Gel casting of silicon nitride foams using biopolymers as gelling agents

Abstract Si3N4-based foams were prepared by the gel casting route using egg-albumen, agar-agar, or methylcellulose as biopolymer gelling agents. Microstructural, permeability, and mechanical properties of the foams were determined. The use of a variety of environmentally friendly gelling agents produced Si3N4 foams with a wide range of porosity (79–89%), mean cell size (199–852 μm), and mean window size (51–152 μm). The pressureless sintering method was successfully applied and resulted in Si3N4 foams with compressive strengths ranging from 1.6 to 9.4 MPa when treated at 1600 °C and up to 33.5 MPa when sintered at 1700 °C, due to the formation of the β–Si3N4 phase. Darcian (k1) and non-Darcian (k2) permeability coefficients were 4.41 × 10−12 to 1.61 × 10−10 m2 and 5.07 × 10−7 to 1.02 × 10−6 m, respectively, allowing the produced Si3N4 foams to be used in a wide variety of fluid flow and filtering applications

EVALUATION OF A MICROIMMUNODIFUSION ASSAY FOR THE DIAGNOSIS OF ENZOOTIC BOVINE LEUKOSIS

O presente trabalho foi realizado com o objetivo de avaliar uma micro-IDGA usando protocolo simples para obtenção do antígeno comparativamente a uma macro-IDGA. Foram utilizadas 450 amostras de soro bovino provenientes de 92 rebanhos de 23 municípios que compõem a bacia leiteira do estado do Maranhão. O antígeno usado na micro-IDGA foi obtido por diálise frente ao polietilenoglicol de sobrenadante de células FLK infectadas pelo VLEB. Na micro-IDGA utilizou-se 10µL de antígeno e soro controle positivo e 30 µl do soro teste; na macro-IDGA 25 µl de todos os reagentes. Dos soros comparados, 57.56% (n=259) e 54.44% (n=245) apresentaram animais reagentes na micro-IDGA e macro-IDGA, respectivamente. Houve ótima concordância entre as duas técnicas (K=0,91), com sensibilidade e especificidade da macro-IDGA em relação à micro-IDGA de 93.43% e 98.43%, respectivamente. A micro-IDGA apresentou linhas mais claras que as observadas na macro-IDGA e a leitura pode ser feita 24 horas antes da macro-IDGA. Conclui-se que a micro-IDGA pode substituir à macro-IDGA no diagnóstico sorológico da LEB, com a vantagem de maior rapidez na emissão dos resultados e da obtenção do antígeno com técnica simples.  This work was developed to evaluate how a micro-AGID using simple protocol for obtaining the antigen compared to a macro-AGID. A total of 450 serum samples from 92 herds in 23 counties that make up the dairy herd of Maranhão were used. The antigen used in micro-AGID was obtained by desalting of supernatant of FLK cells infected with BLV against the polyethylenoglicol. In micro-AGID 10µL of antigen and positive serum control was used and 30 µl of test serum, in the macro-AGID 25 µl of all reagents were used. Of the compared sera, 57.56% (n=259) and 54.44% (n=245) showed positive animals reagents results in micro-AGID and macro-AGID, respectively. There was a very good agreement between both techniques (K=0.91), with sensitivity and specificity of the macro-AGID for micro-AGID of 93.43% and 98.43% with an accuracy of 95.96%. Micro-AGID showed clearer lines than those observed in the macro-AGID and reading can be made 24 hours before the macro-AGID. It is concluded that micro-AGID can be used successfully in the serological diagnosis of EBL, with the advantage of greater speed in issuing the results and obtaining the antigen with a simple technique

Serological Proteomic Screening and Evaluation of a Recombinant Egg Antigen for the Diagnosis of Low-Intensity \u3ci\u3eSchistosoma mansoni\u3c/i\u3e infections in endemic area in Brazil

Background Despite decades of use of control programs, schistosomiasis remains a global public health problem. To further reduce prevalence and intensity of infection, or to achieve the goal of elimination in low-endemic areas, there needs to be better diagnostic tools to detect low-intensity infections in low-endemic areas in Brazil. The rationale for development of new diagnostic tools is that the current standard test Kato-Katz (KK) is not sensitive enough to detect low-intensity infections in low-endemic areas. In order to develop new diagnostic tools, we employed a proteomics approach to identify biomarkers associated with schistosome-specific immune responses in hopes of developing sensitive and specific new methods for immunodiagnosis. Methods and findings Immunoproteomic analyses were performed on egg extracts of Schistosoma mansoni using pooled sera from infected or non-infected individuals from a low-endemic area of Brazil. Cross reactivity with other soil-transmitted helminths (STH) was determined using pooled sera from individuals uniquely infected with different helminths. Using this approach, we identified 23 targets recognized by schistosome acute and chronic sera samples. To identify immunoreactive targets that were likely glycan epitopes, we compared these targets to the immunoreactivity of spots treated with sodium metaperiodate oxidation of egg extract. This treatment yielded 12/23 spots maintaining immunoreactivity, suggesting that they were protein epitopes. From these 12 spots, 11 spots cross-reacted with sera from individuals infected with other STH and 10 spots cross-reacted with the negative control group. Spot number 5 was exclusively immunoreactive with sera from S. mansoni-infected groups in native and deglycosylated conditions and corresponds to Major Egg Antigen (MEA). We expressed MEA as a recombinant protein and showed a similar recognition pattern to that of the native protein via western blot. IgG-ELISA gave a sensitivity of 87.10% and specificity of 89.09% represented by area under the ROC curve of 0.95. IgG-ELISA performed better than the conventional KK (2 slides), identifying 56/64 cases harboring 1–10 eggs per gram of feces that were undiagnosed by KK parasitological technique. Conclusions The serological proteome approach was able to identify a new diagnostic candidate. The recombinant egg antigen provided good performance in IgG-ELISA to detect individuals with extreme low-intensity infections (1 egg per gram of feces). Therefore, the IgG-ELISA using this newly identified recombinant MEA can be a useful tool combined with other techniques in low-endemic areas to determine the true prevalence of schistosome infection that is underestimated by the KK method. Further, to overcome the complexity of ELISA in the field, a second generation of antibody-based rapid diagnostic tests (RDT) can be developed

ABORDAGENS INOVADORAS NO DIAGNÓSTICO PRECOCE DO GLAUCOMA

 In the continuous search for advances in the ophthalmological field, innovative approaches to the early diagnosis of glaucoma emerge as a crucial answer. The implementation of advanced imaging technologies and monitoring methods offers a promising prospect for identifying signs of the disease early, enabling more effective interventions. Objectives: Explore innovative approaches to early diagnosis of glaucoma. Methodology:  The articles found were read, upon reading the articles were subjected to inclusion and exclusion criteria, within the inclusion criteria original articles were considered, which addressed the topic researched and allowed full access to the content of the study, published in the period of 2015 to 2023, in Portuguese and English, totaling 19 articles for the present study. The research was carried out through online access to the National Library of Medicine (PubMed MEDLINE), Scientific Electronic Library Online (SCIELO), Latin American and Caribbean Literature in Health Sciences (LILACS) databases in March 2024. Results and Discussions:  Innovative approaches to the early diagnosis of glaucoma present promising advances in effective detection of the disease. The application of advanced imaging technologies, such as optical coherence tomography (OCT), has demonstrated remarkable sensitivity in identifying early structural changes, providing a solid foundation for timely interventions. The importance of these approaches in the clinical context, highlighting how early detection can positively influence the course of the disease. Furthermore, the personalization of care, made possible by these technologies, emerges as a determining factor in the approach to glaucoma, adapting to the specific needs of each patient. Conclusion: In summary, the results presented reinforce the positive impact of innovative approaches in the early diagnosis of glaucoma. The enhanced sensitivity provided by advanced imaging technologies highlights their crucial role in early identification of ocular changes. This conclusion highlights the continued importance of research and implementation of these approaches to improve the effectiveness of ophthalmological care, contributing significantly to the preservation of vision and quality of life for patients affected by glaucoma.Na busca contínua por avanços na área oftalmológica, as abordagens inovadoras no diagnóstico precoce do glaucoma emergem como uma resposta crucial. A implementação de tecnologias avançadas de imagem e métodos de monitoramento oferece uma perspectiva promissora para identificar precocemente os sinais da doença, possibilitando intervenções mais eficazes. Objetivos: Explorar abordagens inovadoras para o diagnóstico precoce do glaucoma. Metodologia:  Foi realizada a leitura dos artigos encontrados, mediante a leitura, os artigos foram submetidos a critérios de inclusão e de exclusão, dentre os de inclusão foram considerados artigos originais, que abordassem o tema pesquisado e permitissem acesso integral ao conteúdo do estudo, publicados no período de 2015 a 2023, em português e em inglês, totalizando 19 artigos para o presente estudo. A pesquisa foi realizada através do acesso online nas bases de dados National Library of Medicine (PubMed MEDLINE), Scientific Electronic Library Online (SCIELO), Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (LILACS) no mês de março de 2024. Resultados e Discussões:  As abordagens inovadoras no diagnóstico precoce do glaucoma apresentam promissores avanços na detecção eficaz da doença. A aplicação de tecnologias avançadas de imagem, como a tomografia de coerência óptica (OCT), demonstrou uma sensibilidade notável na identificação de alterações estruturais precoces, proporcionando uma base sólida para intervenções tempestivas. A importância dessas abordagens no contexto clínico, ressaltando como a detecção precoce pode influenciar positivamente o curso da doença. Além disso, a personalização dos cuidados, viabilizada por essas tecnologias, emerge como um fator determinante na abordagem do glaucoma, adaptando-se às necessidades específicas de cada paciente. Conclusão: Em síntese, os resultados apresentados reforçam o impacto positivo das abordagens inovadoras no diagnóstico precoce do glaucoma. A sensibilidade aprimorada proporcionada por tecnologias avançadas de imagem destaca seu papel crucial na identificação precoce de alterações oculares. Esta conclusão ressalta a importância contínua da pesquisa e implementação dessas abordagens para melhorar a eficácia dos cuidados oftalmológicos, contribuindo, significativamente, para a preservação da visão e qualidade de vida dos pacientes afetados pelo glaucoma

Pantropical modelling of canopy functional traits using Sentinel-2 remote sensing data

Funding Information: This work is a product of the Global Ecosystems Monitoring (GEM) network (gem.tropicalforests.ox.ac.uk). J.A.G. was funded by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC; NE/T011084/1 and NE/S011811/1) and the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO) under the Rubicon programme with project number 019.162LW.010. The traits field campaign was funded by a grant to Y.M. from the European Research Council (Advanced Grant GEM-TRAIT: 321131) under the European Union‘s Seventh Framework Programme (FP7/2007-2013), with additional support from NERC Grant NE/D014174/1 and NE/J022616/1 for traits work in Peru, NERC Grant ECOFOR (NE/K016385/1) for traits work in Santarem, NERC Grant BALI (NE/K016369/1) for plot and traits work in Malaysia and ERC Advanced Grant T-FORCES (291585) to Phillips for traits work in Australia. Plot setup in Ghana and Gabon were funded by a NERC Grant NE/I014705/1 and by the Royal Society-Leverhulme Africa Capacity Building Programme. The Malaysia campaign was also funded by NERC GrantNE/K016253/1. Plot inventories in Peru were supported by funding from the US National Science Foundation Long-Term Research in Environmental Biology program (LTREB; DEB 1754647) and the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation Andes-Amazon Program. Plots inventories in Nova Xavantina (Brazil) were supported by the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq), Long Term Ecological Research Program (PELD), Proc. 441244/2016-5, and the Foundation of Research Support of Mato Grosso (FAPEMAT), Project ReFlor, Proc. 589267/2016. During data collection, I.O. was supported by a Marie Curie Fellowship (FP7-PEOPLE-2012-IEF-327990). GEM trait data in Gabon was collected under authorisation to Y.M. and supported by the Gabon National Parks Agency. D.B. was funded by the Fondation Wiener-Anspach. W.D.K. acknowledges support from the Faculty Research Cluster ‘Global Ecology’ of the University of Amsterdam. M.S. was funded by a grant from the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports of the Czech Republic (INTER-TRANSFER LTT19018). Y.M. is supported by the Jackson Foundation. We thank the two anonymous reviewers and Associate Editor G. Henebry for their insightful comments that helped improved this manuscript.Peer reviewedPostprin

Simulating land use changes, sediment yields, and pesticide use in the Upper Paraguay River Basin: Implications for conservation of the Pantanal wetland

As a consequence of accelerated and excessive use of pesticides in tropical regions, wilderness areas are under threat; this includes the Pantanal wetlands in the Upper Paraguay River Basin (UPRB). Using a Land Cover Land Use Change (LCLUC) modelling approach, we estimated the expected pesticide load in the Pantanal and the surrounding highlands region for 2050 under three potential scenarios: i) business as usual (BAU), ii) acceleration of anthropogenic changes (ACC), and iii) use of buffer zones around protected areas (BPA). The quantity of pesticides used in the UPRB is predicted to vary depending on the scenario, from an overall increase by as much as 7.4% in the UPRB in the BAU scenario (increasing by 38.5% in the floodplain and 6.6% in the highlands), to an increase of 11.2% in the UPRB (over current use) under the AAC scenario (increasing by 53.8% in the floodplain and 7.5% in the highlands). Much higher usage of pesticides is predicted in sub-basins with greater agricultural areas within major hydrographic basins. Changing the current trajectory of land management in the UPRB is a complex challenge. It will require a substantial shift from current practices, and will involve the implementation of a number of strategies, ranging from the development of new technologies to achieve changes in land use policies, to increasing dialogue between farmers, ranchers, the scientific community, and local or traditional communities through participatory learning processes and outreach

Racial differences in systemic sclerosis disease presentation: a European Scleroderma Trials and Research group study

Objectives. Racial factors play a significant role in SSc. We evaluated differences in SSc presentations between white patients (WP), Asian patients (AP) and black patients (BP) and analysed the effects of geographical locations.Methods. SSc characteristics of patients from the EUSTAR cohort were cross-sectionally compared across racial groups using survival and multiple logistic regression analyses.Results. The study included 9162 WP, 341 AP and 181 BP. AP developed the first non-RP feature faster than WP but slower than BP. AP were less frequently anti-centromere (ACA; odds ratio (OR) = 0.4, P < 0.001) and more frequently anti-topoisomerase-I autoantibodies (ATA) positive (OR = 1.2, P = 0.068), while BP were less likely to be ACA and ATA positive than were WP [OR(ACA) = 0.3, P < 0.001; OR(ATA) = 0.5, P = 0.020]. AP had less often (OR = 0.7, P = 0.06) and BP more often (OR = 2.7, P < 0.001) diffuse skin involvement than had WP.AP and BP were more likely to have pulmonary hypertension [OR(AP) = 2.6, P < 0.001; OR(BP) = 2.7, P = 0.03 vs WP] and a reduced forced vital capacity [OR(AP) = 2.5, P < 0.001; OR(BP) = 2.4, P < 0.004] than were WP. AP more often had an impaired diffusing capacity of the lung than had BP and WP [OR(AP vs BP) = 1.9, P = 0.038; OR(AP vs WP) = 2.4, P < 0.001]. After RP onset, AP and BP had a higher hazard to die than had WP [hazard ratio (HR) (AP) = 1.6, P = 0.011; HR(BP) = 2.1, P < 0.001].Conclusion. Compared with WP, and mostly independent of geographical location, AP have a faster and earlier disease onset with high prevalences of ATA, pulmonary hypertension and forced vital capacity impairment and higher mortality. BP had the fastest disease onset, a high prevalence of diffuse skin involvement and nominally the highest mortality

Optimasi Portofolio Resiko Menggunakan Model Markowitz MVO Dikaitkan dengan Keterbatasan Manusia dalam Memprediksi Masa Depan dalam Perspektif Al-Qur`an

Risk portfolio on modern finance has become increasingly technical, requiring the use of sophisticated mathematical tools in both research and practice. Since companies cannot insure themselves completely against risk, as human incompetence in predicting the future precisely that written in Al-Quran surah Luqman verse 34, they have to manage it to yield an optimal portfolio. The objective here is to minimize the variance among all portfolios, or alternatively, to maximize expected return among all portfolios that has at least a certain expected return. Furthermore, this study focuses on optimizing risk portfolio so called Markowitz MVO (Mean-Variance Optimization). Some theoretical frameworks for analysis are arithmetic mean, geometric mean, variance, covariance, linear programming, and quadratic programming. Moreover, finding a minimum variance portfolio produces a convex quadratic programming, that is minimizing the objective function ðð¥with constraintsð ð 𥠥 ðandð´ð¥ = ð. The outcome of this research is the solution of optimal risk portofolio in some investments that could be finished smoothly using MATLAB R2007b software together with its graphic analysis

Measurement of the top quark forward-backward production asymmetry and the anomalous chromoelectric and chromomagnetic moments in pp collisions at √s = 13 TeV

Abstract The parton-level top quark (t) forward-backward asymmetry and the anomalous chromoelectric (d̂ t) and chromomagnetic (μ̂ t) moments have been measured using LHC pp collisions at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV, collected in the CMS detector in a data sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 35.9 fb−1. The linearized variable AFB(1) is used to approximate the asymmetry. Candidate t t ¯ events decaying to a muon or electron and jets in final states with low and high Lorentz boosts are selected and reconstructed using a fit of the kinematic distributions of the decay products to those expected for t t ¯ final states. The values found for the parameters are AFB(1)=0.048−0.087+0.095(stat)−0.029+0.020(syst),μ̂t=−0.024−0.009+0.013(stat)−0.011+0.016(syst), and a limit is placed on the magnitude of | d̂ t| < 0.03 at 95% confidence level. [Figure not available: see fulltext.