Complexity measure based on sensitivity analysis applied to an intensive care unit system.

This work proposes a system complexity metric and its application to Intensive Care Unit (ICU) system. The methodology for applying said complexity metric comprises: (i) parameters sensitivity indices calculation, (ii) mapping connections dynamics between system components, and (iii) system's complexity calculation. After simulating the ICU computer model and using the proposed methodology, we obtained results regarding: number of admissions, number of patients in the queue, length of stay, beds in use, ICU performance, and system complexity values (in regular or overloaded operation). As the number of patients in the queue increased, the ICU system complexity also increased, indicating a need for policies to promote system robustness.

Neurology teaching difficulties and the academic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. / Dificultades en la enseñanza de la neurología y las consecuencias académicas de la pandemia de la COVID-19.

TITLE: Dificultades en la enseñanza de la neurología y las consecuencias académicas de la pandemia de la COVID-19.

High-Resolution Genetic Map and QTL Analysis of Growth-Related Traits of Hevea brasiliensis Cultivated Under Suboptimal Temperature and Humidity Conditions.

Rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis) cultivation is the main source of natural rubber worldwide and has been extended to areas with suboptimal climates and lengthy drought periods; this transition affects growth and latex production. High-density genetic maps with reliable markers support precise mapping of quantitative trait loci (QTL), which can help reveal the complex genome of the species, provide tools to enhance molecular breeding, and shorten the breeding cycle. In this study, QTL mapping of the stem diameter, tree height, and number of whorls was performed for a full-sibling population derived from a GT1 and RRIM701 cross. A total of 225 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) and 186 single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers were used to construct a base map with 18 linkage groups and to anchor 671 SNPs from genotyping by sequencing (GBS) to produce a very dense linkage map with small intervals between loci. The final map was composed of 1,079 markers, spanned 3,779.7 cM with an average marker density of 3.5 cM, and showed collinearity between markers from previous studies. Significant variation in phenotypic characteristics was found over a 59-month evaluation period with a total of 38 QTLs being identified through a composite interval mapping method. Linkage group 4 showed the greatest number of QTLs (7), with phenotypic explained values varying from 7.67 to 14.07%. Additionally, we estimated segregation patterns, dominance, and additive effects for each QTL. A total of 53 significant effects for stem diameter were observed, and these effects were mostly related to additivity in the GT1 clone. Associating accurate genome assemblies and genetic maps represents a promising strategy for identifying the genetic basis of phenotypic traits in rubber trees. Then, further research can benefit from the QTLs identified herein, providing a better understanding of the key determinant genes associated with growth of Hevea brasiliensis under limiting water conditions.

Linkage Disequilibrium and Population Structure in Wild and Cultivated Populations of Rubber Tree (Hevea brasiliensis).

Among rubber tree species, which belong to the Hevea genus of the Euphorbiaceae family, Hevea brasiliensis (Willd. ex Adr.de Juss.) Muell. Arg. is the main commercial source of natural rubber production worldwide. Knowledge of the population structure and linkage disequilibrium (LD) of this species is essential for the efficient organization and exploitation of genetic resources. Here, we obtained single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) using a genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) approach and then employed the SNPs for the following objectives: (i) to identify the positions of SNPs on a genetic map of a segregating mapping population, (ii) to evaluate the population structure of a germplasm collection, and (iii) to detect patterns of LD decay among chromosomes for future genetic association studies in rubber tree. A total of 626 genotypes, including both germplasm accessions (368) and individuals from a genetic mapping population (254), were genotyped. A total of 77,660 and 21,283 SNPs were detected by GBS in the germplasm and mapping populations, respectively. The mapping population, which was previously mapped, was constructed with 1,062 markers, among which only 576 SNPs came from GBS, reducing the average interval between two adjacent markers to 4.4 cM. SNPs from GBS genotyping were used for the analysis of genetic structure and LD estimation in the germplasm accessions. Two groups, which largely corresponded to the cultivated and wild populations, were detected using STRUCTURE and via principal coordinate analysis. LD analysis, also using the mapped SNPs, revealed that non-random associations varied along chromosomes, with regions of high LD interspersed with regions of low LD. Considering the length of the genetic map (4,693 cM) and the mean LD (0.49 for cultivated and 0.02 for wild populations), a large number of evenly spaced SNPs would be needed to perform genome-wide association studies in rubber tree, and the wilder the genotypes used, the more difficult the mapping saturation.

Anatomy description of cervical region and hyoid apparatus in living giant anteaters Myrmecophaga tridactyla Linnaeus, 1758 / Descrição anatômica da região cervical e aparato hioide em espécimes vivos de tamanduá-bandeira, Mymercophaga tridactyla Linnaeus, 1758

The giant anteater has specific anatomical adaptations resulting from its ant and termite feeding habits. The unique arrangement of its hyoid apparatus is essential for the ingestion of food. However, its description in the literature is based on fragments and fossils, making it difficult to determine existing anatomical details in live animals. Imaging techniques, which enable the topographical anatomy of animals to be examined noninvasively, provide essential information for the diagnosis and prognosis of diseases. The aim of this study is to describe the bone contours in the hyoid apparatus of the giant anteater by means of radiographic and tomographic images. Giant anteaters of varying ages from the Wild Animal Screening Center (CETAS-GO) were used, seven for X-ray exams and two adults for CT exams. The hyoid elements in all the animals were evaluated using the two imaging techniques, and were visualized in the cervical region of C2 to C6, which comprises three paired bones (stylohyoid, epihyoid, ceratohyoid) and one unpaired bone (basihyoid). The presence of air in the oropharynx enabled the assessment of soft tissue structures in this region, such as the epiglottis and the soft palate. CT axial sections are of limited usefulness for evaluating the hyoid bones, but enable assessments of the basihyoid bone and its characteristic V-shape. Thus, to analyze the hyoid region in anteaters based on radiographic and tomographic images, one must keep in mind that the stylohyoid, epihyoid and ceratohyoid bones are situated ventrally to the C2 to C5 vertebrae and that the basihyoid at the level of C5-C6 demarcates the transition between the nasopharynx and the trachea. The nasopharynx and oropharynx extend from C1 to C5, and the trachea begins at the level of C6.(AU)

O Tamanduá-Bandeira possui adaptações anatômicas específicas, devido aos hábitos alimentares de ingestão de formigas e cupins. O arranjo singular do aparato hioide dos tamanduás é fundamental para a ingestão de alimentos. Sua descrição na literatura é baseada em peças e fósseis, o que dificulta a determinação de detalhes anatômicos existentes em animais vivos. As técnicas de imagem permitem a avaliação da anatomia topográfica dos animais, de maneira não invasiva, e o conhecimento desta é fundamental para o diagnóstico e prognóstico de afecções. O objetivo desse trabalho foi descrever o contorno ósseo do aparato hioide do tamanduá-bandeira, por meio de imagens radiográficas e tomográficas. Foram utilizados tamanduás-bandeiras provenientes do Centro de Triagem de Animais Silvestres (CETAS-GO), sendo sete, de variadas idades, para os exames radiográficos e dois adultos para os tomográficos. Os elementos hioideos foram avaliados em todos os animais por meio de ambas as técnicas de imagem, sendo visibilizados na região cervical, de C2 até C6, composto por três elementos pares (estiloioide, epioide, ceratioide) e um elemento ímpar (basitireoide). A presença de ar na orofaringe permitiu a avaliação das estruturas de tecidos moles desta região, como a epiglote e o palato mole. Os cortes tomográficos axiais têm importância limitada na avaliação dos hioides, mas permitem a avaliação do basitireoide e de seu formato característico (V-bone). Desta forma, para avaliar a região hioidea por meio dos exames radiográficos e tomográficos em tamanduás-bandeira, deve-se considerar que os ossos estiloioide, epioide e ceratioide localizam-se ventral às vértebras C2 até C5 e o basitireoide, em C5-C6, delimita a transição entre a nasofaringe e a traqueia. A orofaringe e a nasofaringe estendem-se de C1 a C5, e a traqueia inicia-se a partir de C6.(AU)

Chemical and cytotoxic analyses of brown Brazilian propolis (Apis mellifera) and its in vitro activity against itraconazole-resistant Sporothrix brasiliensis.

This study aimed to evaluate the chemical composition and cytotoxic activity of brown Brazilian propolis and its in vitro activity against itraconazole-resistant Sporothrix brasiliensis from animal sporotrichosis. Propolis was acquired commercially and prepared as a hydroalcoholic extract. Chemical analysis was evaluated by liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry of ultra-efficiency. The cell viability was evaluated by MTT test in MDBK cells of 50 to 0.09 µg/mL. For antifungal tests, twenty isolates of Sporothrix brasiliensis from dogs (n = 11) and cats (n = 9) with sporotrichosis were tested to itraconazole (16-0.0313 µg/mL) and to propolis (3.125-0.09 mg/mL) by broth microdilution technique (CLSI M38-A2), adapted to natural products. The results were expressed in minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal fungicidal concentration (MFC). Itraconazole showed activity between MIC values of 0.25 to greater than 16 µg/mL, and 88.9% (08/09) and 72.7% (08/11) of S. brasiliensis from cats and dogs, respectively, were considered itraconazole-resistant. All Sporothrix brasiliensis were sensitive to brown propolis between MIC values of 0.19-1.56 mg/mL, including the itraconazole-resistant isolates, whereas the MFC values of propolis were from 0.78 to greater than 3.125 mg/mL. Propolis maintained a medium to high cell viability between concentration of 0.78 to 0.09 µg/mL, and p-coumaric acid was the major compound. Brown Brazilian propolis is a promising antifungal candidate against sporotrichosis and more studies need to be undertaken to evaluate its safe use to understand its efficacy.

Effects of Lantana camara (Verbenaceae) on general reproductive performance and teratology in rats.

Lantana camara L. (Verbenaceae) possesses several medicinal properties and it is used in folk medicine with antipyretic, antimicrobial and antimutagenic properties. This plant is one of the 10 most noxious weeds in the world. Lantana poisoning have caused severe economic losses and was the major cause of livestock mortality and morbidity. In this article we report the effects of hydroalcoholic extract from Lantana camara var. aculeata leaves on fertility, general reproductive performance and teratology in the rat. The data showed that the extract interfered in the frequency of fetal skeleton anomalies from dams treated with the extract and induced embryotoxicity as indicated by post-implantation loss, without any signs of maternal toxicity. The other parameters evaluated did not suggest modifications.