Crustal controls on light noble gas isotope variability along the andean volcanic arc

This study combines new noble gas data from fluid inclusions in minerals from Sabancaya, Ubinas, and El Misti (CVZ, Peru) and Villarica (South Chile, SVZ) with a revised noble gas compilation in the Andes, to identify systematic along arc variations in helium isotope compositions. We find 3He/4He ratios varying from 8.8 RA (Colombia) to 7.4 RA (Ecuador) within the NVZ, and only as high as 6.4 RA in the CVZ (RA is the atmospheric 3He/4He ratio of 1.39 × 10-6). These distinct isotope compositions cannot be explained by variable radiogenic 4He production via slab fluid transport of U and Th in the mantle wedge, since both NVZ and CVZ share similar slab sediment inputs (Th/La ≈ 0.08-0.13). Instead, the progressively more radiogenic 3He/4He signatures in Ecuador and Peru reflect 4He addition upon magma ascent/ storage in the crust, this being especially thick in Peru (>70 km) and Ecuador (>50 km) relative to Colombia (∼30-45 km). The intermediate compositions in the North (8.0 RA) and South (7.9 RA) Chile, both high sediment flux margins, mostly reflect a more efficient delivery of radiogenic He in the wedge from the subducted (U-Th-rich) terrigenous sediments. Our results bring strong evidence for the major role played by crustal processes in governing noble gas compositions along continental arcs

Anti-inflammatory, pro-proliferative and antimicrobial potential of the compounds isolated from Daemonorops draco (Willd.) Blume

Ethno-pharmacological relevance: Daemonorops draco (D. draco) commonly known as “Dragon's blood” is one of the most used plants by Momok, Anak Dalam and Talang Mamak tribes from Indonesia as a remedy for wound healing. Aim of the study: This study aimed to identify the extract, fractions and compounds responsible for the anti-inflammatory and pro-proliferative activities of the D. draco resin. Additionally, the antimicrobial activity against two bacteria and one yeast species was analysed. Materials and methods: Bio-guided isolation of compounds with anti-inflammatory, pro-proliferative and antimicrobial activities from the D. draco resin was carried out by measuring: the inhibition of NF-κB and activation of Nrf2 in THP-1, HaCaT, NIH-3T3 cells; cell proliferation in NIH-3T3 and HaCaT cells; and the antimicrobial effect on E. coli, S. aureus and C. albicans. Results: Guided isolation by bioassay gave rise to the isolation and characterisation by nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectrometry of three compounds: 1 (Bexarotene), 2 (Taspine) and 3 (2-hydroxy-1-naphthaldehyde isonicotinoyl hydrazone). All compounds showed NF-κB inhibitory activity with IC50 values of 0.10–0.13, 0.22–0.24 and 3.75–4.78 μM, respectively, while the positive control, Celastrol, had an IC50 of 7.96 μM. Likewise, all compounds showed an activating effect of Nrf2 with EC50 values of 5.34–5.43, 163.20–169.20 and 300.82–315.56 nM, respectively, while the positive control, CDDO-Me, had an EC50 of 0.11 nM. In addition, concerning the pro-proliferative activity, compound 1 (IC50 = 8.62–8.71 nM) showed a capacity of 100%, compound 2 (IC50 = 166–171 nM) showed a capacity of 75%, and compound 3 (IC50 = 469–486 nM) showed a capacity of 65%, while FSB 10% (positive control) had a pro-proliferative activity of 100% in the NIH3T3 cell lines (fibroblasts) and HaCaT (keratinocytes). Finally, all the compounds showed antimicrobial activity with MIC values of 0.12–0.16, 0.31–0.39 and 3.96–3.99 μM, respectively, in S. aureus, E. coli and C. albicans strains, while the positive control, Ofloxacin, had a MIC of 27.65 μM. Conclusion: This study managed to isolate, for the first time, three compounds (Bexarotene, Taspine and 2-hydroxy-1-naphthaldehyde isonicotinoyl hydrazone) from the resin of D. draco, with anti-inflammatory, and pro-proliferative as well as antimicrobial activitie

Low-cost 3D reconstruction of cultural heritage artifacts

3D reconstruction methods can be used to obtain digital models by capturing the shape and appearance of real objects. Due to both scientific and technological advances, low-cost 3D reconstruction is now widely used to reconstruct objects of reasonable geometric complexity using cheap acquisition hardware; however, it is unclear whether or not these devices produce suitable results to preserve cultural heritage artifacts. First, this paper goes over the general concept of 3D reconstruction and the main differences between low-cost and general-purpose 3D reconstruction pipelines, these differences are illustrated using a prototypical low-cost pipeline that has been used to reconstruct heritage artifacts. Then, we present the results of a survey conducted in order to investigate how existing low-cost 3D reconstruction approaches attempted to improve the results of their reconstructions, with an emphasis on the realistic rendering techniques they have used. Throughout the survey process, a categorization for low-cost 3D methodologies was proposed based on the scanning apparatus used by the approaches and other similarities between them. Finally, based on the surveyed studies and the results obtained with the prototypical pipeline, we conclude that it is possible to preserve heritage artifacts using low-cost approaches, granted that modern realism techniques are used to improve the appearance of the models

Niemann-Pick disease type-B: a unique case report with compound heterozygosity and complicated lipid management

BACKGROUND: Niemann-Pick disease (NPD) is a rare autosomal recessive hereditary disease characterized by deficient activity of acid sphingomyelinase. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a case of NPD type B with a unique compound heterozygosity for SMPD1 (NM_000543.4:c.[84delC];[96G¿>¿A]) in which both mutations that induce an early stop codon are located before the second in-frame initiation codon. The clinical presentation of the patient is compatible with NPD type B. She was initially diagnosed of Gaucher Disease, but her altered lipid profile led to a clinical suspicion of NPD. Combined high doses of atorvastatin and ezetimibe were given to treat the severe hypercholesterolemia. CONCLUSIONS: The pharmacological management of the lipid profile in these patients is important. A unique compound mutation in SMPD1 gene is described

Morphometric, weight, viability, and germination analysis of castor bean seeds (Ricinus communis) under two temperature and relative humidity conditions

Objective: Morphometric evaluation, weight, viability and germination under two conditions of temperature and relative humidity in sixteen local varieties of castor beans (Ricinus communis) from various states of Mexico (E1-E16) including two commercial varieties (k75B and k93B) were analyzed. Design/methodology/approach: The morphometric characteristics were: area, Elongation Index (IE) and Feret's diameter (DF), by means of a vision system. The viability and germination tolerance (germination percentage (% germination), germination speed (VG) and emergence speed index (IVE)), were evaluated under two conditions of relative humidity and temperature (T1- HR 80%/T20ºC ; T2- HR 30%/T40ºC), under a randomized complete block experiment design with four replicates of 75 seeds. Results: There are morphometric differences (IE, area and DF) between and within the study varieties. There is a significant difference between T1 and T2 in days of radicle emergence (11.6 in T2 and 44.71 in T1), germination percentage (T1: 48.37 and T2: 56%), IVE (T1:34.07+12.72 and T2: 77.02+ 23.78) and VG (T1: 9.93 and T2: 24.60). The results obtained show that there is a positive correlation between the morphometric properties and the germination percentage under T1; but in T2 no correlation was observed. The Limitations on study/implications: The study did not imply limitations. Findings/conclusions: Two local varieties E4 and E15 with productive potential higher than 93% under T1 were found; and under T2 the local varieties E3 and E16 with a productive potential greater than 78%, with respect to the commercial variety k75B showed a better performance under T1 (89.75%) than under T2 (78.67%).Objective: To analyze the morphometric, weight, viability, and germination evaluation under two temperature and relative humidity conditions, in sixteen local varieties of castor bean (Ricinus communis) from several states of Mexico (E1-E16), as well as two commercial varieties (k75B and k93B). Design/Methodology/Approach: The following morphometric characteristics were analyzed using a vision system: area, elongation index (EI), and Feret's diameter (FD). Viability and germination tolerance (germination percentage (GP)), germination speed (GS), and emergence speed index (ESI)) were evaluated under two conditions of relative humidity and temperature (T1 - RH 80%/T 20ºC; T2 - RH 30%/T 40ºC), using a completely randomized block experiment design, with four replicates of 75 seeds. Results: There are morphometric differences (EI, area, and FD) between and within the study varieties. There are significant differences between T1 and T2 regarding the following variables: days of radicle emergence (T1: 44.71 and T2:11.6), germination percentage (T1: 48.37 and T2: 56%), ESI (T1: 34.07+12.72 and T2: 77.02+ 23.78), and GS (T1: 9.93 and T2: 24.60). The results obtained show a positive correlation between the morphometric properties and the germination percentage in T1; however, there was no correlation in T2. Study Limitations/Implications: There were no limitations to carry out this study. Findings/Conclusions: The E4 and E15 local varieties obtained a >93% productive potential in T1, while the E3 and E16 local varieties obtained a >78% productive potential in T2. Meanwhile, the k75B commercial variety had a better performance in T1 (89.75%) than in T2 (78.67%)

Biomechanical aspects:Summary and consensus statements of group 4. The 5(th) EAO Consensus Conference 2018

Objectives: The aim of the present publication was to report on the EAO Workshop group-4 discussions and consensus statements on the five reviews previously prepared. These reviews provided the scientific evidence on the effect of crown-to-implant ratio, on reconstructions with cantilevers in fully and partially edentulous patients, on biological and technical complications of tilted in comparison with straight implants, and on the effects of osseointegrated implants functioning in a residual dentition. Material and Methods: The group discussed, evaluated, corrected where deemed appropriate, and made recommendations to the authors regarding the following five reviews submitted: (a) Is there an effect of crown-to-implant ratio on implant treatment outcomes?; (b) Implant-supported cantilevered fixed dental rehabilitations in fully edentulous patients; (c) and in partially edentulous patients; (d) Biological and technical complications of tilted implants in comparison with straight implants supporting fixed dental prostheses; (e) What are the adverse effects of osseointegrated implants functioning among natural teeth of a residual dentition? Based on the five manuscripts and the discussion among the group as well as the plenum members, the major findings were summarized, consensus statements were formulated, clinical recommendations were proposed, and areas of future research were identified. Results: Crown-to-implant ratios ranging from 0.9 to 2.2 did not influence the occurrence of biological or technical complications also in single-tooth restorations. Reconstructions with cantilevers for the rehabilitation of fully and partially edentulous jaws showed high implant and reconstruction survival rates. In contrast, the rate of complications\u2014in particular associated with veneering material\u2014was high during the observation period of 5\u201310\ua0years. The data reported were primarily derived from studies with high risk of bias. The data for single-implant reconstructions were small. There was no evidence that distally tilted implants were associated with higher failure rates and increased amounts of marginal bone loss. The data supporting these findings, however, were at high risk of bias and frequently incompletely reported. Frequent positional changes occurred between the natural teeth and the implant-supported restorations. These changes were more pronounced in younger individuals, and even though they were reduced with age, they still occurred in adult patients. Even though these changes were frequent, potential implications for the patient are unclear. Conclusions: The use of single-tooth restorations with crown-to-implant ratio in between 0.9 and 2.2 may be considered a viable treatment option. Multiunit reconstructions with cantilevers are a viable treatment option in fully and partially edentulous patients. Clinicians and patients should be aware, however, that complications are frequent and primarily related to resin material used for veneering. There is some evidence that tilting an implant does affect stability of the implant and the surrounding bone. Treatment options to tilted implants should carefully be considered, as the effect on soft tissues and on prosthesis behavior is poorly reported for tilted implants. Positional changes in the dentition in relation to implant-supported restorations occur frequently. The patient should be informed about the possible need for a treatment related to these changes in the long term

Zootherapeutics utilized by residents of the community Poço Dantas, Crato-CE, Brazil

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Animals have been used as a source of medicine in Brazil since ancient times, and have played a significant role in healing practices. Specifically in Northeast Brazil, zootherapy is a very common practice, and together with medicinal plants, it plays an important role as a therapeutic alternative. In the state of Ceara, no works have been carried out on rural communities with regard to use of zootherapeutics, even though the practice of zootherapy is common in this region. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze the use of medicinal animals in a rural community (Poco Dantas) in the municipality of Crato, Ceara, Brazil.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>The field survey was carried out from October 2008 to January 2009 by conducting interviews using structured questionnaires with 72 people (33 men and 39 women), who provided information on animal species used as remedies, body parts used to prepare the remedies, and ailments for which the remedies were prescribed. We calculated the informant consensus factor (ICF) to determine the consensus over which species are effective for particular ailments, as well as the species use value (UV) to determine the extent of utilization of each species.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>A total of 29 species, distributed in 17 families were categorized as having some medicinal property. The taxa most represented were: mammals (9), insects (7), reptiles and birds (4). <it>Progne chalybea</it>, a species not previously recorded as being of medicinal use, was cited in the present work, where it is utilized in the treatment of alcoholism. The animals are used in the treatment of 34 diseases or symptoms, where sore throat, inflammations and cough are the ailments with the greatest number of citations.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The data show that zootherapy represents an important therapeutic alternative for the inhabitants of the community. New studies on medicinal fauna should be conducted with the aim of determining the exploitation level of the species utilized, promoting sustainable development of medicinal species that are eventually threatened, and preserving and disseminating the knowledge developed by traditional individuals of the community.</p

Charting the course for a Blue Economy in Peru: A Research Agenda

Ocean- and coastal-based economic activities are increasingly recognised as key drivers for supporting global economies. This move towards the “blue economy” is becoming globally widespread, with the recognition that if ocean-based activities are to be sustainable, they will need to move beyond solely extractive and exploitative endeavours, aligning more closely with marine conservation and effective marine spatial planning. In this paper we define the “blue economy” as a “platform for strategic, integrated and participatory coastal and ocean development and protection that incorporates a low carbon economy, the ecosystem approach and human well-being through advancing regional industries, services and activities”. In Peru, while the seas contribute greatly to the national economy, the full potential of the blue economy has yet to be realised. This paper presents the findings of an early career scientist workshop in Lima, Peru, in March 2016. The workshop “Advancing Green Growth in Peru” brought together researchers to identify challenges and opportunities for green growth across three Peruvian economic sectors—tourism, transport and the blue economy with this paper exploring in detail the priorities generated from the “blue economy” stream. These priorities include themes such as marine spatial planning, detailed evaluations of existing maritime industries (e.g. guano collection and fisheries), development of an effective MPA network, support for sustainable coastal tourism, and better inclusion of social science disciplines in understanding societal and political support for a Peruvian blue economy. In addition, the paper discusses the research requirements associated with these priorities. While not a comprehensive list, these priorities provide a starting point for future dialogue on a co-ordinated scientific platform supporting the blue growth agenda in Peru, and in other regions working towards a successful “blue economy”

Fauna used in popular medicine in Northeast Brazil

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Animal-based remedies constitute an integral part of Brazilian Traditional Medicine. Due to its long history, zootherapy has in fact become an integral part of folk medicine both in rural and urban areas of the country. In this paper we summarize current knowledge on zootherapeutic practices in Northeast of Brazil, based on information compiled from ethnobiological scientific literature.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>In order to examine the diversity of animals used in traditional medicine in Northeast of Brazil, all available references or reports of folk remedies based on animals sources were examined. 34 sources were analyzed. Only taxa that could be identified to species level were included in assessment of medicinal animal species. Scientific names provided in publications were updated.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The review revealed that at least 250 animal species (178 vertebrates and 72 invertebrates) are used for medicinal purposes in Northeast of Brazil. The inventoried species comprise 10 taxonomic categories and belong to 141 Families. The groups with the greatest number of species were fishes (n = 58), mammals (n = 47) and reptiles (n = 37). The zootherapeutical products are used for the treatment of different illnesses. The most widely treated condition were asthma, rheumatism and sore throat, conditions, which had a wide variety of animals to treat them with. Many animals were used for the treatment of multiple ailments. Beyond the use for treating human diseases, zootherapeutical resources are also used in ethnoveterinary medicine</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The number of medicinal species catalogued was quite expressive and demonstrate the importance of zootherapy as alternative therapeutic in Northeast of Brazil. Although widely diffused throughout Brazil, zootherapeutic practices remain virtually unstudied. There is an urgent need to examine the ecological, cultural, social, and public health implications associated with fauna usage, including a full inventory of the animal species used for medicinal purposes and the socio-cultural context associated with their consumption.</p