Effects of traffic noise on the calling behavior of two neotropical hylid frogs

Anthropogenic disturbance has been pointed to as one of the major causes of the world´s biodiversity crisis. Among them, noise pollution is a potential underestimated threat, projected to increase in the next decades accompanying urban expansion. Rising levels of noise pollution may result in negative impacts on species highly dependent on acoustic communication. Amphibians have long served as model organisms for investigating animal acoustic communication because their reproduction depends on transmitting and receiving acoustic signals. A few studies have investigated the effects of anthropogenic noise on anurans, but there is still limited knowledge on how it affects them. In this study, we test the effect of two intensities of traffic noise on calling males of two Neotropical treefrogs species. We expect to record more changes in call parameters, to avoid masking effect, at higher intensity noise treatments, and in the species with higher call/noise frequency overlap. We performed a set of field playback experiments exposing male frogs to road noise at two different intensities (65dB and 75dB). Focal species are Boana bischoffi (high call/noise frequency overlap) and B. leptolineata (low call/noise frequency overlap). Both species changed acoustic parameters during or after the exposure to traffic noise. Advertisement call rate of B. bischoffi decreased during road noise, and dominant frequency decreased over time. Call length of B. leptolineata increased or decreased, depending on the order of noise intensity. We also observed spatial displacement in both species, which moved away from the noise source. Our results provide evidence that traffic noise affects anuran calling behavior, and noise intensity is an important factor affecting how species respond

Efeito das estações do ano no pico de fluxo expiratório de idosos institucionalizados e não institucionalizados

Las enfermedades respiratorias afectan a millones de personas, especialmente a los ancianos, y el cambio climático es uno de los factores predisponentes que interfieren en la salud de esta población. El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar el flujo espiratorio máximo de ancianos institucionalizados y no institucionalizados durante las cuatro estaciones del año. Se realizó un estudio prospectivo de cohorte con 67 ancianos de ambos sexos que viven en la ciudad de Maringá (PR), los cuales se dividieron en dos grupos: ancianos institucionalizados (n=37) y ancianos no institucionalizados (n=30). Los datos se recolectaron durante un mes, una vez a la semana en las cuatro estaciones del año, y totalizó 16 evaluaciones. El flujo espiratorio máximo se evaluó con la herramienta peak flow meter. La comparación de los dos grupos de ancianos se realizó mediante el análisis de la varianza de dos factores utilizando el post hoc de Bonferroni. El promedio más bajo del flujo espiratorio máximo para los ancianos institucionalizados y no institucionalizados se registró en verano (176,2±60,2 y 263,2±116,2), seguido del otoño (193,4±59,5 y 287,5±118), invierno (215,3±82,5 y 291,5±08,4) y primavera (221,7±83,5 y 291,5±08,4). Se concluye que el flujo espiratorio máximo de los ancianos varía según las estaciones del año, sin embargo, los ancianos institucionalizados tienen los valores más bajos. Los más altos se encuentran en la primavera, aunque por debajo del valor previsto para los ancianos de ambos grupos.As doenças respiratórias afetam milhões de pessoas, principalmente os idosos, e as mudanças climáticas estão entre os fatores predisponentes, interferindo na saúde dessa população. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o pico de fluxo expiratório de idosos institucionalizados e não institucionalizados durante as quatro estações do ano. Estudo de coorte prospectivo com 67 idosos de ambos os sexos, residentes na cidade de Maringá (PR) e divididos em dois grupos: idosos institucionalizados (n=37) e idosos não institucionalizados (n=30). Os dados foram coletados durante um mês, uma vez por semana nas quatro estações do ano, totalizando 16 avaliações. O pico de fluxo expiratório foi avaliado com o equipamento peak flow meter. A comparação dos dois grupos de idosos foi feita por análise de variância de dois fatores utilizando o post-hoc de Bonferroni. A menor média de pico de fluxo expiratório para os idosos institucionalizados e não institucionalizados foi no verão (176,2±60,2 e 263,2±116,2), seguido pelo outono (193,4±59,5 e 287,5±118), inverno (215,3±82,5 e 291,5±08,4) e primavera (221,7±83,5 e 291,5±08,4). Conclui-se que o pico de fluxo expiratório de idosos varia de acordo com as estações do ano, porém os institucionalizados apresentam valores mais baixos. Os mais altos são encontrados na primavera, embora aquém do valor predito para os idosos de ambos os grupos.Respiratory diseases affect millions of people, especially the elderly, and climate change is among the predisposing factors interfering with the health of this population. This study aimed to evaluate the peak expiratory flow in institutionalized and noninstitutionalized elderly during the four seasons of the year. A prospective cohort study with 67 elderly men and women living in the city of Maringá, Paraná, Brazil, divided into two groups: institutionalized elderly (n=37) and noninstitutionalized elderly (n=30). The data were collected for one month, once a week in the four seasons of the year, totaling 16 evaluations. The peak expiratory flow was evaluated using the Peak-Flow Meter equipment. The two groups of elderly were compared by two-way analysis of variance using the Bonferroni post-hoc. The lowest mean peak expiratory flow for institutionalized and noninstitutionalized elderly was observed in the summer (176.2±60.2 and 263.2±116.2), followed by fall (193.4±59.5 and 287.5±118), winter (215.3±82.5 and 291.5±08.4), and spring (221.7±83.5 and 291.5±08.4). The conclusion was that the peak of expiratory flow of the elderly varies according to the seasons, but the institutionalized ones have lower values. The highest values are found in the spring, although below the value predicted for the elderly of both groups

The continuing evolution of Energy Policy

As the world confronts the Covid-19 pandemic, we hope that all of you are doing well. We know that many lives have been greatly disrupted, and that world economic activity is slowing and maybe declining in some places. We have read reports that energy consumption has been greatly affected by the slowdown in world economic activity—likely contributing to the sharp plunge in oil prices earlier this year. We do not know how long this pandemic may last. As we look forward to the end of the pandemic and a recovering world economy, however, we wonder if and how energy systems may have to be transformed, and whether new energy policy needs and approaches will emerge. Will we see any change in the trajectory of adopting sustainable energy systems and reducing carbon emissions?In the academic world, many of us are now teleworking and teaching our courses online. This transition has proved time consuming—so we want to thank our many reviewers who are staying on or close to schedule. So far, Energy Policy has been mostly unaffected by the pandemic, but we must recognize that the Elsevier employees who are responsible for the operations side of the journal may at some time be affected by Covid-19.In the meantime, we want to keep you informed about some recent developments regarding Energy Policy, including a little about its history and our editorial priorities

THE FACES OF VULNERABILITY - WOMEN, MOTHER, HIV POSITIVE: REFLECTIONS ON WOMEN HEALTH NURSING

This is a reflective article that has the objective to address the issues related to the vulnerability of women in the context of HIV / AIDS. The issue of transmission linked to the desire of maternity, and other reproductive issues, are factors sufficient to support the arguments prejudiced and punitive conduct, not just the general society, but also of health professionals focused on the assistance of its clientele. The role of women in society, the chances of antiretroviral therapy, the applicability of public policies for women's health and the Theory of Transpersonal Nursing are relevant to this subject.Trata-se de um artigo reflexivo que apresenta como objetivo abordar os aspectos relacionados à vulnerabilidade da mulher no contexto da infecção pelo HIV/AIDS. A problemática da transmissão vertical vinculada ao desejo da maternidade, e outras questões reprodutivas, são fatores suficientes para corroborar com argumentos preconceituosos e conduta punitiva, não somente da sociedade geral, mas também de profissionais de saúde voltados para a assistência desta clientela. O papel da mulher na sociedade, as possibilidades da terapia anti-retroviral, a aplicabilidade das políticas públicas voltadas para a saúde da mulher e a Teoria de Enfermagem Transpessoal são relevantes a esta temática

User requirements for a Copernicus polar mission

To monitor on a continuous basis the vast and harsh Arctic environment, considering the sparse population and the lack of transport links, space technologies are definitely essential tools including Earth observation, navigation and communication satellites. DG GROW asked for an Expert Group in spring 2017 with the mandate to update and/or complete the review and analysis of the Users’ needs, thus allowing the Commission to assess the relevance of the development of a "Copernicus expansion mission" dedicated to Polar and Snow monitoring.JRC.D.6-Knowledge for Sustainable Development and Food Securit

First Nationwide Molecular Screening Program in Spain for Patients With Advanced Breast Cancer: Results From the AGATA SOLTI-1301 Study

Anàlisi de seqüències d'ADN; Subtipus PAM50; Genètica molecularAnálisis de secuencias de ADN; Subtipo PAM50; Genética molecularDNA sequence analyses; PAM50 subtype; Molecular geneticBackground: The SOLTI-1301 AGATA study aimed to assess the feasibility of a multi-institutional molecular screening program to better characterize the genomic landscape of advanced breast cancer (ABC) and to facilitate patient access to matched-targeted therapies in Spain. Methods: DNA sequencing of 74 cancer-related genes was performed using FFPE tumor samples in three different laboratories with three different gene panels. A multidisciplinary advisory board prospectively recommended potential targeted treatments. The primary objective was to determine the success of matching somatic DNA alteration to an experimental drug/drug class. Results: Between September 2014 and July 2017, 305 patients with ABC from 10 institutions were enrolled. Tumor sequencing was successful in 260 (85.3%) patients. Median age was 54 (29-80); most tumors were hormone receptor-positive/HER2-negative (74%), followed by triple-negative (14.5%) and HER2-positive (11.5%). Ninety-seven (37%) tumor samples analyzed proceeded from metastatic sites. Somatic mutations were identified in 163 (62.7%) patients, mostly in PIK3CA (34%), TP53 (22%), AKT1 (5%), ESR1 (3%), and ERBB2 (3%) genes. Significant enrichment of AKT1 mutation was observed in metastatic versus primary samples (9% vs. 2%; p=0.01). Genome-driven cancer therapy was recommended in 45% (n=116) of successfully screened patients, 11% (n=13) of whom finally received it. Among these patients, 46.2% had a PFS of ≥6 months on matched therapy. Conclusions: AGATA is the first nationwide molecular screening program carried out in Spain and we proved that implementing molecular data in the management of ABC is feasible. Although these results are promising, only 11% of the patients with genome-driven cancer therapy received it.This study was supported by a grant from Novartis. This study was funded, in part, by the project PI 15/01508, integrated in the Plan Estatal I+D+I and co-funded by Instituto de Salud Carlos III - Subdirección General de Evaluación and European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) (to EC) and by a grant from Mutua Madrileña Foundation (to EC). The decisions and responsibilities of this study were all under the sponsor: SOLTI Breast Cancer Research Group

Caracterização das habilidades sociais de universitários

The entering at the University requires new social skills and their deficits may bring to students academic and interpersonal difficulties. Few studies have addressed the influence of undergraduate periods and gender differences regarding social skills shown by college students, including frequency and quality which they occur and previous and consequent interaction variables. The main objective of this article is to describe the social skills shown by college students over undergraduate years. For specific objectives this study intends (a) the comparison of student groups in different years (first/second; first/third; second/third) of full-time and nocturne periods, of men and women and (b) the presentation of functional analysis of interactions, considering the most frequent behaviors and contexts. For that, 85 students of Design course were analyzed through the following instruments: the Social Skills Questionnaire to College Students, Behaviors and Contexts; and the Social Skills Inventory (SSI). The results indicate differences between men and women and between full-time students and nocturne ones, and the greatest differences were in comparison between years, indicating that the first and second years require greater investments in interventions, because they present greater difficulties in communication behaviors, expressiveness and conflict resolution. Furthermore, implications, limitations and suggestions for research are discussed. Key words: college students, social skills, assessment.O ingresso na universidade demanda novas habilidades sociais, e o seu déficit pode trazer aos universitários, dificuldades acadêmicas e interpessoais. Poucos estudos tem abordado a influência dos períodos da graduação e das diferenças de gêneros quanto às habilidades sociais apresentadas por universitários, inclusive quanto a frequência, a qualidade com que ocorrem, e as variáveis antecedentes e consequentes das interações. O objetivo geral deste artigo consiste em descrever as habilidades sociais apresentadas por estudantes universitários ao longo dos anos de graduação, verificando mudanças com o passar dos períodos letivos. Especificamente, o estudo propõe-se a comparação de grupos de estudantes de diferentes anos (1º e 2º, 1º e 3º, 2º e 3º) dos períodos integral e noturno e de homens e mulheres e a apresentação das analises funcionais das interações, considerando os comportamentos e contextos mais frequentes. Foram avaliados 85 estudantes universitários do curso de Desenho Industrial, utilizando-se o Questionário de Habilidades Sociais para Universitários – Comportamentos e Contexto e o Inventario de habilidades Sociais (IHS). Os resultados apontaram diferenças entre homens e mulheres e entre os períodos integral e noturno: as maiores diferenças residem nas comparações entre os anos, indicando que os primeiros e segundos anos necessitam de maiores investimentos em intervenções, pois apresentam maiores dificuldades em comportamentos de comunicação, expressividade e resolução de conflitos. Implicações, limitações e sugestões de estudos também são discutidas. Palavras-chave: universitários, habilidades sociais, avaliação

Loss of Myosin Vb in colorectal cancer is a strong prognostic factor for disease recurrence

Background: Selecting the most beneficial treatment regimens for colorectal cancer (CRC) patients remains challenging due to a lack of prognostic markers. Members of the Myosin family, proteins recognized to play a major role in trafficking and polarization of cells, have recently been reported to be closely associated with several types of cancer and might thus serve as potential prognostic markers in the context of CRC. Methods: We used a previously established meta-analysis of publicly available gene expression data to analyse the expression of different members of the Myosin V family, namely MYO5A, 5B, and 5C, in CRC. Using laser-microdissected material as well as tissue microarrays from paired human CRC samples, we validated both RNA and protein expression of MYO5B and its known adapter proteins (RAB8A and RAB25) in an independent patient cohort. Finally, we assessed the prognostic value of both MYO5B and its adapter-coupled combinatorial gene expression signatures. Results: The meta-analysis as well as an independent patient cohort study revealed a methylation-independent loss of MYO5B expression in CRC that matched disease progression. Although MYO5B mutations were identified in a small number of patients, these cannot be solely responsible for the common down-regulation observed in CRC patients. Significantly, CRC patients with low MYO5B expression displayed shorter overall, disease- and metastasis-free survival, a trend that was further reinforced when RAB8A expression was also taken into account. Conclusions: Our data identifies MYO5B as a powerful prognostic biomarker in CRC, especially in early stages (stages I and II), which might help stratifying patients with stage II for adjuvant chemotherapy