Integrative taxonomy reveals a new species of the glass knifefish genus Eigenmannia Jordan & Evermann, 1896 (Teleostei: Gymnotiformes: Sternopygidae) from the Rio Branco basin, Brazil.

A new species of Eigenmannia is described from the Rio Branco basin, Roraima, Brazil, based on morphological and molecular datasets. It is distinguished from all congeners by the following combination of characters: lateral line stripe extending from first perforated lateral line scale to distal portion of caudal filament, presence of superior midlateral stripe with origin posterior to end of body cavity anal-fin hyaline, caudal filament corresponding to 15.2%-43.1% LEA, subterminal mouth, ii,14-16 pectoral-fin rays, 166-219 anal-fin rays, 10-13 scale rows above lateral line at vertical through posterior tip of pectoral fin, 100-128 scales on lateral line, 22-28 premaxillary teeth, 19-23 dentary teeth, 7-10 endopterygoid teeth, depth of posterodorsal expansion on infraorbitals 1 + 2 half as long as infraorbitals 1 + 2 length, basibranchial 1 unossified, 13 precaudal vertebrae, and length of coronomeckelian bone corresponding to 20% of Meckel's cartilage length. The new species has significant genetic divergence from species with accessible DNA sequences in public repositories, ranging from 10.8% to 17.7%. An osteological description of the new species, a review of Eigenmannia cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) sequences available in public repositories based on voucher examination, and a hypothesis of phylogenetic relationships for the new species based on COI are provided. The critical importance of including voucher examination as one of the steps in the pipeline for using DNA sequences present in public repositories in taxonomic and phylogenetic studies is discussed.

Thermosensitive polymer-assisted extraction and purification of fungal laccase from citrus pulp wash effluent.

BACKGROUND: This study explores the use of liquid-liquid extraction with thermosensitive polymers for producing laccase (Lac) from Pleurotus sajor-caju. This process leverages liquid waste from the citrus industry, specifically pulp wash. The research delves into extractive fermentation and thermoseparation, both processes being facilitated by a polymer exhibiting a lower critical solution temperature transition. RESULTS: Key factors considered include the choice of polymer, its concentration, pH, separation temperature, and the behavior of the polymer-rich phase post-extractive fermentation concerning the lower critical solution temperature. Notably, under conditions of 45% by weight of Pluronic L-61 and pH 5.0 at 25 °C, the Lac resulted in an enhancement in the purification factor of 28.4-fold, compared with the Lac obtained directly from the fermentation process on the eighth day. There was an 83.6% recovery of the Lac enzyme in the bottom phase of the system. Additionally, the unique properties of Pluronic L-61, which can induce phase separation and also allow for thermoseparation, led to a secondary fraction (aqueous solution) of Lac with purification factor of 2.1 ± 0.1-fold (at 32 ± 0.9 °C and 30 ± 0.3 min without stirring) from the polymeric phase (top phase). Fourier-transform infrared analysis validated the separation data, particularly highlighting the α-helix content in the amide I region (1600-1700 cm-1 ). CONCLUSION: In summary, the insights from this study pave the way for broader industrial applications of these techniques, underscoring benefits like streamlined process integration, heightened selectivity, and superior separation efficacy. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Why citizen review might beat peer review at identifying pursuitworthy scientific research.

In response to increasing fatigue with the failings of the peer review system, granting agencies are beginning to consider lotteries as an alternative. I argue that citizen review, in which non-scientists determine funding allocations, has advantages over both. This is particularly true when it comes to identifying which research is most pursuitworthy.

Clinical factors associated with early and persistent hypocalcaemia after parathyroidectomy in patients on dialysis with severe hyperparathyroidism.

AIM: Severe hypocalcaemia following parathyroidectomy for secondary or tertiary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT/THPT) is scarcely studied. We aimed to describe and identify risk factors for early and persistent hypocalcaemia after parathyroidectomy. METHODS: Retrospective pair-matched cohort study. We assessed 87 dialysis patients with SHPT (n = 73) or THPT (n = 14) paired with 146 subjects with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) who underwent parathyroidectomy and were followed for 12 months. Early severe hypocalcaemia was defined as a free Ca ≤0.8 mmol/L [3.2 mg/dl] or corrected Ca ≤1.87 mmol/L [7.5 mg/dl] within 48 h. After parathyroidectomy and persistent hypocalcaemia, as an elemental Ca intake >3.0 g/day to achieve corrected Ca >2 mmol/L [8.0 mg/dl]. RESULTS: Early severe hypocalcaemia occurred in 77% (67/87) versus 6.8% (10/146) of subjects with SHPT/THPT and PHPT, respectively (p < .001). In SHPT/THPT cases, persistent hypocalcaemia occurred in 77% (49/64) and 64% (35/54) after 6 and 12 months of parathyroidectomy, respectively. In PHPT cases, persistent hypocalcaemia occurred in 6.8% (10/146) after 4-12 months of parathyroidectomy. Preoperative serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) was the only risk factor associated to early severe hypocalcaemia (OR 7.3, 95% C.I. 1.7-10.9, p = .006) and persistent hypocalcaemia (OR 7.1, 95% C.I: 2.1-14.2, p = .011). Subjects with persistently low intact parathormone (iPTH) (<5.3 pmol/L [50 ng/ml]), suggestive of adynamic bone disease) showed higher Ca increases and less oral calcium requirements compared to those who progressively increased iPTH after parathyroidectomy. CONCLUSION: Early and persistent hypocalcaemia after parathyroidectomy in severe HPT were a common event associated directly to preoperative ALP levels. Subjects with persistently low postoperative iPTH normalized serum Ca more frequently after 1 year of follow up.

A new species of sexually dimorphic and rheophilic ghost knifefish (Apteronotidae: Gymnotiformes) from the Amazon basin.

A new species of ghost knifefish, Apteronotus, is described from high-energy environments in the Rios Mapuera and Trombetas (at Cachoeira Porteira waterfalls), Brazil. X-ray microcomputed tomography (µCT scan) was used to access the internal anatomy of the type series. The new species is distinguished from all congeners by the anteriormost position of the anus, with its posterior margin extending less than one eye diameter beyond the vertical through the caudal limit of the posterior nostril, the low number of anal-fin rays (117-125) and the reduced number of branchiostegal rays (three). A series of modifications associated with secondary sexual dimorphism on the preorbital region of mature males are depicted and discussed. In addition, comments on homologies of the branchiostegal rays in Apteronotidae are provided.

COVID-19, other zoonotic diseases and wildlife conservation.

Many experts have warned that environmental degradation is increasing the likelihood of future pandemics like COVID-19, as habitat loss and poaching increase close contact between wildlife and people. This fact has been framed as a reason to increase wildlife conservation efforts. We have many good reasons to step up conservation efforts, but arguments for doing so on the basis of pandemic prevention are rhetorically, ethically, and empricially flawed.

Measurement of CSF α-synuclein improves early differential diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer's disease.

Previous studies have indicated the potential of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) α-synuclein (α-syn) to be an additional biomarker for improving differential diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). We evaluated α-syn diagnostic performance across a well-characterized patient cohort with long-term follow-up. For this purpose, CSF α-syn levels were determined in 25 subjects diagnosed with stable mild cognitive impairment (stable MCI; n = 25), 27 MCI cases due to AD (MCI-AD; n = 32), 24 MCI cases due to Lewy body disease (MCI-LBD; n = 24) and control subjects (Ctrl; n = 18). CSF α-syn levels discriminate between the four groups. There were higher α-syn levels in MCI-AD patients and lower levels in MCI-LBD patients. The combination of α-syn and P-tau resulted in a specificity of 99% and a sensitivity of 97% for MCI-AD. MCI-AD patients with early psychotic symptoms (n = 9) displayed a trend towards a decrease in P-tau and α-syn compared to the MCI-AD patients without psychotic symptoms (n = 23). We conclude that adding CSF α-syn to central core AD biomarkers improves an early differential diagnosis of MCI-AD from other forms of MCI. OPEN SCIENCE BADGES: This article has received a badge for *Open Materials* because it provided all relevant information to reproduce the study in the manuscript. The complete Open Science Disclosure form for this article can be found at the end of the article. More information about the Open Practices badges can be found at https://cos.io/our-services/open-science-badges/.

Agriculture increases individual fitness.

We question the need to explain the onset of agriculture by appealing to the second type of multilevel selection (MLS2). Unlike eusocial insect colonies, human societies do not exhibit key features of evolutionary individuals. If we avoid the mistake of equating Darwinian fitness with health and quality of life, the adoption of agriculture is almost certainly explicable in terms of individual-level selection and individual rationality.

When is the spread of a cultural trait due to cultural group selection? The case of religious syncretism.

The reproduction of cultural systems in cases where cultural group selection may occur is typically incomplete, with only certain cultural traits being adopted by less successful cultural groups. Why a particular trait and not another is transmitted might not be explained by cultural group selection. We explore this issue through the case of religious syncretism.

Human treg cells are characterized by low/negative CD6 expression.

Natural regulatory T cells (nTreg) can suppress different immune-cell responses and maintain the balance between tolerance and immunity in the individual. These cells are defined by CD4+ , CD25hi, and FOXP3+ expression, although a variety of other nTreg-associated markers have been reported to be expressed at different levels (e.g., HLA-DR, CTLA-4, GARP, Helios, CD39, etc.), presumably reflecting different functional stages of the heterogeneous nTreg population. Several markers show low/negative expression (i.e., CD127, CD49d, and CD26), but none of these markers are specific to nTreg. CD25hi expression has been a useful surface marker to identify/isolate nTreg; however, CD25 is also expressed on "adaptive" or "induced" Treg, as well as in activated conventional T cells. In addition, the fact that FOXP3 is also found in CD25 low/negative CD4+ T cells, and in a subset of CD8+ T cells, further complicates the definition of a specific nTreg marker. Although CD4+, CD25hi, and CD127low/negative markers characterize the majority of nTreg, it is still imperative to find additional surface-marker combinations that improve the identification/isolation of nTreg and their subsets. Herein, we present evidence that CD4+ CD25hi CD6(lo/-) nTreg have high expression of FOXP3and exhibit in vitro suppressive activity on CD8+ T-cell proliferation. Dot-plot analyses of CD4+ cells, with CD6, CD127, CD49d, or CD26 reveal that a higher enrichment yield of CD25hi FOXP3+ cells can be achieved in the combined CD6(lo/-) CD127(lo/-) population. We conclude that FOXP3+ nTreg cells are characterized by CD6(lo/-) expression, providing a new tool for the identification of nTreg cells without recourse to intracellular staining, and for the purification of these cells by negative selection.

Alzheimer disease cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers predict cognitive decline in healthy elderly over 2 years.

AIM: : The aim of this study is to check the ability of cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers of Alzheimer disease (CSF-BMK-AD) to make a discrimination checklist within a healthy group, according to their cognitive development at 2 years of obtaining the sample. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 2008 and 2010, 67 subjects without cognitive or behavioral disorders were included as a control group in a study on CSF-AD-BMK. Neuropsychological assessment at baseline and at follow-up had been carried out 2 years later. CSF was obtained at the inclusion. It was analyzed by Innotest reagents to measure amyloid-ß (Aß1-42), total-τ (T-τ), and phosphorylated τ181 (P-τ181p) protein levels, as well as T-τ/Aß1-42 and P-τ181p/Aß1-42 ratios. RESULTS: Two years after inclusion, 28 subjects were not able to be checked for cognitive evolution. Of those who were seen for follow-up (n=39), 29 were cognitively stable and 10 showed cognitive impairment. We found significant differences in Aß1-42 protein level (820 vs. 1359 pg/mL, P<0.003), in the T-τ/Aß1-42 ratio (0.40 vs. 0.19, P<0.009), and in the P-τ181p/Aß1-42 ratio (0.09 vs. 0.04, P<0.003) when both groups were compared. CONCLUSIONS: CSF-BMK-AD are able to discriminate between subjects in a group initially asymptomatic depending on their cognitive evolution at the 2 years' follow-up. These results are consistent with the decrease of CSF Aß1-42 protein levels as the first finding in preclinical AD showed.

Stem cells protect the bronchial stump in rat, increasing Sox6, Col2a1, and Agc1 expression.

BACKGROUND: Post-pneumonectomy bronchopleural fistulas (BPFs) are associated with high morbidity and mortality. Currently, since the management of BPFs is difficult to assess, the best therapeutic approach is prevention. Our objective was to evaluate the effects of adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) on the healing of the bronchial stump in an experimental animal model. METHODS: Left pneumonectomy was performed in 37 Sprague-Dawley rats. Animals were randomly assigned to a control group (n = 13), an ASC group (n = 12), and an ASC plus Tissucol(®) group (ASCT) (n = 12). The ASCs and ASCTs were locally administered at the bronchial stump after surgical pneumonectomy. Animals were killed at 10 and 20 days. We analyzed histological changes and changes in the expression of relevant genes involved in wound repair in the bronchial stump. RESULTS: Two control animals, one animal from the ASC group, and one from the ASCT group died from early BPF. All the remaining animals had an adequate postoperative outcome. ASCs and ASCTs significantly decreased the necrosis and ulcerations of the bronchial stump at 10 and 20 days. ASCs significantly decreased mRNA expression of Igf1 at 10 days and Igf1, Tgfb1, Vegfa, and Col2a1 at 20 days, whereas there was increased expression of Agc1 and Col2a1 at 10 days and Sox6 at 20 days. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that local ASCs protected the bronchial stump after pneumonectomy and induced local changes in gene expression related to their protective action. These results could lead to a potential new therapeutic modality for the prevention of BPF.

Group-level traits are not units of selection.

We argue that Smaldino has not established that group-level traits constitute a unit of selection distinct from selection on individuals, as group-level traits are neither replicators nor interactors. Moreover, we argue that Wimsatt's analysis of emergence and aggregativity supports an understanding of group-level and other emergent traits as explanatorily reducible to the individual level.

Combined Ultrahypofractionated Whole-Breast Irradiation and IORT-Boost: A Safety and Feasibility Analysis.

BACKGROUND: The current standard of local treatment for patients with localized breast cancer (BC) includes whole breast irradiation (WBI) after breast-conserving surgery (BCS). Ultrahypofractionated WBI schemes (1-week treatment) were shown not to be inferior to the standard WBI. Tumor bed boost using photon intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) is safe and feasible in combination with standard WBI. The aim of the present study is to assess, for the first time, the feasibility and safety of combining photon IORT with ultrahypofractionated WBI. METHODS: Patients diagnosed with low-risk early BC candidates for BCS were included in this prospective study. IORT was administered at a dose of 20 Gy to the surface's applicator, and WBI was administered 3-5 weeks after surgery at a total dose of 26 Gy in five consecutive days. RESULTS: From July 2020 to December 2022, seventy-two patients diagnosed with low-risk early BC and treated in our institution were included in this prospective study. All patients completed the proposed treatment, and no severe acute or late grade 3 toxicity was observed 3 and 12 months after WBI, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our results confirm for the first time that the combination of ultrafractionation WBI and photon-IORT after BCS is a feasible and safe option in patients with early BC.

Cutaneous glands of the striped toad, Rhinella crucifer (Wied-Neuwied, 1821) (Amphibia: Bufonidae): Histological study and bioactivities of glandular secretions.

This study investigated the morphology of Rhinella crucifer cutaneous glands, as well as the protein/peptide profiles and bioactivities of body gland secretions (BGS) and parotoid macrogland secretions (PS). The parotoid as well as dorsal and ventral skin fragments of male and female individuals were processed for histological analysis. The protein and peptide profiles of male and female gland secretions were evaluated. Male secretions were also assessed for proteolytic, trypsin inhibiting, hemagglutinating, hemolytic, antimicrobial, and anticoagulant activities. The R. crucifer skin structure presented protuberances that are clearly visible and formed by the integument, which has cutaneous glands throughout the body. An average of 438 and 333 glands were identified in males in females, respectively. No significant differences were observed in the distribution of glands across the body as well as for area and perimeter of glands. Differences were observed in protein composition between the PS and BGS from males and females, and secretions from animals collected from undisturbed and anthropogenically disturbed areas. Proteins with similarities to catalase and elongation factor 1-alpha were detected in the PS. Zymography revealed proteolytic activity in both male BGS and PS. Male BGS showed antibacterial activity against Enterococcus faecalis and Escherichia coli and anticoagulant activity, being able to prolong prothrombin time by 6.34-fold and activated partial thromboplastin time by 2.17-fold. Finally, male PS and BGS caused a maximum hemolysis degree of 1.4%. The data showed that the cutaneous secretions of R. crucifer are potentially promising for biotechnological prospecting.

Correlation between low handgrip strength and metabolic syndrome in older adults: a systematic review.

Muscle weakness has been associated to insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome in the general population. However, it is still unclear whether this association is maintained in older adults. This study investigated correlations between low handgrip strength (HGS) and metabolic syndrome, or some of its components, in older adults through a systematic review of the literature. Searches were conducted in the Virtual Health Library Regional Portal, Scopus, Cochrane, Embase, MEDLINE/ PubMed, SciELO, and Web of Science databases for relevant studiesinvestigating muscle weakness (measured by hand dynamometer) and metabolic syndrome or its components in older adult populations, published up to September 2023. From the 2050 references initially identified, 20 studies, comprising a total of 31,264 older adults of both genders, completely met the inclusion/exclusion criteria. Eighteen studies showed that lower HGS was associated with metabolic syndrome or some of its risk factors, such as abdominal obesity, hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, or high blood pressure. Two studies found that older men with high blood pressure had increased HGS. Most studies included in this systematic review revealed a significant correlation between reduced HGS and metabolic syndrome or some of its components, especially abdominal obesity and insulin resistance. We conclude that below-average HGS can be associated with metabolic syndrome in older adults.

Halogen-bonded co-crystal containing 1,3-di-iodo-perchloro-benzene and the photoproduct rtct-tetra-kis-(pyridin-4-yl)cyclo-butane resulting in a zigzag topology.

The formation and crystal structure of a zigzag network held together by I⋯N halogen bonds is reported. In particular, the halogen-bond donor is 1,3-di-iodo-perchloro-benzene (C6I2Cl4 ) while the acceptor is the photoproduct rtct-tetra-kis-(pyridin-4-yl)cyclo-butane (TPCB). Curiously, within the resulting co-crystal (C6I2Cl4 )·(TPCB), the photoproduct accepts only two halogen bonds between neighbouring 4-pyridyl rings and as a result behaves as a bent two-connected node rather than the expected four-connected centre. In addition, the photoproduct, TPCB, is also found to engage in C-H⋯N hydrogen bonds, forming an extended zigzag chain.

Development of a simple biogas analyzer module (BAM) for real-time biogas production monitoring.

ABSTRACTAnaerobic digestion (AD) relies on the cooperation of specific microbial communities, making it susceptible to process disruptions that could impact biogas production. In this regard, this study presents a technological solution based on the Arduino platform, in the form of a simple online monitoring system that can track the produced biogas profile, named as biogas analyzer module (BAM). The applicability of the BAM focused on monitoring the biogas produced from sugarcane vinasse inoculated with sewage sludge biodigestion processed in mesophilic conditions (38 oC), in a pH range of 6.5-7.5, and following a three-stage operational model: (i) an adaptation (168 h), (ii) complete mixing (168 h), and (iii) bio-stimulation with glycerol (192 h). Then, the lab-made BAM was used to trace the produced biogas profile, which registered a total biogas volume of 8,719.86 cm3 and biomethane concentration of 95.79% (vol.), removing 90.8% (vol) of carbon dioxide (CO2) and 65.2% (vol) of hydrogen sulfide (H2S). In conclusion, the results ensured good accuracy and efficiency to the device created by comparisons with established standards (chromatographic and colorimetric methods), as well as the cost reduction. The developed device would likely be six times cheaper than what is available in the market.

Purification and Biological Properties of Raniseptins-3 and -6, Two Antimicrobial Peptides from Boana raniceps (Cope, 1862) Skin Secretion.

The number of multidrug-resistant pathogenic microorganisms has been growing in recent years, most of which is due to the inappropriate use of the commercial antibiotics that are currently available. The dissemination of antimicrobial resistance represents a serious global public health problem. Thus, it is necessary to search for and develop new drugs that can act as antimicrobial agents. Antimicrobial peptides are a promising alternative for the development of new therapeutic drugs. Anurans' skin glands are a rich source of broad-spectrum antimicrobial compounds and hylids, a large and diverse family of tree frogs, are known as an important source of antimicrobial peptides. In the present study, two novel antimicrobial peptides, named Raniseptins-3 and -6, were isolated from Boana raniceps skin secretion and their structural and biological properties were evaluated. Raniseptins-3 and -6 are cationic, rich in hydrophobic residues, and adopt an α-helix conformation in the presence of SDS (35 mM). Both peptides are active against Gram-negative bacteria and Gram-positive pathogens, with low hemolytic activity at therapeutic concentrations. No activity was observed for yeasts, but the peptides are highly cytotoxic against B16F10 murine melanoma cells and NIH3T3 mouse fibroblast cells. None of the tested compounds showed improvement trends in the MTT and LDH parameters of MHV-3 infected cells at the concentrations tested.

Gestational and congenital syphilis: gaps to be elucidated.

Congenital and gestational syphilis are increasingly prevalent multisystemic infections in Brazil. This study aimed to present a case series of three children diagnosed with congenital syphilis even though their mother had unreactive treponemal tests. The VDRL (Venereal Disease Research Laboratory) titers of a 22-year-old mother with three pregnancies decreased after treatment. The mother did not have a reactive treponemal test, but all the three children were diagnosed with early congenital syphilis. This case series highlights the difficulty in diagnosing gestational and congenital syphilis in Brazil.