Geochemical behavior of rare earth elements (REE) in urban reservoirs: the case of Funil Reservoir, Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil.

Rare earth elements (REE) have unique chemical properties, which allow their use as geochemical tracers. In this context, the present study aims to assess the role of Funil Reservoir on REE biogeochemical behavior. We collected water samples upstream of the reservoir (P-01) in the city of Queluz, inside the reservoir (P-02), and downstream of Funil Reservoir (P-03) in the city of Itatiaia, RJ. In the field, physicochemical parameters were measured using a probe (pH, temperature, electrical conductivity, and dissolved oxygen). In the laboratory, water samples were filtered (0.45 µm) and properly packed until chemical analysis. Chlorophyll a concentrations were determined by a spectrophotometric method and suspended particulate matter (SPM) by a gravimetric method. Ionic concentrations were determined by ion chromatography technique and REE concentrations were determined by ICP-MS. Chlorophyll a concentrations were higher in Funil Reservoir. Ionic concentrations in Queluz (P-01) suggest anthropic contamination. The sum of REE in the dissolved fraction ranged from 2.12 to 12.22 µg L-1. A positive anomaly of La in Queluz indicates anthropic contamination. The observed patterns indicate that Funil Reservoir acts as a biogeochemical barrier, modifying the fluvial transport of REE. Nonetheless, another factor that probably influences REE behavior is the algal bloom that occurs in reservoirs during the rainy season. The seasonal behavior of algae can influence REE biogeochemistry through the incorporation and release of trace metals.

Bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis. Application of adipose-derived stem cells in an experimental murine model.

BACKGROUND: Bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw is a pathological condition without effective established treatment and preventive strategies. The aim of this study was to analyse the effect of adipose-derived stem cells (ASC) in an experimental murine model of osteonecrosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 38 Wistar rats were injected intraperitoneally with zoledronic acid. After treatment, upper jaw molars were extracted. The animals were randomly assigned to one of two groups. In the control group, saline solution was applied over the alveolar sockets after the tooth extractions. In the treatment group, ASCs were applied instead of saline solution. The control and treatment groups were subdivided based on the time of euthanasia. A clinical and histological analysis was performed. RESULTS: The presence of osteonecrosis in alveolar bone was observed in a similar distribution in both groups. In the ASC-treated group, new bone formation was greater than in controls. CONCLUSION: In this study, application of ASCs showed greater new bone formation in an osteonecrosis-like murine model. Previous inhibited post-extraction bone remodelling could be reactivated, and these findings appeared to be secondary to implantation of ASCs.

Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome: Open bite evolution after tongue reduction.

BACKGROUND: Macroglossia causes functional deficits such as airway obstruction, drooling, phonation difficulties, and leads to protrusion of dentoalveolar structures resulting in an anterior open bite and a prognathic mandibular appearance. Macroglossia is present in the majority of patients with Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS) and surgical treatment may be indicated. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted including BWS patients who underwent surgical tongue reduction between 2000 and 2015 at the Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid. RESULTS: Out of 16 patients with BWS, surgery was performed in 11 cases. Tongue protrusion with open bite was the main indication for surgical treatment. Reduction glossectomy was performed using the keyhole technique. We analysed the relationship between age at surgery and evolution of open bite. Complications were minimal and satisfactory outcomes were observed with a decrease in anterior open bite. CONCLUSIONS: In this study we have observed that surgical treatment in patients with BWS and open bite accompanied by macroglossia seems to provide positive results with a satisfactory outcome in dentoskeletal alterations.

A straight choice: avoiding septal re-deviation using titanium plates. A 16 year retrospective patient follow-up evaluation.

BACKGROUND: To propose a new surgical technique for fixing the nasal septum to the midline, for long term prevention of nasal obstruction, in secondary and select cases of primary septoplasty. METHODOLOGY: Retrospective study, within hospital medical center. PATIENTS: Two hundred and twenty two patients who underwent septoplasty. Data collection occurred consecutively between March 1st of 2000 and May 1st 2016. Twenty six percent females and seventy four percent males. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Patterns of septal deformity, materials used for titanium plates, surgical results, symptom improvement, and surgical complications were investigated. RESULTS: A total of 222 patients were included in this study. 163 patients (73%) had no previous nasal surgery. Fifty nine patients (27%) presented with a previous nasal surgery. Sixteen year follow up included more than 90% of patients and resulted in an overall 2.7% revision rate. CONCLUSIONS: The use of titanium plate for septoplasty has shown to be simple, safe, and easy to learn technique in both secondary and select cases of primary septoplasty. Most importantly the results indicate a long term prevention of the.

Effect of exercise while utilizing a device with an arm compression sleeve to reduce lymphedema.

BACKGROUND: Lymphedema is one complication of breast cancer treatment and there is no consensus that identified one single therapy in the treatment of lymphedema; therfore an association of methods is recommended and one of these is exercising. The aim of this study was to evaluate the utilization of exercising with a facilitating device along with an arm compression sleeve to reduce the size of lymphedematous arms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty women from a rehabilitation group with arm lymphedema resulting from the surgical, chemotherapeutic, and radiotherapeutic treatment of breast cancer were enrolled sequentially on arriving in the clinic. While sitting in an upright position and wearing an arm compression sleeve, patients were submitted to a one-hour session of active exercising consisting of four 12-minute stints with three-minute intervals to rest. The change in lymphedema was evaluated by water volumetry before and immediately after the session. The active exercising device is similar to the pedaling system of a bicycle. The paired t-test was employed for statistical analysis. An alpha error of 5% (p-value < 0.05) was considered acceptable. RESULTS: A statistically significant reduction (p-value < 0.004) was noted in the size of the arm. CONCLUSION: Active exercising using a facilitating device and under supervision may reduce the size of lymphedematous arms.

[Safety and efficacy of Vildagliptin in real life Chilean diabetic patients]. / Evaluación del perfil de eficacia y seguridad de vildagliptina en vida real de pacientes chilenos con diabetes mellitus tipo 2.

BACKGROUND: Vildagliptin is a dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibitor (DPP4i). Its efficacy and safety of DPP4i in Chilean real life type 2 diabetic (T2D) patients is not well known. AIM: To assess the safety profile and effectiveness of 12 weeks of treatment with Vildagliptin for glycemic control in T2D Chilean patients with a poor glycemic control. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective assessment of the effects of Vildagliptin treatment during 12 weeks in 103 T2D patients aged 29 to 92 years (47% males). The main outcomes were changes in glycosylated hemoglobin and the occurrence of adverse effects. RESULTS: After 12 weeks of Vildagliptin use, glycosylated hemoglobin decreased from 8.3 ± 1.4 to 7.2 ± 1.1% (p < 0.01). Fasting plasma glucose and the number of hypoglycemic events also decreased significantly. No significant weight change was observed. The treatment had good compliance, tolerance and patient satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: Vildagliptin treatment reduced glycosylated hemoglobin by 1.1% and was well tolerated in this group of diabetic patients.

[Systolic pressure in wound scarring].

The recommended goal of a systolic pressure under 13 mmHg in hypertensive diabetic patients results in a significant drop in blood pressure that often has caused conflicts in respect to maintaining a minimum systolic pressure for wound scaring in patients with peripheral artery disease. This, as long as the patient remains asymptomatic, is no problem, however if the patient has a peripheral wound, the low systolic pressures may affect scarring.

Genetics at the verge of extinction: insights from the Iberian lynx.

Population viability might become compromised by the loss of genetic diversity and the accumulation of inbreeding resulting from population decline and fragmentation. The Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) provides a paradigmatic example of a species at the verge of extinction, and because of the well-documented and different demographic histories of the two remaining populations (Doñana and Andújar), it provides the opportunity to evaluate the performance of analytical methods commonly applied to recently declined populations. We used mitochondrial sequences and 36 microsatellite markers to evaluate the current genetic status of the species and to assess the genetic signatures of its past history. Mitochondrial diversity was extremely low with only two haplotypes, alternatively fixed in each population. Both remnant populations have low levels of genetic diversity at microsatellite markers, particularly the population from Doñana, and genetic differentiation between the two populations is high. Bayesian coalescent-based methods suggest an earlier decline starting hundreds of years ago, while heterozygosity excess and M-ratio tests did not provide conclusive and consistent evidence for recent bottlenecks. Also, a model of gene flow received overwhelming support over a model of pure drift. Results that are in conflict with the known recent demography of the species call for caution in the use of these methods, especially when no information on previous demographic history is available. Overall, our results suggest that current genetic patterns in the Iberian lynx are mainly the result of its recent decline and fragmentation and alerts on possible genetic risks for its persistence. Conservation strategies should explicitly consider this threat and incorporate an integrated genetic management of wild, captive and re-introduced populations, including genetic restoration through translocations.

Patterns of milking unit kick-off as a proxy for habituation to milking in primiparous cows.

The onset of lactation and the subsequent habituation to the milking routine is a stressful period, particularly for primiparous (PRI) cows. The objective of this study was to describe the dynamics of milking unit kick-off (KO) behavior in PRI cows during the first 3 mo of lactation, considering multiparous (MUL) cows as a reference for comparison. In addition, the potential associations between KO and milk yield and mastitis presentation were investigated. A total of 869 cows (PRI = 199; MUL = 670) on a dairy farm in northern CO were included in the analysis. Cows calving between August and November 2020 were enrolled from 3 DIM until 90 DIM. Participants were milked 3×/day in a 60-unit rotary parlor and data from each milking session were downloaded from parlor management software. Milking unit kick-off was used as a proxy for habituation to the milking procedure. Kick-off events were reported by the milking system and defined as an abrupt interruption in the milk flow during the milking process. Cow KO events were recorded for each milking session. Subsequently, occurrence of KO was analyzed by grouping the 3 consecutive milking sessions in each day and categorized as yes or no, indicating whether or not an individual kicked at least once in a given day. Data were analyzed by repeated measures ANOVA and logistic regression, including parity category, calving season, occurrence of dystocia, and their potential interactions in the models. Least squares means for daily proportions of KO were calculated considering the number of cows with KO events per day in the PRI and MUL categories. Subsequently, odds ratios for the occurrence of KO in PRI versus MUL were calculated at multiple periods of time. When KO was analyzed by DIM, proportions of KO were greater in PRI than in MUL during the whole monitoring period. In PRI, proportions of KO increased from 0.10/d to 0.20/d between 3 DIM and 15 DIM, to start decreasing around 30 DIM and remaining above MUL up to 90 DIM. On the contrary, in MUL cows, proportions of KO remained close to 0.05/d during the 90-d period. Overall, the odds of KO were greater for PRI versus MUL cows (odds ratio [95% confidence interval] = 2.07 [1.58-2.73]). No differences in milk yield were established among KO categories, while the percentage of cows affected with mastitis was greater in cows grouped in the quartile with more frequent KO events. We concluded that the relationship between days in milk and the proportion of PRI cows displaying KO was not linear, but rather KO increased during the first 2 wk postpartum before decreasing after the first month of lactation. First-parity cows had greater levels of KO than MUL cows, which is most likely associated with the process of habituation to milking during their first lactation.

Wildlife is imperiled in peri-urban landscapes: threats to arboreal mammals.

Urbanization and deforestation impose severe challenges to wildlife, particularly for forest-living vertebrates. Understanding how the peri-urban matrix impacts their survival is critical for designing strategies to promote their conservation. We investigated the threats faced by brown howler monkeys (Alouatta guariba clamitans) in peri-urban regions of Rio Grande do Sul (RS) and Santa Catarina (SC) states, southern Brazil, by compiling negative interaction events (hereafter NIE) reported over more than two decades. We assessed the major NIEs, their distribution among age-sex classes, and the predictors of NIE-related mortality. After 20+ years of monitoring, we compiled 540 NIEs (RS = 248 and SC = 292). Electrocution by power lines was the most frequent cause of death or injury (37%), followed by dog attack (34%), vehicle collision (17%), and human mistreatment (12%). The occurrence of lethal injuries ranged from 5% to 69% depending on the type of NIE and on which state it occurred in. The overall post-NIE mortality was 56%. Adults of both sexes were the most affected individuals in both study regions. The minimal adequate GLM model explained 83% of the variation in NIE-related mortality. State, NIE type, and age-sex class were the main predictors of mortality. Overall, mortality was lower in SC and higher among adult females than in the other classes. We found that the survival of brown howler monkeys in the forest-urban interface is constrained by both the urban infrastructure and the growing interactions with humans and domestic and stray dogs (Canis familiaris). We propose the placement of aerial bridges, road signs and speed bumps in areas of frequent animal crossing, the sterilization of stray dogs, and the sensitization of local inhabitants on the importance of respecting and protecting wildlife to reduce their NIEs with humans and domestic animals in the forest-urban interface.

Is the wearing of elastic stockings for half a day as effective as wearing them for the entire day?

Background There is good evidence for the use of compression for some clinical indications but little is known about dosimetry in compression. Objective The aim of this work was to evaluate whether or not the use of compression stockings during part of the day would help in the reduction of evening oedema in patients with clinical, epidemiological, anatomical and physiopathological (CEAP) classifications C0 and C1. Methods The effects of elastic compression stockings on volumetric variations during the working day were evaluated for the legs of two men and 18 women (40 legs). The inclusion criterion was classification as C0 (10 legs) or C1 (30 legs) according to the CEAP criteria. Participants used three-quarter-length elastic compression stockings (20-30 mmHg) on three consecutive days for the entire day or only for the morning or they did not use the stockings at all. Volumetry using the water displacement technique was performed in the morning and in the evening. When the patients wore the stockings only during the morning, volumetry was also performed at 13:00 h. Results Significant increases in volume were observed for both legs when stockings were not used compared with the use of stockings in the morning only. After removing the stockings, both legs had significant increases in volume in the afternoon. However, use for half the day was better than not using the stockings at all. Conclusions The use of elastic compression stockings can reduce volumetric variations during working hours, with the use of stockings for the entire day being better than for just half the day.

Coping self-efficacy in a community-based sample of women and men from the United Kingdom: the impact of sex and health status.

This study presents pioneer findings regarding coping self-efficacy obtained with the Coping Self-Efficacy Scale (CSES) in a community-based sample composed of both women and men (to date, only data obtained in the 1980s from men with HIV and depression exist). The aims of this study were to investigate the psychometric properties of the CSES and obtain descriptive results in a British community-based sample composed of both women and men. Participants responded to both the CSES and another scale measuring coping with stress self-efficacy. Based on our findings, the CSES showed appropriate reliability and construct validity, although some items require revision. We found that sex and, particularly, health status play an important role in individual differences in coping self-efficacy. Women showed significantly stronger self-efficacy beliefs for social support than men, while for the remaining scores, men scored higher than women. Healthy participants showed significantly stronger self-efficacy beliefs (for social support, NS) than unhealthy participants. The results confirmed both the suitability of the CSES as a measure of a person's confidence in his or her perceived ability to perform certain actions aimed at coping effectively with stress in a nonbiased sample and its soundness in research and clinical contexts.

Clinical aspects of advanced stage lipo-lymphedema: case report.

The aim of the current study was to alert about dermatological alterations in the clinical evolution of lipo-lymphedema. The case of a 48-year-old patient is reported with clinical diagnosis of stage II lipo-lymphedema treated in the Angiology and Vascular Surgery Service of FAMERP. On physical examination the edema was hard, not reversible during rest, with nodules in the lower one-third of the limbs and a positive Stemmer's sign. The sizes of the nodules were different between legs. This report stresses the clinical findings and the differences in each disease. Additionally a review of publications is presented. The dermatological changes occurring in the evolution of lipedema may be associated with the evolution of lipo-lymphedema.

Metformin protects from oxaliplatin induced peripheral neuropathy in rats.

Oxaliplatin is a commonly used drug to treat cancer, extending the rate of disease-free survival by 20% in colorectal cancer. However, oxaliplatin induces a disabling form of neuropathy resulting in more than 60% of patients having to reduce or discontinue oxaliplatin, negatively impacting their chance of survival. Oxaliplatin-induced neuropathies are accompanied by degeneration of sensory fibers in the epidermis and hyperexcitability of sensory neurons. These morphological and functional changes have been associated with sensory symptoms such as dysesthesia, paresthesia and mechanical and cold allodynia. Various strategies have been proposed to prevent or treat oxaliplatin-induced neuropathies without success. The anti-diabetic drug metformin has been recently shown to exert neuroprotection in other chemotherapy-induced neuropathies, so here we aimed to test if metformin can prevent the development of oxaliplatin-induced neuropathy in a rat model of this condition. Animals treated with oxaliplatin developed significant intraepidermal fiber degeneration, a mild gliosis in the spinal cord, and mechanical and cold hyperalgesia. The concomitant use of metformin prevented degeneration of intraepidermal fibers, gliosis, and the altered sensitivity. Our evidence further supports metformin as a new approach to prevent oxaliplatin-induced neuropathy with a potential important clinical impact.

From radiometry to chronology of a marine sediment core: A 210Pb dating interlaboratory comparison exercise organised by the IAEA.

Laboratories from 14 countries (with different levels of expertise in radionuclide measurements and 210Pb dating) participated in an interlaboratory comparison exercise (ILC) related to the application of 210Pb sediment dating technique within the framework of the IAEA Coordinated Research Project. The laboratories were provided with samples from a composite sediment core and were required to provide massic activities of several radionuclides and an age versus depth model from the obtained results, using the most suitable 210Pb dating model. Massic concentrations of Zn and Cu were also determined to be used for chronology validation. The ILC results indicated good analytical performances while the dating results didn't demonstrate the same degree of competence in part due to the different experience in dating of the participant laboratories. The ILC exercise enabled evaluation of the difficulties faced by laboratories implementing 210Pb dating methods and identified some limitations in providing reliable chronologies.

Phylogeography of Southern Water Vole (Arvicola sapidus): evidence for refugia within the Iberian glacial refugium?

The role of Southern European peninsulas as glacial refugia for temperate species has been widely established, but phylogeographic patterns within refugia are being only recently addressed. Here we describe the phylogeographic patterns for Southern water vole (Arvicola sapidus) in its whole distribution across Iberia and France. Control region and cytochrome b sequences were obtained for 228 samples from 130 localities across Iberia and France. Eighty-five haplotypes were found in total yielding a high overall mitochondrial diversity (pi = 0.027; H = 0.974). Phylogeographic structure was relatively shallow (3.1% average intraspecific divergence) with few supported clades and 95% and 90% maximum parsimony unconnected networks, but significant, as reflected in increased pairwise nucleotide divergences with distance (r = 0.197, P = 0.03) and significant autocorrelation up to approximately 500 km. Spatial analysis of molecular variance analysis detected seven geographical groups explaining 43.73% of the total mitochondrial variation. We detected demographic expansions in three of these groups. A recent colonization of France from Iberia was suggested and estimated around 62 000 years bp by an isolation-with-migration model. Our results suggest the contribution of episodes of isolation in glacial subrefugia in Iberia, but seem to exclude a long-term isolation over successive glacial cycles. Phylogeographic divergence was probably tempered by relatively large population sizes and rapid and extensive mixing among subrefugia during interglacials, that might have eroded the phylogeographic structure accumulated at glacial peaks. Phenotypic differences in A. sapidus do not delineate historically isolated intraspecific divisions and do not warrant subspecific delimitations. Our results do support the existence of subrefugia within Iberia and their role in promoting intraspecific divergences.

Association of deep venous thrombosis with neoplasms in different age groups.

AIM: The objective of the current study was to evaluate if age is related to the prevalence of neoplasms in patients presenting with deep venous thrombosis. METHODS: The existence of neoplasms was investigated in 221 female and 194 male patients suffering from deep venous thrombosis. Their ages ranged from 11 to 92 years old with a mean of 55.2 years. Thoracic radiography, endoscopy, abdominal ultrasonography, computed tomography and magnetic resonance were requested in cases of clinically suspected neoplasms. The inclusion criterion was the presence of deep venous thrombosis and exclusion criterion was that the existence of neoplasms was not investigated. The patients were classified in age groups at 10-year intervals starting at the age of 40 years old. For statistical analysis the one sample t-test and Fisher exact test were utilized with an alpha-error of 5% considered acceptable. RESULTS: Neoplasms were detected in 3.4% of under 40-year-old patients, 5.6% between 40 and 50 years, 16.6% between 50 and 60 years, 26.8% between 60 and 70 years, 19.3% between 70 and 80 years and 10.8% in over 80-year-old. The association between neoplasms and age is significant for over 50-year-old when compared with those under 40-year-old (Fisher exact test P value <0.005) and there is a difference in percentages between the age groups (one sample t test P value=0.01). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion the prevalence of neoplasms is associated to age with the highest rate in the 60- to 70-year age group.

Erysipelas and lymphangitis in patients undergoing lymphedema treatment after breast-cancer therapy.

AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of erysipelas and lymphangitis in a group of patients under treatment for lymphedema after breast-cancer therapy. METHODS: A random observational prospective study of the incidences of lymphangitis and erysipelas was performed for 66 patients with arm lymphedema after breast-cancer treatment. The study was carried out between March 2006 and December 2007 at the Godoy Clinic in Sãoo José do Rio Preto, Brazil. The clinical evaluation of the participants was performed weekly before the start of treatment, with patients being required to immediately report any complications to the attending service. RESULTS: The mean time of follow-up of the patients between their treatment for breast cancer and the start of this study was 12.3 months, and three complications (4.5%) occurred; two cases of lymphangitis were reported after insect bites and one case of erysipelas after a hand injury, with repeat episodes reported by all three patients. CONCLUSION: In spite of prophylactic advice regarding lymphangitis and erysipelas during treatment for lymphedema after breast-cancer therapy, patients are subject to complications; however, this in itself does not justify the use of prophylactic antibiotic therapy.