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 spacebased 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.The authors acknowledge the support provided by Portuguese national funds through the FCT—Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia, I.P. (Portugal) projects UIDB/04683/2020 and UIDP/04683/2020 (Institute of Earth Sciences), and through ANI and COMPETE 2020, as well as European funds through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) with the POCI- 01-0247-FEDER-046083 INOVMINERAL project. Douglas Santos was financially supported by Portuguese national funds through FCT (Grant: UI/BD/154412/2023). Ricardo Ribeiro is financially supported by FCT within the compass of his Ph.D. thesis, ref. SFRH/BD/140266/2018. C.R.d.A. was financially supported by Portuguese national funds through FCT (Grant: PRT/BD/153518/2021). The spectroradiometer equipment was purchased under the European Commission’s Horizon 2020 innovation programme under grant agreement no. 869274, project GREENPEG New Exploration Tools for European Pegmatite Green-Tech Resources.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Lacaziosis: immunohistochemical evaluation of elements of the humoral response in cutaneous lesions

Lacaziosis is a cutaneous mycosis caused by the fungus Lacazia loboi, described in different countries of Latin America and prevalent in the Amazon region. The ineffective immune response against the agent seems to be related to a Th2 pattern of cytokines. There are few reports exploring elements of the humoral response in these lesions. Our aim was to investigate some elements focusing on B cells, plasma cells and local expression of IgG and IgM antibodies. Forty skin biopsies of lower limbs were selected. The diagnosis of lacaziosis was based on direct mycological examination and histological analysis. The visualization of fungal cells was improved by using Gridley’s staining. An immunohistochemical protocol was performed to detect the expression of B cells, plasma cells, IgG and IgM. A double staining was performed to explore the presence of yeasts in the cytoplasm of keratinocytes, using an anti-AE1 AE3 antibody over Gridley’s staining. The inflammatory infiltrate consisted of macrophages, multinucleated giant cells, lymphocytes, and fibrosis. Fungal cells were frequent in the stratum corneum and in both, the dermis and, in 50% of the specimens, also in the epidermis. Cells expressing IgG were more abundant when compared to cells expressing IgM. B cells and the presence of IgG might indicate that the humoral response promotes a Th2 immune response resulting in an anti-inflammatory phenotype. Our results lead us to suggest a possible role of B cells and immunoglobulins in the mechanisms of lacaziosis pathogenesis

Structural assessment, toxicity, and increased antimicrobial activity

Scorpion venom is a rich source of biologically active components and various peptides with high-potential therapeutic use that have been characterized for their antimicrobial and antiproliferative activities. Stigmurin is a peptide identified from the Tityus stigmurus venom gland with high antibacterial and antiproliferative activities and low toxicity. Amino acid substitutions in peptides without a disulfide bridge sequence have been made with the aim of reducing their toxicity and increasing their biological activities. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the structural conformation and structural stability, as well as antimicrobial, antiproliferative, and hemolytic activities of two peptide analogs to Stigmurin, denominated StigA6 and StigA16. In silico analysis revealed the α-helix structure for both analog peptides, which was confirmed by circular dichroism. Data showed that the net charge and hydrophobic moment of the analog peptides were higher than those for Stigmurin, which can explain the increase in antimicrobial activity presented by them. Both analog peptides exhibited activity on cancerous cells similar to the native peptide; however, they were less toxic when tested on the normal cell line. These results reveal a potential biotechnological application of the analog peptides StigA6 and StigA16 as prototypes to new therapeutic agents.publishersversionpublishe

A list of land plants of Parque Nacional do Caparaó, Brazil, highlights the presence of sampling gaps within this protected area

Brazilian protected areas are essential for plant conservation in the Atlantic Forest domain, one of the 36 global biodiversity hotspots. A major challenge for improving conservation actions is to know the plant richness, protected by these areas. Online databases offer an accessible way to build plant species lists and to provide relevant information about biodiversity. A list of land plants of “Parque Nacional do Caparaó” (PNC) was previously built using online databases and published on the website "Catálogo de Plantas das Unidades de Conservação do Brasil." Here, we provide and discuss additional information about plant species richness, endemism and conservation in the PNC that could not be included in the List. We documented 1,791 species of land plants as occurring in PNC, of which 63 are cited as threatened (CR, EN or VU) by the Brazilian National Red List, seven as data deficient (DD) and five as priorities for conservation. Fifity-one species were possible new ocurrences for ES and MG states

Diretriz Brasileira sobre a Saúde Cardiovascular no Climatério e na Menopausa – 2024

Women, who represent approximately half of the global population according to estimates as of January 2024, may experience signs and symptoms of menopause for at least one-third of their lives, during which they have a higher risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The effects of menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) on the progression of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease (CVD) events vary depending on the age at which MHT is initiated and the time since menopause until its initiation. Beneficial effects on CVD outcomes and all-cause mortality have been observed when MHT was initiated before the age of 60 or within 10 years after menopause. The decision regarding the initiation, dose, regimen, and duration of MHT should be made individually after discussing the benefits and risks with each patient. For primary prevention of postmenopausal chronic conditions, the combined use of estrogen and progestogen is not recommended in asymptomatic women, nor is the use of estrogen alone in hysterectomized women. Hormone-dependent neoplasms contraindicate MHT. For the treatment of genitourinary syndrome of menopause, vaginal estrogen therapy may be used in patients with known cardiovascular risk factors or established CVD. For women with contraindications to MHT or who refuse it, non-hormonal therapies with proven efficacy (antidepressants, gabapentin, and fezolinetant) may improve vasomotor symptoms. Compounded hormonal implants, or "bioidentical" and "compounded" hormones, and "hormone modulation" are not recommended due to lack of scientific evidence of their effectiveness and safety.Mujeres, que representan aproximadamente la mitad de la población mundial según estimaciones de enero de 2024, pueden experimentar signos y síntomas de la menopausia durante al menos un tercio de sus vidas, durante los cuales tienen un mayor riesgo de morbilidad y mortalidad cardiovascular. Los efectos de la terapia hormonal de la menopausia (THM) en la progresión de la aterosclerosis y los eventos de enfermedad cardiovascular (ECV) varían según la edad en que se inicia la THM y el tiempo transcurrido desde la menopausia hasta su inicio. Se han observado efectos beneficiosos en los resultados de ECV y la mortalidad por todas las causas cuando la THM se inició antes de los 60 años o dentro de los 10 años posteriores a la menopausia. La decisión sobre la iniciación, dosis, régimen y duración de la THM debe tomarse individualmente después de discutir los beneficios y riesgos con cada paciente. Para la prevención primaria de condiciones crónicas en la posmenopausia, no se recomienda el uso combinado de estrógeno y progestágeno en mujeres asintomáticas, ni el uso de estrógeno solo en mujeres histerectomizadas. Las neoplasias dependientes de hormonas contraindican la THM. Para el tratamiento del síndrome genitourinario de la menopausia, se puede usar terapia estrogénica vaginal en pacientes con factores de riesgo cardiovascular conocidos o ECV establecida. Para mujeres con contraindicaciones a la THM o que la rechazan, las terapias no hormonales con eficacia demostrada (antidepresivos, gabapentina y fezolinetant) pueden mejorar los síntomas vasomotores. Los implantes hormonales compuestos, o hormonas "bioidénticas" y "compuestas", y la "modulación hormonal" no se recomiendan debido a la falta de evidencia científica sobre su efectividad y seguridad.As mulheres, que representam cerca de metade da população mundial segundo estimativas de janeiro de 2024, podem sofrer com sinais e sintomas da menopausa durante pelo menos um terço de suas vidas, quando apresentam maiores risco e morbimortalidade cardiovasculares. Os efeitos da terapia hormonal da menopausa (THM) na progressão de eventos de aterosclerose e doença cardiovascular (DCV) variam de acordo com a idade em que a THM é iniciada e o tempo desde a menopausa até esse início. Efeitos benéficos nos resultados de DCV e na mortalidade por todas as causas ocorreram quando a THM foi iniciada antes dos 60 anos de idade ou nos 10 anos que se seguiram à menopausa. A decisão sobre o início, a dose, o regime e a duração da THM deve ser tomada individualmente após discussão sobre benefícios e riscos com cada paciente. Para a prevenção primária de condições crônicas na pós-menopausa, não se recomendam o uso combinado de estrogênio e progestagênio em mulheres assintomáticas nem o uso de estrogênio sozinho em mulheres histerectomizadas. Neoplasias hormônio-dependentes contraindicam a THM. Para tratamento da síndrome geniturinária da menopausa, pode-se utilizar terapia estrogênica por via vaginal em pacientes com fatores de risco cardiovascular conhecidos ou DCV estabelecida. Para mulheres com contraindicação à THM ou que a recusam, terapias não hormonais com eficácia comprovada (antidepressivos, gabapentina e fezolinetante) podem melhorar os sintomas vasomotores. Os implantes hormonais manipulados, ou hormônios “bioidênticos” “manipulados”, e a ‘modulação hormonal’ não são recomendados pela falta de evidência científica de sua eficácia e segurança

Diretriz sobre Diagnóstico e Tratamento da Cardiomiopatia Hipertrófica – 2024

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a form of genetically caused heart muscle disease, characterized by the thickening of the ventricular walls. Diagnosis requires detection through imaging methods (Echocardiogram or Cardiac Magnetic Resonance) showing any segment of the left ventricular wall with a thickness > 15 mm, without any other probable cause. Genetic analysis allows the identification of mutations in genes encoding different structures of the sarcomere responsible for the development of HCM in about 60% of cases, enabling screening of family members and genetic counseling, as an important part of patient and family management. Several concepts about HCM have recently been reviewed, including its prevalence of 1 in 250 individuals, hence not a rare but rather underdiagnosed disease. The vast majority of patients are asymptomatic. In symptomatic cases, obstruction of the left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) is the primary disorder responsible for symptoms, and its presence should be investigated in all cases. In those where resting echocardiogram or Valsalva maneuver does not detect significant intraventricular gradient (> 30 mmHg), they should undergo stress echocardiography to detect LVOT obstruction. Patients with limiting symptoms and severe LVOT obstruction, refractory to beta-blockers and verapamil, should receive septal reduction therapies or use new drugs inhibiting cardiac myosin. Finally, appropriately identified patients at increased risk of sudden death may receive prophylactic measure with implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) implantation.La miocardiopatía hipertrófica (MCH) es una forma de enfermedad cardíaca de origen genético, caracterizada por el engrosamiento de las paredes ventriculares. El diagnóstico requiere la detección mediante métodos de imagen (Ecocardiograma o Resonancia Magnética Cardíaca) que muestren algún segmento de la pared ventricular izquierda con un grosor > 15 mm, sin otra causa probable. El análisis genético permite identificar mutaciones en genes que codifican diferentes estructuras del sarcómero responsables del desarrollo de la MCH en aproximadamente el 60% de los casos, lo que permite el tamizaje de familiares y el asesoramiento genético, como parte importante del manejo de pacientes y familiares. Varios conceptos sobre la MCH han sido revisados recientemente, incluida su prevalencia de 1 entre 250 individuos, por lo tanto, no es una enfermedad rara, sino subdiagnosticada. La gran mayoría de los pacientes son asintomáticos. En los casos sintomáticos, la obstrucción del tracto de salida ventricular izquierdo (TSVI) es el trastorno principal responsable de los síntomas, y su presencia debe investigarse en todos los casos. En aquellos en los que el ecocardiograma en reposo o la maniobra de Valsalva no detecta un gradiente intraventricular significativo (> 30 mmHg), deben someterse a ecocardiografía de esfuerzo para detectar la obstrucción del TSVI. Los pacientes con síntomas limitantes y obstrucción grave del TSVI, refractarios al uso de betabloqueantes y verapamilo, deben recibir terapias de reducción septal o usar nuevos medicamentos inhibidores de la miosina cardíaca. Finalmente, los pacientes adecuadamente identificados con un riesgo aumentado de muerte súbita pueden recibir medidas profilácticas con el implante de un cardioversor-desfibrilador implantable (CDI).A cardiomiopatia hipertrófica (CMH) é uma forma de doença do músculo cardíaco de causa genética, caracterizada pela hipertrofia das paredes ventriculares. O diagnóstico requer detecção por métodos de imagem (Ecocardiograma ou Ressonância Magnética Cardíaca) de qualquer segmento da parede do ventrículo esquerdo com espessura > 15 mm, sem outra causa provável. A análise genética permite identificar mutações de genes codificantes de diferentes estruturas do sarcômero responsáveis pelo desenvolvimento da CMH em cerca de 60% dos casos, permitindo o rastreio de familiares e aconselhamento genético, como parte importante do manejo dos pacientes e familiares. Vários conceitos sobre a CMH foram recentemente revistos, incluindo sua prevalência de 1 em 250 indivíduos, não sendo, portanto, uma doença rara, mas subdiagnosticada. A vasta maioria dos pacientes é assintomática. Naqueles sintomáticos, a obstrução do trato de saída do ventrículo esquerdo (OTSVE) é o principal distúrbio responsável pelos sintomas, devendo-se investigar a sua presença em todos os casos. Naqueles em que o ecocardiograma em repouso ou com Manobra de Valsalva não detecta gradiente intraventricular significativo (> 30 mmHg), devem ser submetidos à ecocardiografia com esforço físico para detecção da OTSVE.   Pacientes com sintomas limitantes e grave OTSVE, refratários ao uso de betabloqueadores e verapamil, devem receber terapias de redução septal ou uso de novas drogas inibidoras da miosina cardíaca. Por fim, os pacientes adequadamente identificados com risco aumentado de morta súbita podem receber medida profilática com implante de cardiodesfibrilador implantável (CDI)

Educomunicação e suas áreas de intervenção: Novos paradigmas para o diálogo intercultural

oai:omp.abpeducom.org.br:publicationFormat/1O material aqui divulgado representa, em essência, a contribuição do VII Encontro Brasileiro de Educomunicação ao V Global MIL Week, da UNESCO, ocorrido na ECA/USP, entre 3 e 5 de novembro de 2016. Estamos diante de um conjunto de 104 papers executivos, com uma média de entre 7 e 10 páginas, cada um. Com este rico e abundante material, chegamos ao sétimo e-book publicado pela ABPEducom, em seus seis primeiros anos de existência. A especificidade desta obra é a de trazer as “Áreas de Intervenção” do campo da Educomunicação, colocando-as a serviço de uma meta essencial ao agir educomunicativo: o diálogo intercultural, trabalhado na linha do tema geral do evento internacional: Media and Information Literacy: New Paradigms for Intercultural Dialogue

Pneumococcal and influenza vaccination coverage among at-risk adults: A 5-year French national observational study

International audienceIntroduction: The risk of developing pneumococcal infections increases with certain chronic conditions and in immunocompromised patients. We aimed to monitor pneumococcal vaccination coverage in at-risk patients and to examine factors associated with pneumococcal vaccination in France.Material and methods: In this annual cross-sectional study, at-risk patients were extracted between 2014 and 2018 from the National Health Insurance’s (NHI) General scheme’s claims database with their vaccine reimbursements. Descriptive analyses and a logistic model were performed to assess the influence of healthcare use and medical and demographic factors on pneumococcal vaccination.Results and discussion: In 2018, 4.5% of 4,045,021 at-risk adults were up to date with their pneumococcal vaccination. During the study period, the number of patients with chronic medical conditions (86% of 4,045,021) increased by 10.1%, but vaccination coverage decreased from 12.9% to 2.9%. The population with immunocompromised status (14% of 4,045,021) increased by 16.2% and vaccination coverage from 10.3% to 18.8%. Influenza vaccination coverage was much higher and stable (around 45.0%). Factors associated with pneumococcal vaccination were: immunocompromised status vs. having a chronic medical condition (odds ratio [OR] 4.72), influenza vaccination (OR 2.36–3.42), hepatitis B vaccination (OR 2.82), DTPolio vaccination (OR 1.52), ≥5 specialist physicians’ visits (OR 1.17), and age above 74 (OR 1.12). Pneumococcal vaccine dispensing was extremely low (median of 9 per GP,1 per specialist over 9 years) despite frequent healthcare visits.Conclusion: Pneumococcal and influenza vaccination coverage of adults at risk of pneumococcal disease fell well below public health expectations. Invitations for pneumococcal vaccination should be sent by the NHI to high-risk patients. Patient management protocols should include pneumococcal vaccination. Patients with multiple comorbidities are a high-priority population given the large potential health gains offered by pneumococcal vaccination. Commitment of both scientific societies and health authorities is urgently needed to increase vaccination coverage in at-risk populations