Neural Colour Correction for Indoor 3D Reconstruction Using RGB-D Data.

With the rise in popularity of different human-centred applications using 3D reconstruction data, the problem of generating photo-realistic models has become an important task. In a multiview acquisition system, particularly for large indoor scenes, the acquisition conditions will differ along the environment, causing colour differences between captures and unappealing visual artefacts in the produced models. We propose a novel neural-based approach to colour correction for indoor 3D reconstruction. It is a lightweight and efficient approach that can be used to harmonize colour from sparse captures over complex indoor scenes. Our approach uses a fully connected deep neural network to learn an implicit representation of the colour in 3D space, while capturing camera-dependent effects. We then leverage this continuous function as reference data to estimate the required transformations to regenerate pixels in each capture. Experiments to evaluate the proposed method on several scenes of the MP3D dataset show that it outperforms other relevant state-of-the-art approaches.

The Role of Preoperative Onyx Embolization by Transnasal Direct Puncture in the Treatment of an Advanced Juvenile Nasopharyngeal Angiofibroma.

Juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma (JNA) is a rare and locally aggressive tumor that commonly presents with painless nasal obstruction and severe, recurrent epistaxis. In this case report, we describe the successful management of a Radkowski stage IIIA JNA with extensive arterial supply from the internal carotid artery (ICA). Transnasal direct puncture embolization using Onyx (Medtronic, Minneapolis, Minnesota) was employed to effectively devascularize the tumor, enabling radical surgical resection in a single piece via endonasal and transmaxillary endoscopic approaches. The patient did not require blood transfusion and was discharged without neurological impairment. The effectiveness of preoperative embolization as a treatment strategy for JNA is also discussed.

Analysis of risk factors associated with cerebral angiography headache.

BACKGROUND: Despite previous studies indicating a moderate/high incidence of angiography headache (AH), there is still limited data about the risk factors associated with its occurrence. OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to assess the associations among demographic, clinical, and technical characteristics of cerebral digital subtraction angiography (DSA) and the occurrence of AH. METHODS: Cross-sectional analytical observational study with a sample comprised of individuals with a recommendation for elective DSA. Clinical interviews were conducted to assess the occurrence of AH, using a standardized questionnaire. RESULTS: Among 114 subjects, the mean age was 52.8 (±13.8) years old, 75.4% (86/114) were women, 29.8% (34/114) had a history of migraines, and 10.5% (12/114) had chronic headaches. The overall frequency of AH was 45.6% (52/114). Of those, 88.4% (46/52) underwent 3D angiography, 7.7% (4/52) underwent aortography, and 1.9% (1/52) underwent both procedures. There was a statistically significant association between AH and previous history of migraine (odds ratio [OR]: 4.9; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.62-14.7; p = 0.005) and 3D angiography (OR 6.62; 95%CI: 2.04-21.5; p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: 3D angiography is strongly associated with the occurrence of AH, which has never been reported before. The association between a previous history of migraine and AH confirms the results of previous studies.

ANTECEDENTES: Apesar de estudos prévios indicarem uma incidência moderada/alta de cefaleia da angiografia (CA), os dados sobre os fatores de risco associados à sua ocorrência ainda são relativamente escassos. OBJETIVO: O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar as associações entre as características demográficas, clínicas e técnicas da angiografia cerebral por subtração digital (ACSD) e a ocorrência de CA. MéTODOS: Estudo observacional analítico transversal com uma amostra composta por indivíduos com indicação de ACSD em caráter eletivo. Entrevistas clínicas foram realizadas utilizando um questionário padronizado para acessar a ocorrência de CA. RESULTADOS: Entre os 114 indivíduos, a idade média foi de 52,8 (±13,8) anos, 75,4% (86/114) eram mulheres, 29,8% (34/114) tinham histórico de enxaqueca e 10,5% (12/114) tinham cefaleia crônica. A frequência geral de CA foi de 45,6% (52/114). Desses, 88,4% (46/52) foram submetidos à angiografia 3D, 7,7% (4/52), à aortografia e 1,9% (1/52), aos dois procedimentos. Houve associação estatisticamente significativa entre CA e histórico prévio de enxaqueca (odds ratio [OR] 4,9; intervalo de confiança [IC] 95%: 1,62­14,7; p = 0,005) e angiografia 3D (OR 6,62; IC95%: 2,04­21,5; p = 0,002). CONCLUSõES: A angiografia 3D está fortemente associada à ocorrência de CA, o que é inédito na literatura. A associação entre um histórico de enxaqueca e a CA confirma os resultados de estudos anteriores.

Analysis of risk factors associated with cerebral angiography headache / Análise de fatores de risco associados a cefaleia da angiografia cerebral

Abstract Background Despite previous studies indicating a moderate/high incidence of angiography headache (AH), there is still limited data about the risk factors associated with its occurrence. Objective The present study aimed to assess the associations among demographic, clinical, and technical characteristics of cerebral digital subtraction angiography (DSA) and the occurrence of AH. Methods Cross-sectional analytical observational study with a sample comprised of individuals with a recommendation for elective DSA. Clinical interviews were conducted to assess the occurrence of AH, using a standardized questionnaire. Results Among 114 subjects, the mean age was 52.8 (±13.8) years old, 75.4% (86/114) were women, 29.8% (34/114) had a history of migraines, and 10.5% (12/114) had chronic headaches. The overall frequency of AH was 45.6% (52/114). Of those, 88.4% (46/52) underwent 3D angiography, 7.7% (4/52) underwent aortography, and 1.9% (1/52) underwent both procedures. There was a statistically significant association between AH and previous history of migraine (odds ratio [OR]: 4.9; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.62-14.7; p = 0.005) and 3D angiography (OR 6.62; 95%CI: 2.04-21.5; p = 0.002). Conclusions 3D angiography is strongly associated with the occurrence of AH, which has never been reported before. The association between a previous history of migraine and AH confirms the results of previous studies.

Resumo Antecedentes Apesar de estudos prévios indicarem uma incidência moderada/alta de cefaleia da angiografia (CA), os dados sobre os fatores de risco associados à sua ocorrência ainda são relativamente escassos. Objetivo O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar as associações entre as características demográficas, clínicas e técnicas da angiografia cerebral por subtração digital (ACSD) e a ocorrência de CA. Métodos Estudo observacional analítico transversal com uma amostra composta por indivíduos com indicação de ACSD em caráter eletivo. Entrevistas clínicas foram realizadas utilizando um questionário padronizado para acessar a ocorrência de CA. Resultados Entre os 114 indivíduos, a idade média foi de 52,8 (±13,8) anos, 75,4% (86/114) eram mulheres, 29,8% (34/114) tinham histórico de enxaqueca e 10,5% (12/114) tinham cefaleia crônica. A frequência geral de CA foi de 45,6% (52/114). Desses, 88,4% (46/52) foram submetidos à angiografia 3D, 7,7% (4/52), à aortografia e 1,9% (1/52), aos dois procedimentos. Houve associação estatisticamente significativa entre CA e histórico prévio de enxaqueca (odds ratio [OR] 4,9; intervalo de confiança [IC] 95%: 1,62-14,7; p = 0,005) e angiografia 3D (OR 6,62; IC95%: 2,04-21,5; p = 0,002). Conclusões A angiografia 3D está fortemente associada à ocorrência de CA, o que é inédito na literatura. A associação entre um histórico de enxaqueca e a CA confirma os resultados de estudos anteriores.

A Sequential Color Correction Approach for Texture Mapping of 3D Meshes.

Texture mapping can be defined as the colorization of a 3D mesh using one or multiple images. In the case of multiple images, this process often results in textured meshes with unappealing visual artifacts, known as texture seams, caused by the lack of color similarity between the images. The main goal of this work is to create textured meshes free of texture seams by color correcting all the images used. We propose a novel color-correction approach, called sequential pairwise color correction, capable of color correcting multiple images from the same scene, using a pairwise-based method. This approach consists of sequentially color correcting each image of the set with respect to a reference image, following color-correction paths computed from a weighted graph. The color-correction algorithm is integrated with a texture-mapping pipeline that receives uncorrected images, a 3D mesh, and point clouds as inputs, producing color-corrected images and a textured mesh as outputs. Results show that the proposed approach outperforms several state-of-the-art color-correction algorithms, both in qualitative and quantitative evaluations. The approach eliminates most texture seams, significantly increasing the visual quality of the textured meshes.

Brown Algae Fucus vesiculosus in Pasta: Effects on Textural Quality, Cooking Properties, and Sensorial Traits.

Fucus vesiculosus is a brown seaweed rich in iodine, fucoxanthin, and phlorotannins, all known to be bioactive compounds associated with health-promoting events. The enrichment of a staple food such as pasta with seaweed flour, could convey health benefits without changing eating habits. In this work, F. vesiculosus flour (FVF) was incorporated into durum wheat pasta at 1, 5.5, and 10% gradient levels. The pasta enriched with FVF needed additional water during dough formation and required more cooking time, resulting in higher weight gain but also increased cooking loss (observed with 5.5 and 10%). The fracturability of raw pasta decreased for all the FVF pasta, though the cooked firmness and hardness were only affected with the inclusion of 10% FVF. The substitution of wheat semolina with FVF at a 10% level caused an increase in the pasta's fiber content, which resulted in a more discontinuous protein-matrix structure, as observed at the microscopic level. Untrained consumers were very positive about the overall sensory traits of the pasta with low supplementation levels (1 and 5.5%). About 72% of panelists selected the 1% FVF pasta as their favorite sample. The utilization of FVF in pasta should be targeted at low inclusion levels to cope with the expected texture quality and prevent the impairment of the sensory traits.

Comparing Desktop vs. Mobile Interaction for the Creation of Pervasive Augmented Reality Experiences.

This paper presents an evaluation and comparison of interaction methods for the configuration and visualization of pervasive Augmented Reality (AR) experiences using two different platforms: desktop and mobile. AR experiences consist of the enhancement of real-world environments by superimposing additional layers of information, real-time interaction, and accurate 3D registration of virtual and real objects. Pervasive AR extends this concept through experiences that are continuous in space, being aware of and responsive to the user's context and pose. Currently, the time and technical expertise required to create such applications are the main reasons preventing its widespread use. As such, authoring tools which facilitate the development and configuration of pervasive AR experiences have become progressively more relevant. Their operation often involves the navigation of the real-world scene and the use of the AR equipment itself to add the augmented information within the environment. The proposed experimental tool makes use of 3D scans from physical environments to provide a reconstructed digital replica of such spaces for a desktop-based method, and to enable positional tracking for a mobile-based one. While the desktop platform represents a non-immersive setting, the mobile one provides continuous AR in the physical environment. Both versions can be used to place virtual content and ultimately configure an AR experience. The authoring capabilities of the different platforms were compared by conducting a user study focused on evaluating their usability. Although the AR interface was generally considered more intuitive, the desktop platform shows promise in several aspects, such as remote configuration, lower required effort, and overall better scalability.

A Robust 3D-Based Color Correction Approach for Texture Mapping Applications.

Texture mapping of 3D models using multiple images often results in textured meshes with unappealing visual artifacts known as texture seams. These artifacts can be more or less visible, depending on the color similarity between the used images. The main goal of this work is to produce textured meshes free of texture seams through a process of color correcting all images of the scene. To accomplish this goal, we propose two contributions to the state-of-the-art of color correction: a pairwise-based methodology, capable of color correcting multiple images from the same scene; the application of 3D information from the scene, namely meshes and point clouds, to build a filtering procedure, in order to produce a more reliable spatial registration between images, thereby increasing the robustness of the color correction procedure. We also present a texture mapping pipeline that receives uncorrected images, an untextured mesh, and point clouds as inputs, producing a final textured mesh and color corrected images as output. Results include a comparison with four other color correction approaches. These show that the proposed approach outperforms all others, both in qualitative and quantitative metrics. The proposed approach enhances the visual quality of textured meshes by eliminating most of the texture seams.

Caffeine improves the cytotoxic effect of dacarbazine on B16F10 murine melanoma cells.

OBJECTIVE: Caffeine has been studied as a potentiating agent in chemotherapy against some types of cancer, but there are few reports on its effects on melanoma. This study aimed to investigate caffeine's ability to enhance the effects of dacarbazine in vitro. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Murine melanoma B16F10 cells were treated 24 h with 1-40 µM caffeine. We evaluated cytotoxicity, DNA damage, apoptosis, and oxidative lesion induced by dacarbazine associated with caffeine. The metabolization of these drugs, as well as immunocytochemical labeling, were also evaluated. CONCLUSIONS: The pre-treatment with caffeine showed to be more effective. Caffeine potentiated dacarbazine-induced cytotoxic effects by increasing dacarbazine biotransformation, apoptosis, DNA damage, and malondialdehyde levels; also, caffeine reduced Ki67 and ERK1/2 nuclear labeling and increased p53 labeling in B16F10 cells. In our experiment, caffeine promoted modifications associated with dacarbazine metabolism by viable cells potentiating this antineoplastic drug. These promising results should be further evaluated in experimental models in vivo.

Menstrual cycle among adolescents: girls' awareness and influence of age at menarche and overweight.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the menstrual cycle (regularity and menstrual flow length), the prevalence of dysmenorrhea and self-monitoring of the cycle in students from Lisbon region, and explore the effect of chronological age, age at menarche and body mass index (BMI) on menstrual disorders. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study with 848 girls aged 12-18 years. A questionnaire about the sociodemographic context and characteristics of the menstrual cycle, and weight and height measures were assessed. BMI was classified according to International Obesity Taskforce criteria. A descriptive analysis of the variables was made, and Odds Ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs) were determined. RESULTS: Mean age at menarche was 12.4 years and mean BMI was 22.0kg/m2. Among adolescents, 59% have regular menstrual cycle, 83% have menstrual flow length of ≤6 days. 88% suffered from dysmenorrhea, among which 8,7% declare absenteeism from school and 49% took pain medication, and 65% self-monitor their menstrual cycle. Higher maternal education was associated with a higher self-monitoring of menstrual cycle among the sample (OR 1.60; 95%CI 1.15-2.17). Girls with menarche <12 years-of-age are more likely to have menstrual flow length of >6 days (OR 1.73; 95%CI 1.19-2.51) and dysmenorrhea (OR 1.87; 95%CI 1.11-3.16) than those with menarche ≥12 years-of-age. No significant association between BMI and menstrual cycle variables was observed. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that menstrual disorders are frequent and may be associated with early menarche, but not with BMI. It is important to encourage self-monitoring of the menstrual cycle to detect menstrual disorders timely and promote health and well-being.

Adsorbent selection for pesticides removal from drinking water.

Pesticides present in water resources can cause adverse health effects even in low concentrations, due to their bio-accumulative character. Therefore, the challenge for drinking water production increases, due to the limitations of conventional water treatment technologies in the removal of small molecular weight dissolved compounds. This work aimed to provide technical and scientific support for the selection of pulverized activated carbon - PACs, granular activated carbon - GACs, and carbon nanotubes - CNT concerning atrazine - ATZ, simazine - SMZ, and diuron - DIU adsorption for application in water treatment plants, considering two forms of application commercial product - CP and analytical standard - SD. These forms of application were tested aiming to verify the influence of the purity of the products used in experiments on the adsorption efficiency. It was possible to verify the adsorption efficiencies were not guided only by the characteristics of the adsorptive materials used, and that the selection should not be carried out only based on the, specific superficial area - BET size and distribution of specific pore volume. The isotherms demonstrated that the parameter Kf associated with the results of the selection experiment can be considered an alternative technical tool of simple application and sufficient for this purpose. Also, the capacity of activated carbons - ACs and nanomaterials - NMs were affected by the application of the compounds, highlighting the importance of using commercial product - CP in scientific research and technical investigations.Hightlights The pesticides efficiency removal was affected due to the forms of application, SD and CP;The parameters IN and MBI were not decisive in the selection of the activated carbon;The main adsorption mechanism in all the materials was chemical;GAC was the most efficient adsorbent in the removal of the pesticides;An adequate adsorbent selection is crucial for satisfactory removal of pesticides in water.

Menstrual cycle among adolescents: girls' awareness and influence of age at menarche and overweight / Ciclo menstrual em adolescentes: percepção das adolescentes e influência da idade de menarca e excesso de peso

Abstract Objective: To characterize the menstrual cycle (regularity and menstrual flow length), the prevalence of dysmenorrhea and self-monitoring of the cycle in students from Lisbon region, and explore the effect of chronological age, age at menarche and body mass index (BMI) on menstrual disorders. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study with 848 girls aged 12-18 years. A questionnaire about the sociodemographic context and characteristics of the menstrual cycle, and weight and height measures were assessed. BMI was classified according to International Obesity Taskforce criteria. A descriptive analysis of the variables was made, and Odds Ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs) were determined. Results: Mean age at menarche was 12.4 years and mean BMI was 22.0kg/m2. Among adolescents, 59% have regular menstrual cycle, 83% have menstrual flow length of ≤6 days. 88% suffered from dysmenorrhea, among which 8,7% declare absenteeism from school and 49% took pain medication, and 65% self-monitor their menstrual cycle. Higher maternal education was associated with a higher self-monitoring of menstrual cycle among the sample (OR 1.60; 95%CI 1.15-2.17). Girls with menarche <12 years-of-age are more likely to have menstrual flow length of >6 days (OR 1.73; 95%CI 1.19-2.51) and dysmenorrhea (OR 1.87; 95%CI 1.11-3.16) than those with menarche ≥12 years-of-age. No significant association between BMI and menstrual cycle variables was observed. Conclusions: The results suggest that menstrual disorders are frequent and may be associated with early menarche, but not with BMI. It is important to encourage self-monitoring of the menstrual cycle to detect menstrual disorders timely and promote health and well-being.

Resumo Objetivo: Caracterizar o ciclo menstrual (regularidade e duração da menstruação), prevalência de dismenorreia e automonitoramento do ciclo em estudantes da região de Lisboa, e explorar o efeito da idade cronológica, idade de menarca e índice de massa corpórea (IMC) nos distúrbios menstruais. Métodos: Este é um estudo transversal com 848 meninas entre 12 e 18 anos. Foi aplicado um questionário sobre contexto sociodemográfico e características menstruais e feita a medição do peso e altura. O IMC foi classificado pelos critérios da International Obesity Taskforce. Fez-se uma análise descritiva das variáveis e determinaram-se Odds Ratio (p<0,005; IC95%). Resultados: A média da idade de menarca foi 12.4 anos e do IMC foi de 22.0kg/m2. Entre as jovens, 59% afirmaram ter ciclo menstrual regular, 83% menstruação com duração ≤6 dias, 88% sofrem de dismenorreia, entre as quais 8,7% faltaram à escola e 49% consumiram analgésicos, e 65% automonitoram o ciclo menstrual. Uma educação materna elevada está associada a maior monitorização do ciclo menstrual entre as jovens (OR 1,60; IC95% 1,15-2,17). Meninas com idade de menarca <12 anos têm maior chance de ter menstruação com duração >6 dias (OR 1,73; IC95% 1,19-2,51) e dismenorreia (OR 1,87; IC95% 1,11-3,16) do que aquelas com menarca ≥12 anos. Não se observou associação entre o IMC e as características menstruais. Conclusões: Os resultados sugerem que os distúrbios menstruais são frequentes nas adolescentes e podem estar associados com a menarca precoce, mas não com o IMC. É importante incentivar a automonitoramento do ciclo menstrual para detectar adequadamente as perturbações menstruais e promover a saúde e bem-estar.

Robust Texture Mapping Using RGB-D Cameras.

The creation of a textured 3D mesh from a set of RGD-D images often results in textured meshes that yield unappealing visual artifacts. The main cause is the misalignments between the RGB-D images due to inaccurate camera pose estimations. While there are many works that focus on improving those estimates, the fact is that this is a cumbersome problem, in particular due to the accumulation of pose estimation errors. In this work, we conjecture that camera poses estimation methodologies will always display non-neglectable errors. Hence, the need for more robust texture mapping methodologies, capable of producing quality textures even in considerable camera misalignments scenarios. To this end, we argue that use of the depth data from RGB-D images can be an invaluable help to confer such robustness to the texture mapping process. Results show that the complete texture mapping procedure proposed in this paper is able to significantly improve the quality of the produced textured 3D meshes.

Chimarrão consumption and prognostic factors in breast cancer: Correlation with antioxidants and blood caffeine levels.

Breast cancer is the second most common malignancy among women. Ilex paraguariensis A. St. Hil, known as yerba mate, is widely consumed in southern Brazil as a hot infusion drink known as chimarrão. This herb has a complex chemical composition and is rich in antioxidants, which may interfere in the course of chronic inflammatory diseases as breast cancer. This study investigated the impact of chimarrão consumption on the clinicopathological profile of women with breast cancer attended at Francisco Beltrão Cancer Hospital, Paraná, Brazil. Blood antioxidants and caffeine profiles were assessed. Decreases in reduced glutathione and metallothionein levels, and increase in catalase activity were observed among breast cancer patients that were chimarrão consumers. The levels of circulating caffeine in breast cancer patients with luminal A tumors were higher than those in patients with luminal B and HER-2 subtypes. Furthermore, overweight patients presented higher caffeine levels than the eutrophic ones. It was found positive associations between chimarrão intake and high body mass index, and chimarrão intake and menopause at diagnosis. Altogether, these findings suggest that chimarrão consumption affects the blood antioxidants of breast cancer patients, and that the caffeine present in this mixture may favor the development of tumor of good prognosis. HIGHLIGHTS: Chimarrão consumption may affect the course of chronic inflammatory diseases, as breast cancer. Chimarrão intake changed blood antioxidants in breast cancer patients who were current consumers when compared to the non-consumers ones. High levels of caffeine were detected in patients bearing luminal A tumors, suggesting a protective role.

Unilateral Hydrocephalus Due to Lateral Ventricle Colloid Cyst Treated by Neuroendoscopic Approach.

Colloid cysts (CCs) are rare brain tumors that cause nonspecific neurological signs associated with acute or chronic increased intracranial pressure. They are usually located in the third ventricle and rarely in the lateral ventricle. This is a report of an unusual case of CC located in the lateral ventricle. A 36-year-old male patient presented a story of progressive holocranial headache that would get worse with head mobilization and cough. Radiological analysis demonstrated enlargement of the right lateral ventricle due to a cyst blocking the right foramen of Monro. The patient underwent endoscopic neurosurgery and the cyst was totally resected. Histological evaluation diagnosed a CC. Postoperative images showed no cyst remaining and normalized ventricular size. The patient evolved with total improvement of the symptoms. Literature review shows that it is a very uncommon entity. Lateral ventricle CCs as a cause for unilateral hydrocephalus is a very rare entity. Neuroendoscopic approach is a first-line treatment option for this condition.

Plant growth-promoting bacteria improve leaf antioxidant metabolism of drought-stressed Neotropical trees.

MAIN CONCLUSION: Plant growth-promoting bacteria association improved the enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant pathways in Neotropical trees under drought, which led to lower oxidative damage and enhanced drought tolerance in these trees. Water deficit is associated with oxidative stress in plant cells and may, thus, negatively affect the establishment of tree seedlings in reforestation areas. The association with plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) is known to enhance the antioxidant response of crops, but this strategy has not been tested in seedlings of Neotropical trees. We evaluated the effects of inoculation with two PGPB (Azospirillum brasilense and Bacillus sp.) on the antioxidant metabolism of Cecropia pachystachya and Cariniana estrellensis seedlings submitted to drought. We measured the activity of antioxidant enzymes and the content of non-enzymatic antioxidants in leaves, and biometrical parameters of the seedlings. In both tree species, drought decreased the activity of antioxidant enzymes and the content of non-enzymatic antioxidant compounds. For C. pachystachya, the enzymatic and non-enzymatic pathways were mostly influenced by A. brasilense inoculation, which enhanced ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and superoxide dismutase activities and positively affected the level of non-enzymatic antioxidant compounds. In C. estrellensis, A. brasilense inoculation enhanced APX activity. However, A. brasilense and Bacillus sp. inoculation had more influence on the non-enzymatic pathway, as both bacteria induced a greater accumulation of secondary compounds (such as chlorogenic acid, gallic acid, rutin and synapic acid) compared to that in non-inoculated plants under drought. For both species, PGPB improved biometrical parameters related to drought tolerance, as specific leaf area and leaf-area ratio. Our results demonstrate that PGPB induced antioxidant mechanisms in drought-stressed Neotropical trees, increasing drought tolerance. Thus, PGPB inoculation provides a biotechnological alternative to improve the success of reforestation programmes.

Analysis of the phenolic composition and yield of 'BRS Vitoria' seedless table grape under different bunch densities using HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS.

Grapes are considered to be a major source of phenolic compounds as compared with other fruits. To improve the quality of table grapes, some techniques like thinning can be used. In addition, grape cultivars with distinct characteristics are directly linked to its phenolic profile. This study aimed to identify and quantify the phenolic compound profile and yield of the hybrid 'BRS Vitoria' seedless table grape under different bunch densities, using a combination of solid-phase extraction (SPE) methodologies and analytical high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detector with tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS). A trial was carried out in 2016, in a commercial vineyard at Marialva, state of Parana (South Brazil). Three weeks after anthesis, the following bunch densities were evaluated: 4.0, 4.5, 5.0, 5.5, and 6 bunches per m2 (corresponding to an estimation of 16, 18, 20, 22, and 24 tons ha-1). The randomized block design was used as a statistical model with each treatment was replicated four times, with one vine per plot. Different characteristics were evaluated at harvest, e.g., soluble solids content (SS), total acidity (TA), maturation index (MI = SS/TA), bunch and berry masses, yield, as well hydroxycinnamic acid derivative (HCAD), anthocyanin, flavonol, and flavan-3-ol contents by HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS analysis. The evaluated bunch densities did not interfere with the physicochemical characteristics of the berries, such as SS and MI. Under the density of 6.0 bunches per m2, the highest yield of 25 tons ha-1 was reached. Under all bunch densities, the phenolic profile presented the same compounds, but at different concentrations. Under a density of 5.0 bunches per m2, the compounds belonging to the anthocyanin and flavonol families were present in high concentrations. In contrast, at the densities of 4.0 and 4.5 bunches per m2, there was a reduction in the flavan-3-ol content. With respect to stilbenes, only the trans-piceid and its cis- isomer were detected. However, their concentrations had no significant influence on the evaluated bunch densities.

Enhancement of RGB-D Image Alignment Using Fiducial Markers.

Three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction methods generate a 3D textured model from the combination of data from several captures. As such, the geometrical transformations between these captures are required. The process of computing or refining these transformations is referred to as alignment. It is often a difficult problem to handle, in particular due to a lack of accuracy in the matching of features. We propose an optimization framework that takes advantage of fiducial markers placed in the scene. Since these markers are robustly detected, the problem of incorrect matching of features is overcome. The proposed procedure is capable of enhancing the 3D models created using consumer level RGB-D hand-held cameras, reducing visual artefacts caused by misalignments. One problem inherent to this solution is that the scene is polluted by the markers. Therefore, a tool was developed to allow their removal from the texture of the scene. Results show that our optimization framework is able to significantly reduce alignment errors between captures, which results in visually appealing reconstructions. Furthermore, the markers used to enhance the alignment are seamlessly removed from the final model texture.

Pretreatment Efficiency Using Autoclave High-Pressure Steam and Ultrasonication in Sugar Production from Liquid Hydrolysates and Access to the Residual Solid Fractions of Wheat Bran and Oat Hulls.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the combination of physical and chemical pretreatments of wheat bran (WB) and oat hulls (OH) to obtain fermentable sugars and a residual solid fraction with increased susceptibility to enzymatic hydrolysis. High-pressure steam in an autoclave and ultrasonication were employed as pretreatments, and for both processes, WB and OH were treated with sulfuric acid (H2SO4), neutral medium (H2O) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH). Autoclave high-pressure steam in an acid medium was the most effective for the release of sugars (total sugars, xylose and glucose) from liquid hydrolysates and for the modification of the residual solid fraction. The cellulose content of the WB residual solid fraction increased from 7.19 to 39.17%, the lignin fraction of WB decreased from 6.40 to 3.21%, the cellulose content of OH increased from 31.16 to 61.53%, and lignin fraction of OH decreased from 18.12 to 7.24%, resulting in materials more susceptible to enzymatic hydrolysis.

Optimization and validation of an SBSE-HPLC-FD method using laboratory-made stir bars for fluoxetine determination in human plasma.

Depression is the largest cause of disability worldwide, affecting 350 million people. Notwithstanding that clinical trials demonstrate antidepressants efficacy, the efficient response can vary individually concerning therapeutic dosage. Although important, plasma levels monitoring remains an analytical challenge whereas clean-up and pre-concentration represent critical steps. Therefore, this study aims to develop, optimize and validate a method for fluoxetine determination in human plasma, employing a laboratory-made device consisting of a PDMS stir bar sorptive for extraction, coupled with high-performance liquid chromatography-fluorescence detection (SBSE-HPLC-FD). Optimization involved sorption-desorption steps. For sorption, temperature and time were assessed by factorial and central composite design approaches, taking into account the desirability and the response surface results, with stirring speed also examined. For desorption kinetics and ultrasonic and magnetic stirring mode were evaluated. The proposed method after validation was robust, linear (25.00-1000.00 ng mL-1 , R2 > 0.98) and presented good intra- (RSD 4.18%) and inter-day-assay (RSD 11.60%) precision and accuracy (recovery 109.60%), allowing reliable quantitation without interference. The method was successfully applied to real samples. SBSE-HPLC-FD could represent a feasible alternative with good cost-benefit for low-volume samples and therapeutic drug monitoring, as well as contributing to correlation studies between plasma fluoxetine levels and clinical response, which is still little studied.