Earth-like Habitats in Planetary Systems

Understanding the concept of habitability is related to an evolutionary knowledge of the particular planet-in-question. Additional indications so-called "systemic aspects" of the planetary system as a whole governs a particular planet's claim on habitability. Here we focus on such systemic aspects and discuss their relevance to the formation of an 'Earth-like' habitable planet. We summarize our results obtained by lunar sample work and numerical models within the framework of the Research Alliance "Planetary Evolution and Life". We consider various scenarios which simulate the dynamical evolution of the Solar System and discuss the likelihood of forming an Earth-like world orbiting another star. Our model approach is constrained by observations of the modern Solar System and the knowledge of its history. Results suggest that the long-term presence of terrestrial planets is jeopardized due to gravitational interactions if giant planets are present. But habitability of inner rocky planets may be supported in those planetary systems hosting giant planets. Gravitational interactions within a complex multiple-body structure including giant planets may supply terrestrial planets with materials which formed in the colder region of the proto-planetary disk. During these processes, water, the prime requisite for habitability, is delivered to the inner system. This may occur either during the main accretion phase of terrestrial planets or via impacts during a post-accretion bombardment. Results for both processes are summarized and discussed with reference to the lunar crater record. Starting from a scenario involving migration of the giant planets this contribution discusses the delivery of water to Earth, the modification of atmospheres by impacts in a planetary system context and the likelihood of the existence of extrasolar Earth-like habitable worlds.Comment: 36 Pages, 6 figures, 2014, Special Issue in Planetary and Space Science on the Helmholtz Research Alliance on Planetary Evolution and Lif

Screening of natural Wolbachia infection in mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) from the Cape Verde islands

Funding Information: We are grateful to the National Institute of Public Health for the laboratory support in Cape Verde, and to technicians from the Ministry of Health for their assistance in field work. We would like to thank Prof. Paulo Almeida for providing DNA controls of Cx. pipiens and Cx. quinquefasciatus used in the species identification PCR assay. Funding Information: This work was funded by national funds through FCT—Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia, I.P., within the framework of the project ARBOMONITOR (PTDC/BIA-OUT/29477/2017. Aires da Moura was funded by the Ph.D. fellowship program of Camões I.P. Publisher Copyright: © 2023, The Author(s).Background: Wolbachia pipientis is an endosymbiont bacterium that induces cytoplasmic incompatibility and inhibits arboviral replication in mosquitoes. This study aimed to assess Wolbachia prevalence and genetic diversity in different mosquito species from Cape Verde. Methods: Mosquitoes were collected on six islands of Cape Verde and identified to species using morphological keys and PCR-based assays. Wolbachia was detected by amplifying a fragment of the surface protein gene (wsp). Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) was performed with five housekeeping genes (coxA, gatB, ftsZ, hcpA, and fbpA) and the wsp hypervariable region (HVR) for strain identification. Identification of wPip groups (wPip-I to wPip-V) was performed using PCR–restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) assay on the ankyrin domain gene pk1. Results: Nine mosquito species were collected, including the major vectors Aedes aegypti, Anopheles arabiensis, Culex pipiens sensu stricto, and Culex quinquefasciatus. Wolbachia was only detected in Cx. pipiens s.s. (100% prevalence), Cx. quinquefasciatus (98.3%), Cx. pipiens/quinquefasciatus hybrids (100%), and Culex tigripes (100%). Based on the results of MLST and wsp hypervariable region typing, Wolbachia from the Cx. pipiens complex was assigned to sequence type 9, wPip clade, and supergroup B. PCR/RFLP analysis revealed three wPip groups in Cape Verde, namely wPip-II, wPip-III, and wPip-IV. wPip-IV was the most prevalent, while wPip-II and wPip-III were found only on Maio and Fogo islands. Wolbachia detected in Cx. tigripes belongs to supergroup B, with no attributed MLST profile, indicating a new strain of Wolbachia in this mosquito species. Conclusions: A high prevalence and diversity of Wolbachia was found in species from the Cx. pipiens complex. This diversity may be related to the mosquito's colonization history on the Cape Verde islands. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to detect Wolbachia in Cx. tigripes, which may provide an additional opportunity for biocontrol initiatives. publishersversionpublishe

Localização domiciliar dos medicamentos responsáveis pelas intoxicações mais frequentes na cidade de Porto Alegre

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Dietas hospitalares para obesos: padronização e adequação nutricional

A obesidade é uma doença crónica com génese multifatorial e atualmente considerada um problema de Saúde Pública. Em Portugal a sua prevalência é de 14,2% em adultos dos 18 aos 64 anos. Sendo a dieta hospitalar parte essencial da terapia do paciente hospitalizado parece fundamental existirem dietas padronizadas para doentes com excesso de peso. Não se tem conhecimento de estudos nacionais acerca da padronização de dietas hospitalares, em particular dietas para obesos. Analisar os valores nutricionais dos Manuais de Dietas Hospitalares, comparar alguns destes valores da dieta padronizada indicada para a obesidade com os da dieta geral e com as guidelines existentes. Trata-se de um estudo transversal, observacional, quantitativo, envolvendo os hospitais do Sistema Nacional de Saúde. Foi feita uma pesquisa bibliográfica relativamente a linhas orientadoras, nomenclaturas e valores nutricionais das mesmas sobre os Manuais de Dietas Hospitalares. Criou-se uma matriz específica para este estudo, onde foram analisados critérios como valor energético, proteico e glucídico, da dieta geral e indicada para obesidade, quando existente. O software estatístico utilizado foi IBM SPSS Statistics 22. Foram calculadas as médias e o desvio padrão dos nutrientes e utilizado o teste T student para uma amostra. Dos centros hospitalares que forneceram dados apenas 44,4% apresentam uma dieta padronizada com indicação para utentes com excesso ponderal. Evidenciou-se que em alguns manuais existem dietas padronizadas indicadas para a obesidade com valor energético superior em relação às dietas gerais dos restantes manuais. Não são seguidas quaisquer linhas orientadoras na elaboração dos Manuais de Dietas Hospitalares, em Portugal, uma vez que estas não existem Sabe-se que existem diferenças entre as quantidades padronizadas e as servidas, pelo que se propõe estudos futuros que avaliem se a quantidade servida está de acordo com as orientações

Does Quantitative Left Ventricular Regional Wall Motion Change after Fibrous Tissue Resection in Endomyocardial Fibrosis?

OBJECTIVES: We compared left ventricular regional wall motion, the global left ventricular ejection fraction, and the New York Heart Association functional class pre- and postoperatively. INTRODUCTION: Endomyocardial fibrosis is characterized by fibrous tissue deposition in the endomyocardium of the apex and/or inflow tract of one or both ventricles. Although left ventricular global systolic function is preserved, patients exhibit wall motion abnormalities in the apical and inferoapical regions. Fibrous tissue resection in New York Heart Association FC III and IV endomyocardial fibrosis patients has been shown to decrease morbidity and mortality. METHODS: We prospectively studied 30 patients (20 female, 30&plusmn;10 years) before and 5&plusmn;8 months after surgery. The left ventricular ejection fraction was determined using the area-length method. Regional left ventricular motion was measured by the centerline method. Five left ventricular segments were analyzed pre- and postoperatively. Abnormality was expressed in units of standard deviation from the mean motion in a normal reference population. RESULTS: Left ventricular wall motion in the five regions did not differ between pre- and postoperative measurements. Additionally, the left ventricular ejection fraction did not change after surgery (0.45&plusmn;0.13% x 0.43&plusmn;0.12% pre- and postoperatively, respectively). The New York Heart Association functional class improved to class I in 40% and class II in 43% of patients postoperatively (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Although endomyocardial fibrosis patients have improved clinical symptoms after surgery, the global left ventricular ejection fraction and regional wall motion in these patients do not change. This finding suggests that other explanations, such as improvements in diastolic function, may be operational

Novel peptides derived from dengue virus capsid protein translocate reversibly the blood−brain barrier through a receptor-free mechanism

© 2017 American Chemical SocietyThe delivery of therapeutic molecules to the central nervous system is hampered by poor delivery across the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Several strategies have been proposed to enhance transport into the brain, including invasive techniques and receptor-mediated transport (RMT). Both approaches have several drawbacks, such as BBB disruption, receptor saturation, and off-target effects, raising safety issues. Herein, we show that specific domains of Dengue virus type 2 capsid protein (DEN2C) can be used as trans-BBB peptide vectors. Their mechanism of translocation is receptor-independent and consistent with adsorptive-mediated transport (AMT). One peptide in particular, named PepH3, reaches equilibrium distribution concentrations across the BBB in less than 24 h in a cellular in vitro assay. Importantly, in vivo biodistribution data with radiolabeled peptide derivatives show high brain penetration. In addition, there is fast clearance from the brain and high levels of excretion, showing that PepH3 is a very good candidate to be used as a peptide shuttle taking cargo in and out of the brain.The authors thank the Portuguese Funding Agency, Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia, FCT IP, for financial support (grants SFRH/BPD/94466/2013; SFRH/BPD/109010/2015; IF/01010/2013; PTDC/BBBNAN/1578/2014; HIVERA/ 0002/2013) and Marie Skłodowska-Curie Research and Innovation Staff Exchange (MSCA-RISE), call 20-MSCARISE-2014 (grant agreement H20 644167 − INPACT). M.M., L.G., C.F., and J.D.G.C. gratefully acknowledge FCT support through the UID/Multi/04349/2013 project.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Discards for Southern Hake Stock, a First Approach to Iberian Data

This document presents sampling levels obtained with Portuguese and Spanish Discard Sampling Programmes, both included in National Sampling Programmes, and some preliminary results for the Iberian Southern Hake discards. These programs consist on onboard-observer sampling schemes, with co-operative vessels, quasirandom selected, in the ICES Division VIIIc and IXa. The methodology used to estimate hake discards for Portugal and Spain since 2003 was based on the one proposed in the “Workshop on Discard Sampling Methodology and Raising Procedures” (PGCCDBS, Denmark, 2003). Spain presents results for the years 1994, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2003 and 2004. In the Portuguese Program, 2004 is the first year with an analysis of discard data. The number of trips sampled by the Spanish program for 2004 was 53, distributed by three trawl fleets- BACA trawl, Pair trawl and WHVO trawl. Portuguese onboard-observers sampled 40 trips distributed by Crustacean and Fish trawl fleets. The estimated percentages of discarded hake in relation to total catch were of 19,9 (C.V. = 22.6%) and 46,7 (C.V. = 72.1%) for the Spanish and Portuguese fleets respectively. The confidence interval for the Portuguese discard estimate is very large which denotes the very low precision of the obtained value. A co-operation in the analysis of this kind of data, between the two countries, could be the next step, since a standardisation of the methods would be of great importance for a realistic comparison of results obtained from both programs

Satellite and Ground Remote Sensing Techniques to Trace the Hidden Growth of a Lava Flow Field: The 2014-15 Effusive Eruption at Fogo Volcano (Cape Verde)

Fogo volcano erupted in 2014–2015 producing an extensive lava flow field in the summit caldera that destroyed two villages, Portela and Bangaeira. The eruption started with powerful explosive activity, lava fountains, and a substantial ash column accompanying the opening of an eruptive fissure. Lava flows spreading from the base of the eruptive fissure produced three arterial lava flows. By a week after the start of the eruption, a master lava tube had already developed within the eruptive fissure and along the arterial flow. In this paper, we analyze the emplacement processes based on observations carried out directly on the lava flow field, remote sensing measurements carried out with a thermal camera, SO2 fluxes, and satellite images, to unravel the key factors leading to the development of lava tubes. These were responsible for the rapid expansion of lava for the ~7.9 km length of the flow field, as well as the destruction of the Portela and Bangaeira villages. The key factors leading to the development of tubes were the low topography and the steady magma supply rate along the arterial lava flow. Comparing time-averaged discharge rates (TADR) obtained from satellite and Supply Rate (SR) derived from SO2 flux data, we estimate the amount and timing of the lava flow field endogenous growth, with the aim of developing a tool that could be used for hazard assessment and risk mitigation at this and other volcanoes.This research received no external funding.Published11156V. Pericolosità vulcanica e contributi alla stima del rischioJCR Journa

Attributable deaths and disability-adjusted life-years caused by infections with antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the EU and the European Economic Area in 2015: a population-level modelling analysis

Background: Infections due to antibiotic-resistant bacteria are threatening modern health care. However, estimating their incidence, complications, and attributable mortality is challenging. We aimed to estimate the burden of infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria of public health concern in countries of the EU and European Economic Area (EEA) in 2015, measured in number of cases, attributable deaths, and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs). Methods: We estimated the incidence of infections with 16 antibiotic resistance–bacterium combinations from European Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance Network (EARS-Net) 2015 data that was country-corrected for population coverage. We multiplied the number of bloodstream infections (BSIs) by a conversion factor derived from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control point prevalence survey of health-care-associated infections in European acute care hospitals in 2011–12 to estimate the number of non-BSIs. We developed disease outcome models for five types of infection on the basis of systematic reviews of the literature. Findings: From EARS-Net data collected between Jan 1, 2015, and Dec 31, 2015, we estimated 671 689 (95% uncertainty interval [UI] 583 148–763 966) infections with antibiotic-resistant bacteria, of which 63·5% (426 277 of 671 689) were associated with health care. These infections accounted for an estimated 33 110 (28 480–38 430) attributable deaths and 874 541 (768 837–989 068) DALYs. The burden for the EU and EEA was highest in infants (aged <1 year) and people aged 65 years or older, had increased since 2007, and was highest in Italy and Greece. Interpretation: Our results present the health burden of five types of infection with antibiotic-resistant bacteria expressed, for the first time, in DALYs. The estimated burden of infections with antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the EU and EEA is substantial compared with that of other infectious diseases, and has increased since 2007. Our burden estimates provide useful information for public health decision-makers prioritising interventions for infectious diseases