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

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

Advances in the computational analysis of SARS-COV2 genome.

Given a data-set of Ribonucleic acid (RNA) sequences we can infer the phylogenetics of the samples and tackle the information for scientific purposes. Based on current data and knowledge, the SARS-CoV-2 seemingly mutates much more slowly than the influenza virus that causes seasonal flu. However, very recent evolution poses some doubts about such conjecture and shadows the out-coming light of people vaccination. This paper adopts mathematical and computational tools for handling the challenge of analyzing the data-set of different clades of the severe acute respiratory syndrome virus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). On one hand, based on the mathematical paraphernalia of tools, the concept of distance associated with the Kolmogorov complexity and Shannon information theories, as well as with the Hamming scheme, are considered. On the other, advanced data processing computational techniques, such as, data compression, clustering and visualization, are borrowed for tackling the problem. The results of the synergistic approach reveal the complex time dynamics of the evolutionary process and may help to clarify future directions of the SARS-CoV-2 evolution.

Lymphogranuloma venereum: a retrospective analysis of an emerging sexually transmitted disease in a Lisbon Tertiary Center.

BACKGROUND: Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) is a sexual transmitted infection (STI), currently endemic within the population of men who have sex with men (MSM) of Western Countries. L2B variant has been reported as the predominant strain in the current LGV epidemics, although a shift towards L2-434 has been observed in some European countries. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate and characterize the population with LGV infection diagnosed in Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Lisboa Central, Lisbon, Portugal. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of all LGV diagnoses between 2016 and 2019 was performed. The diagnosis was established through ompA-genotyping of samples yielding a positive result to Chlamydia trachomatis (CT). All considered samples were retrieved from the clinician activity, through swabbing and urine analysis and CT infection diagnosis was obtained using real-time PCR. RESULTS: During the period studied 16 279 CT diagnostics tests were employed, with a striking increase from 2016 (n = 467) to 2019 (n = 9362). A total of 1602 diagnoses of CT were established, from which 168 (10.5%) corresponded to LGV, with both infections showing a rising evolution, between 2016 and 2019, of 2.9 and 2.7 times, respectively. The majority of the LGV strains were genotyped as L2/434 (67.3%; n = 113). LGV predominantly affected MSM and men who have sex with men and women (97.0%; n = 163). Anorectal infection was the most prevalent one (90.5%; n = 152), being proctitis the main clinical presentation (76.2%; n = 128). Absence of symptoms was reported in almost 15% of the cases (n = 24). The presence of concomitant infection with human immunodeficiency virus was dominant (73.2%; n = 123) and the prevalence of one or more STI co-infections was about 60.1% (n = 99). CONCLUSIONS: An increasing evolution of CT and LGV testing and diagnosing was observable throughout the studied period. Characteristics of the population are similar with those described within LGV epidemics. In accordance with recent European studies, predominance towards L2 genotype was identified.

Analysis of radiographic images and germination of Campomanesia pubescens (Mart. ex DC.) O.Berg (Myrtaceae Juss.) seeds under drying / Análise de imagens radiográficas e germinação de sementes de Campomanesia pubescens (Mart. ex DC.) O.Berg (Myrtaceae Juss.) sob secagem

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the internal morphology of seeds of Campomanesia pubescens (Mart. ex DC.) O. Berg with varying water content through X-ray image analysis, and correlate the images with the germination of these seeds. Fruits were collected in Jataí, Goiás, Brazil, and taken to the Seed Laboratory of the Federal Institute Goiano, Rio Verde Campus, where they were processed and the seeds were extracted. To establish the predetermined water content (43%, 37%, 34%, 31%, and 28% wet basis), seeds with an initial water content of 43% were kept in an oven with forced air circulation at a temperature of 40 °C until they reached the predetermined water content levels. Next, the seeds were placed in acrylic holders with double-sided tape and transported to the Federal University of Lavras (UFLA), where they were exposed to different intensities of radiation. The X-ray test was conducted with 200 seeds per treatment, and images of the internal structures of the seeds were evaluated. The seeds were returned to the Seed Laboratory of the Federal Institute Goiano, Rio Verde Campus, where the germination test was initiated. The experimental design was completely randomized, in a factorial design (5 × 4), in which there were five water content levels and four seed classes, with four replications. The X-ray test was efficient in the identification of filled, malformed, damaged and empty seeds, which germination rate above 50% in the filled seeds. This visualization of the internal morphology of the seed can be useful to select seeds of better quality, improving the percentage of germination of C. pubescens seeds.

Resumo O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a morfologia interna de sementes de Campomanesia pubescens (Mart. ex DC.) O.Berg com diferentes teores de água por meio de análise de imagens de raios-X, e correlacionar as imagens com a germinação dessas sementes. Os frutos foram coletados no município de Jataí, Goiás, Brasil, e levados ao Laboratório de Sementes do Instituto Federal Goiano, Campus Rio Verde, onde foram processados ​​e as sementes foram extraídas. Para estabelecer o teor de água predeterminado (43%, 37%, 34%, 31% e 28% base úmida), as sementes com um teor inicial de água de 43% foram mantidas em estufa com circulação de ar induzida, a uma temperatura de 40 °C até atingirem os níveis de conteúdo de água predeterminados. Em seguida, as sementes foram colocadas em suportes acrílicos com fita dupla face e transportadas para a Universidade Federal de Lavras (UFLA), onde foram expostas a diferentes intensidades de radiação. O teste de raios-X foi realizado com 200 sementes por tratamento, e imagens das estruturas internas das sementes foram avaliadas. As sementes foram devolvidas ao Laboratório de Sementes do Instituto Federal Goiano, Campus Rio Verde, onde foi iniciado o teste de germinação. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado, em esquema fatorial (5 × 4), no qual foram encontrados cinco níveis de umidade e quatro classes de sementes, com quatro repetições. O teste de raios-X foi eficiente na identificação de sementes preenchidas, malformadas, danificadas e vazias, com taxas de germinação acima dos 50% nas sementes cheias. Essa visualização das morfologia interna da semente pode ser útil para selecionar sementes de melhor qualidade, melhorando a porcentagem de germinação das sementes de C. pubescens.

Analysis of radiographic images and germination of Campomanesia pubescens (Mart. ex DC.) O.Berg (Myrtaceae Juss.) seeds under drying.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the internal morphology of seeds of Campomanesia pubescens (Mart. ex DC.) O. Berg with varying water content through X-ray image analysis, and correlate the images with the germination of these seeds. Fruits were collected in Jataí, Goiás, Brazil, and taken to the Seed Laboratory of the Federal Institute Goiano, Rio Verde Campus, where they were processed and the seeds were extracted. To establish the predetermined water content (43%, 37%, 34%, 31%, and 28% wet basis), seeds with an initial water content of 43% were kept in an oven with forced air circulation at a temperature of 40 °C until they reached the predetermined water content levels. Next, the seeds were placed in acrylic holders with double-sided tape and transported to the Federal University of Lavras (UFLA), where they were exposed to different intensities of radiation. The X-ray test was conducted with 200 seeds per treatment, and images of the internal structures of the seeds were evaluated. The seeds were returned to the Seed Laboratory of the Federal Institute Goiano, Rio Verde Campus, where the germination test was initiated. The experimental design was completely randomized, in a factorial design (5 × 4), in which there were five water content levels and four seed classes, with four replications. The X-ray test was efficient in the identification of filled, malformed, damaged and empty seeds, which germination rate above 50% in the filled seeds. This visualization of the internal morphology of the seed can be useful to select seeds of better quality, improving the percentage of germination of C. pubescens seeds.

Analysis of radiographic images and germination of Campomanesia pubescens (Mart. ex DC.) O.Berg (Myrtaceae Juss.) seeds under drying

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the internal morphology of seeds of Campomanesia pubescens (Mart. ex DC.) O. Berg with varying water content through X-ray image analysis, and correlate the images with the germination of these seeds. Fruits were collected in Jataí, Goiás, Brazil, and taken to the Seed Laboratory of the Federal Institute Goiano, Rio Verde Campus, where they were processed and the seeds were extracted. To establish the predetermined water content (43%, 37%, 34%, 31%, and 28% wet basis), seeds with an initial water content of 43% were kept in an oven with forced air circulation at a temperature of 40 °C until they reached the predetermined water content levels. Next, the seeds were placed in acrylic holders with double-sided tape and transported to the Federal University of Lavras (UFLA), where they were exposed to different intensities of radiation. The X-ray test was conducted with 200 seeds per treatment, and images of the internal structures of the seeds were evaluated. The seeds were returned to the Seed Laboratory of the Federal Institute Goiano, Rio Verde Campus, where the germination test was initiated. The experimental design was completely randomized, in a factorial design (5 × 4), in which there were five water content levels and four seed classes, with four replications. The X-ray test was efficient in the identification of filled, malformed, damaged and empty seeds, which germination rate above 50% in the filled seeds. This visualization of the internal morphology of the seed can be useful to select seeds of better quality, improving the percentage of germination of C. pubescens seeds.

Resumo O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a morfologia interna de sementes de Campomanesia pubescens (Mart. ex DC.) O.Berg com diferentes teores de água por meio de análise de imagens de raios-X, e correlacionar as imagens com a germinação dessas sementes. Os frutos foram coletados no município de Jataí, Goiás, Brasil, e levados ao Laboratório de Sementes do Instituto Federal Goiano, Campus Rio Verde, onde foram processados e as sementes foram extraídas. Para estabelecer o teor de água predeterminado (43%, 37%, 34%, 31% e 28% base úmida), as sementes com um teor inicial de água de 43% foram mantidas em estufa com circulação de ar induzida, a uma temperatura de 40 °C até atingirem os níveis de conteúdo de água predeterminados. Em seguida, as sementes foram colocadas em suportes acrílicos com fita dupla face e transportadas para a Universidade Federal de Lavras (UFLA), onde foram expostas a diferentes intensidades de radiação. O teste de raios-X foi realizado com 200 sementes por tratamento, e imagens das estruturas internas das sementes foram avaliadas. As sementes foram devolvidas ao Laboratório de Sementes do Instituto Federal Goiano, Campus Rio Verde, onde foi iniciado o teste de germinação. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado, em esquema fatorial (5 × 4), no qual foram encontrados cinco níveis de umidade e quatro classes de sementes, com quatro repetições. O teste de raios-X foi eficiente na identificação de sementes preenchidas, malformadas, danificadas e vazias, com taxas de germinação acima dos 50% nas sementes cheias. Essa visualização das morfologia interna da semente pode ser útil para selecionar sementes de melhor qualidade, melhorando a porcentagem de germinação das sementes de C. pubescens.

Role of ecto-NTPDases on UDP-sensitive P2Y(6) receptor activation during osteogenic differentiation of primary bone marrow stromal cells from postmenopausal women.

This study aimed at investigating the expression and function of uracil nucleotide-sensitive receptors (P2Y(2), P2Y(4), and P2Y(6)) on osteogenic differentiation of human bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) in culture. Bone marrow specimens were obtained from postmenopausal female patients (68 ± 5 years old, n = 18) undergoing total hip arthroplasty. UTP and UDP (100 µM) facilitated osteogenic differentiation of the cells measured as increases in alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, without affecting cell proliferation. Uracil nucleotides concentration-dependently increased [Ca(2+)](i) in BMSCs; their effects became less evident with time (7 > 21 days) of the cells in culture. Selective activation of P2Y(6) receptors with the stable UDP analog, PSB 0474, mimicked the effects of both UTP and UDP, whereas UTPγS was devoid of effect. Selective blockade of P2Y(6) receptors with MRS 2578 prevented [Ca(2+)](i) rises and osteogenic differentiation caused by UDP at all culture time points. BMSCs are immunoreactive against P2Y(2), P2Y(4), and P2Y(6) receptors. While the expression of P2Y(6) receptors remained fairly constant (7∼21 days), P2Y(2) and P2Y(4) became evident only in less proliferative and more differentiated cultures (7 < 21 days). The rate of extracellular UTP and UDP inactivation was higher in less proliferative and more differentiated cell populations. Immunoreactivity against NTPDase1, -2, and -3 rises as cells differentiate (7 < 21 days). Data show that uracil nucleotides are important regulators of osteogenic cells differentiation predominantly through the activation of UDP-sensitive P2Y(6) receptors coupled to increases in [Ca(2+)](i) . Endogenous actions of uracil nucleotides may be balanced through specific NTPDases determining whether osteoblast progenitors are driven into proliferation or differentiation.

On the role of subtype selective adenosine receptor agonists during proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of human primary bone marrow stromal cells.

Purines are important modulators of bone cell biology. ATP is metabolized into adenosine by human primary osteoblast cells (HPOC); due to very low activity of adenosine deaminase, the nucleoside is the end product of the ecto-nucleotidase cascade. We, therefore, investigated the expression and function of adenosine receptor subtypes (A(1) , A(2A) , A(2B) , and A(3) ) during proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of HPOC. Adenosine A(1) (CPA), A(2A) (CGS21680C), A(2B) (NECA), and A(3) (2-Cl-IB-MECA) receptor agonists concentration-dependently increased HPOC proliferation. Agonist-induced HPOC proliferation was prevented by their selective antagonists, DPCPX, SCH442416, PSB603, and MRS1191. CPA and NECA facilitated osteogenic differentiation measured by increases in alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity. This contrasts with the effect of CGS21680C which delayed HPOC differentiation; 2-Cl-IB-MECA was devoid of effect. Blockade of the A(2B) receptor with PSB603 prevented osteogenic differentiation by NECA. In the presence of the A(1) antagonist, DPCPX, CPA reduced ALP activity at 21 and 28 days in culture. At the same time points, blockade of A(2A) receptors with SCH442416 transformed the inhibitory effect of CGS21680C into facilitation. Inhibition of adenosine uptake with dipyridamole caused a net increase in osteogenic differentiation. The presence of all subtypes of adenosine receptors on HPOC was confirmed by immunocytochemistry. Data show that adenosine is an important regulator of osteogenic cell differentiation through the activation of subtype-specific receptors. The most abundant A(2B) receptor seems to have a consistent role in cell differentiation, which may be balanced through the relative strengths of A(1) or A(2A) receptors determining whether osteoblasts are driven into proliferation or differentiation.

Effect of airflow rate on yields of Steinernema carpocapse Az 20 in liquid culture in an external-loop airlift bioreactor.

Maximization of the contact between males and females is a key factor in the production of the nematode Steinernema carpocapsae in a bioreactor.%The influence of the airflow rate in male and female distribution and mass production in an external-loop bioreactor with a deceleration zone was studied. When operating at an airflow rate of 0.05 vvm, a high retention of females in the deceleration zone of the bioreactor was observed and a larger nematode productivity was obtained. At this aeration rate there was a higher proportion of males in that zone, which together with the lower circulation rate, increases the probability of encounters, thereby explaining the increase in productivity.

Hereditary ataxias and spastic paraplegias: methodological aspects of a prevalence study in Portugal.

A project for studying the prevalence of hereditary ataxias (HA) and familial spastic paraplegias (FSP) in Portugal was set up in 1993. The ascertainment of patients in previous prevalence studies relied mainly on the information of hospital admissions and out-patient contacts with the neurology and other related departments at central hospitals covering the whole region surveyed. Many patients might be overlooked if large populations were studied using this method, since registers at central hospitals are very incomplete and for most part not yet computerized. On the other hand HA and FSP are rare diseases appearing in family clusters, and it would be unreasonable to undertake a sample survey based upon a suitable frame of the Portuguese population. Therefore we decided to carry out a two-phase prevalence survey at district level, involving the collaboration of all physicians working in the district health institutions and the population, in the screening of eligible subjects in phase 1. All subjects screened as positive were examined by a neurologist in phase 2. This method provided a direct estimate of false positives and false negatives were all patients also examined in phase 2, who came to our knowledge using other sources of information. The prevalence of hereditary ataxias and spastic paraplegias in the pilot district was 6.4 per 100,000 inhabitants. The sensitivity of the screening procedure was 81.2% and the predictive value of a positive screening was 25%. Considering the geographically circumscribed district nature of the populations to be studied, the comprehensive sources of case identification used and the high adherence of the health professionals involved, we believe that this method can be widely used, particularly in countries with similar health care services.

[Maternal knowledge on breastfeeding and related factors]. / Conhecimentos maternos em amamentação e fatores associados.

The influence of maternal knowledge about breastfeeding on the initiation and duration of lactation has been described. The present study evaluated the maternal knowledge about breastfeeding and its relationship with prenatal and postnatal orientation and prevalence of breastfeeding at 3 months. A cross-sectional study was designed involving 100 mothers of first-born babies between 6 and 12 months old receiving medical care in the Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre. The mothers answered a standardized questionnaire containing 14 questions to test knowledge on breastfeeding. The majority of mothers (62%) could not answer correctly half of the questions. Those more educated, who received prenatal orientation about breastfeeding and who had at least 5 prenatal visits had better knowledge. On the other hand, mothers who received postnatal orientation did not present a better knowledge. Prevalence of breastfeeding at 3 months was not related to maternal knowledge on the subject. The maternal knowledge about many aspects of breastfeeding was low. Postnatal orientation did not increase this knowledge. On the other hand, prenatal orientation had a positive impact on maternal knowledge about breastfeeding. Nonetheless this increase in knowledge was not sufficient to interfere with the prevalence of early interruption of breastfeeding.

In vitro differentiation of Wuchereria bancrofti (Filariidae).

Wuchereria bancrofti microfilariae were isolated from blood of infected individuals and cultured in vitro under several conditions. RPMI 1640 and TC-199 media supplemented with fetal or human serum were able to support the microfilariae for periods up to 35 days at 37 degrees C (viability greater than 85%). In contrast, in minimal essential medium the microfilariae did not survive for more than 48 h. In cultures kept at 28 degrees C, where viability was much lower (approximately 10% on day 15), microfilariae differentiated into type IV larvae ("sausage" form). The in vitro maintainance of microfilarial larval forms is particularly important in the case of W. bancrofti due to the absence of an experimental model for the disease.

In vitro differentiation of Wuchereria bancrofti (Filariidae)

Wuchereria bancrofti microfilariae were isolated from blood of infected individuals and cultured in vitro under several conditions. RPMI 1640 and TC-199 media supplemented with fetal or human serum were able to support the microfilariae for periods up to 35 days at 37-C (viability > 85%). In contrast, in minimal essential medium the microfilariae did not survive for more than 48h. In culture kept at 28-C, where viability was much lower (approximately 10% on day 15), microfilariae differentiated into type IV larvae ("sausage form). The in vitro maintainance of microfilarial larval forms is particularly important in the case of W. bancrofti due to the absence of an experimental model for the disease

[Emergency surgery of complicated diverticular disease of the colon]. / La chirurgie en urgence de la maladie diverticulaire du côlon compliquée (M.D.C.C.).

Emergency surgery is aimed at achieving the same results as elective surgery, but still has specific limitations in the case of CDDC, in spite of significant progress. We describe the physiopathological bases of the emergent treatment of the septic, occlusive and hemorrhagic complications of the CDDC, as well as the experience acquired in the Emergency Unit and Department 3 Hospital San José with 54 cases operated since 1981. The modern means of intensive care and preparation, including powerful antibiotics, make primary resection (1) as a principle possible, but do not allow yielding to the temptation of immediately creating an anastomosis as long as the local conditions have not improved. On the other hand, we emphasize the advantages of performing primary resection-anastomosis surgery in elective operations for non-emergent cases.