Late time cosmic acceleration in modified Sáez-Ballester theory

We establish an extended version of the modified S\'{a}ez-Ballester (SB) scalar-tensor theory in arbitrary dimensions whose energy momentum tensor as well as potential are pure geometrical quantities. This scenario emerges by means of two scalar fields (one is present in the SB theory and the other is associated with the extra dimension) which widens the scope of the induced-matter theory. Moreover, it bears a close resemblance to the standard S\'{a}ez-Ballester scalar-tensor theory, as well as other alternative theories to general relativity, whose construction includes either a minimally or a non-minimally coupled scalar field. However, contrary to those theories, in our framework the energy momentum tensor and the scalar potential are not added by hand, but instead are dictated from the geometry. Concerning cosmological applications, our herein contribution brings a new perspective. We firstly show that the dark energy sector can be naturally retrieved within a strictly geometric perspective, and we subsequently analyze it. Moreover, our framework may provide a hint to understand the physics of lower gravity theories.info:eu-repo/semantics/submittedVersio

Experimental studies on structural timber glass adhesive bonding

The utilization of timber in building structures has been increasing in the last years, partly due to technological developments in this field. New tectonic concepts such as prefabricated and industrialised systems arose, though very different from the ones presented by traditional solutions. Hence, the combination of timber with other constructive materials is emerging. Steel, composites materials or glass can be combined with timber, in order to obtain resistant products, highly typified, standardised and with low behavioural variation. The structural utilization of timber glass composite solutions is a daring construtive system, which although still in a very early stage, already presents an important potential of applicability in architecture. In order to fully benefit from composite timber glass cross sections, an adequate bonding between these two elements is essential. With the purpose of achieving the ideal balance between strength and flexibility, an extensive set of experimental tests is being carried out at the University of Minho. This presentation focus on the analysis of results regarding shear stress tests with timber glass bondings, using adhesive as structural bonding system. In these tests, various adhesives were applied, including different trades and adhesive types such as silicone, methacrylate, polyurethane, acrylics and superflex polymers.Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT) - SFRH/BDE/15538/200

Relationships between leaf water potential and photosynthetic activity of field grapevines grown under different soil water regimes

Relationships between ecophysiological parameters from a grapevine irrigation experiment (rain-fed vs. deficit irrigation) conducted during 1998 at Alentejo, south of Portugal, with the red variety Aragonez (syn. Tempranillo) are presented and discussed. The irrigation affected positively grapevine physiology without changing berry composition. Predawn leaf water potential shows a significant dependence on available soil water, measured by a neutron probe, the correlation coefficients being higher in nonirrigated plants than in irrigated ones. Leaf water potential (Ψ) values measured in exposed leaves in the morning and afternoon were also significantly correlated with available soil water. Net CO2 assimilation rate (A) and stomatal conductance (gs) of sun leaves measured throughout the growing season at three different periods of the day were significantly correlated with predawn leaf water potential, nonirrigated vines presenting the highest correlation coefficients. Significant correlations were also found between Ψ and A or gs measured in the early morning. Our results show that, in water stress conditions, predawn leaf water potential can be used as an indicator of soil water availability and physiological activity of sun exposed leavesinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Burden of epilepsy in Latin America and The Caribbean: a trend analysis of the Global Burden of Disease Study 1990 – 2019.

Background: The epilepsy prevalence in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) had remained high over the last 20 years. Data on the burden of epilepsy are needed for healthcare planning and resource allocation. However, no systematic analysis had been performed for epilepsy burden in LAC. Methods: We extracted data of all LAC countries from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study from 1990 to 2019. Epilepsy burden was measured as prevalence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs; defined by the sum of years of life lost [YLLs] for premature mortality and years lived with disability [YLDs]), by age, sex, year, and country. Absolute numbers, rates, and 95% uncertainty intervals were reported. We performed correlational analyses among burden metrics and Socio-demographic Index (SDI). Findings: The burden of epilepsy decreased around 20% in LAC, led by YLLs reduction. In 2019, 6·3 million people were living with active epilepsy of all causes (95% UI 5·3 - 7·4), with 3·22 million (95% UI 2·21 - 4·03) and 3·11 million (95% UI 2·21 to 4·03) cases of epilepsy with identifiable aetiology and idiopathic epilepsy, respectively. The number of DALYs represented the 9·51% (1.37 million, 95% UI 0·99 -1·86) of the global epilepsy burden in 2019. The age-standardized burden was 175·9 per 100 000 population (95% UI 119·4 - 253·3), which tend to have a bimodal age distribution (higher in the youth and elderly) and was driven by high YLDs estimates. The burden was higher in men and older adults, primarily due to high YLLs and mortality. Alcohol use was associated with 17% of the reported DALYs. The SDI estimates significantly influenced this burden (countries with high SDI have less epilepsy burden and mortality, but not prevalence or disability). Interpretation: The epilepsy burden has decreased in LAC over the past 30 years. Even though, LAC is still ranked as the third region with the highest global epilepsy burden. This reduction was higher in children, but burden and mortality increased for older adults. The epilepsy burden is disability predominant; however, the mortality-related estimates are still higher than in other regions. Alcohol consumption and countries’ development are important determinants of this burden. There is an urgent need to improve access to epilepsy care in LAC, particularly for older adults. Strengthening primary care with online learning and telemedicine tools, and promoting risk factors modification should be prioritized in the region. Funding: This research was self-funded by the authors

Development of pH-Sensitive magnetoliposomes containing shape anisotropic nanoparticles for potential application in combined cancer therapy

Late diagnosis and systemic toxicity associated with conventional treatments make oncological therapy significantly difficult. In this context, nanomedicine emerges as a new approach in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer. In this work, pH-sensitive solid magnetoliposomes (SMLs) were developed for controlled release of the chemotherapeutic drug doxorubicin (DOX). Shape anisotropic magnetic nanoparticles of magnesium ferrite with partial substitution by calcium (Mg0.75Ca0.25Fe2O4) were synthesized, with and without calcination, and their structural, morphological and magnetic properties were investigated. Their superparamagnetic properties were evaluated and heating capabilities proven, either by exposure to an alternating magnetic field (AMF) (magnetic hyperthermia) or by irradiation with near-infrared (NIR) light (photothermia). The Mg0.75Ca0.25Fe2O4 calcined nanoparticles were selected to integrate the SMLs, surrounded by a lipid bilayer of DOPE:Ch:CHEMS (45:45:10). DOX was encapsulated in the nanosystems with an efficiency above 98%. DOX release assays showed a much more efficient release of the drug at pH = 5 compared to the release kinetics at physiological pH. By subjecting tumor cells to DOX-loaded SMLs, cell viability was significantly reduced, confirming that they can release the encapsulated drug. These results point to the development of efficient pH-sensitive nanocarriers, suitable for a synergistic action in cancer therapy with magnetic targeting, stimulus-controlled drug delivery and dual hyperthermia (magnetic and plasmonic) therapy.This work was funded by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) within the framework of the Strategic Funding of Research Units UIDB/04650/2020 (CF-UM-UP), UIDB/00319/2020 (ALGORITMI), UIDB/04077/2020 (MEtRICs), UIDB/04436/2020 (CMEMS) and UIDB/00511/2020 (LEPABE). FCT, POCI, FEDER and NORTE2020 are acknowledged for funding through research projects PTDC/QUI-QFI/28020/2017, EXPL/EMD-EMD/0650/2021, PTDC/EEI-EEE/2846/2021 and NORTE-01-0145-FEDER-000054. MINECO (Spain) is acknowledged for project MAT2016-76824-C3-2-R. B.D.C. and V.M.C. acknowledge FCT for PhD grants SFRH/BD/141936/2018 (B.D.C.) and UI/BD/151028/2021 (V.M.C.). R.O.R. thanks FCT for contract 2020.03975.CEECIND

Ruminal fermentation pattern of acidosis-induced cows fed either monensin or polyclonal antibodies preparation against several ruminal bacteria

This study was designed to evaluate a spray-dried multivalent polyclonal antibody preparation (PAP) against lactate-producing bacteria as an alternative to monensin (MON) to control ruminal acidification. Holstein cows (677 ± 98 kg) fitted with ruminal cannulas were allocated in an incomplete Latin square design with two 20 days period. Cows were randomly assigned to control (CTL), PAP, or MON treatments. For each period, cows were fed a forage diet in the first 5 days (d−5 to d−1), composed of sugarcane, urea and a mineral supplement, followed by a 74% concentrate diet for 15 days (d 0 to d 14). There were no treatment main effects (P > 0.05) on dry matter intake (DMI) and microbial protein synthesis. However, there was a large peak (P < 0.01) of intake on d 0 (18.29 kg), followed by a large decline on d 1 (3.67 kg). From d2, DMI showed an increasing pattern (8.34 kg) and stabilized around d 8 (12.96 kg). Higher mean pH was measured (P < 0.01) in cattle-fed MON (6.06 vs. PAP = 5.89 and CTL = 5.91). The ruminal NH3-N concentration of CTL-fed cows was lower (P < 0.01) compared to those fed MON or PAP. The molar concentration of acetate and lactate was not affected (P > 0.23) by treatments, but feeding MON increased (P = 0.01) propionate during the first 4 days after the challenge. Feeding MON and PAP reduced (P = 0.01) the molar proportion of butyrate. MON was effective in controlling pH and improved ruminal fermentation of acidosis-induced cows. However, PAP was not effective in controlling acidosis. The acidosis induced by the challenge was caused by the accumulation of SCFAs. Therefore, the real conditions for evaluation of this feed additive were not reached in this experiment, since this PAP was proposed to work against lactate-producing bacteria

FGF Signaling Pathway in the Developing Chick Lung: Expression and Inhibition Studies

Background: Fibroblast growth factors (FGF) are essential key players during embryonic development. Through their specific cognate receptors (FGFR) they activate intracellular cascades, finely regulated by modulators such as Sprouty. Several FGF ligands (FGF1, 2, 7, 9, 10 and 18) signaling through the four known FGFRs, have been implicated in lung morphogenesis. Although much is known about mammalian lung, so far, the avian model has not been explored for lung studies. Methodology/Principal Findings: In this study we provide the first description of fgf10, fgfr1-4 and spry2 expression patterns in early stages of chick lung development by in situ hybridization and observe that they are expressed similarly to their mammalian counterparts. Furthermore, aiming to determine a role for FGF signaling in chick lung development, in vitro FGFR inhibition studies were performed. Lung explants treated with an FGF receptor antagonist (SU5402) presented an impairment of secondary branch formation after 48 h of culture; moreover, abnormal lung growth with a cystic appearance of secondary bronchi and reduction of the mesenchymal tissue was observed. Branching and morphometric analysis of lung explants confirmed that FGFR inhibition impaired branching morphogenesis and induced a significant reduction of the mesenchyme. Conclusions/Significance: This work demonstrates that FGFRs are essential for the epithelial-mesenchymal interactions tha