheters; manufactured with malleable material, however not easily foldable; curved and adjustable insertion catheters and functional system of tracheas’ connection.Conclusion: The dissatisfaction of health professionals with the dimensions and prongs adjustments and the difficulties faced in clinical practice indicate the need for improvements in these interfaces. The recommendations presented in this study may contribute to optimizing the design of the binasal prong in the future.Keywords: assistive technology, neonatal intensive care, non-invasive ventilation, surveys and questionnaires

In electrical systems, power transformer failure prediction is a strategic procedure aimed at ensuring the uninterrupted delivery of electricity. In this context, companies of electricity employ predictive maintenance techniques to evaluate the status of this type of equipment. Aiming to contribute by adding monitoring criteria and complementing research in this field, to help maintenance teams project the future status of their power transformers immersed in insulating mineral oil with nominal voltages rated from 34.5 kV to 230 kV and above, with powers from tens to hundreds of MVA, and with and without on-load tap changer, this article presents an innovative method for projection the performance index of these assets on any given date, and to obtain a numerically reliability projection for that date. The originality of this tool stems from its combined use of two easy-to-implement mathematical criteria, considering the historical results of current and previous maintenance dielectric and electrical tests: the Weighted Moving Average and the Consistency of the Historical Neighborhood. Thus, this method is expected to contribute to more accurate to decisions making by maintenance teams.

This article analyses the conflicts and the structure of water governance in the Paraguay River Basin – South America – based on a review of documentary sources, specialised literature, and interviews with key stakeholders operating in the basin. The study shows that the internal asymmetry of Brazil and between this country and Paraguay is crucial in the definition of water use in the Basin, thus resulting in conflicts. The results of the study highlight the need for advances in the implementation of agreements for the basin and the fact that these should include instruments that encompass new scales of management and cooperation opportunities from local stakeholders, who have been neglected in decisions despite the coexistence of informal agreements between the parts.

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Most refined bending models of medium-thick plates, which consider transverse shear and partial compression deformations, differ little. However, despite a significant increase in the order of the governing differential equations, the results obtained from their equations give mainly a small increase in accuracy compared to the existing theories. On the other hand, such an increase in the order of the constructed systems of differential equations requires a significant increase in the effort required to solve them, complicates their physical interpretation, and narrows the range of people who can use them, primarily engineers and designers. Therefore, developing a plate-bending model that incorporates all the above factors and is on par with previously applied theories regarding the complexity of the calculation equations remains relevant. For example, most of the applied theories that do not consider transverse compression cannot be used to solve problems of contact interaction with rigid and elastic dies and bases because it is impossible to satisfy the conditions at the contact boundary of the outer surface of the plate, as well as the boundary conditions at the edges of the plate. Therefore, to provide guaranteed accuracy of the results, some researchers of these problems have introduced such a concept as “energy consistency” between the functions of representation of the displacement vector components, their number, the order of equations, and the number of boundary conditions. The authors, based on the developed version of the model of orthotropic plates of medium thickness, investigate the problem of taking into account the so-called “energy consistency” effect of the bending model, depending on the order of the design equations and the number of boundary conditions, as well as its usefulness and disadvantages in practical calculations. The equations of equilibrium in displacements and expressions for stresses in terms of force and moment forces are recorded. For rectangular and circular plates of medium thickness, test problems are solved, and the numerical data are compared with those obtained using spatial problems of elasticity theory, as well as the refined Timoshenko and Reissner theories. An analysis of the obtained results is provided.

Nicolas Da Costa-Santos,1 Gabrielly Minguta Santos Costa,2 Adriano Dos-Santos,1 Bruno Nascimento-Carvalho,3 Thayna Fabiana Ribeiro,1 Sarah Cristina Ferreira Freitas,2 Erico Caperuto,1 Maria-Claudia Irigoyen,3 Katia De Angelis,4 Kátia Bilhar Scapini,1 Iris Callado Sanches1 1Human Movement Laboratory, São Judas University, São Paulo, Brazil; 2Laboratory of Translational Physiology, Universidade Nove de Julho (UNINOVE), São Paulo, Brazil; 3Hypertension Unit, Heart Institute, Medicine School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil; 4Physiology Exercise Laboratory, Department of Physiology, Federal University of Sao Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, BrazilCorrespondence: Iris Callado Sanches, Human Movement Laboratory, São Judas University, Rua taquari, 546, São Paulo, SP, 03166-000, Brazil, Email iris.sanches@saojudas.brIntroduction: Cardiovascular risk increase after ovarian deprivation has been extensively demonstrated by our research group through cardiovascular autonomic analysis. Interventions involving different types of exercises, such as resistance exercises or combined exercises (aerobic and resistance) have been widely recommended to prevent or minimize neuromuscular decline in postmenopausal women, which is aggravated by a sedentary lifestyle. Experimentally, the cardiovascular effects of resistance or combined training, as well as comparison between aerobic, resistance, and combined training, in ovariectomized animals are scarce.Purpose: In this study, we hypothesized that the combination of aerobic and resistance training may be more effective in preventing muscle mass loss, as well as improving cardiovascular autonomic modulation and baroreflex sensitivity, than aerobic or resistance training individually in ovariectomized rats.Animals and Methods: Female rats were divided into 5 groups: sedentary (C); ovariectomized (Ovx); trained ovariectomized submitted to aerobic training (OvxAT); resistance training (OvxRT); combined training (OvxCT). Exercise training lasted 8 weeks, with the combined group alternating between aerobic training and resistance training every other day. At the end of the study, glycemia and insulin tolerance were evaluated. Arterial pressure (AP) was directly recorded. Baroreflex sensitivity was assessed by heart rate response to changes in arterial pressure. Cardiovascular autonomic modulation was evaluated by spectral analysis.Results: Combined training was the only training regime that increased baroreflex sensitivity for tachycardic response and reduced all systolic blood pressure variability parameters. Furthermore, all animals submitted to exercise training on a treadmill (OvxAT and OvxCT) presented lower systolic, diastolic, and mean pressure, as well as improvements in the autonomic modulation for the heart.Conclusion: Combined training showed to be more effective than isolated aerobic and resistance training, mixing the isolated benefits of each modality. It was the only modality able to increase baroreflex sensitivity to tachycardic responses, reduce arterial pressure and all parameters of vascular sympathetic modulation.Keywords: combined exercise training, resistance exercise training, aerobic exercise training, ovarian hormone deprivation, cardiovascular autonomic modulation, baroreflex sensitivity

Bruno L Raposo,1,&ast; Sueden O Souza,1,&ast; Gleyciane S Santana,1 Max TA Lima,2 José F Sarmento-Neto,3 Júlio S Reboucas,3 Goreti Pereira,2,4 Beate S Santos,5 Paulo E Cabral Filho,1 Martha S Ribeiro,6 Adriana Fontes1 1Departamento de Biofísica e Radiobiologia, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil; 2Departamento de Química Fundamental, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil; 3Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal da Paraíba, João Pessoa, PB, Brazil; 4Departamento de Química & CESAM, Universidade de Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal; 5Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil; 6Centro de Lasers e Aplicações, Instituto de Pesquisas Energéticas e Nucleares (IPEN-CNEN/SP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil&ast;These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Adriana Fontes; Sueden O Souza, Departamento de Biofísica e Radiobiologia, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, 50670-901, Brazil, Email adriana.fontes@ufpe.br; eden.su.souza@gmail.comBackground: Photodynamic inactivation (PDI) is an attractive alternative to treat Candida albicans infections, especially considering the spread of resistant strains. The combination of the photophysical advantages of Zn(II) porphyrins (ZnPs) and the plasmonic effect of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) has the potential to further improve PDI. Here, we propose the novel association of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) coated AgNPs with the cationic ZnPs Zn(II) meso-tetrakis(N-ethylpyridinium-2-yl)porphyrin or Zn(II) meso-tetrakis(N-n-hexylpyridinium-2-yl)porphyrin to photoinactivate C. albicans.Methods: AgNPs stabilized with PVP were chosen to allow for (i) overlap between the NP extinction and absorption spectra of ZnPs and (ii) favor AgNPs-ZnPs interaction; prerequisites for exploring the plasmonic effect. Optical and zeta potential (ζ) characterizations were performed, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation was also evaluated. Yeasts were incubated with individual ZnPs or their respective AgNPs-ZnPs systems, at various ZnP concentrations and two proportions of AgNPs, then irradiated with a blue LED. Interactions between yeasts and the systems (ZnP alone or AgNPs-ZnPs) were evaluated by fluorescence microscopy.Results: Subtle spectroscopic changes were observed for ZnPs after association with AgNPs, and the ζ analyses confirmed AgNPs-ZnPs interaction. PDI using ZnP-hexyl (0.8 μM) and ZnP-ethyl (5.0 μM) promoted a 3 and 2 log10 reduction of yeasts, respectively. On the other hand, AgNPs-ZnP-hexyl (0.2 μM) and AgNPs-ZnP-ethyl (0.6 μM) systems led to complete fungal eradication under the same PDI parameters and lower porphyrin concentrations. Increased ROS levels and enhanced interaction of yeasts with AgNPs-ZnPs were observed, when compared with ZnPs alone.Conclusion: We applied a facile synthesis of AgNPs which boosted ZnP efficiency. We hypothesize that the plasmonic effect combined with the greater interaction between cells and AgNPs-ZnPs systems resulted in an efficient and improved fungal inactivation. This study provides insight into the application of AgNPs in PDI and helps diversify our antifungal arsenal, encouraging further developments toward inactivation of resistant Candida spp.Keywords: photodynamic inactivation, fungi, plasmon, photosensitizer

This paper describes the structural and textural characteristics of silicon oxycarbide ceramics obtained from three different hybrid polymers by varying pyrolysis temperature. The first polymer was prepared by hydrosilylation between poly(hydromethylsiloxane) and divinylbenzene in stoichiometric proportions; the second was similarly obtained, but with excess of divinylbenzene (60 wt.%) and the third was also synthesized with 60 wt.% divinylbenzene, involving simultaneously hydrosilylation and radical reactions. Precursors were pyrolysed under argon at 1000, 1200 and 1500°C to produce silicon oxycarbide-based ceramics. Silicon carbide phase development and devitrification resistance were influenced by the disordered and ordered residual carbon fraction, which was directly related to the polymer structure. High specific surface area and pore volume values were obtained in C-richer ceramics at 1500°C derived from poly(divinylbenzene) network-containing precursor. Silicon oxycarbide matrices, derived from hybrid polymers containing graphitic carbon and silicon carbide phases together with different amount of porosity, revealed desirable features for electrochemical applications and adsorbent systems.

Introduction: Considering the rising occurrence of posttranplant diabetes and the elevated cardiovascular burden among transplant recipients, the utilization of SGLT2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) in this group is appealing because of their cardiovascular and renoprotective benefits. Nevertheless, there is a scarcity of evidence for diabetic kidney transplant recipients (DKTRs) owing to concerns about potential renal graft damage and adverse effects. Methods: This retrospective study was devised to assess the effectiveness and safety of SGLT2i in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs). The main focus was on evaluating their impact on parameters such as haemoglobin A1c levels, body mass index (BMI), lipid panel, haemoglobin levels, renal allograft function (estimated glomerular filtration rate) and urirnary protein-to-creatinine ratio. Results: A total of 75 renal transplant patients were included in this investigation. The study spanned a median observation period of 18 (2.0–71.0) months. Median estimated glomerular filtration rate at baseline was 61,9 (26–120) mL/min/1.73 m2 and remained stable throughout the follow-up. Median HbA1c decreased from 7.5 to 7.0% (95% CI; p

No cenário contemporâneo, a potência crítica das ciências sociais tem sido desafiada. De um lado, reconhecemos a democracia como arena agonística (Mouffe), em que o consenso significa sua morte. De outro, a fragmentação das demandas fragiliza as conquistas democráticas, esvaziando a ideia de emancipação. Destacamos os feminismos e os modos como lidam com o conteúdo emancipatório das políticas identitárias. Atentamos para o perigo de se confundir a afirmação das identidades com o termo identitarismos em conivência com essencialismos que podem derivar em extremismos. Buscamos, porém, demonstrar que a crítica, em sentido ecumênico, não produz um antagonismo entre emancipação e identidade, expondo em caráter preliminar a diversidade dos argumentos desde a Teoria Crítica feminista, passando pelo feminismo pós-estruturalista, até os feminismos negros que nunca foram tão eloquentes. Propomos, por fim, a escuta como condição basilar para quem pretende se autodenominar parte do projeto das teóricas críticas

Yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia (Y-TZP) ceramics have excellent mechanical properties. However, such materials cannot undergo plastic deformation at room temperature due to their high hardness and brittleness values, hindering machinability. To overcome these limitations, we propose a zirconia-yttria-titania ceramics, based on zirconia containing 3mol% yttria and up to 15mol% titania. The zirconia-yttria-titania powders were synthesized by co-precipitation method, uniaxially pressed and sintered at 1400°C/5 h. Sample characterizations were carried out by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and mechanical properties through Vickers hardness and toughness measurements. Compared to the Y-TZP ceramics, the yttria stabilised tetragonal zirconia ceramics co-doped with 10mol%Ti showed noticeable increase of tetragonality parameter, higher toughness and lower hardness values, indicating plasticity at room temperature. Furthermore, the atomistic simulation by Density Functional Theory methodology suggests the occurrence of spatial arrangement of the atoms, explaining the proposed plasticity.

Sandro Cordeiro Loretto,1 Naama Waléria Alves Sousa,1 Mara Eliane Soares Ribeiro,2 Reginna Vyctória da Trindade Souza de Melo Carneiro,1 Renan Chisté,3 Mário Honorato da Silva e Souza Júnior1 1Multifunctional Laboratory, Postgraduate Program in Dentistry, University Center of Pará, Belém, Pará, Brazil; 2Laboratory of Biomaterials, Postgraduate Program in Dentistry, Institute of Health Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Pará, Brazil; 3Faculty of Food Engineering, Institute of Technology, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Pará, BrazilCorrespondence: Sandro Cordeiro Loretto, Multifunctional Laboratory, Postgraduate Program in Dentistry, University Center of Pará, 1500 Dom Romualdo de Seixas Street. ap 602, Torre Umari, Umarizal, Belém, Pará, 66.055-200, Brazil, Tel +559198122-3477, Email sandroloretto@hotmail.comAim: The study evaluated the influence of tucupi on enamel surface roughness, microhardness, ultramorphology, and mass variation.Materials and Methods: Ninety healthy bovine incisors were divided into three experimental groups, according to the acidic challenge adopted, being: G1- tucupi, G2- cola-based soft drink, G3-distilled water. The enamel properties (surface roughness, microhardness, ultramorphology and mass variation) of all specimens were evaluated at times T0 (before any intervention), T10 (10 days after the proposed treatments), T20 (20 days after the proposed treatments) and T30 (30 days after the proposed treatments). After confirming the normality of the data (Shapiro–Wilk test), a two-way ANOVA (α = 5%) was performed, followed by Sidak post-test, with results described as mean and standard deviation.Results: The roughness means increased for all tested groups, with no statistical difference only in G3 for all evaluated times. Microhardness of all groups showed a significant decrease over the time, with the lowest average observed in G1 in T30. Considering enamel mass variation, the lowest average was in G2 at time T3, with no statistical difference only in G3 (distilled water) over the time. Regarding ultramorphology (scanning electron microscopy – SEM), only groups G1 and G2, that were exposed to acidic challenges, showed disorganization of the enamel surface layer.Conclusion: It was possible to conclude that tucupi has low pH and high titratable total acidity, being able to gradually decrease enamel microhardness, increasing surface roughness and causing loss of dental enamel.Keywords: Manihot esculenta, erosion, dental enamel, microhardness, acidity, surface properties

Although over the years, technical systems (equipment) have been evolving, most of the occurrences in the aviation industry, namely in the ground-handling area, are related to human error, constituting a neglected topic in aviation safety. Since one works 24 h a day and 7 days a week in the aviation industry, the shift work system is the most viable and (only) option to solve this problem, making fatigue an important and quite significant safety issue. Currently, the performance and alertness of ramp workers continue to be negatively affected by fatigue, increasing the risk of accidents/incidents. In this sense, the overall objective of this study was to establish and propose a first attempt to develop a Fatigue Management System, designed to prevent ramp workers from performing their tasks when fatigued and to take appropriate mitigation actions to minimize the consequences of fatigue caused by shift work. Despite not being exhaustive, this approach may also provide good guidance for future research in this field since fatigue is not associated with sleep disorders only.

Margarida Ribeiro,1,2,&ast; Cláudia Barbosa,3,&ast; Paulo Correia,3 Luís Torrão,1 Pedro Neves Cardoso,1 Raúl Moreira,1 Fernando Falcão-Reis,1,4 Manuel Falcão,1,4 João Pinheiro-Costa1,2 1Department of Ophthalmology, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário São João, Porto, Portugal; 2Department of Biomedicine – Faculty of Medicine of Porto University, Porto, Portugal; 3Faculty of Medicine of Porto University, Porto, Portugal; 4Department of Surgery and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine of Porto University, Porto, Portugal&ast;These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Margarida Ribeiro, Department of Ophthalmology, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário São João, Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro Porto, 4200-319, Portugal, Email margarida.ribeiro.guimaraes@gmail.comPurpose: We evaluated the Maximum Elevation of Corneal Back Surface adjusted to the same Best Fit Sphere Back (BFSB) between timeline measurements (AdjEleBmax) and the BFSB radius (BFSBR) itself as new tomographic parameters for documentation of ectasia progression and compare them with the most recent and reliable parameters used on keratoconus (KC) progression.Results: We evaluated the performance and the ideal cutoff point of Kmax, D-index, posterior radius of curvature from the 3.0 mm centered on the thinnest point (PRC), EleBmax, BFSBR, and AdjEleBmax as isolated parameters to document KC progression (defined as a significant change in two or more variables), we found a sensitivity of 70%, 82%, 79%, 65%, 51%, and 63% and a specificity of 91%, 98%, 80%, 73%, 80%, and 84% to detect KC progression. The area under the curve (AUC) for each variable was 0.822, 0.927, 0.844, 0.690, 0.695, 0.754, respectively.Conclusion: AdjEleBmax presented a greater specificity, larger AUC, and better performance compared to EleBmax without any adjustment, with similar sensitivity. Although AdjEleBmax and BFSB demonstrated smaller AUC and specificities comparing with Kmax and D-Index, AdjEleBmax still presented a good performance with a reasonable AUC. Since the shape of the posterior surface, more aspheric and curved than the anterior, may facilitate detection of change, we suggest the inclusion of AdjEleBmax in the evaluation of KC progression in conjunction with other variables to increase the reliability of our clinical evaluation and early detection of progression.Keywords: keratoconus, cornea, progression, best fit sphere back, maximum elevation of corneal back surface

Local Continuum Damage Mechanics models cannot represent the entire degradation process in materials exhibiting strain-softening behaviors. It is well known that the rate equilibrium problem becomes ill-posed when softening occurs, and an infinity of solutions exists. From a numerical point of view, finite element analyses suffer from mesh-dependent results. Non-local models are generally used to regularize the structural response and recover objectivity. However, some physical inconsistencies can be observed in numerical results, e.g., damage diffusion over large damaged bands and damage attraction on the boundary of the computational domain. Non-local formulations with evolving interactions may better describe the damaging process and overcome these issues. This paper uses the so-called spalling test to underline the main drawbacks and advantages of several regularized models with constant and evolving non-local interactions. Concerning non-local formulations with constant interactions, attention is focused on the integral non-local formulation on the internal variable of the constitutive model and an implicit gradient damage formulation. Regarding formulations with evolving non-local interactions, attention is focused on a “stress-based integral non-local” approach and the so-called “eikonal non-local” approach. In this latter case, both its integral-type and gradient-type variants are considered.

Background: This paper focuses on activities related to Customer Orders Management withing an auto components plant in the Automotive Industry. The main challenge was highlighted: customers don’t always regard the flexibility rules agreed with the company. Hence, planners must decide if variation in ordered quantity can be accepted in the forecast period or if adjusting is necessary.

For the first time, alumina functionally graded materials (FGMs) with additions of niobium oxide, lithium fluoride and zirconia were produced by spark plasma sintering (SPS) and their sintering behaviour and dynamic properties were studied aiming to evaluate possibility of their use as ballistic shielding. Six groups of alumina samples with different layer compositions were produced by SPS at 1400 °C/5min. The samples were characterized by dilatometry, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Hopkinson split bar method. The composition with the zirconia addition exhibited lower shrinkage rates at higher temperatures than the groups without zirconia, which promoted small sample shrinkage, resulting in lower density and higher porosity. The dynamic test showed that the alumina FGMs with layer containing LiF had the highest strain and strain rate values, exhibiting that the presence of continuous gradients in the composition positively affects the ceramic properties. Densification, layer change and cracks propagating through the material layers were also analysed by SEM analyses.

Ana Cristina Veríssimo,1,&ast; George AM Conrado,1,2,&ast; Joselina Barbosa,1 Sandra F Gomes,1,3 Milton Severo,4,5 Pedro Oliveira,4,5 Laura Ribeiro1,6 1Department of Public Health and Forensic Sciences and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; 2University of Pernambuco, Pernambuco, Brazil; 3Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; 4Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; 5Institute of Public Health, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; 6I3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal&ast;These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Laura Ribeiro, Department of Public Health and Forensic Sciences and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Al. Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, Porto, Portugal, Tel +35 1 22 0426994, Email lribeiro@med.up.pt; lauratribeiro@gmail.comPurpose: Maladaptive personality traits and some psychological functioning indicators have been linked to academic misbehaviour; yet their role is still poorly explored in medical students. This study aims to assess associations of academic misconduct with dark personality traits and psychological well-being.Methods: Five hundred and ninety-one medical students attending the first, third and fifth-year at one Portuguese medical school replied to the Dark Triad Dirty Dozen, Ryff’s Psychological Well-Being Scales and an original Academic Misconduct Questionnaire, using a cross-sectional design. Multiple linear regression was performed to assess associations.Results: Fifth-year medical students who scored higher in Machiavellianism and psychological well-being and perceived greater peer fraud and lower penalty for cheating reported more academic misconduct. The explanatory power of the model was 16.6%. Machiavellianism showed the strongest associations with cheating, while sex and age were not significant predictors.Conclusion: This study offers relevant insights into how maladaptive personalities influence academic misconduct in medical students, and how this relationship is moulded by psychological and contextual factors. These findings can help guide institutional actions to foster academic integrity in future physicians.Keywords: academic integrity, dark personality traits, psychological well-being, medical education

Technological equipment design based on functionally modular methods is widely used in various technical fields. The designed object can be a technological machine, a production line, or a manufacturing complex. Special attention is paid to the optimization of its structure. The sequence of performing all stages of the optimization synthesis problem is presented in the article. To find a solution to this task, the developer should apply the complete or directed search of acceptable structure options and determine the best one using some optimization criteria to evaluate their quality. It can be simple enough if the designed technical system structure consists of no more than several elements. For example, if the number of alternative elements options is several dozen, it takes much time to accomplish the search correctly. Thus, the greater the number of components considered, the more difficult it is to do all the necessary calculations manually. In this case, machine resources should be involved. This scientific work aims to identify procedures of optimization synthesis that can be automated. Also, appropriate software has to be developed. Our computer program is based on the algorithm of a complete search of all options of the technical system structure. It can process an extensive array of input data and produce all possible and logically permissible results in the form the designer can analyze using the Pareto method to choose the best one. This software can be used for any technical system with a modular structure.