Penetration of a spinning sphere impacting a granular medium.

We investigate experimentally the influence of rotation on the penetration depth of a spherical projectile impacting a granular medium. We show that a rotational motion significantly increases the penetration depth achieved. Moreover, we model our experimental results by modifying the frictional term of the equation describing the penetration dynamics of an object in a granular medium. In particular, we find that the frictional drag decreases linearly with the velocity ratio between rotational (spin motion) and translational (falling motion) velocities. The good agreement between our model and our experimental measurements offers perspectives for estimating the depth that spinning projectiles reach after impacting onto a granular ground, such as happens with seeds dropped from aircraft or with landing probes.

Impact of dietary Laminaria digitata with alginate lyase or carbohydrase mixture on nutrient digestibility and gut health of weaned piglets.

Laminaria digitata is a brown seaweed rich in prebiotic polysaccharides, mainly laminarin, but its alginate-rich cell wall could compromise nutrient access. Carbohydrase supplementation, such as individual alginate lyase and carbohydrases mixture (Rovabio® Excel AP), could enhance nutrient digestibility and prebiotic potential. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of these enzymes on nutrient digestibility and gut health of weaned piglets fed with 10% L. digitata. Diets did not affect growth performance (P > 0.05). The majority of the feed fractions had similar digestibility across all diets, but the supplementation of alginate lyase increased hemicellulose digestibility by 3.3% compared to the control group (P = 0.047). Additionally, we observed that algal zinc was more readily available compared to the control group, even without enzymatic supplementation (P < 0.001). However, the increased digestibility of some minerals, such as potassium, raises concerns about potential mineral imbalance. Seaweed groups had a higher abundance of beneficial bacteria in colon contents, such as Prevotella, Oscillospira and Catenisphaera. Furthermore, the addition of alginate lyase led to a lower pH in the colon (P < 0.001) and caecum (P < 0.001) of piglets, which is possibly a result of released fermentable laminarin, and is consistent with the higher proportion of butyric acid found in these intestinal compartments. L. digitata is a putative supplement to enhance piglet gut health due to its prebiotic polysaccharides. Alginate lyase supplementation further improves nutrient digestibility and prebiotic potential. These results suggest the potential use of L. digitata and these enzymatic supplements in commercial piglet-feeding practices.

Assessing the reaction to and efficacy of the Screener drug discovery and development board game as a pedagogical tool in postgraduate courses.

Screener, a board game supplemented with online resources, was introduced and distributed by the Brazilian Society of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics to postgraduate programs as an instructional tool for the process of drug discovery and development (DDD). In this study, we provided a comprehensive analysis of five critical aspects for evaluating the quality of educational games, namely: 1) description of the intervention; 2) underlying pedagogical theory; 3) identification of local educational gaps; 4) impact on diverse stakeholders; and 5) elucidation of iterative quality enhancement processes. We also present qualitative and quantitative assessments of the effectiveness of this game in 11 postgraduate courses. We employed the MEEGA+ online survey, comprising thirty-three close-ended unipolar items with 5-point Likert-type response scales, to assess student perceptions of the quality and utility of Screener. Based on 115 responses, the results indicated a highly positive outlook among students. In addition, we performed a preliminary evaluation of learning outcomes in two courses involving 28 students. Pre- and post-quizzes were applied, each consisting of 20 True/False questions directly aligned with the game's content. The analysis revealed significant improvement in students' performance following engagement with the game, with scores rising from 8.4 to 13.3 (P<0.0001, paired t-test) and 9.7 to 12.7 (P<0.0001, paired t-test). These findings underscore the utility of Screener as an enjoyable and effective tool for facilitating a positive learning experience in the DDD process. Notably, the game can also reduce the educational disparities across different regions of our continental country.

Assessing the reaction to and efficacy of the Screener drug discovery and development board game as a pedagogical tool in postgraduate courses

Screener, a board game supplemented with online resources, was introduced and distributed by the Brazilian Society of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics to postgraduate programs as an instructional tool for the process of drug discovery and development (DDD). In this study, we provided a comprehensive analysis of five critical aspects for evaluating the quality of educational games, namely: 1) description of the intervention; 2) underlying pedagogical theory; 3) identification of local educational gaps; 4) impact on diverse stakeholders; and 5) elucidation of iterative quality enhancement processes. We also present qualitative and quantitative assessments of the effectiveness of this game in 11 postgraduate courses. We employed the MEEGA+ online survey, comprising thirty-three close-ended unipolar items with 5-point Likert-type response scales, to assess student perceptions of the quality and utility of Screener. Based on 115 responses, the results indicated a highly positive outlook among students. In addition, we performed a preliminary evaluation of learning outcomes in two courses involving 28 students. Pre- and post-quizzes were applied, each consisting of 20 True/False questions directly aligned with the game's content. The analysis revealed significant improvement in students' performance following engagement with the game, with scores rising from 8.4 to 13.3 (P<0.0001, paired t-test) and 9.7 to 12.7 (P<0.0001, paired t-test). These findings underscore the utility of Screener as an enjoyable and effective tool for facilitating a positive learning experience in the DDD process. Notably, the game can also reduce the educational disparities across different regions of our continental country.

Facing the challenges of air quality and health in a future climate: The Aveiro Region case study.

Air pollution and climate change are the most important environmental issues for European citizens. Despite the air quality improvements achieved in recent years, with most pollutants' concentrations below the European Union legislated values, it is necessary to understand whether this will continue in the future due to expected climate changes impacts. In this context, this work tries to answer two main questions: (i) What is the relative contribution of emission source regions/activities to air quality, now and in the future, considering a climate change scenario?; and (ii) What additional policies are needed to support win-win strategies for air quality and climate mitigation and/or adaptation, at urban scale? For that, a climate and air quality modelling system, with source apportionment tools, was applied to the Aveiro Region, in Portugal. Main results show that in the future, due to the implementation of carbon neutrality measures, air quality in the Aveiro Region may improve, with reduction up to 4 µg.m-3 for particulate matter (PM) concentrations and 22 µg.m-3 for nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and consequently, the premature deaths due to air pollution exposure will also decrease. The expected air quality improvement will ensure that, in the future, the limit values of the European Union (EU) Air Quality Directive will not be exceeded, but the same will not happen if the proposed revision of the EU Air Quality Directive is approved. Results also shown that, in the future, industrial sector will be the one with higher relative contribution for PM concentrations and the second one for NO2. For that sector, additional emission abatement measures were tested, showing that, in the future, it is possible to comply with all the new limit values proposed by the EU.

Effect of office chair design features on lumbar spine posture, muscle activity and perceived pain during prolonged sitting.

Chair design features are typically compared using multiple seats, which can lead to confounding effects. Using a single chair, configurable to four designs (control, lumbar support, seat pan tilt and scapular relief), we investigated the effect of chair design on spine posture and movement, muscle activity and perceived pain in a sample of 31 asymptomatic adults. A total of 39% of the population were classified as pain developers, having significantly higher peak pain levels across most body regions. The lumbar support and seat pan tilt condition resulted in more neutral spine and pelvic postures. Greater muscle activity was found in the seat pan condition and non-pain developers displayed lower spine muscle activation levels overall. Despite some improvements in spine posture, sitting-induced pain was present in the study sample at similar proportions to those reported previously. Future studies may consider investigating interventions targeted to sitting-induced pain developers as opposed to the general population. Practitioner summary: Four office chair configurations were tested. The lumbar support and seat pan tilt conditions resulted in the most neutral back posture but did not mitigate the clinically significant levels of sitting-induced pain experienced by a large portion of the tested sample. Future work should target interventions to these individuals.

The effect of lumbar spinal manipulation on biomechanical factors and perceived transient pain during prolonged sitting: a laboratory-controlled cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Spinal manipulation has been shown to affect muscle activity, posture, and pain. To date, no studies have examined the effect of manipulation on biomechanical factors during sitting. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the immediate effect of lumbar spinal manipulation on trunk muscle activation, spine posture and movements, and perceived ratings of transient pain in asymptomatic adults during prolonged office sitting. METHODS: Twenty healthy adults were recruited for a single laboratory session that included a standardized office sitting/data entry protocol (120 min total, 3 blocks of 40 min). Data were collected between July and August 2012. The first block (baseline) was immediately followed by two experimental blocks. Prior to the start of each experimental block, participants were transferred to a therapy plinth and placed side lying (right side down), and a random presentation of either a control or high velocity low amplitude thrust directed at L4/L5 was delivered. Continuous measures of muscle activity, spine posture, and spine movements were recorded throughout the sitting trials. Perceived transient pain was measured by visual analogue scale at 10-min intervals (including immediately before and after the randomized maneuvers). RESULTS: There were no significant differences in spine or pelvic posture or perceived back pain following either the manipulation or control maneuvers. Significantly reduced muscle activity and increased shifts of the lumbar spine angle were identified in the block following manipulation compared to both baseline and post control blocks. CONCLUSIONS: Spinal manipulation does not appear to have an immediate impact on spine or pelvic posture in healthy adults but does appear to reduce muscle activity and increase spine movement during sitting. Future work should replicate this study with a larger population in a field setting. It may be worthwhile to explore the implication of reduced muscle activation and increased spine movements during prolonged sitting for office workers that receive manipulations or mobilizations during their workday.

How well have CMIP3, CMIP5 and CMIP6 future climate projections portrayed the recently observed warming.

Despite the dire conclusions of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Assessment Reports in terms of global warming and its impacts on Earth's climate, ecosystems and human society, a skepticism claiming that the projected global warming is alarmist or, at least, overestimated, still persists. Given the years passed since the future climate projections that served as basis for the IPCC 4th, 5th and 6th Assessment Reports were released, it is now possible to answer this fundamental question if the projected global warming has been over or underestimated. This study presents a comparison between CMIP3, CMIP5 and CMIP6 future temperature projections and observations. The results show that the global warming projected by all CMIPs and future climate scenarios here analyzed project a global warming slightly lower than the observed one. The observed warming is closer to the upper level of the projected ones, revealing that CMIPs future climate scenarios with higher GHG emissions appear to be the most realistic ones. These results show that CMIPs future warming projections have been slightly conservative up to 2020, which could suggest a similar cold bias in their warming projections up to the end of the current century. However, given the short future periods here analyzed, inferences about warming at longer timescales cannot be done with confidence, since the models internal variability can play a relevant role on timescales of 20 years and less.

Magnesium Supplementation Is Associated with a Lower Cardio-Metabolic Risk in Patients Submitted to Bariatric Surgery.

PURPOSE: Literature has demonstrated an inverse relation between magnesium (Mg) consumption and development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), hypertension (HT), and dyslipidemia. After bariatric surgery (BS), micronutrients deficiencies are common, it being important to ensure appropriate supplementation. There is no recommendation about Mg supplementation and to our knowledge, its effect has not been studied to date. Our aim was to evaluate the effect of Mg supplementation in cardio-metabolic risk factors on post-bariatric patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective observational study of patients with obesity who underwent BS was performed. Data was assessed preoperatively and yearly (4-year follow-up). RESULTS: A total of 3363 patients were included. In the first year of follow-up, 79.8% (n = 2123) of the patients were supplemented with Mg, with evidence of slightly decreased percentages in the following years. Mg deficiency (serum Mg < 1.52 mEq/L) was more common among patients who were not supplemented during each year of follow-up (p < 0.05). Among those who underwent Mg supplementation, the percentage of T2DM, HT, or low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) > 130 mg/dL was significantly lower. In the first year post-surgery, the supplementation group had a lower risk of T2DM (OR = 0.545, p < 0.0001), LDL-C > 130 mg/dL (OR = 0.612, p < 0.0001), and HT (OR = 0.584, p < 0.0001). The OR for having these metabolic comorbidities persisted lower during the 4 years' follow-up. Patients who had Mg deficiency had higher prevalence of T2DM and HT. CONCLUSION: Mg supplementation seems to have a protective effect on the development of T2DM, HT, and LDL-C > 130 mg/dL in post-bariatric patients.

Aquatic Macrophytes Hosting Immature Mansonia (Mansonia) Blanchard, 1901 (Diptera, Culicidae) in Porto Velho, Rondonia State, Brazil.

High abundance of hematophagous mosquitoes of the genus Mansonia Blanchard, 1901 (Diptera: Culicidae) threatens human and domestic animal health and well-being. Knowledge of the biology of nuisance mosquito species is necessary to understand specific ecological and biological factors to enable rapid and effective monitoring measures for sustainable control programs. The establishment and dispersion of Mansonia species are associated with the occurrence of aquatic macrophytes species, which are indispensable for the development of larvae and pupae. To increase knowledge of the host plants for Mansonia immature stages in Porto Velho, Rondonia State, Brazil, specimens of four plant species, which occur across the tributaries of the Madeira River were sampled and inspected for the presence of egg batches, larvae, and pupae. A total of 1,386 larvae and pupae of Mansonia spp. were collected attached to the roots of Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms (Commelinales: Pontederiaceae), Pistia stratiotes L. (Alismatales: Araceae), and Limnobium laevigatum (Humb. and Bonpl. Ex Willd.) Heine (Alismatales: Hydrocharitaceae). The novel association of Mansonia species with L. laevigatum is presented. Egg batches of Mansonia spp. were found only on Salvinia molesta D.S. Mitch. (Salviniales: Salviniaceae). Possible differences in the roles played by E. crassipes and S. molesta in the reproductive cycle of Mansonia spp. in the surveyed area are discussed. All species of host plants including E. crassipes, P. stratiotes, S. molesta, and L. laevigatum should be considered when planning macrophyte management for the control of Mansonia species.

First case of canine visceral leishmaniasis in the midwestern of Santa Catarina State, Brazil / Primeiros casos de leishmaniose visceral canina no Meio-oeste do Estado de Santa Catarina, Brasil

Canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) caused by Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum is transmitted by phlebotomine sandflies and a major zoonotic disease in Brazil. Due to the southward expansion of the disease within the country and the central role of dogs as urban reservoirs of the parasite, we have investigated the occurrence of CVL in two municipalities Erval Velho and Herval d'Oeste in the Midwest region of Santa Catarina state. Peripheral blood samples from 126 dogs were collected in both cities and tested for anti-L. infantum antibodies by indirect enzymelinked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and indirect immunofluorescence reaction (IIF) and for the presence of parasite DNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in peripheral blood. From examined dogs, 35.71% (45/126) were positive for at least one of the three tests and two (1.6%) were positive in all performed tests. Twelve dogs (9.5%) were positive for both ELISA and IIF, while 21 dogs were exclusively positive for ELISA (16.7%), and 15 (11.9%) for IIF. L. infantum k-DNA was detected by PCR in 9 out of 126 dogs (7.1%) and clinical symptoms compatible with CVL were observed for 6 dogs. Taken together, these results indicate the transmission of CVL in this region, highlighting the needs for epidemiological surveillance and implementation of control measures for CVL transmission in this region.

A Leishmaniose Visceral Canina (LVC) causada pela Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum e transmitida por flebotomíneos e é uma das principais zoonoses do Brasil que se encontra em expansão em estados da região sul do país, sendo os cães o principal reservatório urbano do parasito. O presente estudo investigou a ocorrência de LVC em dois municípios, Erval Velho e Herval d'Oeste localizados no meio-oeste de Santa Catarina. Para tanto, amostras de sangue periférico de 126 cães foram coletadas em ambas as cidades e submetidas à detecção de anticorpos anti-L. infantum por meio de testes de ELISA e imunofluorescência indireta (IFI), bem com a detecção de k-DNA pela reação em cadeia de polimerase (PCR). Além disso, também foram observados os sintomas clínicos e as condições ambientais associadas a esses animais. Dos cães examinados, 35,7% (45/126) foram positivos para pelo menos um dos três testes, dois cães (1,6%) foram positivos em todos os três testes, 12 cães (9,5%) foram positivos tanto no ELISA quanto na IFI, enquanto 21 cães (16,7%) foram positivos para ELISA e 15 (11,9%) para o IFI. A amplificação do k-DNA de L. infantum foi positiva em 9 dos 126 cães (7,1%). Entre os cães positivos seis apresentaram um ou mais sintomas clínicos correlacionados com a LVC. Esses resultados confirmaram a ocorrência de LVC na região e destacaram a importância do monitoramento e implementação de medidas de controle para a LVC nessa região.

First case of canine visceral leishmaniasis in the midwestern of Santa Catarina State, Brazil / Primeiros casos de leishmaniose visceral canina no Meio-oeste do Estado de Santa Catarina, Brasil

Canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) caused by Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum is transmitted by phlebotomine sandflies and a major zoonotic disease in Brazil. Due to the southward expansion of the disease within the country and the central role of dogs as urban reservoirs of the parasite, we have investigated the occurrence of CVL in two municipalities Erval Velho and Herval d'Oeste in the Midwest region of Santa Catarina state. Peripheral blood samples from 126 dogs were collected in both cities and tested for anti-L. infantum antibodies by indirect enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and indirect immunofluorescence reaction (IIF) and for the presence of parasite DNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in peripheral blood. From examined dogs, 35.71% (45/126) were positive for at least one of the three tests and two (1.6%) were positive in all performed tests. Twelve dogs (9.5%) were positive for both ELISA and IIF, while 21 dogs were exclusively positive for ELISA (16.7%), and 15 (11.9%) for IIF. L. infantum k-DNA was detected by PCR in 9 out of 126 dogs (7.1%) and clinical symptoms compatible with CVL were observed for 6 dogs. Taken together, these results indicate the transmission of CVL in this region, highlighting the needs for epidemiological surveillance and implementation of control measures for CVL transmission in this region.

A Leishmaniose Visceral Canina (LVC) causada pela Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum e transmitida por flebotomíneos e é uma das principais zoonoses do Brasil que se encontra em expansão em estados da região sul do país, sendo os cães o principal reservatório urbano do parasito. O presente estudo investigou a ocorrência de LVC em dois municípios, Erval Velho e Herval d’Oeste localizados no meio-oeste de Santa Catarina. Para tanto, amostras de sangue periférico de 126 cães foram coletadas em ambas as cidades e submetidas à detecção de anticorpos anti-L. infantum por meio de testes de ELISA e imunofluorescência indireta (IFI), bem com a detecção de k-DNA pela reação em cadeia de polimerase (PCR). Além disso, também foram observados os sintomas clínicos e as condições ambientais associadas a esses animais. Dos cães examinados, 35,7% (45/126) foram positivos para pelo menos um dos três testes, dois cães (1,6%) foram positivos em todos os três testes, 12 cães (9,5%) foram positivos tanto no ELISA quanto na IFI, enquanto 21 cães (16,7%) foram positivos para ELISA e 15 (11,9%) para o IFI. A amplificação do k-DNA de L. infantum foi positiva em 9 dos 126 cães (7,1%). Entre os cães positivos seis apresentaram um ou mais sintomas clínicos correlacionados com a LVC. Esses resultados confirmaram a ocorrência de LVC na região e destacaram a importância do monitoramento e implementação de medidas de controle para a LVC nessa região.

First case of canine visceral leishmaniasis in the midwestern of Santa Catarina State, Brazil

Abstract Canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) caused by Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum is transmitted by phlebotomine sandflies and a major zoonotic disease in Brazil. Due to the southward expansion of the disease within the country and the central role of dogs as urban reservoirs of the parasite, we have investigated the occurrence of CVL in two municipalities Erval Velho and Herval dOeste in the Midwest region of Santa Catarina state. Peripheral blood samples from 126 dogs were collected in both cities and tested for anti-L. infantum antibodies by indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and indirect immunofluorescence reaction (IIF) and for the presence of parasite DNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in peripheral blood. From examined dogs, 35.71% (45/126) were positive for at least one of the three tests and two (1.6%) were positive in all performed tests. Twelve dogs (9.5%) were positive for both ELISA and IIF, while 21 dogs were exclusively positive for ELISA (16.7%), and 15 (11.9%) for IIF. L. infantum k-DNA was detected by PCR in 9 out of 126 dogs (7.1%) and clinical symptoms compatible with CVL were observed for 6 dogs. Taken together, these results indicate the transmission of CVL in this region, highlighting the needs for epidemiological surveillance and implementation of control measures for CVL transmission in this region.

Resumo A Leishmaniose Visceral Canina (LVC) causada pela Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum e transmitida por flebotomíneos e é uma das principais zoonoses do Brasil que se encontra em expansão em estados da região sul do país, sendo os cães o principal reservatório urbano do parasito. O presente estudo investigou a ocorrência de LVC em dois municípios, Erval Velho e Herval dOeste localizados no meio-oeste de Santa Catarina. Para tanto, amostras de sangue periférico de 126 cães foram coletadas em ambas as cidades e submetidas à detecção de anticorpos anti-L. infantum por meio de testes de ELISA e imunofluorescência indireta (IFI), bem com a detecção de k-DNA pela reação em cadeia de polimerase (PCR). Além disso, também foram observados os sintomas clínicos e as condições ambientais associadas a esses animais. Dos cães examinados, 35,7% (45/126) foram positivos para pelo menos um dos três testes, dois cães (1,6%) foram positivos em todos os três testes, 12 cães (9,5%) foram positivos tanto no ELISA quanto na IFI, enquanto 21 cães (16,7%) foram positivos para ELISA e 15 (11,9%) para o IFI. A amplificação do k-DNA de L. infantum foi positiva em 9 dos 126 cães (7,1%). Entre os cães positivos seis apresentaram um ou mais sintomas clínicos correlacionados com a LVC. Esses resultados confirmaram a ocorrência de LVC na região e destacaram a importância do monitoramento e implementação de medidas de controle para a LVC nessa região

Valerian treatment during the postpartum period alters breast milk composition and impairs long-term memory in female rat offspring.

Maternal anxiety symptoms in the perinatal period might have long-term health effects on both the mother and the developing child. Valerian is a phytotherapeutic agent that is widely used for the treatment of anxiety. This study investigated the effects of valerian treatment in postpartum rats on maternal care, toxicity, and milk composition. Postnatal development, memory, and anxiety behavior in the offspring were also assessed. Postpartum Wistar rats received the valerian (500, 1000, or 2000 mg·kg-1·day-1) by oral gavage. Clinical and biochemical toxicity was evaluated with commercial kits. Maternal behavior was observed daily. Milk composition was analyzed by colorimetric methods. Physical and neuromotor tests were used to analyze postnatal development. Anxiolytic activity was assessed by the elevated plus maze, and memory was evaluated by the step-down inhibitory avoidance task. Maternal toxicity and care behavior were not altered by the treatment, while only the highest dose promoted a significant increase of lactose, and the doses 1000 and 2000 mg·kg-1·day-1 promoted a reduction of protein contents in milk. Postnatal development was similar in all offspring. Adult offspring did not display altered anxiety behavior, while long-term memory was impaired in the female adult offspring by maternal treatment with 1000 mg·kg-1·day-1. These results suggested that high doses of valerian had significant effects on important maternal milk components and can cause long-term alterations of offspring memory; thus, treatment with high doses of valerian is not safe for breastfeeding Wistar rat mothers.

Effect of a dynamic seat pan design on spine biomechanics, calf circumference and perceived pain during prolonged sitting.

This study investigates the effects of a dynamic seat pan design on sitting biomechanics, perceived pain and seat movement compared to a control. Thirty male participants were recruited for two experimental sessions consisting of a 2-h sitting exposure (standardized typing task). Spine angles, back muscle activity, perceived pain and calf circumference were measured pre and post exposure. Sitting in the dynamic condition resulted in lower pain ratings (p = 0.031), decreased calf circumference (p < 0.001), lower average seat pressure (p < 0.001), and greater seat contact area (p = 0.003) compared to the control. Spine angles and low back EMG for all 6 muscles showed no significant differences between chair conditions. These results suggest this dynamic seat pan design is effective at decreasing several negative components associated with sitting for the occupant. Future work should examine the longer-term effects of dynamic office chair features in the field setting with a more generalizable population.

First case of canine visceral leishmaniasis in the midwestern of Santa Catarina State, Brazil.

Canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) caused by Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum is transmitted by phlebotomine sandflies and a major zoonotic disease in Brazil. Due to the southward expansion of the disease within the country and the central role of dogs as urban reservoirs of the parasite, we have investigated the occurrence of CVL in two municipalities Erval Velho and Herval d'Oeste in the Midwest region of Santa Catarina state. Peripheral blood samples from 126 dogs were collected in both cities and tested for anti-L. infantum antibodies by indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and indirect immunofluorescence reaction (IIF) and for the presence of parasite DNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in peripheral blood. From examined dogs, 35.71% (45/126) were positive for at least one of the three tests and two (1.6%) were positive in all performed tests. Twelve dogs (9.5%) were positive for both ELISA and IIF, while 21 dogs were exclusively positive for ELISA (16.7%), and 15 (11.9%) for IIF. L. infantum k-DNA was detected by PCR in 9 out of 126 dogs (7.1%) and clinical symptoms compatible with CVL were observed for 6 dogs. Taken together, these results indicate the transmission of CVL in this region, highlighting the needs for epidemiological surveillance and implementation of control measures for CVL transmission in this region.

Thermodynamic properties of the spin S=3/2 quantum ferromagnetic Blume-Capel model in a transverse crystal field.

The thermodynamic properties of the spin S=3/2 ferromagnetic Ising model in the presence of transverse and longitudinal crystal fields (equivalent to the Blume-Capel model with a transverse crystal field) have been studied by using two different approaches: (i) a zero-temperature mapping of the system onto a spin-1/2 quantum Ising model in longitudinal and transverse fields, together with time-independent quantum perturbation theory; and (ii) a standard mean-field approximation within the framework of the Bogoliubov inequality for the free energy. A very rich phase diagram, with different kinds of multicritical behavior, has been obtained. The results show first- and second-order transition lines, tricritical and tetracritical points, critical end points with a two-phase coexistence, double critical end points, and also double noncritical end points. Additionally, the behavior of the magnetization as a function of temperature, over a wide range of values of both longitudinal and transverse crystal fields, has also been analyzed in detail. While large magnitudes of the longitudinal crystal field select the z-spin components either in their states ±3/2 or ±1/2, it is surprising that a large transverse crystal field induces the spin component in the z direction to values ±1, which are completely different from any expected natural component. This comes indeed as a result of the zero-temperature mapping of the ground state with the superposition of the states 3/2 and -1/2, in one sector of the Hilbert space, and the states -3/2 and 1/2 on the other disjoint sector of the Hilbert space. This superposition for a large transverse crystal field prevails even for finite temperatures, implying that the exact critical points are obtained for the model on the one-dimensional lattice and the two-dimensional square lattice, and quite accurate estimates can be achieved for the three-dimensional simple cubic lattice.

The relation between the flexion relaxation phenomenon onset angle and lumbar spine muscle reflex onset time in response to 30 min of slumped sitting.

Viscoelastic creep of spine tissue, induced by submaximal spine flexion in sitting, can delay the onset of the flexion-relaxation phenomenon (FRP) and low back reflexes (LBR). Theoretically, these two outcome measures should be correlated; however, no studies have investigated this. This study aims to determine whether 30 min of near-maximal spine flexion will affect the onset of FRP and LBR in the lumbar erector spinae (LS) and lumbar multifidus (LM), and to examine the relation between these parameters. 15 participants were recruited (9F, 6M). Spine angle (between L1 and S2) was monitored synchronously with bilateral muscle activity in the LS (L1) and the LM (L4). FRP onset and LBR were measured in a randomized order before and after 30 min of slouched sitting. No significant difference was found for any muscle LBR onset time between pre and post-sitting (p > 0.05). A significant increase in FRP onset was found in the RLM (p = 0.016) following sitting. No significant correlation was found between the FRP and the LBR for any muscle. These results suggest that the LBR onset might not be as sensitive as an outcome measure to investigate shorter exposures of sitting as FRP.

Decarbonizing the energy supply one pandemic at a time.

This study explores different energy consumption vectors during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic in Portugal. Most of the workforce started working from home and resource consumption significantly shifted towards the domestic sector. The ensuing confinement protocols caused a shift in everyday life, which in turn significantly altered the energy supply and demand landscape. This event, although catastrophic in terms of loss of human life and economic development, can provide us with valuable data to study the potential of new strategies to achieve EU 2050 Energy goals. It was investigated whether the pandemic has opened a path and provided us with a partial answer to decarbonization in the form of home office practices as a possible energy efficiency measure. The present study shows that, in Portugal, there was a 15.7% reduction of primary energy consumption (accounting for electricity, natural gas and transport fuels) compared to 2019. The data suggest that actions targeting reduced mobility, such as home office practices and the decentralization of the workforce, could be a relevant energy efficiency measure.