Circulating DNA: Diagnostic Tool and Predictive Marker for Overall Survival of NSCLC Patients

PURPOSE: The purpose of our study was to determine whether the amounts of circulating DNA (cDNA) could discriminate between NSCLC patients and healthy individuals and assess its value as a prognostic marker of this disease. METHODS: We conducted a study of 309 individuals and the cDNA levels were assessed through real-time PCR methodology. RESULTS: We found increased cDNA levels in NSCLC patients compared to control individuals. We also found a decreased overall survival time in patients presenting high cDNA levels, when compared to lower cDNA concentrations. CONCLUSIONS: Quantification of cDNA may be a good tool for NSCLC detection with potential for clinical applicability

Multi-messenger observations of a binary neutron star merger

On 2017 August 17 a binary neutron star coalescence candidate (later designated GW170817) with merger time 12:41:04 UTC was observed through gravitational waves by the Advanced LIGO and Advanced Virgo detectors. The Fermi Gamma-ray Burst Monitor independently detected a gamma-ray burst (GRB 170817A) with a time delay of ~1.7 s with respect to the merger time. From the gravitational-wave signal, the source was initially localized to a sky region of 31 deg2 at a luminosity distance of 40+8-8 Mpc and with component masses consistent with neutron stars. The component masses were later measured to be in the range 0.86 to 2.26 Mo. An extensive observing campaign was launched across the electromagnetic spectrum leading to the discovery of a bright optical transient (SSS17a, now with the IAU identification of AT 2017gfo) in NGC 4993 (at ~40 Mpc) less than 11 hours after the merger by the One- Meter, Two Hemisphere (1M2H) team using the 1 m Swope Telescope. The optical transient was independently detected by multiple teams within an hour. Subsequent observations targeted the object and its environment. Early ultraviolet observations revealed a blue transient that faded within 48 hours. Optical and infrared observations showed a redward evolution over ~10 days. Following early non-detections, X-ray and radio emission were discovered at the transient’s position ~9 and ~16 days, respectively, after the merger. Both the X-ray and radio emission likely arise from a physical process that is distinct from the one that generates the UV/optical/near-infrared emission. No ultra-high-energy gamma-rays and no neutrino candidates consistent with the source were found in follow-up searches. These observations support the hypothesis that GW170817 was produced by the merger of two neutron stars in NGC4993 followed by a short gamma-ray burst (GRB 170817A) and a kilonova/macronova powered by the radioactive decay of r-process nuclei synthesized in the ejecta

QCD and strongly coupled gauge theories : challenges and perspectives

We highlight the progress, current status, and open challenges of QCD-driven physics, in theory and in experiment. We discuss how the strong interaction is intimately connected to a broad sweep of physical problems, in settings ranging from astrophysics and cosmology to strongly coupled, complex systems in particle and condensed-matter physics, as well as to searches for physics beyond the Standard Model. We also discuss how success in describing the strong interaction impacts other fields, and, in turn, how such subjects can impact studies of the strong interaction. In the course of the work we offer a perspective on the many research streams which flow into and out of QCD, as well as a vision for future developments.Peer reviewe

Fatores associados à atividade física insuficiente em adultos: estudo de base populacional no sul do Brasil Factors associated with insufficient physical activity: a population-based study in southern Brazil

O objetivo desse estudo foi estimar a prevalência de atividade física (AF) insuficiente na população adulta do município de Lages (Santa Catarina) em 2007 e verificar os fatores associados a este desfecho. Trata-se de um estudo transversal de base populacional. A amostra foi obtida através de sorteio em múltiplos estágios de adultos entre 20 e 59 anos, de ambos os sexos (n = 2.051). Empregou-se o Questionário Internacional de Atividade Física (IPAQ), versão curta, para estimar a prevalência de AF insuficiente, definida como tempo gasto em atividade física moderada ou vigorosa menor do que 150 minutos por semana. Considerou-se como referência a semana anterior à entrevista. A prevalência de AF insuficiente foi de 29,6% (IC95%: 27,6; 31,7). No modelo ajustado, a atividade física insuficiente foi associada positivamente ao sexo masculino, renda familiar alta, obesidade e auto-avaliação negativa de saúde. As prevalências de AF insuficiente foram menores do que as relatadas pela maioria dos estudos brasileiros. Pesquisas que distingam diferentes tipos de atividade física podem contribuir para melhor conhecer o perfil de uma população a fim de contribuir para a implantação de políticas públicas que estimulem a população à prática regular de exercícios.<br>The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of insufficient physical activity and to find the factors associated to this outcome in Lages, Santa Catarina, Brazil (2007). A cross-sectional population-based study was carried out in a representative sample of individuals between 20 and 59 years of age (n=2,051). Physical activity was estimated using the short version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Insufficient physical activity was defined as less than 150 minutes per week spent in moderate or vigorous physical activity. The prevalence of insufficient physical activity was 29.6% (95%CI: 27.6; 31.7). The associated factors were to be male, obese, have high income, and negative self-perception of health status. The prevalence of insufficient physical activity was lower than reported by other Brazilian studies. Studies that distinguish different types of physical activity can contribute to a better understanding of the problem. The implementation of public policies that encourage the practice of regular exercises is required