Spectral Library of European Pegmatites, Pegmatite Minerals and Pegmatite Host-Rocks The GREENPEG Project Database

Abstract. The GREENPEG spectral database contains the spectral signature, obtained through reflectance spectroscopy studies, of European pegmatites and minerals, as well as their host rocks. Samples include Nb-Y-F (NYF) and Li-Cs-Ta (LCT)-type pegmatites and host rocks from pegmatite locations in Austria, Ireland, Norway, Portugal, and Spain. The database contains the reflectance spectra (raw and with continuum removed), sample photographs, and main absorption features automatically extracted by a self-proposed Python routine. Whenever possible, spectral mineralogy was interpreted based on the continuum-removed spectra. A detailed description of the database, its content and structure, the measuring instrument, and interoperability with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is available in this database report. Moreover, examples of how the data can be used and interpreted are also provided. The advantages and added value of the presented dataset reside on its European scale with representative samples from pegmatites with distinct genesis, mineralogy, structure, and host rocks that can be used as a reference for pegmatite exploration at a global scale through satellite image processing, for example. The reported spectral mineral assemblages can also be of interest when considering resource estimation or ore processing. Thus, it is expected that this open dataset, available on the Zenodo platform https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.6518319 (Cardoso-Fernandes et al., 2022), will be a reference for distinct types of users ranging from academia to industry. </jats:p

Spectral Library of European Pegmatites, Pegmatite Minerals and Pegmatite Host-Rocks - the GREENPEG project database

The New Exploration Tools for European Pegmatite Green-Tech Resources (GREENPEG) spectral database contains the spectral signature, obtained through reflectance spectroscopy studies, of European pegmatites and minerals as well as their host rocks. Samples include pegmatites of the Nb-Y-F (NYF) and Li-Cs-Ta (LCT) chemical types and host rocks from pegmatite locations in Austria, Ireland, Norway, Portugal, and Spain. The database contains the reflectance spectra (raw and continuum-removed spectra), sample photographs, and main absorption features automatically extracted by a self-proposed Python routine. Whenever possible, spectral mineralogy was interpreted based on the continuum-removed spectra. A detailed description of the database, its content and structure, the measuring instrument, and interoperability with geographic information system (GIS) tools is available in this database report. Moreover, examples of how the data can be used and interpreted are also provided. The advantages and added value of the presented dataset reside in its European scale, with representative samples from pegmatites with distinct genesis, mineralogy, structure, and host rocks that can be used as a reference for pegmatite exploration at a global scale via, for example, satellite image processing. The reported spectral mineral assemblages can also be of interest when considering resource estimation or ore processing. Thus, it is expected that this open dataset, available on the Zenodo platform https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.6518318 (Cardoso-Fernandes et al., 2022b), will be a reference for distinct types of users, ranging from academia to industry

Application of fuzzy logic and geostatistic in the analysis of the fertility of a soil under pasture

The objective of this research was to generate a representation of the chemical attributes of the soil, using fuzzy logic and geostatistic analysis as procedures of appropriate mapping to the representation of continuous phenomena. The area in study is located in the south of Espirito Santo state, county district of Alegre. The experiment was done in an Ultisol Yellow-Red loamy texture under cultivation of pasture Brachiaria decumbens The soil was sampled in the depth of 0-0,2 m, in the 64 points of a regular grid, with dimension of 90 x 90 m. The studied chemical attributes were K, Ca, Mg, Al. SB, T and V It took place a continuous classification (if the attributes, using the fuzzy logic The data were submitted to the descriptive analysis and, soon afterwards. the geostatistic analysis. through the semivariograms adjustment. The attributes presented moderate and high variability measured by CV. All of the attributes presented spatial dependence, demonstrated by the adjustment of the spherical and the exponential semivariogram The maps in study presented a mild representation of the limits of variation of the degrees of pertinence of the chemical attributes of the soil, turning them more representative The fuzzy logic associated to the geostatistic analysis is it suitable technique to be applied to generate a representation of soils attributes, which naturally present a gradual variation in the land.40332333

The INOVMineral Project's Contribution to Mineral Exploration-A WebGIS Integration and Visualization of Spectral and Geophysical Properties of the Aldeia LCT Pegmatite Spodumene Deposit

Due to the current energetic transition, new geological exploration technologies are needed to discover mineral deposits containing critical materials such as lithium (Li). The vast majority of European Li deposits are related to Li-Cs-Ta (LCT) pegmatites. A review of the literature indicates that conventional exploration campaigns are dominated by geochemical surveys and related exploration tools. However, other exploration techniques must be evaluated, namely, remote sensing (RS) and geophysics. This work presents the results of the INOVMINERAL4.0 project obtained through alternative approaches to traditional geochemistry that were gathered and integrated into a webGIS application. The specific objectives were to: (i) assess the potential of high-resolution elevation data; (ii) evaluate geophysical methods, particularly radiometry; (iii) establish a methodology for spectral data acquisition and build a spectral library; (iv) compare obtained spectra with Landsat 9 data for pegmatite identification; and (v) implement a user-friendly webGIS platform for data integration and visualization. Radiometric data acquisition using geophysical techniques effectively discriminated pegmatites from host rocks. The developed spectral library provides valuable insights for space-based exploration. Landsat 9 data accurately identified known LCT pegmatite targets compared with Landsat 8. The user-friendly webGIS platform facilitates data integration, visualization, and sharing, supporting potential users in similar exploration approaches

Perspectives on the Trypanosoma cruzi-host cell receptor interaction

Chagas disease is caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. The critical initial event is the interaction of the trypomastigote form of the parasite with host receptors. This review highlights recent observations concerning these interactions. Some of the key receptors considered are those for thromboxane, bradykinin, and for the nerve growth factor TrKA. Other important receptors such as galectin-3, thrombospondin, and laminin are also discussed. Investigation into the molecular biology and cell biology of host receptors for T. cruzi may provide novel therapeutic targets

Dynamics of early establishment of SARS-CoV-2 VOC Omicron lineages in Minas Gerais, Brazil

Brazil is one of the nations most affected by Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The introduction and establishment of new virus variants can be related to an increase in cases and fatalities. The emergence of Omicron, the most modified SARS-CoV-2 variant, caused alarm for the public health of Brazil. In this study, we examined the effects of the Omicron introduction in Minas Gerais (MG), the second-most populous state of Brazil. A total of 430 Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) samples from November 2021 to June 2022 from Belo Horizonte (BH) city were sequenced. These newly sequenced genomes comprise 72% of all previously available SARS-CoV-2 genomes for the city. Evolutionary analysis of novel viral genomes reveals that a great diversity of Omicron sublineages have circulated in BH, a pattern in-keeping with observations across Brazil more generally. Bayesian phylogeographic reconstructions indicate that this diversity is a product of a large number of international and national importations. As observed previously, São Paulo state is shown as a significant hub for viral spread throughout the country, contributing to around 70% of all viral Omicron introductions detected in MG

2-Methoxyestradiol-3,17-O,O-bis-sulfamate (STX140) inhibits proliferation and invasion via senescence pathway induction in human BRAFi-resistant melanoma cells

The endogenous estradiol derivative 2-Methoxyestradiol (2-ME) has shown good and wide anticancer activity but suffers from poor oral bioavailability and extensive metabolic conjugation. However, its sulfamoylated derivative, 2-methoxyestradiol-3,17-O,O-bis-sulfamate (STX140), has superior potential as a therapeutic agent, acts by disrupting microtubule polymerization, leading to cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in cancer cells and possesses much better pharmaceutical properties. This study investigated the antiproliferative and anti-invasive activities of STX140 in both SKMEL-28 naïve melanoma (SKMEL28-P) cells and resistant melanoma cells (SKMEL-28R). STX140 inhibited cell proliferation in the nanomolar range while having a less pronounced effect on human melanocytes. Additionally, STX140 induced cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase and sub-G1, reduced migration, and clonogenic potential in monolayer models, and inhibited invasion in a 3D human skin model with melanoma cells. Furthermore, STX140 induced senescence features in melanoma and activated the senescence machinery by upregulating the expression of senescence genes and proteins related to senescence signaling. These findings suggest that STX140 may hold potential as a therapeutic agent for melanoma treatment

Beta-2 adrenergic receptor gene polymorphisms Gln27Glu, Arg16Gly in patients with heart failure

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background -</p> <p>Beta-2 adrenergic receptor gene polymorphisms Gln27Glu, Arg16Gly and Thr164Ile were suggested to have an effect in heart failure. We evaluated these polymorphisms relative to clinical characteristics and prognosis of alarge cohort of patients with heart failure of different etiologies.</p> <p>Methods -</p> <p>We studied 501 patients with heart failure of different etiologies. Mean age was 58 years (standard deviation 14.4 years), 298 (60%) were men. Polymorphisms were identified by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism.</p> <p>Results -</p> <p>During the mean follow-up of 12.6 months (standard deviation 10.3 months), 188 (38%) patients died. Distribution of genotypes of polymorphism Arg16Gly was different relative to body mass index (χ²= 9.797;p = 0.04). Overall the probability of survival was not significantly predicted by genotypes of Gln27Glu, Arg16Gly, or Thr164Ile. Allele and haplotype analysis also did not disclose any significant difference regarding mortality. Exploratory analysis through classification trees pointed towards a potential association between the Gln27Glu polymorphism and mortality in older individuals.</p> <p>Conclusion -</p> <p>In this study sample, we were not able to demonstrate an overall influence of polymorphisms Gln27Glu and Arg16Gly of beta-2 receptor gene on prognosis. Nevertheless, Gln27Glu polymorphism may have a potential predictive value in older individuals.</p