Generic FPGA Pre-Processing Image Library for Industrial Vision Systems.

Currently, there is a demand for an increase in the diversity and quality of new products reaching the consumer market. This fact imposes new challenges for different industrial sectors, including processes that integrate machine vision. Hardware acceleration and improvements in processing efficiency are becoming crucial for vision-based algorithms to follow the complexity growth of future industrial systems. This article presents a generic library of pre-processing filters for execution in field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) to reduce the overall image processing time in vision systems. An experimental setup based on the Zybo Z7 Pcam 5C Demo project was developed and used to validate the filters described in VHDL (VHSIC hardware description language). Finally, a comparison of the execution times using GPU and CPU platforms was performed as well as an evaluation of the integration of the current work in an industrial application. The results showed a decrease in the pre-processing time from milliseconds to nanoseconds when using FPGAs.

Enhanced Assessment of Cross-Reactive Antigenic Determinants within the Spike Protein.

Despite successful vaccination efforts, the emergence of new SARS-CoV-2 variants poses ongoing challenges to control COVID-19. Understanding humoral responses regarding SARS-CoV-2 infections and their impact is crucial for developing future vaccines that are effective worldwide. Here, we identified 41 immunodominant linear B-cell epitopes in its spike glycoprotein with an SPOT synthesis peptide array probed with a pool of serum from hospitalized COVID-19 patients. The bioinformatics showed a restricted set of epitopes unique to SARS-CoV-2 compared to other coronavirus family members. Potential crosstalk was also detected with Dengue virus (DENV), which was confirmed by screening individuals infected with DENV before the COVID-19 pandemic in a commercial ELISA for anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. A high-resolution evaluation of antibody reactivity against peptides representing epitopes in the spike protein identified ten sequences in the NTD, RBD, and S2 domains. Functionally, antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) in SARS-CoV-2 infections of monocytes was observed in vitro with pre-pandemic Dengue-positive sera. A significant increase in viral load was measured compared to that of the controls, with no detectable neutralization or considerable cell death, suggesting its role in viral entry. Cross-reactivity against peptides from spike proteins was observed for the pre-pandemic sera. This study highlights the importance of identifying specific epitopes generated during the humoral response to a pathogenic infection to understand the potential interplay of previous and future infections on diseases and their impact on vaccinations and immunodiagnostics.

Test-retest reliability and minimal detectable change in pelvis and lower limb coordination during running assessed with modified vector coding.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the reliability of Modified Vector Coding in assessing the coordination and coordination variability of the lower limbs and pelvis during running and to determine the Minimal Detectable Change (MDC). Twenty-five healthy runners participated in a biomechanical analysis of treadmill running using a motion capture system. Modified vector coding was applied to assess the three-dimensional coordination among various pelvis and lower limb segmental couplings. Reliability was assessed using the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC), Standard Error of Measurement (SEM), MDC, and Bland-Altman analysis to ascertain measurement consistency, agreement, and the smallest clinically meaningful change that exceeds measurement error. The test-retest reliability for 33 of 42 segmental couplings analyzed was good to excellent, with ICC values ranging from 0.613 to 0.928 (p <0.05), which substantiates the robustness of modified vector coding in running biomechanics. However, nine couplings, particularly femur-tibia in the sagittal plane during midstance and foot in the frontal plane-tibia in the transverse plane during late stance, exhibited poor to moderate reliability. These findings underscore the need for cautious interpretation due to significant proportional bias (p <0.05). SEM and MDC provided insights into the precision and minimal clinically significant changes for each coupling. The findings confirm the reliability of modified vector coding for biomechanical analysis in running, with most couplings demonstrating consistent high reliability. Nevertheless, specific couplings should be interpreted with caution due to potential measurement errors. The application of MDC highlights the precision of modified vector coding in biomechanical analyses and emphasizes the importance of careful interpretation to improve clinical and research outcomes in running-related injuries.

Individual power in human motivation - Review and theoretical perspective.

There are many studies in Psychology and other sciences about the concept of power. We believe that individual power is one of the most critical factors in human motivation, which is considered by prominent motivation theories, like Choice Theory or McClelland's Human Motivation Theory. This paper aims to study the concept of power, considering ego and social orientation. The extensive literature review allowed us to describe the concepts related to those orientations and to induce a theoretical model that may typify and explain the relationships between the two perspectives of power. The model might contribute to describing four motivational profiles, namely the imperator, with high ego-power and power over others orientation; the supporter, with low ego-power and power with other orientation; the leader, with high ego-power and power with others orientation; and the controller, with low ego-power and power over others orientation. The Ego-Social Power Motivation Model could help describe the power signature of an individual. This individual picture might help psychologists work on motivations, attitudes, and behaviours to enhance people's lives and well-being.

Artemisinin and deoxyartemisinin isolated from Artemisia annua L. promote distinct antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects in an animal model.

Artemisia annua L., known for antimalarial activity, has demonstrated evidence of anti-inflammatory potential. Previously our research group reported the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effect of a sesquiterpene lactone-enriched fraction (Lac-FR) obtained from plant, containing artemisinin and deoxyartemisinin. Both the isolated compounds and Lac-FR evaluated on experimental animal models, in the formalin test showed that deoxyartemisinin reduced both neurogenic pain (56.55 %) and inflammatory pain (45.43 %). These findings were superior to the effect of artemisinin (reduction of 28.66 % and 33.35 %, respectively). In the tail flick test, the antinociceptive effect reported as a percentage of the maximum possible effect (%MPE), deoxyartemisinin showed a lower antinociceptive effect (41.57 %) compared to morphine (75.94 %) in 0.5 h. After 1.5 h, the MPE of deoxyartemisinin (87.99 %) exceeded the effect of morphine (47.55 %), without reversal with naloxone. The MPE of artemisinin (23.3 %) observed after 2 h was lower than deoxiartemisinin, without reversal with the opioid antagonist. Lac-FR and artemisinin demonstrated reductions in ear edema of 43.37 % and 48.19 %, respectively, higher than the effect of deoxyartemisinin (33.64 %). Artemisinin reduced tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) (76.96 %) more selectively when compared to interleukin-1beta (IL-1ß) (48.23 %) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) (44.49 %). Lac-FR showed greater selectivity in IL-6 reduction (56.49 %) in relationship to TNF-α (46.71 %) and IL-1ß (45.12 %), whereas deoxyartemisinin selectively reduced TNF-α (37.37 %). The results of our study indicate that the lactones isolated did not have relationship with the opioid system. Deoxyartemisinin showed a higher antinociceptive potential than artemisinin. Whereas, artemisinin showed a higher reduction of inflammation and mediators, with a better anti-inflammatory activity outcome.

The GC% landscape of the Nucleocytoviricota.

Genomic studies on sequence composition employ various approaches, such as calculating the proportion of guanine and cytosine within a given sequence (GC% content), which can shed light on various aspects of the organism's biology. In this context, GC% can provide insights into virus-host relationships and evolution. Here, we present a comprehensive gene-by-gene analysis of 61 representatives belonging to the phylum Nucleocytoviricota, which comprises viruses with the largest genomes known in the virosphere. Parameters were evaluated not only based on the average GC% of a given viral species compared to the entire phylum but also considering gene position and phylogenetic history. Our results reveal that while some families exhibit similar GC% among their representatives (e.g., Marseilleviridae), others such as Poxviridae, Phycodnaviridae, and Mimiviridae have members with discrepant GC% values, likely reflecting adaptation to specific biological cycles and hosts. Interestingly, certain genes located at terminal regions or within specific genomic clusters show GC% values distinct from the average, suggesting recent acquisition or unique evolutionary pressures. Horizontal gene transfer and the presence of potential paralogs were also assessed in genes with the most discrepant GC% values, indicating multiple evolutionary histories. Taken together, to the best of our knowledge, this study represents the first global and gene-by-gene analysis of GC% distribution and profiles within genomes of Nucleocytoviricota members, highlighting their diversity and identifying potential new targets for future studies.

Modified Z-plasty of the Patellar Ligament with Reinforcement of the Quadriceps Tendon in the Treatment of Patella Baja.

Patella baja is an infrequent knee pathology, but it is limiting due to joint stiffness and localized pain in the anterior region of the knee. It may occur after trauma, prolonged immobilization or local surgical intervention. The striking pathological finding is the shortening and increase in thickness of the patellar ligament. Several surgical techniques have been described for its treatment, and there is no standardized treatment. We describe the case of a 73-year-old female patient who presented with knee stiffness, significant functional deficit, and patella baja after total knee arthroplasty. She underwent a recently described soft tissue surgical procedure, with excellent functional evolution, improving from a Lysholm Knee Score of 16 to 81 points, allowing early mobilization and return to daily life activities.

Endobronchial Ulceration: A Different Manifestation of Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibodies (ANCA)-Associated Vasculitis.

Vasculitis with pulmonary involvement is often associated with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA). We describe a case involving a 66-year-old male patient diagnosed with granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA). Following the onset of hemoptysis, bronchoscopy revealed endobronchial ulcers correlated with GPA. Bronchial biopsies and bronchoalveolar lavage identified Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), which is associated with GPA relapses. The patient began immunosuppression to induce remission, and Avacopan was subsequently introduced for the treatment of GPA and microscopic polyangiitis (MPA).

Carbon savings from sugarcane straw-derived bioenergy: Insights from a life cycle perspective including soil carbon changes.

Sugarcane straw removal for bioenergy production will increase substantially in the next years, but this may deplete soil organic carbon (SOC) and exacerbate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. These aspects are not consistently approached in bioenergy life cycle assessment (LCA). Using SOC modeling and LCA approach, this study addressed the life cycle GHG balance from sugarcane agroindustry in different scenarios of straw removal, considering the potential SOC changes associated with straw management in sugarcane-cultivated soils in Brazil. Long-term simulations showed SOC losses of up to -0.5 Mg ha-1 yr-1 upon complete straw removal, whereas the moderate removal had little effects on SOC and the maintenance of all straw in the field increased SOC accumulation by up to 0.4 Mg ha-1 yr-1. Our analysis suggests that accounting for SOC changes in LCA calculations could lower the net GHG benefits of straw-derived bioenergy, whose emissions intensity varied according to soil type. Overall, SOC depletion induced by complete straw removal increased the life cycle GHG emissions of straw-derived bioenergy by 26 % (3.9 g CO2eq MJ-1) compared to a scenario without taking SOC changes into account. Straw removal for cellulosic ethanol could be effective for mitigating GHG emissions relative to gasoline, but it was not advantageous for bioelectricity generation depending on the energy sources that are displaced. Therefore, straw-induced change of SOC stocks is a critical factor to model life cycle GHG emissions of straw-derived bioenergy.

Diagnostic Test Accuracy of Urinary DNA Methylation-based Biomarkers for the Detection of Primary and Recurrent Bladder Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Diagnosis of primary and relapsed bladder carcinomas is accomplished by urethrocystoscopy, an invasive procedure, combined with urinary cytology, with limited sensitivity, resulting in a substantial burden. Thus, noninvasive biomarkers have been investigated, among which DNA methylation has shown promise. This systematic review and meta-analysis sought to assess the diagnostic accuracy of DNA methylation biomarkers reported in the literature for bladder cancer detection, pinpointing the most informative one. METHODS: The search for this systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted on PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library for relevant studies published until December 31, 2022. A meta-analysis was performed using a random-effect model, to compute the pooled sensitivity and specificity of the markers. PROSPERO's registration ID for the study is CRD42023397703. KEY FINDINGS AND LIMITATIONS: Out of the 2297 studies retrieved, 68 were included in the final analysis, despite considerable heterogeneity. These involved 12 696 participants, of whom 5557 were diagnosed with bladder cancer. Using diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) as a comparative measure, the five most promising markers (pooled sensitivity, specificity, and DOR) were SALL3 (61%, 97%, and 55.67, respectively), PENK (77%, 93%, and 47.90, respectively), ZNF154 (87%, 90%, and 45.07, respectively), VIM (82%, 90%, and 44.81, respectively), and POU4F2 (81%, 89%, and 34.89, respectively). Urinary cytology identified bladder cancer with 55% sensitivity, 92% specificity, and 14.37 DOR. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: DNA methylation biomarkers disclose high accuracy for bladder cancer detection in urine. Nonetheless, validation studies in different clinical settings are scarce, hampering clinical use. The identified biomarkers should be prioritized in future validation studies. PATIENT SUMMARY: In this meta-analysis, we include previously published studies that used urine samples of bladder cancer patients' from all around the globe. We were able to compare the diagnostic accuracy of noninvasive markers across different populations. We were able to conclude on the most promising DNA methylation markers to detect bladder cancer using urine.

Preparation and Characterization of Zinc Ferrite and Gadolinium Iron Garnet Composite for Biomagnetic Applications.

Cancer is a major worldwide public health problem. Although there have already been astonishing advances in cancer diagnosis and treatment, the scientific community continues to make huge efforts to develop new methods to treat cancer. The main objective of this work is to prepare, using a green sol-gel method with coconut water powder (CWP), a new nanocomposite with a mixture of Gd3Fe5O12 and ZnFe2O4, which has never been synthesized previously. Therefore, we carried out a structural (DTA-TG and X-ray diffraction), morphological (SEM), and magnetic (VSM and hyperthermia) characterization of the prepared samples. The prepared nanocomposite denoted a saturation magnetization of 11.56 emu/g at room temperature with a ferromagnetic behavior and with a specific absorption rate (SAR) value of 0.5 ± 0.2 (W/g). Regarding cytotoxicity, for concentrations < 10 mg/mL, it does not appear to be toxic. Although the obtained results were interesting, the high particle size was identified as a problem for the use of this nanocomposite.

Unraveling the evolutionary origin of the complex Nuclear Receptor Element (cNRE), a cis-regulatory module required for preferential expression in the atrial chamber.

Cardiac function requires appropriate proteins in each chamber. Atria requires slow myosin to act as reservoirs, while ventricles demand fast myosin for swift pumping. Myosins are thus under chamber-biased cis-regulation, with myosin gene expression imbalances leading to congenital heart dysfunction. To identify regulatory inputs leading to cardiac chamber-biased expression, we computationally and molecularly dissected the quail Slow Myosin Heavy Chain III (SMyHC III) promoter that drives preferential expression to the atria. We show that SMyHC III gene states are orchestrated by a complex Nuclear Receptor Element (cNRE) of 32 base pairs. Using transgenesis in zebrafish and mice, we demonstrate that preferential atrial expression is achieved by a combinatorial regulatory input composed of atrial activation motifs and ventricular repression motifs. Using comparative genomics, we show that the cNRE might have emerged from an endogenous viral element through infection of an ancestral host germline, revealing an evolutionary pathway to cardiac chamber-specific expression.

Humoral Immune Response to SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Receptor-Binding Motif Linear Epitopes.

The worldwide spread of SARS-CoV-2 has led to a significant economic and social burden on a global scale. Even though the pandemic has concluded, apprehension remains regarding the emergence of highly transmissible variants capable of evading immunity induced by either vaccination or prior infection. The success of viral penetration is due to the specific amino acid residues of the receptor-binding motif (RBM) involved in viral attachment. This region interacts with the cellular receptor ACE2, triggering a neutralizing antibody (nAb) response. In this study, we evaluated serum immunogenicity from individuals who received either a single dose or a combination of different vaccines against the original SARS-CoV-2 strain and a mutated linear RBM. Despite a modest antibody response to wild-type SARS-CoV-2 RBM, the Omicron variants exhibit four mutations in the RBM (S477N, T478K, E484A, and F486V) that result in even lower antibody titers. The primary immune responses observed were directed toward IgA and IgG. While nAbs typically target the RBD, our investigation has unveiled reduced seroreactivity within the RBD's crucial subregion, the RBM. This deficiency may have implications for the generation of protective nAbs. An evaluation of S1WT and S2WT RBM peptides binding to nAbs using microscale thermophoresis revealed a higher affinity (35 nM) for the S2WT sequence (GSTPCNGVEGFNCYF), which includes the FNCY patch. Our findings suggest that the linear RBM of SARS-CoV-2 is not an immunodominant region in vaccinated individuals. Comprehending the intricate dynamics of the humoral response, its interplay with viral evolution, and host genetics is crucial for formulating effective vaccination strategies, targeting not only SARS-CoV-2 but also anticipating potential future coronaviruses.

Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita and the Importance of Orthoses: A Case Report.

Arthrogryposis multiplex congenita (AMC) is a group of conditions characterized by multiple joint contractures. This rare disorder causes stiffness of joints, limiting the range of motion and negatively impacting activities of daily living (ADL). This case reports a 45-year-old male with AMC who was referred to physical medicine and rehabilitation (PMR). He had a limited range of movement in multiple joints and global muscle weakness. However, ADL were feasible, including walking. The patient had an unsteady barefoot gait, causing claudication, which improved significantly with adapted shoes. The primary goal of treatment is to improve the quality of life (QoL), and proper management should be promptly initiated. AMC requires a multidisciplinary approach to care with three mainstays of treatment: rehabilitation, orthoses, and corrective surgeries. Patients should be followed up periodically by their family doctors, and PMR evaluations and rehabilitation should be provided as needed. An orthopedic surgery consultation may be required for surgical interventions to provide optimal outcomes and augment the QoL.

Mammal responses to global changes in human activity vary by trophic group and landscape.

Wildlife must adapt to human presence to survive in the Anthropocene, so it is critical to understand species responses to humans in different contexts. We used camera trapping as a lens to view mammal responses to changes in human activity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Across 163 species sampled in 102 projects around the world, changes in the amount and timing of animal activity varied widely. Under higher human activity, mammals were less active in undeveloped areas but unexpectedly more active in developed areas while exhibiting greater nocturnality. Carnivores were most sensitive, showing the strongest decreases in activity and greatest increases in nocturnality. Wildlife managers must consider how habituation and uneven sensitivity across species may cause fundamental differences in human-wildlife interactions along gradients of human influence.

Fever as a Predictor of COVID-19 Outcomes in Hospitalized Patients.

INTRODUCTION: With the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, numerous questions have arisen regarding the screening, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of infected patients. Among these, screening infected patients through body temperature measurement has proven ineffective. However, doubts persist regarding the role of fever as a prognostic factor in the disease. OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of fever and its relevance as a marker of mortality in COVID-19. METHODOLOGY: This prospective and longitudinal cohort study was conducted between April 2020 and December 2021 and analyzed 1400 COVID-19 patients systematically admitted to the emergency department of a reference hospital during the period from April 2020 to December 2021, in the city of Curitiba, Brazil. [LG1] The study evaluated [LG2] the presence of fever (body temperature above 37,7ºC) upon admission and/or during hospitalization, patient profiles, and outcomes (in-hospital death, discharge, admission at the intensive care unit, need of mechanical ventilation). RESULTS: Fever was present in 128 participants (9.1%), with a higher prevalence in males (71%) and obese individuals (42.9%). Among the febrile patients, 39 required intubation (30.4%), with two intubated upon admission (1.5%), 104 were discharged (81.2%), and 24 deceased (18.7%). Fever was not associated with a higher mortality rate. CONCLUSION: Fever showed low prevalence, is more common in males and obese individuals, and is not related to worse clinical outcomes.

Dynamical model of antibiotic responses linking expression of resistance genes to metabolism explains emergence of heterogeneity during drug exposures.

Antibiotic responses in bacteria are highly dynamic and heterogeneous, with sudden exposure of bacterial colonies to high drug doses resulting in the coexistence of recovered and arrested cells. The dynamics of the response is determined by regulatory circuits controlling the expression of resistance genes, which are in turn modulated by the drug's action on cell growth and metabolism. Despite advances in understanding gene regulation at the molecular level, we still lack a framework to describe how feedback mechanisms resulting from the interdependence between expression of resistance and cell metabolism can amplify naturally occurring noise and create heterogeneity at the population level. To understand how this interplay affects cell survival upon exposure, we constructed a mathematical model of the dynamics of antibiotic responses that links metabolism and regulation of gene expression, based on the tetracycline resistancetetoperon inE. coli. We use this model to interpret measurements of growth and expression of resistance in microfluidic experiments, both in single cells and in biofilms. We also implemented a stochastic model of the drug response, to show that exposure to high drug levels results in large variations of recovery times and heterogeneity at the population level. We show that stochasticity is important to determine how nutrient quality affects cell survival during exposure to high drug concentrations. A quantitative description of how microbes respond to antibiotics in dynamical environments is crucial to understand population-level behaviors such as biofilms and pathogenesis.

Molecular detection and characterization of Blastocystis in herbivore livestock species in Portugal.

Blastocystis is a ubiquitous intestinal protist in humans and animals worldwide. The traditional livestock free-roaming raising system in rural communities increases the risk of infection with contact with a wider range of pathogens transmitted via the faecal-oral route associated with that wildlife-livestock-human interface. However, no studies have been conducted to determine the occurrence and subtype distribution of Blastocystis in livestock in Portugal. Here, we collected 180 faecal samples from herbivore livestock (cattle, goats, horses, and sheep) in different regions of the country to investigate Blastocystis prevalence and subtype diversity using PCR and next-generation amplicon sequencing. Blastocystis was present in 40.6% (73/180; 95% CI: 33.31-48.11) of the samples (goats, 81.0%; sheep, 60.9%; cattle, 32.2%). None of the horse samples were Blastocystis-positive. Eighteen subtypes were detected (ST1-ST3, ST5-ST7, ST10, ST13, ST14, ST21, ST23-ST26, ST30, ST42-ST44). Mixed infections were detected in 97.3% of the Blastocystis-positive samples. Potentially zoonotic subtypes were identified in 75.0%, 96.4%, and 100% of the Blastocystis-positive specimens collected from cattle, sheep, and goats, respectively. These results demonstrate that cattle, sheep, and goats harbour a high diversity of Blastocystis subtypes in the study regions. Importantly, our data provide novel molecular evidence strongly suggesting that some Blastocystis STs/ST subgroups may have differential host specificity.

Probing molecules in gas cells of subwavelength thickness with high frequency resolution.

Miniaturizing and integrating atomic vapor cells is widely investigated for the purposes of fundamental measurements and technological applications such as quantum sensing. Extending such platforms to the realm of molecular physics is a fascinating prospect that paves the way for compact frequency metrology as well as for exploring light-matter interactions with complex quantum objects. Here, we perform molecular rovibrational spectroscopy in a thin-cell of micrometric thickness, comparable to excitation wavelengths. We operate the cell in two distinct regions of the electromagnetic spectrum, probing ν1 + ν3 resonances of acetylene at 1.530 µm, within the telecommunications wavelength range, as well as the ν3 and ν2 resonances of SF6 and NH3 respectively, in the mid-infrared fingerprint region around 10.55 µm. Thin-cell confinement allows linear sub-Doppler transmission spectroscopy due to the coherent Dicke narrowing effect, here demonstrated for molecular rovibrations. Our experiment can find applications extending to the fields of compact molecular frequency references, atmospheric physics or fundamental precision measurements.