Suscetibilidade da Bacia do Rio Bengalas a deslizamentos de terra

Landslides have frequently occurred in last years, due to the disorderly grownth of the cities and the occupation of risk areas by the poor population, causing social, environmental and economic impacts. Urban areas in expansion move to geologically unstable areas and topographically inclined, such as the Basin of River Bengalas, located in the city of Nova Friburgo, mountainous region of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This article aims to present the model survey to assess the susceptibility of the Basin of River Bengalas to landslides, which in january 2011, with the occurrence of heavy rains, caused landslides that impacted in the death of 429 people in city of Nova Friburgo. For the case study, several investigations have been made related to the areas of the basin, such as slope, soil conditions, lithology, land use and cover, vertical and horizontal curvatures. With this study it was possible to understand how the natural and anthropics elements of the basin are related to the local dynamics of the disasters regarding to their interferences in the induction of landslides, thus enabling improved public management of the Municipality regarding the use and division of land, from the identification of areas Basin of River Bengalas susceptible to landslides

General dissipation coefficient in low-temperature warm inflation

In generic particle physics models, the inflaton field is coupled to other bosonic and fermionic fields that acquire large masses during inflation and may decay into light degrees of freedom. This leads to dissipative effects that modify the inflationary dynamics and may generate a nearly-thermal radiation bath, such that inflation occurs in a warm rather than supercooled environment. In this work, we perform a numerical computation and obtain expressions for the associated dissipation coefficient in supersymmetric models, focusing on the regime where the radiation temperature is below the heavy mass threshold. The dissipation coefficient receives contributions from the decay of both on-shell and off-shell degrees of freedom, which are dominant for small and large couplings, respectively, taking into account the light field multiplicities. In particular, we find that the contribution from on-shell decays, although Boltzmann-suppressed, can be much larger than that of virtual modes, which is bounded by the validity of a perturbative analysis. This result opens up new possibilities for realizations of warm inflation in supersymmetric field theories.Comment: 25 pages, 13 figures; revised version with new results added; published in JCA

Pathogenesis of hypertension in a mouse model for human CLCN2 related hyperaldosteronism

Human primary aldosteronism (PA) can be caused by mutations in several ion channel genes but mouse models replicating this condition are lacking. We now show that almost all known PA-associated CLCN2 mutations markedly increase ClC-2 chloride currents and generate knock-in mice expressing a constitutively open ClC-2 Cl(−) channel as mouse model for PA. The Clcn2(op) allele strongly increases the chloride conductance of zona glomerulosa cells, provoking a strong depolarization and increasing cytoplasmic Ca(2+) concentration. Clcn2(op) mice display typical features of human PA, including high serum aldosterone in the presence of low renin activity, marked hypertension and hypokalemia. These symptoms are more pronounced in homozygous Clcn2(op/op) than in heterozygous Clcn2+/op mice. This difference is attributed to the unexpected finding that only ~50 % of Clcn2(+/op) zona glomerulosa cells are depolarized. By reproducing essential features of human PA, Clcn2(op) mice are a valuable model to study the pathological mechanisms underlying this disease

Description Of Rhodnius Marabaensis Sp. N. (hemiptera, Reduviidade, Triatominae) From Pará State, Brazil

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)Rhodnius marabaensis sp. n. was collected on 12 May 2014 in the Murumurú Environmental Reserve in the city of Marabá, Pará State, Brazil. This study was based on previous consultation of morphological descriptions of 19 Rhodnius species and compared to the identification key for the genus Rhodnius. The examination included specimens from 18 Rhodnius species held in the Brazilian National and International Triatomine Taxonomy Reference Laboratory in the Oswaldo Cruz Institute in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The morphological characteristics of the head, thorax, abdomen, genitalia, and eggs have been determined. Rhodnius prolixus and R. robustus were examined in more detail because the BLAST analysis of a cyt-b sequence shows they are closely related to the new species, which also occurs in the northern region of Brazil. The most notable morphological features that distinguish R. marabaensis sp. n. are the keel-shaped apex of the head, the length of the second segment of the antennae, the shapes of the prosternum, mesosternum and metasternum, the set of spots on the abdomen, the male genitalia, the posterior and ventral surfaces of the external female genitalia, and the morphological characteristics of the eggs. Rhodnius jacundaensis Serra, Serra and Von Atzingen (1980) nomen nudum specimens deposited at the Maraba Cultural Center Foundation - MCCF were examined and considered as a synonym of R. marabaensis sp. n. © Eder dos Santos Souza et al.201662145622010/15386-3, FAPESP, Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo23038-005285/2011-2012, CAPES, Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível SuperiorCNPq, Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e TecnológicoFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq

Temperature and relative humidity trends in the northernmost region of South Africa, 1950–2016

The northernmost Limpopo Province is located in one of the warmest regions of South Africa, where the agricultural sector is prone to heat stress. The aim of this study was to explore air temperature and relative humidity trends for the region, which have implications for agricultural adaptation and management (amongst other sectors). In particular, we investigated seasonal, annual and decadal scale air temperature and relative humidity changes for the period 1950–2016. Positive temperature trends were recorded for this period, averaging +0.02 °C/year, with the strongest changes observed in mean maximum summer temperatures (+0.03 °C/year). Interannual temperature variability also increased over time, especially for the period 2010–2016, which presents probability densities of <50% for minimum temperatures. Positive relative humidity trends (+0.06%/year) were also recorded for the period 1980– 2016, but proved to be the least predictable weather parameter, with probability densities of <0.5% across seasons for the study period. Considering the substantial interannual variability in temperature and relative humidity, there is clear increased risk for the agricultural sector, particularly for small-scale farmers who generally have limited capacity to adapt. Climate science focusing on the southern African region should continue to establish the impact of climate change and variability on specific small-scale farming systems and enterprises, with recommendations for strategic adaptation based on up-to-date evidence. SIGNIFICANCE : • Heat indices have increased, and variability in temperature and relative humidity has substantially increased over recent decades. • Changes in air temperature and relative humidity have direct and/or indirect negative effects on sectors such as agriculture, leading to reduced productivity. • The small-scale farming sector, which contributes significantly to national food security in developing countries, is the production system most exposed and vulnerable to observed changes/extremes in temperature and relative humidity. • There is an urgent need to build capacity of small-scale farmers for appropriate adaptation to observed changes in climate based on up-to-date evidence.Open Society Foundationhttp://www.sajs.co.zahj2021Geography, Geoinformatics and Meteorolog

Perceived impacts of climate change on rural poultry production : a case study in Limpopo Province, South Africa

Rural farming households in developing countries frequently contend with multiple challenges, including a lack of resources, food insecurity, and poverty. Climate change threatens to compound existing challenges, particularly in such rural subsistence economies with limited adaptive capacity. We aim to establish farmers' perspectives on likely impacts of climate change on their rural poultry production in northern South Africa. A baseline questionnaire-based study was conducted across 106 households in the town of Musina, South Africa. Most households lacked reliable and adequate sources of income and had, for example, days when they had to skip meals as a coping strategy. With such poverty, coupled with poor access to scientific information on agricultural production, these farmers typically have limited capacity to adapt to shocks such as climate variability and change. Farmers reported a reduction in poultry productivity in recent years, coinciding with increased ambient temperatures. There are concerns that recent and ongoing warming trends will have negative impacts on the future growth and wellbeing of birds. However, the farmers in our study perceived their poultry as hardy and well adapted to survive any future climatic changes and may be uninclined to take adaptive action at this stage.The Global Change Institute, University of the Witwatersrand Johannesburg.http://www.tandfonline.com/toc/tcld20hj2023Geography, Geoinformatics and Meteorolog

A phase I and pharmacokinetic study of weekly paclitaxel and carboplatin in patients with metastatic esophageal cancer

PURPOSE: To determine the maximum-tolerated dose, toxicity profile, and pharmacokinetics of a fixed dose of paclitaxel followed by increasing doses of carboplatin, given weekly to patients with advanced esophageal or gastric junction cancer. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Paclitaxel was administered on day 1 as a 1-h infusion at a fixed dose of 100 mg/m(2) followed by a 1-h infusion of carboplatin targeting an area under the curve (AUC) of 2-5 mg x min/ml, with cycles repeated on days 8, 15, 29, 36, and 43. RESULTS: Forty patients [36 males; median (range) age, 57 (40-74) years] were enrolled. Dose-limiting toxicity was observed at a carboplatin AUC of 5 mg x min/ml and consisted of treatment delay attributable to myelosuppression. No grade 3/4 treatment-related nonhematological toxicity was observed. The highest dose intensity (>95% of the planned dose over time) was achieved with a carboplatin AUC of 4 mg x min/ml. The mean (+/-SD) AUCs of unbound (Cu) and total paclitaxel were 0.662 +/- 0.186 and 7.37 +/- 1.33 micro M x h, respectively. Clearance of Cu was 188 +/- 44.6 liter/h/m(2), which is not significantly different from historical data (P = 0.52). Cremophor EL clearance was 123 +/- 23 ml/h/m(2), similar to previous findings. Of 37 patients evaluable for response, 1 had complete response, 19 had partial response, and 10 had stable disease, accounting for an overall response rate of 54%. CONCLUSIONS: This regimen is very tolerable and effective, and the recommended doses for additional studies are paclitaxel (100 mg/m(2)), with carboplatin targeting an AUC of 4 mg x min/ml

Phase II study of neo-adjuvant chemotherapy with paclitaxel and cisplatin given every 2 weeks for patients with a resectable squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus

BACKGROUND: We have previously reported a favourable response rate in patients with advanced esophageal cancer after treatment with a biweekly regimen of paclitaxel and cisplatin. In this study we investigate the feasibility and efficacy of this regimen in a neo-adjuvant setting. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with resectable squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus received paclit-axel 180 mg/m(2) and cisplatin 60 mg/m(2) every 2 weeks. Patients received three courses and responding patients received three additional courses; thereafter, patients were referred for surgery. Patient characteristics of 50 eligible patients were as follows: male, 60%; median age, 62 years (range 45-78); median World Health Organization performance status of 1 (range 0-2). RESULTS: Ninety-four per cent of patients received at least three courses of chemotherapy. Haematological toxicity consisted of National Cancer Institute-Common Toxicity Criteria grade 3 or 4 neutropenia in 71% of patients, with neutropenic fever occurring in only two patients (4%). The overall response rate was 59%. Pathological examination showed tumour-free margins in 38 patients. In seven patients no residual tumour was found. The median overall survival was 20 months and the 1- and 3-year survival rates were 68% and 30%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This dose-dense schedule of paclitaxel and cisplatin administered biweekly is well tolerated and the observed overall and complete response rates are promising

Emergence of ceftazidime/avibactam resistance in KPC-8–producing Klebsiella pneumoniae in South America

Klebsiella pneumoniae is one of the so-called ESKAPE pathogens. These organisms are the main cause of nosocomial infections worldwide, causing life-threatening infections amongst critically ill and immunocompromised individuals. They are characterized by drug resistance mechanisms. Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC)-producing isolates display resistance to multiple antimicrobial agents, usually including last-resort alternative options, leading to an urgent need to develop new drugs or combinations. In Argentina sequence type (ST) 258 harbouring bla KPC-2 emerged in 2010 and remained prevalent until the last few years, when the emergence of different STs such as ST25, ST11 and ST307 appeared likely to change the local epidemiology.Fil: García, J.. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Medicina. Hospital de Clínicas General San Martín; ArgentinaFil: Nastro, Marcela. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Medicina. Hospital de Clínicas General San Martín; ArgentinaFil: Cejas, Daniela. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquimica. Instituto de Investigaciones En Bacteriologia y Virologia Molecular; ArgentinaFil: Santana, G.. No especifíca;Fil: Mancino, M.B.. No especifíca;Fil: Hidalgo, M.. No especifíca;Fil: Maccallini, G.. No especifíca;Fil: Vay, C.. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Medicina. Hospital de Clínicas General San Martín; ArgentinaFil: Radice, Marcela Alejandra. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquimica. Instituto de Investigaciones En Bacteriologia y Virologia Molecular; ArgentinaFil: Dabos, L.. Université Paris Sud; FranciaFil: Famiglietti, Angela María Rosa. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Medicina. Hospital de Clínicas General San Martín; ArgentinaFil: Rodríguez, H.. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Medicina. Hospital de Clínicas General San Martín; Argentin

A Community Program of Integrated Care for Frail Older Adults: +AGIL Barcelona

Objectives: To assess the 3-month impact on physical function of a program for community-dwelling frail older adults, based on the integration of primary care, geriatric medicine, and community resources, implemented in 'real life'. Design: Interventional cohort study. Setting: Primary care in Barcelona, Spain. Participants: Individuals aged ≥80 years (n=134), presenting at least one sign of frailty (i.e., slow gait speed, weakness, memory complaints, involuntary weight loss, poor social support). Intervention: After frailty screening by the primary care team, candidates were referred to a geriatric team (geriatrician + physical therapist), who performed a comprehensive geriatric assessment and designed a tailored multidisciplinary intervention in the community, including a) multi-modal physical activity (PA) sessions, b) promotion of adherence to a Mediterranean diet c) health education and d) medication review. Measurements: Participants were assessed based on a comprehensive geriatric assessment including physical performance (Short Physical Performance Battery -SPPB- and gait speed), at baseline and at a three month follow-up. Results: A total of 112 (83.6%) participants (mean age=80.8 years, 67.9% women) were included in this research. Despite being independent in daily life, participants' physical performance was impaired (SPPB=7.5, SD=2.1, gait speed=0.71, SD=0.20 m/sec). After three months, 90.2% of participants completed ≥7.5 physical activity sessions. The mean improvements were +1.47 (SD 1.64) points (p<0.001) for SPPB, +0.08 (SD 0.13) m/sec (p<0.001) for gait speed, -5.5 (SD 12.10) sec (p<0.001) for chair stand test, and 53% (p<0.001) improved their balance. Results remained substantially unchanged after stratifying the analyses according to the severity of frailty. Conclusions: Our results suggested that a 'real-world' multidisciplinary intervention, integrating primary care, geriatric care, and community services may improve physical function, a marker of frailty, within 3 months. Further studies are needed to address the long-term impact and scalability of this implementation program