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Air pollution is a major health problem in urban areas, influenced by traffic and atmospheric conditions. This study investigates the relationship between meteorological factors—wind direction, wind speed, boundary layer height, and atmospheric stability conditions —street trees, and PM10 concentration in three urban canyons: Avenida da Liberdade and Estrada de Benfica in Lisbon, and Marginal Tietê in São Paulo. Five years of hourly meteorological data and PM10 concentrations were analysed. Despite differences in scale and traffic volume, the results show that PM10 concentration patterns were similar in both Lisbon study areas. These areas also indicated a significant influence of atmospheric variables such as wind speed, boundary layer height, and atmospheric stability conditions. Tietê, with a higher vehicle density and different atmospheric conditions (lower wind speeds and greater atmospheric stability), presents higher PM10 peaks. Seasonal analysis revealed distinct patterns influenced by atmospheric instability, wind speed, and direction. In winter, areas with dense street tree cover had reduced PM10 levels, while those without showed higher concentrations due to increased stability. Wind direction played a crucial role, favouring the pollutant dispersal in canyons with parallel winds. The Factorial Analysis of Mixed Data method identified qualitative variables linked to the seasons, wind direction, and presence of trees. PM10 levels below the were associated with the summer and autumn period, parallel winds, and street trees, while levels above the limit were linked to winter period and areas without street trees. By integrating big data analytics with environmental monitoring, this research underscores the importance of considering the local atmospheric conditions and environmental variables in the urban air quality management. Thus, it demonstrates that the traffic volume alone does not determine PM10 concentrations; instead, the interplay of multiple factors, including meteorological conditions and urban planning, played a crucial role. This study provides valuable insights for developing effective strategies to mitigate urban air pollution and protect public health.

Understanding and monitoring sea surface salinity (SSS) and temperature (SST) is vital for assessing ocean health. Interconnections among the ocean, atmosphere, seabed, and land create a complex environment with diverse spatial and temporal scales. Climate change exacerbates marine heatwaves, eutrophication, and acidification, impacting biodiversity and coastal communities. Satellite-derived ocean colour data provides enhanced spatial coverage and resolution compared to traditional methods, enabling the estimation of SST and SSS. This study presents a methodology for extracting SST and SSS using machine learning algorithms trained with in-situ and multispectral satellite data. A global neural network model was developed, leveraging spectral bands and metadata to predict these parameters. The model incorporated Shapley values to evaluate feature importance, offering insight into the contributions of specific bands and environmental factors. The global model achieved an R2 of 0.83 for temperature and 0.65 for salinity. In the Gulf of Mexico case study, the model demonstrated a root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.83°C for test cases and 1.69°C for validation cases for SST, outperforming traditional methods in dynamic coastal environments. Feature importance analysis identified the critical roles of infrared bands in SST prediction and blue/green colour bands in SSS estimation. This approach addresses the “black box” nature of machine learning models by providing insights into the relative importance of spectral bands and metadata. Key factors such as solar azimuth angle and specific spectral bands were highlighted, demonstrating the potential of machine learning to enhance ocean property estimation, particularly in complex coastal regions.

Objetivos: Este estudo objetivou construir e auferir evidências de validação de uma cartilha educativa para pessoas com doença falciforme, contendo oito práticas voltadas a promover a saúde visando a melhor qualidade de vida. Métodos: Trata-se de estudo metodológico realizado a partir da construção do material educativo, com posterior validação por juízes especialistas na área, e pelo público-alvo. Para estruturação do conteúdo, foi realizada revisão narrativa da literatura, bem como consulta a especialistas. O desenvolvimento e operacionalização do gênero textual levou em conta um modo lúdico e atrativo ao escolher o formato do produto educativo, elegendo-se o formato de história em quadrinhos. A validação de conteúdo foi estabelecida levando-se em conta o Content Validity Index (CVI) maior do que 80%. Resultados: Todos os juízes especialistas concordaram que a cartilha aborda hábitos que podem ser benéficos a indivíduos com doença falciforme. Foram aceitas as sugestões enviadas, como simplificação do vocabulário, troca do tipo de fonte, aumento da arte das hemácias e outras. Todos os itens foram avaliados como pertinentes, e o CVI alcançou média de 0,96. Após os ajustes sugeridos pelos juízes, o material foi apresentado a dez pessoas adultas com doença falciforme que o aprovaram. Conclusões: A cartilha foi considerada válida pela confiabilidade reconhecida por profissionais especializados em doença falciforme e em qualidade de vida quanto ao conteúdo, incluindo linguagem adotada, temas abordados e ilustrações. Sugere-se utilizar a história em quadrinhos nas redes sociais e por meio impresso para distribuição de profissionais de saúde e agentes comunitários.

This review is focused on the research, innovation and technological breakthroughs on marine invertebrate collagens and their applications. The findings reveal that research dates back to the 1970s, and after a period of reduced activity, interest in collagens from several marine invertebrate groups was renewed around 2008, likely driven by the increased commercial interest in these biomolecules of marine origin. Research and development are predominantly reported from China and Japan, highlighting significant research interest in cnidarians (jellyfish), echinoderms (sea cucumbers, sea urchins and starfish), molluscs (squid and cuttlefish) and sponges. Co-word analysis of the literature highlights applications in regenerative medicine, the properties of hydrolysates, and biology and biochemistry studies. Innovation and the technological landscape, however, focus on fewer taxonomic groups, possibly reflecting the challenge of sustainably sourcing raw materials, with a higher number of patents coming from Asia. Globally, jellyfish collagen is the most prominent marine invertebrate source, while Asia also emphasizes the use of collagens derived from molluscs and sea cucumbers. Europe, despite fewer patents, explores a broader range of taxonomic groups. Globally, key applications registered are mostly in medical, dental and toiletry areas, with peptide preparations spanning multiple animal groups. The food domain is notably relevant for molluscs and sea cucumbers. Market trends show a strong presence of cosmetic and supplement products, aligning with market reports that predict a growing demand for marine collagens in cosmetics and personalized nutrition, particularly in targeted health supplements.

Objective Prior research has not assessed the value of remote patient monitoring (RPM) systems for patients undergoing anticoagulation therapy after cardiac surgery. This study aims to assess whether the clinical follow-up through RPM yields comparable outcomes with the standard protocol. Methods A crossover trial assigned participants to SOC-RPM or RPM-SOC, starting with the standard of care (SOC) for the first 6 months after surgery and using RPM for the following 6 months, or vice-versa, respectively. During RPM, patients used the Coaguchek © to accurately measure International Normalized Ratio values and a mobile text-based chatbot to report PROs and adjust the therapeutic dosage. The study assessed patients’ and clinicians’ experience with RPM and compared direct costs. Results Twenty-seven patients participated. The median time in therapeutic range (TTR) levels during RPM were 72.2% and 50.6% for the SOC-RPM and RPM-SOC arms, respectively, and during SOC, they were 49.4% and 58.4% for SOC-RPM and RPM-SOC arms, respectively. Patients and the clinical team reported high trust and satisfaction with the proposed digital service. Statistically significant differences were only found in the cost of RPM in the RPM-SOC, which was higher than SOC in the SOC-RPM arm. Conclusions Portable coagulometers and chatbots can enhance the remote management of patients undergoing anticoagulation therapy, improving patient experience. This presents a promising alternative to the current standard procedure. The results of this study seem to suggest that RPM may have a higher value when initiated after a SOC period rather than starting RPM immediately after surgery. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06423521.

Um relato de experiência que visa apresentar a sistematização de atendimento para o manejo de crises psíquicas desenvolvida pelo Núcleo de Saúde Mental do Samu-DF. A metodologia, fundamentada nos passos do arco de Maguerez, permitiu desde a identificação das dificuldades dos profissionais no manejo das crises psíquicas até a construção da sistematização denominada “Circuito de Cuidados Psicossociais” para orientar a assistência no serviço pré-hospitalar móvel. O circuito tem como mnemônico “AEIOU”, e cada letra corresponde a um elemento avaliado como necessário na intervenção de crise psíquica. Assim, é possível afirmar que a Educação Permanente em Saúde possibilita uma ação transformadora dos profissionais e da realidade na qual estão inseridos, e a sistematização tem acelerado a consolidação das habilidades necessárias ao atendimento das crises psíquicas.

In the U.S., Helicoverpa zea (Boddie) is a major pest targeted by both transgenic maize and cotton expressing Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) proteins. Resistance of insect to Bt maize and cotton containing cry1A and cry2A genes has widely occurred in the U.S. In this study, two trials were performed to investigate larval survival and development of a Cry1A.105/Cry2Ab2 dual-protein resistant (VT2P-RR), a susceptible, and an F1 heterozygous (VT2P-RS) populations of H. zea on ears of nine Bt and three non-Bt maize hybrids. The Bt maize hybrids evaluated represent five common pyramided traits expressing two or three of the Cry1A.105, Cry1Ab, Cry1F, Cry2Ab2, and Vip3Aa20 proteins. In the laboratory, neonates of the three H. zea populations were inoculated on silks of ears collected from maize at R1–R2 plant stages; and larval survivorship was checked 10 d after neonate release. All three insect populations survived normally on non-Bt maize ears. Varied numbers of VT2P-RR and VT2P-RS survived on ears of Cry1A.105/Cry2Ab2 maize, while all larvae of the three populations died or could not develop on ears of Vip3Aa20-expressing maize. The results demonstrated that the dual-protein resistant H. zea was not cross-resistant to Vip3Aa20-expressing maize, and thus traits with vip3Aa20 gene should be effective to manage Cry1A.105/Cry2Ab2-resistant H. zea. The resistance in VT2P-RR was determined to be incomplete on Cry1A.105/Cry2Ab2 maize. The effective dominance levels varied greatly, from recessive to incompletely dominant, depending on maize hybrids and trials, suggesting that proper selection of maize hybrids could be important for mitigating the Cry1A.105/Cry2Ab2 resistance. The data generated should aid in modeling multiple-protein Bt resistance in H. zea.

No século XXI, a implementação da educação doutoral em Geografia resultou num aumento do número de teses enquadradas na especialização em Geografia Física. No entanto, pouco é conhecido sobre a dinâmica inerente às técnicas de trabalho de campo, métodos e temas estudados. Com o objetivo de compreender melhor a tendência de aumento e evolução associada, este artigo analisa os 78 estudos de doutoramento publicados em cinco instituições públicas de ensino superior, entre 2000 e 2021. Foi realizada uma análise quantitativa de forma a investigar as fontes de dados, as técnicas de trabalho de campo e os métodos de análise utilizados nos estudos que abrangem as temáticas Biogeografia, Climatologia, Hidrologia, Geomorfologia e Risco e Ordenamento. A partir de 2007, verificou-se um aumento de trabalhos em Risco e Ordenamento, reforçando a componente da Geografia Física aplicada às problemáticas do ordenamento do território. A utilização de Sistemas de Informação Geográfica, análise estatística e quantitativa evidenciam o peso das bases de dados e análises em gabinete. O contexto territorial em que se localizam as instituições estudadas parece influenciar a escolha das áreas de estudo e temáticas associadas. O processo de Bolonha, a atribuição de bolsas de doutoramento pela Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia e o aumento dos projetos de investigação com financiamento justificam parcialmente a diversidade de temáticas identificadas e métodos.

Diseases transmitted by vectors such as Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus (Diptera: Culicidae) have been responsible for endemics and epidemics in several countries, causing irreparable damage to human health. For this reason, vector control is one of the main strategies to prevent the contamination and dissemination of these etiological agents. In this study, the essential oil (EO) of Ocimum basilicum was obtained by hydrodistillation, and the compounds were identified by GC/MS. A nanoemulsion was obtained through a low-energy input method and evaluated by photon correlation spectroscopy. Bioassays were performed against 4th instar larvae of A. aegypti and C. quinquefasciatus. Furthermore, additional in silico studies of biological activity prediction and molecular docking for the acetylcholinesterase enzyme and juvenile hormone protein targets were performed with the 53 identified compounds of the EO. The major compounds identified in greater quantity were linalool (32.66%) and anethole (32.48%). The obtained nanoemulsion had an average size diameter between 244.6 and 280.4 nm and a polydispersity index below 0.250 during the entire storage period. The nanoemulsion was tested at concentrations of 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 mg/L and the following activity values were observed: LC50 = 42.15 mg/L and 40.94 mg/L and LC90 = 50.35 mg/L and 48.87 mg/L for A. aegypti (24 h and 48 h); LC50 = 39.64 mg/L and 38.08 mg/L and LC90 = 52.58 mg/L and 54.26 mg/L for C. quinquefasciatus (24 h and 48 h). The in silico results showed better activity values for linalool, anethole, carvone, α-selinene, eugenol, and limonene. The α-selinene compound showed the best binding affinity with the insect acetylcholinesterase enzyme (−9.1 Kcal) in molecular docking, showing the importance of antagonist compounds in elucidating the mechanism of action for the investigated targets. Thus, the studied nanoemulsion was considered active against the tested species, becoming a potential alternative as an ecological bioinsecticide due to bioactivity and simplicity of formulation.

Ao nos depararmos com o repertório percussivo que contempla obras com o instrumento crotales percebemos que, em muitos casos, as possibilidades de sua expressividade musical não são de todo exploradas. Um desses fatores se deve a falta de implementação do uso do pedal para gerar fraseados distintos com os crotales. Ao revisarmos mecanismos de abafamento desse instrumento foi observado que os mesmos apenas atendem a marcas específicas, limitando a sua utilização. Acreditando tratar-se esse um fator determinante para que compositores e intérpretes não façam uso desse artificio, propomos aqui o desenvolvimento e construção de um protótipo abafador de crotales universal, capaz de atender a qualquer modelo no mercado. Além de revisão sobre obras musicais foram também visitados depósitos de patentes. O projeto contou com uma equipe multidiscplinar, utilizando softwares de design e prototipagem rápida, dando origem ao Sistema de Abafamento de Crotales por Pedal - SACRO-2020. Esperamos contribuir para a comunidade musical, proporcionando um sistema que possa ser utilizado por qualquer local/performer que possua crotales.

Background The aim of this research was to synthetise the existing evidence on the impact of epidemic-related lockdown measures on women and children’s health in low- and lower-middle-income countries (LLMICs).Methods A mixed-methods systematic review was conducted of qualitative, quantitative and mixed-methods evidence. Between 1st and 10th of November 2021, seven scientific databases were searched. The inclusion criteria were that the paper provided evidence on the impact of lockdown and related measures, focused on LLMICs, addressed impacts on women and child’s health, addressed epidemics from 2000-2020, was peer-reviewed, provided original evidence, and was published in English. The Joanne Briggs Institute’s critical appraisal tools were used to assess the quality of the studies, and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines for reporting. The evidence from the papers was grouped by type of lockdown measure and categories of impact, using a narrative databased convergent synthesis design.Results The review process identified 46 papers meeting the inclusion criteria from 17 countries that focussed on the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and Ebola epidemics. The evidence on the decrease of utilisation of health services showed plummeting immunisation rates and faltering use of maternal and perinatal services, which was linked to a growth of premature deaths. Impacts on the mental health of children and women were convincingly established, with lockdowns associated with surges in depression, anxiety and low life satisfaction. Vulnerability may be compounded by lockdowns, as livelihoods were disrupted, and poverty levels increased.Conclusion Limitations included that searches were conducted in late-2020 as new research was being published, and that some evidence not published in English may have been excluded. Epidemic-related lockdown measures carry consequences for the health of women and children in lower-income settings. Governments will need to weigh the tradeoffs of introducing such measures and consider policies to mitigate their impacts on the most vulnerable.

Bio-oils produced from three different biomass sources, namely cork, pinewood, and olive stones, are evaluated concerning their suitability and prospects of including their electrochemical transformations in a biorefinery scenario for the production of added-value compounds. Different types and concentrations of electrolytes (e.g., H2SO4, KOH) are added to the bio-oils to increase the samples’ initially low ionic conductivity. The samples prepared by mixing bio-oil with 2 M KOH aqueous solution (50 vol.%) lead to a stable and homogeneous bio-oil alkaline emulsion suitable for electrochemical studies. The bio-oil samples are characterized by physicochemical methods (e.g., density, viscosity, conductivity), followed by analyzing their electrochemical behavior by voltammetric and chronoamperometric studies. The organics electrooxidation and the hydrogen evolution reaction in the bio-oils are assessed using Pt electrodes. Single- and two-compartment cell laboratory bio-oil electrolyzers are assembled using nickel plate electrodes. Electrolysis is carried out at 2.5 V for 24 h. Attenuated Total Reflection-Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and Mass Spectrometry are applied to identify possible changes in the bio-oil samples’ chemical structure during the electrolysis experiments. Comparing the analyses of the bio-oil samples subjected to electrolysis with the blank samples demonstrates that bulk electrolysis significantly changes the bio-oil composition. The bio-oil obtained from cork biomass shows the most promising results, but further studies are required to understand the nature of the actual changes.

INTRODUCTION: The progression of diabetes mellitus to a global epidemic resulted in an increased prevalence of tibioperoneal disease in chronic limb threatening ischemia (CLTI). Distal disease still poses an enormous challenge to vascular surgeons. Crural angioplasty was formerly restricted to patients with short stenotic lesions or to high-risk patients for bypass surgery. Nevertheless, endovascular treatment has been used preferentially over bypass surgery in most centres. The aim of this study is to analyse the results of open ultra-distal revascularization in a single-centre with a limb preservation program for CLTI. METHODS: The present study consists in a single-centre retrospective analysis of all patients with CLTI submitted to below the ankle bypass. The end points were limb-based patency (LBP), primary patency (PP) and secondary patency (SP) rates, freedom from CLTI, freedom from new CLTI, freedom from major index limb amputation, amputation free-survival, and overall survival. Patients were categorized in subgroups based on age (above or below 75 years), dialysis status, wound and infection grade (0 and 1 vs 2 and 3 in WIfI classification). Statistical analysis was carried out using Stata 12.1 (StataCorp®, Lakeway Drive, College Station, Texas, USA). Time-to-event end points were presented with Kaplan–Meier estimates, censored at major amputation, death, or last follow-up, and compared with the log rank test. RESULTS: A total of 134 limbs in 122 patients with CLTI (83% male, median age of 68 years) were submitted to below the ankle bypasses. The median follow-up was 33.7 months. LBP, PP and SP were, respectively, 78%, 78% and 92% at 1 year, 73%, 73% and 88% at 2 years, and 62%, 62% and 79% at 4 years. At 1 year, 83% of the limbs were free from CLTI. Of these patients, 89% and 74% remained free from new CLTI at 2 and 4 years, respectively. Eighty-two percent of the patients were free from major index limb amputation at 4 years. Thirty-day mortality was 1.6% (2 patients) and 1-year and 2-year survival was 90% and 81%, respectively. Age, dialysis status and wound/infection grade (WIfI classification) did not influence patency rates. CONCLUSION: Below the ankle bypass is safe and has excellent clinical outcomes. The present study emphasizes the value of open surgery in a challenging territory, with high rates of patency, limb salvage, freedom from CLTI and from new CLTI. These results were not affected by patient status or clinical severity factors.

A comprehensive investigation regarding the hygrothermal behavior of a constructive solution containing phase change materials (PCMs) was performed on a full-scale test cell, divided into two similar compartments. This involved hygrothermal monitoring (indoor air temperature) of the two compartments, in which one had PCM incorporated into the floor mortar. The main goal of this research was to investigate the potential of this kind of solution for overheating mitigation. The numerical study was conducted using EnergyPlus® software (version 9.0), exploring different natural ventilation flow rates to gauge the novel solution’s potential to reduce overheating rates. The results from the monitoring studies revealed prolonged periods of thermal discomfort in both test cells, particularly overheating. However, it was proven that the PCM application in one of the test cells led to a reduction of almost 10 °C in the maximum peak of air temperature. In the simulation analysis, the increase in the ventilation rate led to a linear decrease in the overheating hours of up to one renovation per hour, and then the reductions were attenuated.

The pre-eutrophic state of marine waters is generally not well known, complicating target setting for management measures to combat eutrophication. We present results from an OSPAR ICG-EMO model assessment to simulate the pre-eutrophic state of North-East Atlantic marine waters. Using an ecosystem model ensemble combined with an observation-based weighting method we derive sophisticated estimates for key eutrophication indicators. Eight modelling centres applied the same riverine nutrient loads, atmospheric nutrient deposition rates and boundary conditions to their specific model set-up to ensure comparability. The pre-eutrophic state was defined as a historic scenario of estimated nutrient inputs (riverine, atmospheric) at around the year 1900, before the invention and widespread use of industrial fertilizers. The period 2009-2014 was used by all participants to simulate both the current state of eutrophication and the pre-eutrophic scenario, to ensure that differences are solely due to the changes in nutrient inputs between the scenarios. Mean values were reported for winter dissolved inorganic nutrients and total nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus) and the nitrogen to phosphorus ratio, and for growing season chlorophyll, chlorophyll 90th percentile, near-bed oxygen minimum and net phytoplankton production on the level of the OSPAR assessment areas. Results showed distinctly lower nutrient concentrations and nitrogen to phosphorus ratio’s in coastal areas under pre-eutrophic conditions compared to current conditions (except in the Meuse Plume and Seine Plume areas). Chlorophyll concentrations were estimated to be as much as ~40% lower in some areas, as were dissolved inorganic phosphorus levels. Dissolved inorganic nitrogen levels were found to be up to 60% lower in certain assessment areas. The weighted average approach reduced model disparities, and delivered pre-eutrophic concentrations in each assessment area. Our results open the possibility to establish reference values for indicators of eutrophication across marine regions. The use of the new assessment areas ensures local ecosystem functioning is better represented while political boundaries are largely ignored. As such, the reference values are less associated to member states boundaries than to ecosystem boundaries.

Com foco nas representações cinematográficas do trágico e na intertextualidade na obra fílmica Medeia (1988) de Lars Von Trier, reflete-se sobre a busca do diretor por um conteúdo metafórico próprio como mote de adaptação da obra clássica de Eurípides e a forma que este intento dialoga com o dispositivo poético intrínseco ao cinema de Carl Theodor Dreyer. Busca-se na narrativa audiovisual elementos intertextuais que apresentam o mito, a partir dos conceitos de representação, mito, imaginário e intertextualidade e da análise fílmica proposta por Francis Vanoye (1994).

Observing different works referring to the percussive repertoire (whether solo, chamber music or even symphonic) we realize that, in many cases, the impossibility of changing mallets in certain musical stretches involving multi-percussion setups compromises the sound of certain instruments. By conducting a study on patents and trademarks regarding mallet systems that allow small suspended instruments to be played without the need to hold it and their specific mallets, it was possible to see improvements and innovative ideas for this type of performance. Using licensed software for 3D projects, we developed and built the Mallet System for Small Suspended Instruments - SIBAPIS2020. As it is a system with improved and expanded functionalities compared to what already exists on field, we intend to contribute to the improvement of percussive performance, particularly in the context of small instruments inserted in multi-percussion setups.

Along with Arctic warming, climate models project a strong increase in Arctic precipitation in the 21st century as well as an increase in the ratio of liquid to total precipitation. In the precipitation-rich region of south-east Greenland, precipitation changes could locally have significant impacts on runoff. However, climate data are sparse in this remote region. This study focuses on improving our understanding of the past precipitation changes on Ammassalik island in south-east Greenland between 1958 and 2021. To assess past changes in air temperature at 2-meter and precipitation, output from a regional polar climate model (RACMO2.3p2) is evaluated with measurements from automatic weather stations in Tasiilaq and on Mittivakkat glacier. In addition, RACMO2.3p2 is used to assess past seasonal changes in air temperature at 2-meter, precipitation amount, precipitation phase and the altitude of the rain/snow boundary. We find that the climate model accurately represents the monthly average observed air temperature at 2-meter. While total precipitation is overestimated, interannual variability of precipitation is properly captured. We report a significant increase of summer temperature at 2-meter of +0.3°C/decade (p

Background & Aims: Increased expression of IFN-stimulated gene 15 (ISG15) and subsequently increased ISGylation are key factors in the host response to viral infection. In this study, we sought to characterize the expression of ISG15, ISGylation, and associated enzymes at each stage of differentiation from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to hepatocytes. Methods: To study the regulation of ISGylation, we utilized patient samples and in vitro cell culture models including iPSCs, hepatocytes-like cells, immortalized cell lines, and primary human hepatocytes. Protein/mRNA expression were measured following treatment with poly(I:C), IFNα and HCV infection. Results: When compared to HLCs, we observed several novel aspects of the ISGylation pathway in iPSCs. These include a lower baseline expression of the ISGylation-activating enzyme, UBE1L, a lack of IFN-induced expression of the ISGylation-conjugation enzyme UBE2L6, an attenuated activation of the transcription factor STAT1 and constitutive expression of SOCS1. ISGylation was observed in iPSCs following downregulation of SOCS1, which facilitated STAT1 activation and subsequently increased expression of UBE2L6. Intriguingly, HCV permissive transformed hepatoma cell lines demonstrated higher intrinsic expression of SOCS1 and weaker ISGylation following IFN treatment. SOCS1 downregulation in HCV-infected Huh 7.5.1 cells led to increased ISGylation. Conclusions: Herein, we show that high basal levels of SOCS1 inhibit STAT1 activation and subsequently IFN-induced UBE2L6 and ISGylation in iPSCs. Furthermore, as iPSCs differentiate into hepatocytes, epigenetic mechanisms regulate ISGylation by modifying UBE1L and SOCS1 expression levels. Overall, this study demonstrates that the development of cell-intrinsic innate immunity during the differentiation of iPSCs to hepatocytes provides insight into cell type-specific regulation of host defense responses and related oncogenic processes. Impact and implications: To elucidate the mechanism underlying regulation of ISGylation, a key process in the innate immune response, we studied changes in ISGylation-associated genes at the different stages of differentiation from iPSCs to hepatocytes. We found that high basal levels of SOCS1 inhibit STAT1 activation and subsequently IFN-induced UBE2L6 and ISGylation in iPSCs. Importantly, epigenetic regulation of SOCS1 and subsequently ISGylation may be important factors in the development of cell type-specific host defense responses in hepatocytes that should be considered when studying chronic infections and oncogenic processes in the liver.

Mosquitoes are one of the main vectors of many important diseases and their degree of resistance to chemical insecticides has increased. Nowadays, it has become crucial to identify novel plant larvicides with an eco-friendly impact. The components of essential oils from Croton linearis Jacq. (EO-Cl), Lantana involucrata L. (EO-Li), Ocimum sanctum var. cubensis M. Gómez. (EO-Os), and Zanthoxylum pistaciifolium Griseb. (syn. Zanthoxylum flavum subsp. pistaciifolium (Griseb.) Reynel (EO-Zp) were determined using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis. Larvicidal and adulticidal bioassays against Aedes aegypti, Anopheles albitarsis and Culex quinquefasciatus, were performed according to the World Health Organization standard methods. A high diversity of compounds was identified in the four oils, with a total of 152 compounds (33–70 components). EO-Cl, EO-Li, and EO-Os were classified as active against both insect forms, larvae and adults. Lantana involucrata showed the best results, with LC50 values from 33.8 to 41.7 mg/L. In most of the cases, it was not possible to associate the main compounds with the measured activity, supporting the hypothesis about probable synergistic interactions among major and minor compounds. The results indicate EO-Cl, EO-Os, and EO-Li as good eco-friendly insecticides with potential.

O objetivo do estudo foi identificar a composição corporal dos avaliados e correlacionar com a força muscular e resistência muscular, que podem interferir no desempenho dos corredores. Tratou-se de uma pesquisa quantitativa transversal com delineamento experimental, realizada com 40 pessoas de amos os sexos que participavam do grupo de corrida da UniEvangélica. Para a coleta de dados aferiu-se a pesagem e estatura para calcular o IMC, após, mensurou-se a composição corporal utilizando o protocolo de Pollock 7 dobras. Para os testes de força muscular dos membros inferiores, realizou-se o teste de uma Repetição Máxima no Leg Press e para a resistência muscular utilizando-se um estímulo ativo de 60% da carga de 1RM realizando repetições até a falha. Quanto aos resultados ouve uma diferença significativa de 0,05 na estatura. Ao analisar o Índice de Massa Corporal, ambos os grupos se classificaram como “Eutrófico”. Ao avaliar a massa magra a população masculina obteve média de 47,507kg, já as mulheres 38,270kg. Na resistência muscular do teste Abdominal os homens obtiveram média de 36,0, já as mulheres alcançaram 19,33 repetições. Quanto aos resultados obtidos através do Teste de força, os homens obtiveram valores maiores, tanto RMs, quanto em 1RM. Dessa forma concluiu-se que quanto maior o percentual de gordura menor é a resistência e força muscular, sendo, essas variáveis inversamente proporcionais. Observou-se também que os homens obtiveram médias de peso gordo menor que o grupo feminino, alcançando resultados superiores em todas as variáveis analisadas.

BackgroundAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine guidelines suggest that clinical prediction algorithms can be used to screen patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) without replacing polysomnography, the gold standard. ObjectiveWe aimed to identify, gather, and analyze existing machine learning approaches that are being used for disease screening in adult patients with suspected OSA. MethodsWe searched the MEDLINE, Scopus, and ISI Web of Knowledge databases to evaluate the validity of different machine learning techniques, with polysomnography as the gold standard outcome measure and used the Prediction Model Risk of Bias Assessment Tool (Kleijnen Systematic Reviews Ltd) to assess risk of bias and applicability of each included study. ResultsOur search retrieved 5479 articles, of which 63 (1.15%) articles were included. We found 23 studies performing diagnostic model development alone, 26 with added internal validation, and 14 applying the clinical prediction algorithm to an independent sample (although not all reporting the most common discrimination metrics, sensitivity or specificity). Logistic regression was applied in 35 studies, linear regression in 16, support vector machine in 9, neural networks in 8, decision trees in 6, and Bayesian networks in 4. Random forest, discriminant analysis, classification and regression tree, and nomogram were each performed in 2 studies, whereas Pearson correlation, adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system, artificial immune recognition system, genetic algorithm, supersparse linear integer models, and k-nearest neighbors algorithm were each performed in 1 study. The best area under the receiver operating curve was 0.98 (0.96-0.99) for age, waist circumference, Epworth Somnolence Scale score, and oxygen saturation as predictors in a logistic regression. ConclusionsAlthough high values were obtained, they still lacked external validation results in large cohorts and a standard OSA criteria definition. Trial RegistrationPROSPERO CRD42021221339; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=221339

Assessments of the water quality in coastal zones often rely on indirect indicators from contributing river inputs and the neighbouring ocean. Using a novel combination of distance accumulation cost methods and an ocean-colour product derived from SENTINEL-3 data, we developed a probabilistic method for the assessment of dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) in Liverpool Bay (UK) for the period from 2017 to 2020. Using our approach, we showed the annual and monthly likelihood of DIN exposure from its 12 major contributory rivers. Furthermore, we generated monthly risk maps showing the probability of DIN exposure from all rivers, which revealed a seasonal variation of extent and location around the bay. The highest likelihood of high DIN exposure throughout the year was in the estuarine regions of the Dee, Mersey, and Ribble, along with near-shore areas along the north Wales coast and around the mouth of the rivers Mersey and Ribble. There were seasonal changes in the risk of DIN exposure, and this risk remained high all year for the Mersey and Dee estuary regions. In contrast, for the mouth and near the coastal areas of the Ribble, the DIN exposure decreased in spring, remained low during the summer and early autumn, before displaying an increase during winter. Our approach offers the ability to assess the water quality within coastal zones without the need of complex hydrodynamic models, whilst still having the potential to apportion nutrient exposure to specific riverine inputs. This information can help to prioritise how direct mitigation strategies can be applied to specific river catchments, focusing the limited resources for coastal zone and river basin management.

The wide occurrence of resistance to Cry1A and Cry2A insecticidal toxins from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) in the corn earworm/bollworm Helicoverpa zea (Boddie) leaves the Vip3A toxin produced during the vegetative stage of Bt as the only fully active toxin expressed in transgenic crops to control H. zea in the U.S.A. During 2021, the first unexpected survival of H. zea and injury (UXI) on a maize hybrid expressing Cry1A.105, Cry2Ab2, and Vip3Aa in Louisiana, U.S.A. were observed in two sentinel plots used for resistance monitoring. A follow-up intensive investigation was conducted with two H. zea populations established from larvae collected from the two UXI plots. The main goal of this study was to reveal if the unexpected damage was due to resistance development in the insect to the Bt toxins expressed in the maize hybrid. Diet-overlay bioassays showed that the two populations were highly resistant to Cry1A.105, moderately resistant to Cry2Ab2, but still highly susceptible to Vip3Aa when compared to a reference susceptible strain. In 10 d assays with detached ears, the larvae of the two UXI populations exhibited survival on ears expressing only Cry toxins but presented near 100% mortality on maize hybrids containing both cry and vip3A transgenes. Multiple field trials over three years demonstrated that natural H. zea populations in Louisiana were highly resistant to maize expressing only Cry toxins but remained susceptible to all tested hybrids containing cry and vip3A genes. Altogether, the results of this study suggest that the observed UXIs in Louisiana were associated with a resistance to Cry toxins but were not due to a resistance to Vip3A. The possible causes of the UXIs are discussed. The results generated and procedures adopted in this study help in determining thresholds for defining UXIs, assessing resistance risks, and documenting field resistance.

Isolamento Capital é o nome de um projeto dramatúrgico desenvolvido em 2020, no qual sete atrizes produziram sete diferentes vídeo-performances, utilizando-se da simbologia própria aos sete pecados capitais durante o medievo para refletir acerca da pandemia de covid-19 que tomou conta do mundo na contemporaneidade. Neste sentido, interessa-nos identificar e analisar a apropriação artística de elementos simbólicos medievais que permeiam o projeto, como forma de estabelecer uma análise sobre as interrelações entre uma criação cênica e o imaginário social relativo ao pecado durante a Idade Média, refletindo, assim, sobre o isolamento social em tempos pandêmicos.

This paper presents the ISRI (Information Systems Research Indicators) Web tool, publicly and freely available at isri.sciencesphere.org. Targeting Information Systems (IS) researchers, it compiles and organizes IS adoption and use theories/models, constructs, and indicators (measuring variables) available in the scientific literature. Aiming to support the IS theory development process, the purpose of ISRI is to gather and systematize information on research indicators to help researchers and practitioners’ work. The tool currently covers eleven theories/models: DeLone and McLean’s IS Success Model (D&M ISS); Diffusion of Innovations Theory (DOI); Motivational Model (MM); Social Cognitive Theory (SCT); Task-Technology Fit (TTF); Technology Acceptance Model (TAM); Technology-Organization-Environment Framework (TOE); Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB); Decomposed Theory of Planned Behavior (DTPB); Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA); and Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT). It also includes currently over 400 constructs, nearly 2,500 indicators, and about 60 application contexts related to the models. For the creation of the tool’s database, nearly 580 references were used.

The Adaptive Object Model (AOM) is an architectural style in which domain entity types are represented as instances that can be changed at runtime. It can be used to achieve higher flexibility in domain classes. Due to AOM entities having a distinct structure, they are not compatible with most popular frameworks, especially those that use reflection and code annotations. To solve such limitations, this study aims to propose a model that enables the reuse of frameworks designed for classic object-oriented domain models in an AOM application. The proposed model uses dynamically-generated adapters for AOM entities that encapsulate them in a class with the format expected by the frameworks. A reference implementation was developed in the Esfinge AOM RoleMapper framework to evaluate the viability of the proposed model. Initially, to evaluate the solution feasibility, a case study was carried out using the Hibernate framework. Further, an experiment was conducted to assess how the participants perceived the framework functionality reuse through the proposed model. The feasibility study revealed that the solution could be applied in a complex setting for the chosen object-relational mapping frame. It raised some difficulties that can be addressed in future studies. In the experiment, the development time did not present a significant difference compared to the competing approach. Despite the considerable learning curve, most participants considered that the proposed approach has more advantages than the alternative. Based on the evaluations, we can conclude that the proposed model can be successfully employed to use AOM entities with frameworks that were not designed for AOM applications. The possibility of reusing existing frameworks can reduce the effort required to adopt an AOM architecture and, consequently, be a facilitator in implementing more flexible and adaptive approaches.

To contribute to knowledge of the epidemiology of American cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL) among indigenous people living in sylvatic regions, we studied the sand fly fauna collected in areas of disease transmission in the Brazilian Amazon. Here we report two datasets comprising occurrence data for sand flies from the Suruwaha Indigenous Land in the state of Amazonas collected in 2012–2013, and the Wajãpi Indigenous Land in the state of Amapá collected in 2013–2014. Sand flies were collected using unbaited CDC-like light traps at various sites within each study area and were identified to either genus or species-level by taxonomists with expertise in Amazonian fauna. A total of 4,646 records are reported: 1,428 from the Suruwaha and 3,218 from the Wajãpi. These records will contribute to a better understanding of ACL transmission dynamics, as well as the distribution of insect vectors, in these areas.

Introduction: Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a rare and severe manifestation of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The aim of this study was to describe the characteristics of children with MIS-C admitted to a pediatric tertiary hospital in Portugal. Material and Methods: Observational descriptive study of MIS-C patients admitted between April 2020 and April 2021. Demographic and clinical characteristics, diagnostic tests, and treatment data were collected. The diagnosis of MIS-C was based on the World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria. Results: We reported 45 children with MIS-C. The median age was seven years (IQR 4 - 10 years) and 60.0% were previously healthy. SARS-CoV-2 infection was confirmed in 77.8% by RT-PCR or antibody testing for SARS-CoV-2, and in 73.3%, an epidemiological link was confirmed. All the patients had a fever and organ system involvement: hematologic (100%), cardiovascular (97.8%), gastrointestinal (97.8%), mucocutaneous (86.7%), respiratory (26.7%), neurologic (15.6%), and renal (13.3%) system. Neurological (p = 0.035) and respiratory (p = 0.035) involvement were observed in patients with a more severe presentation. There was a significant difference of medians when comparing disease severity groups, namely in the values of hemoglobin (p = 0.015), lymphocytes (p = 0.030), D-dimer (p = 0.019), albumin (p < 0.001), NT-proBNP (p = 0.005), ferritin (p = 0.048), CRP (p = 0.006), procalcitonin (p = 0.005) and IL-6 (p = 0.002). From the total number of children, 93.3% received intravenous immunoglobulin, 91.1% methylprednisolone, and one patient (2.2%) received anakinra. Thirteen patients (28.8%) required intensive care and there were no deaths. Of the 21 patients evaluated, 90.4% had reduction of exercise capacity and of the 15 patients who underwent cardiac magnetic resonance, 53.3% had sequelae of cardiac injury. Conclusion: We observed a large spectrum of disease presentation in a group of patients where most were previously healthy. A small percentage of patients (28.9%) had a severe presentation of the disease. MIS-C is a challenge in current clinical practice and its diagnosis requires a high level of clinical suspicion as the timely initiation of therapy is essential to prevent complications. However, there is no scientific consensus on the treatment and follow-up of these patients.

A ingestão de leite combinada com a sua concentração de proteína é responsável por mais de 80% da variação total no ganho de peso dos leitões durante a lactação. Neste sentido este estudo teve o propósito de determinar a variação da composição físico-química do colostro e do leite de porcas durante a lactação sob condições tropicais. O estudo foi conduzido em uma granja comercial, em que se utilizou 55 matrizes multíparas para coleta de colostro, nas primeiras 24 horas após o parto e leite aos 7, 14 e 21 dias pós-parto. As amostras foram avaliadas quanto ao pH, densidade e aos níveis de matéria seca, lactose, proteína e gordura. O colostro apresentou pH mais ácido, maior densidade e maiores níveis de matéria seca, proteína e lactose em relação ao leite (P

Essential oils can inhibit growth of several phytopathogenic fungi of agricultural concern, such as Sclerotium spp. which causes root and collar rots, hampering the absorption of water and nutrients. Natural oils have short persistence in the environment and low toxicity, comprising compounds safer than conventional agrochemicals. Within the context of integrated management of diseases, essential oils may benefit the health of farmers, consumers and the environment. This study evaluated the in vitro inhibitory effect of clove (Syzygium aromaticum) essential oil on the mycelial growth of Sclerotium rolfsii. The experimental design was completely randomized, with 7 treatments (5 oil concentrations, 1 negative control, and 1 positive control) and five replications, with the experimental unit constituted by a Petri dish. The treatments consisted of different oil concentrations (0.0125; 0.025; 0.05; 0.1 and 0.2%) of clove essential oil, a negative control (0.0%) and a positive control, fungicide Tiram (1 mL L-1). The essential oil and the fungicide Tiram were merged into the synthetic Potato-Dextrose-Agar (PDA) culture medium. The plates were inoculated with the pathogen S. rolfsii and incubated for seven days at 25 ± 2 °C. We compared the treatments through the percentage of mycelial growth inhibition (PIC) and the mycelial growth velocity index (IVCM). Increasing oil concentration significantly reduced the mycelial growth of S. rolfsii and paralyzed mycelial growth at 0.1% concentration. The effect of clove essential oil was similar to the commercial fungicide.

O artigo em tela é oriundo da disciplina “Pesquisa em Educação” cursada no PPGE UNEMAT Cáceres - MT, e tem como objetivo desenvolver uma reflexão histórica e crítica acerca dos principais pressupostos epistemológicos e metodológicos, cujas contribuições para a pesquisa educacional evidenciam sua relevância e pertinência indispensáveis na pesquisa educacional há décadas, nos mais variados centros acadêmicos. Correntes epistemológicas tais como o positivismo, materialismo histórico e dialético, fenomenologia e o estruturalismo e pós-estruturalismo, bem como suas metodologias específicas, serão exploradas brevemente no texto com o intuito de demonstrar suas implicações no campo da educação. Desse modo, abordam-se alguns conceitos, problemas e características típicas, além de seus principais autores e teóricos de referência. Metodologicamente trata-se de uma pesquisa qualitativa bibliográfica, cujos resultados apontam que o processo de construção do conhecimento requer que a prática da pesquisa esteja articulada com a rigorosidade metódica.

Purpose: The levothyroxine absorption test (LT4AT) is an important tool for distinguishing hypothyroidism due to malabsorption from ‘pseudomalabsorption’ conditions. Our aim was to review our institution’s LT4AT results and assess its role in the management of patients with refractory hypothyroidism. Methods: We performed a retrospective study of all patients evaluated for refractory hypothyroidism who underwent LT4AT in our tertiary center between 2014 and 2020. Its results and the impact on thyroid function management during follow-up were assessed. Results: Ten female patients were included with a mean age of 40 years (min-max: 26–62). Mean weight was 72 kg (min–max: 43–88) and baseline LT4 dosage ranged from 2.5 to 5.3 μg/kg/day. The most common causes of hypothyroidism were postsurgical in 50% (n = 5) and autoimmune in 20% (n = 2). During LT4AT, normal LT4 absorption was found in all but one individual (mean FT4 increase of 231%, min–max: 85–668). The only patient with objective LT4 absorption impairment (maximal increase of 48% by hour 5) presented also Helicobacter pylori gastritis and prior history of ‘intestinal surgery’ during childhood. No adverse events were reported during any of the LT4ATs. During follow-up (median 11.5 months (IQR 23)), three patients obtained euthyroidism and six had improved their hypothyroidism state. Conclusions: The LT4AT is an effective and safe way to assess refractory hyp othyroidism and provides valuable information to distinguish LT4 malabsorption from ‘pseudomalabsorption’. Our data suggest that most patients with suspicious LT4 malabsorption perform normally during LT4AT. This test provides relevant information for better management of patients with refractory hypothyroidism.

The accumulation of raffinose family oligosaccharides (RFOs) is a hallmark of plant response to different abiotic stresses, including cold. The synthesis of galactinol, by galactinol synthases (GolS), and raffinose, by raffinose synthases (RafS), are fundamental for stress-induced accumulation of RFOs, but the role of these enzymes in the cold response of grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) woody tissues is still unclear. To address this gap in the literature, 1-year-lignified grapevine canes were incubated at 4°C for 7 and 14 days and tissues were analyzed for sugar content and gene expression. Results showed that, in parallel to starch breakdown, there was an increase in soluble sugars, including sucrose, glucose, fructose, raffinose, and stachyose. Remarkably, abscisic acid (ABA) levels increased during cold acclimation, which correlated with the increased expression of the key ABA-synthesis genes VviNCED2 and VviNCED3. Expression analysis of the VviGolS and VviRafS family allowed the identification of VviRafS5 as a key player in grapevine cold response. The overexpression of VviRafS5 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae allowed the biochemical characterization of the encoded protein as a raffinose synthase with a size of ~87 kDa. In grapevine cultured cells, VviRafS5 was upregulated by cold and ABA but not by heat and salt stresses. Our results suggest that ABA accumulation in woody tissues during cold acclimation upregulates VivRafS5 leading to raffinose synthesis.

ABSTRACT Notifications concerning American tegumentary leishmaniasis (ATL) are increasing in the northern areas of Brazil, particularly due to the ongoing increase in human settlements inside the Amazon Forest. Notwithstanding the economical and sanitary importance of the ATL, the ecological aspects of its potential vectors, the Phlebotomine sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae), remains largely neglected. This study aimed to investigate the diversity of the phlebotomine fauna as well as the detection of Leishmania DNA in these insects in the rural settlement Perimetral Norte, in the state of Amapá, eastern region of the Amazon, endemic region for tegumentary leishmaniasis. Sand flies were collected bimonthly from February 2018 to February 2019, using CDC light traps exposed for three consecutive nights in 10 houses of settlement residents. DNA extraction and multiplex PCR were performed to detect trypanosomatids. A total of 3,946 sandflies belonging to 37 species were collected. The most abundant species were Ty. trichopyga (Floch & Abonnenc, 1945) (21.9%) and Mi. rorotaensis (Floch & Abonnenc, 1944) (16.9%). A total of 36 positive pools were found with Leishmania DNA (Kinetoplastida: Trypanosomatidae), representing 17.9% of the total pools tested (201), those with the highest Minimum infection rates were Mg. migonei (França, 1920) and Lu. gomezi (Nitzulescu, 1931), Leishmania DNA was also detected in Bi. flaviscutellata (Mangabeira, 1942), Ny. umbratilis (Ward & Fraiha, 1977), Ny. anduzei (Roseboom, 1942) and Ny. antunesi (Coutinho, 1939). These data confirm the probable participation of these four species in the tegumentary leishmaniasis cycle in the eastern Amazon.

Essential oils promote the inhibitory control of several fungi, including those within the genus Colletotrichum, the causal agent of Anthracnose, a disease which may occur at any stage of development in various crops, reducing up to 70% of crop production in some cases. Thus, the use of alternative products constitutes an important strategy for the integrated management, promoting less persistent molecules in the environment and lower toxicity rates, providing health benefits to producers and consumers of agricultural products. In this context, the present study evaluated the in vitro fungitoxic effect of essential oils from Java citronella (Cymbopogon winterianus), clove (Syzygium aromaticum), eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) and rose pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius) on the mycelial growth of Colletotrichum theobromicola. The experiment was performed under completely randomized design, in a 4x5 factorial scheme (4 essential oils x 5 concentrations), with five replications, and the experimental unit consisting of a Petri dish. The treatments were generated by combining the concentrations (0, 5, 10, 15, 25 and 50 μL mL-1) of essential oils (citronella, clove, eucalyptus and rose pepper). The plates were inoculated with the pathogen C. theobromicola and incubated for seven days at 25 ± 2 °C. To verify the difference between treatments, the percentage of mycelial growth inhibition (PGI) was estimated. The mycelial growth of C. theobromicola was significantly reduced with increasing concentrations of essential oils. At a concentration of 50 μL mL-1, the essential oil from S. terebinthifolius showed the best result inhibiting 54.57% of mycelial growth, followed by the oil from S. aromaticum (49.26%), C. winterianus (23.70%) and E. globulus (17.90%). All the studied oils showed antifungal activity.

O estudo da materialidade pode revelar aspectos sociais e econômicos relacionados à arqueologia da etnicidade quando situado em seu contexto histórico. Nesse sentido, escolhas tecnológicas, decorações plásticas aplicadas à cerâmica utilitária, vasilhames do tipo “monkey jars” e a interpretação das demais categorias materiais evidenciam um contexto relacionado ao fluxo de materiais na região de Santarém (Pará) durante os séculos XVIII e XIX. Tais fluxos demonstraram, além dos indígenas, a presença de africanos escravizados na Amazônia Colonial. O objetivo deste trabalho é abordar o contexto da Diáspora Africana com dados sobre zonas de captura, taxas de embarque e reembarque e elementos da cultura material capazes de revelar a agência dessas pessoas sujeitas à diferença colonial.

Introdução: A busca de uma melhoria na qualidade de vida, juntamente com a popularização das corridas de rua em todo o mundo, ocasionou um aumento significativo dos praticantes e de provas dessa modalidade. Objetivo: Este estudo teve por objetivo analisar os efeitos da organização da carga de treinamento no limiar anaeróbio de corredores amadores. Materiais e métodos: Oito atletas com idade 35,1 + 9,4 realizaram o teste de Conconi em esteira ergométrica para avaliar o Limiar 1 (L1) e Limiar 2 (L2) de corrida, e foram submetidos a cinco semanas de treinamento. Para os dados que apresentaram distribuição normal foi utilizado o teste t-Student para comparação das médias, e para os dados que não demonstraram distribuição normal foi utilizado o teste de Wilcoxon. Para ambos os testes foi adotado p

Introduction Cerebral metastases are the most common cancer of the central nervous system (CNS). Meningeal infiltration by neoplasms that did not originate in the CNS is a rare fact that is present in 0.02% of the autopsies. Epidemiologically, the radiological presentation mimicking a subdural hematoma is even more uncommon. We report a case of meningeal carcinomatosis by an adenocarcinoma of the prostate mimicking a chronic subdural hematoma. Case Report A 60-year-old male patient was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2011. He underwent radical resection of the prostate, as well as adjuvant hormonal therapy and chemotherapy. Five years later, the patient presented peripheral facial paralysis that evolved with vomiting and mental confusion. Tomography and magnetic resonance imaging scans confirmed the subdural collection. At surgery, the dura was infiltrated by friable material of difficult hemostasis. The anatomicopathological examination showed atypical epithelial cells. The immunohistochemistry was positive for prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and other key markers, and it was conclusive for meningeal carcinomatosis by a prostate adenocarcinoma. Discussion Meningeal carcinomatosis presents clinically with headache, motor deficits, vomiting, changes in consciousness and seizures. The two most discussed mechanisms of neoplastic infiltration are the hematogenous route and retrograde drainage by the vertebral venous plexus. Conclusion Variable clinical presentations may occur in dural metastases; however, the radiological presentation as subdural hematoma is rare. There are few descriptions of cases like this one in the literature. To support the diagnosis, the previous medical history is as important as the complementary exams and the radiological findings, because the symptoms are common at the neurological emergency. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a prostate neoplasm mimicking chronic subdural hematoma in Brazil.

This article aims to address the impacts of rubber via historical and contemporary archaeology of the Amazon. Through an “archaeology of rubber” a notion of modernity is examined here. From the creation of rubber gloves to snow boots and tires, rubber has allowed humans to expand their interactions with the environment. As these interactions expanded, the consolidation of the Industrial Revolution and Occidentalism entangled actors in a complex web of meanings, becomings and agencies in opposition to local knowledge. Through a plural and multispecies approach, this article places the study of rubber’s materiality in the field of the archaeology of capitalism and modernity. Also, through oral history, deep archival research and public archaeology, local ontologies and materialities offer contemporary archaeology a more elastic view, aimed at widening perceptions of a global story.

Considerada a insígnia do pecado, sendo percebida como a agente privilegiada de Satã, a mulher manteve uma reputação frequentemente hostil durante todo o medievo. Sua imagem, muitas vezes, fora associada à ideia da luxúria, da decadência moral e da iniquidade demoníaca. Deste modo, neste artigo pretende-se refletir sobre o imaginário medieval em relação à mulher durante o período medieval e à presença desta concepção imaginária como construtora de sentidos na narrativa fílmica The Magdalene Sisters, de Peter Mullan (2002). Considerando que o longa-metragem apresenta a história verídica de mulheres na segunda metade do século XX, é possível analisar as representações sociais da mulher medieval, bem como das alegorias presentes no longa-metragem, compreendendoas como um elemento de permanência histórica.

A carbon budget for the northwest European continental shelf seas (NWES) was synthesized using available estimates for coastal, pelagic and benthic carbon stocks and flows. Key uncertainties were identified and the effect of future impacts on the carbon budget were assessed. The water of the shelf seas contains between 210 and 230 Tmol of carbon and absorbs between 1.3 and 3.3 Tmol from the atmosphere annually. Off-shelf transport and burial in the sediments account for 60–100 and 0–40% of carbon outputs from the NWES, respectively. Both of these fluxes remain poorly constrained by observations and resolving their magnitudes and relative importance is a key research priority. Pelagic and benthic carbon stocks are dominated by inorganic carbon. Shelf sediments contain the largest stock of carbon, with between 520 and 1600 Tmol stored in the top 0.1 m of the sea bed. Coastal habitats such as salt marshes and mud flats contain large amounts of carbon per unit area but their total carbon stocks are small compared to pelagic and benthic stocks due to their smaller spatial extent. The large pelagic stock of carbon will continue to increase due to the rising concentration of atmospheric CO2, with associated pH decrease. Pelagic carbon stocks and flows are also likely to be significantly affected by increasing acidity and temperature, and circulation changes but the net impact is uncertain. Benthic carbon stocks will be affected by increasing temperature and acidity, and decreasing oxygen concentrations, although the net impact of these interrelated changes on carbon stocks is uncertain and a major knowledge gap. The impact of bottom trawling on benthic carbon stocks is unique amongst the impacts we consider in that it is widespread and also directly manageable, although its net effect on the carbon budget is uncertain. Coastal habitats are vulnerable to sea level rise and are strongly impacted by management decisions. Local, national and regional actions have the potential to protect or enhance carbon storage, but ultimately global governance, via controls on emissions, has the greatest potential to influence the long-term fate of carbon stocks in the northwestern European continental shelf.

Due to the lack of a general drought definition, water users and managers have developed and used different indices. Many studies using drought indices have been made so as to detect drought events or just to compare their results and assess their advantages and disadvantages. In Portugal, these studies have been done for common drought indices; however, an integrated evaluation and comparison using recent data is needed. Therefore, this study is intended to give an updated overview of the behaviour of the proposed indices. This study proposes the usage of PDSI, scPDSI, SPI and SPEI. With the exception of the PDSI, all indices have been calculated through R packages. The results for the studied regions in mainland Portugal suggest that the drought situations are, in general, most significant and frequent than the wet periods. From our results, we can conclude that the SPI model is more sensitive to extreme drought events and can detect them earlier. The PDSI, scPDSI and SPEI are more reliable for drought monitorization at medium and long spells, which might represent the environmental interactions more closely to the reality. Also, the scPDSI tends to reduce the importance of short period recovering. It is then advisable that impact and scientifical studies consider all of these indices or at least some of them to have a broader and complete understanding of the drought situations to be studied.

Nas últimas décadas, a expectativa de vida se elevou globalmente. Estima-se que até 2020, o número de idosos seja superior ao de crianças menores de 5 anos, e que a sua proporção em 2050 alcance os 22%. A principal adversidade intrínseca do envelhecimento é a diminuição da massa muscular (sarcopenia) e consequente diminuição da força. As principais recomendações para aperfeiçoamento do sistema musculoesquelético envolvem atividades que sejam realizadas em intensidades ≥ 60% da carga máxima levantada para uma repetição (1RM). Entretanto, exercícios de alta intensidade não são recomendados para todos desta população, tendo em vista os comprometimentos articulares e/ou com síndrome de fragilidade. Uma possível alternativa é a combinação de exercícios de baixa intensidade, associados a restrição do fluxo sanguíneo como o Kaatsu training. Realizamos uma revisão sistemática o objetivo de sumarizar os efeitos do Kaatsu training nos desfechos da força e hipertrofia muscular em indivíduos idosos. As buscas foram realizadas nas bases de dados científicas – Pubmed, Science Direct e Scielo, onde foram selecionados artigos publicados até 30 de setembro de 2017. A análise foi restrita a ensaios clínicos randomizados em idosos com idade média ≥60 anos. Seis estudos foram incluídos para análise qualitativa, foi demonstrado aumentos 4,1% a 72,4% e 4,4% a 8% na força e hipertrofia muscular respectivamente. O método Kaatsu training demonstrou ser uma abordagem eficaz para aumentar a força e a hipertrofia muscular em coortes de idoso. ABSTRACT Effect of Kaatsu training on muscle strength and hypertrophy in the elderly: a systematic review In the last decades, life expectancy has increased globally. It is estimated that by 2020 the number of older people will be higher than that of children under 5, and that their proportion by 2050 will reach 22%. The main intrinsic adversity of aging is the decrease in muscle mass (sarcopenia) and consequent decrease in strength. The main recommendations for improvement of the musculoskeletal system involve activities that are performed at intensities ≥ 60% of the maximum lifting load for a repetition (1RM). However, high-intensity exercises are not recommended for all of this population, considering joint and / or fragility impairment. One possible alternative is the combination of low-intensity exercises, associated with restriction of blood flow such as Kaatsu training. We performed a systematic review aiming to summarize the effects of Kaatsu training on strength outcomes and muscle hypertrophy in elderly individuals. The searches were carried out in scientific databases - Pubmed, Science Direct and Scielo, where articles published until September 30, 2017, were selected. The analysis was restricted to randomized clinical trials in the elderly with a mean age ≥60 years. Six studies were included for qualitative analysis, showing increases from 4.1% to 72.4% and 4.4% to 8% in muscle strength and hypertrophy respectively. The Kaatsu training method has been shown to be an effective approach to increase muscle strength and hypertrophy in elderly cohorts.

Objective: To evaluate the correlation between physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB) of Physical Education (PE) undergraduates over a year in the program. Methods: A quantitative and longitudinal study, involving all students of associates’s degree (day and evening) and bachelor's degree programs of the Federal University of Pelotas (UFPel) in 2014 (n=115) and their follow-up in 2015. The first data collection occurred at the beginning of the first semester and the follow-up, after one year in the program. PA and SB were assessed by means of the long version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, and data analysis was performed using Pearson’s correlation test. Results: The PA of the students presented a high median in the first and second analysis, and their SB showed a high mean in the baseline and in the follow-up. No correlation was evidenced between PA and SB at the baseline (r=-0.02). However, after one year, a weak but positive correlation was identified (r=0.12). Conclusion: The correlation between sedentary behavior and physical activity evaluated in both periods was weak, but a timid increase over a year was perceived.

Adoption, use, and diffusion of Information Technology (IT) applications, together with their widespread success, are among the most popular topics in Information Systems (IS) research. However, the impact of the acquired understanding of those phenomena on IS practice is not discernible. In fact, IT adoption, use, and diffusion are subjects scarcely mentioned in what concerns the practices of IT/IS professionals. This article addresses the question of IT/IS practitioners’ awareness of models and theories regarding the adoption, use, and diffusion of IT applications and their success. It describes two surveys of IT/IS project managers that look into their knowledge on a selected set of models/theories widely addressed in IS research. The results show that these project managers are not aware of IT adoption, use, and diffusion models/theories. The article ends with a discussion that attempts to find justifications for that evidence and stresses out the need for further research focused on translating the extant theoretical models into actionable knowledge.

Abstract Background Mounting evidence suggests that holding multiple concurrent jobs in public and private (dual practice) is common among health workers in low- as well as high-income countries. Nurses are world’s largest health professional workforce and a critical resource for achieving Universal Health Coverage. Nonetheless, little is known about nurses’ engagement with dual practice. Methods We conducted a scoping review of the literature on nurses’ dual practice with the objective of generating hypotheses on its nature and consequences, and define a research agenda on the phenomenon. The Arksey and O’Malley’s methodological steps were followed to develop the research questions, identify relevant studies, include/exclude studies, extract the data, and report the findings. PRISMA guidelines were additionally used to conduct the review and report on results. Results Of the initial 194 records identified, a total of 35 met the inclusion criteria for nurses’ dual practice; the vast majority (65%) were peer-reviewed publications, followed by nursing magazine publications (19%), reports, and doctoral dissertations. Twenty publications focused on high-income countries, 16 on low- or middle-income ones, and two had a multi country perspective. Although holding multiple jobs not always amounted to dual practice, several ways were found for public-sector nurses to engage concomitantly in public and private employments, in regulated as well as in informal, casual fashions. Some of these forms were reported as particularly prevalent, from over 50% in Australia, Canada, and the UK, to 28% in South Africa. The opportunity to increase a meagre salary, but also a dissatisfaction with the main job and the flexibility offered by multiple job-holding arrangements, were among the reported reasons for engaging in these practices. Discussion and conclusions Limited and mostly circumstantial evidence exists on nurses’ dual practice, with the few existing studies suggesting that the phenomenon is likely to be very common and carry implications for health systems and nurses’ welfare worldwide. We offer an agenda for future research to consolidate the existing evidence and to further explore nurses’ motivation; without a better understanding of nurse dual practice, this will continue to be a largely ‘hidden’ element in nursing workforce policy and practice, with an unclear impact on the delivery of care.

Introduction: Primary adrenal insufficiency (PAI) is a rare but severe and potentially life-threatening condition. No previous studies have characterized Portuguese patients with PAI. Aims: To characterize the clinical presentation, diagnostic workup, treatment and follow‐up of Portuguese patients with confirmed PAI. Methods: This multicentre retrospective study examined PAI patients in 12 Portuguese hospitals. Results: We investigated 278 patients with PAI (55.8% were females), with a mean age of 33.6 ± 19.3 years at diagnosis. The most frequent presenting clinical features were asthenia (60.1%), mucocutaneous hyperpigmentation (55.0%) and weight loss (43.2%); 29.1% of the patients presented with adrenal crisis. Diagnosis was established by high plasma ACTH and low serum cortisol in most patients (43.9%). The most common aetiology of PAI was autoimmune adrenalitis (61.0%). There were 38 idiopathic cases. Autoimmune comorbidities were found in 70% of the patients, the most frequent being autoimmune thyroiditis (60.7%) and type 1 diabetes mellitus (17.3%). Seventy-nine percent were treated with hydrocortisone (mean dose 26.3 ± 8.3 mg/day) mostly in three (57.5%) or two (37.4%) daily doses. The remaining patients were treated with prednisolone (10.1%), dexamethasone (6.2%) and methylprednisolone (0.7%); 66.2% were also on fludrocortisone (median dose of 100 μg/day). Since diagnosis, 33.5% of patients were hospitalized for disease decompensation. In the last appointment,17.2% of patients had complaints (7.6% asthenia and 6.5% depression) and 9.7% had electrolyte disturbances. Conclusion: This is the first multicentre Portuguese study regarding PAI. The results emphasize the need for standardization in diagnostic tests and etiological investigation and provide a framework for improving treatment.