Resumo O presente estudo teve como objetivo determinar o efeito de diferentes níveis de proteína sobre o crescimento, composição corporal, perfil de aminoácidos e sorologia de alevinos de Channa marulius. O experimento foi conduzido em dez happas instalados em tanques de terra, cada um abastecido com 10 peixes, por 90 dias. Quatro alimentos para peixes comerciais com níveis de 25%, 30%, 32% e 40% de proteína bruta (PB) foram dados aos peixes com 3% de seu peso corporal úmido três vezes ao dia. Os resultados do estudo revelaram que maior ganho de peso, taxa de conversão alimentar e taxa de sobrevivência foram observados em 30% de proteína alimentar. Enquanto isso, o conteúdo de umidade foi maior em peixes alimentados com 30% de PB, enquanto a proteína bruta mais alta foi registrada em peixes alimentados com 40% de PB. O menor conteúdo de gordura foi observado em rações com 32% de PB. O perfil de aminoácidos dos peixes revelou melhores resultados na ração com 30% de PB. Proteína total, glicose e globulina também foram maiores em peixes alimentados com ração com 30% de PB, enquanto a albumina foi mais alta com 40% de PB. Conclui-se que a ração com 30% de PB apresentou melhores resultados em termos de crescimento, perfil de aminoácidos e parâmetros sorológicos sem afetar a composição corporal dos peixes.

Abstract The present study aimed to determine the effect of different levels of protein on the growth, body composition, amino acid profile and serology of Channa marulius fingerlings. The experiment was conducted in ten happas installed in earthen ponds, each stocked with 10 fishes for 90 days. Four commercial fish feeds having 25%, 30%, 32% and 40% crude protein (CP) levels were fed to fish at 3% of their wet body weight three times a day. The results of the study revealed that highest weight gain, feed conversion ratio and survival rate were observed in 30% protein feed. Meanwhile, moisture content was higher in fish fed with 30% CP feed while highest crude protein was recorded in 40% CP fed fish. Lowest fat content was observed in 32% CP feed. Amino acid profile of fish revealed better results in 30% CP feed. Total protein, glucose and globulin were also highest in fish feeding 30% CP feed, while albumin was highest in 40% CP feed. It is concluded that 30% CP feed showed better results in terms of growth, amino acid profile and serological parameters without effecting fish body composition.

Resumo O estudo de 90 dias foi realizado em hapas instalados em tanques de terra. Peixes com peso inicial médio (220 g) foram distribuídos uniformemente em grupos triplicados em 15 hapas. Cinco dietas experimentais rotuladas como T1 (25% de CP e NRC recomendado nível de aminoácidos) como dieta controle, T2 (com 2% de proteína baixa e 5% de suplementação de aminoácidos), T3 (com 2% de proteína baixa e 10% de suplementação de aminoácidos), T4 (com 4% de baixa proteína e 10% de suplementação de aminoácidos) e T5 (com 4% de baixa proteína e 20% de suplementação de aminoácidos) foram preparadas. Os peixes foram alimentados com 3% do seu peso corporal duas vezes por dia às 10h00 e 16h00. Ganho de peso significativamente maior (420,18 ± 66,84a) e taxa de crescimento específico (13499,33 ± 1273,54a) juntamente com taxa de conversão alimentar melhorada (1, 29 ± 0,09b) e sobrevivência de cem por cento foram registrados durante o ensaio. Além disso, a análise aproximada da carne mostrou melhora significativa no nível de proteína bruta (81,77 ± 0,19a) servida com dieta contendo 20% de mistura de aminoácidos limitantes. Portanto, a limitação de aminoácidos pode ser uma fonte de alimentação econômica e usada com segurança na dieta de L. rohita.

Abstract Ninety days study was conducted in hapas installed in earthen ponds. Fish of an average initial weight (220g) were evenly distributed in triplicate groups within fifteen hapas. Five experimental diets labeled as T1 (25% CP and NRC recommended amino acid level) as control diet, T2 (with 2% low protein and 5% amino acid supplementation), T3 (with 2% low protein and 10% amino acid supplementation), T4 (with 4% low protein and 10% amino acid supplementation) and T5 (with 4% low protein and 20% amino acid supplementation) were prepared. Fish were fed with @3% of their body weight twice a day at 10.00 & 16:00 hour. Significantly higher percent weight gain (420.18 ± 66.84a) and specific growth rate (13499.33±1273.54a) along with improved feed conversion ratio (1.29 ± 0.09b) and hundred percent survivals were recorded during the trial. Furthermore proximate analysis of meat showed significant improvement in the crude protein level (81.77 ± 0.19a) served with diet containing 20% limiting amino acids mixture. Therefore, limiting amino acids can be a source of cost effective feed and use safely in L. rohita diet.

Objective: The process of detecting faces can be considered one of the initial steps in face recognition, which is essential for human interaction. We sought to investigate whether a face perception task reliably detects subtle perceptual disturbances between patients with bipolar disorder (BD) and healthy controls. Methods: In this multisite study, we examined differences between BD patients and matched healthy controls. Participants were instructed to detect the orientation (either left or right) of a face when it was presented as a face/non-face pair on a computer screen using Bayesian entropy estimation. Data analyses compared performance between the groups. Results: Overall, BD patients exhibited more perceptual disturbances compared with controls. BD patients who took olanzapine had better performance and faster reaction times (RTs) than patients who took lithium or were medication-naive. BD patients who took lithium had better performance and faster RTs than medication-naive patients. The medication-naive BD group exhibited greater disturbances than all other groups. Conclusion: These findings highlight the reliability of the face perception task used herein and may be important for public health initiatives and follow-up studies that seek to understand the diverse effects of other variables that can affect sensory processing in this population.

Objective: Chronic tobacco consumption, classified as tobacco use disorder (TUD), has been associated with a variety of health problems. Investigations of face processing in TUD are hampered by lack of evidence. Here, we evaluated facial detection in TUD and assessed test-retest reliability for a facial detection task. Methods: Participants were instructed to detect the orientation (either left or right) of a face when it was presented with a face/non-face pair on the monitor screen, using Bayesian entropy estimation. Bland-Altman analysis and intraclass correlation coefficients were used to test the reliability of the task. The general linear model and Bayesian statistics were then used to evaluate differences between TUD (n=48) and healthy controls (n=34). Results: The reliability of the task was high for the 96 stimuli presentations. Slower reaction times (p < 0.001) and lower discrimination index (p < 0.001) were observed in the TUD group than for healthy controls. Mediation analysis indicated direct effects of smoking duration on reaction time (p < 0.001) and discrimination index (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Overall, we observed high reliability of this task and reduction of facial detection in tobacco use disorder. We conclude our findings are significant for public health initiatives and call for follow-up studies.

Objective: To assess mortality during the COVID-19 pandemic according to social vulnerability by areas of Belo Horizonte (BH), aiming at strategies for vaccination. Methods: Ecological study with mortality analysis, according to census tracts classified by the Health Vulnerability Index, a composite indicator that includes socioeconomic and sanitation variables. Deaths due to natural causes and COVID-19 were obtained from the “Mortality Information System”, between the 10th and 43rd epidemiological weeks (EW) of 2020. Excess mortality was calculated by a time series model, considering observed deaths by EW, between 2015 and 2019, for census tracts. Mortality rates (MR) were calculated and age-standardized =using population estimates from 2010 census. Results: Excess mortality in BH was 16.1% (n =1524): 11.0%, 18.8% and 17.3% in the low, intermediate and high vulnerability areas, respectively. The differences between observed and expected age-standardized MR by natural causes were equal to 59/100,000 inhabitants in BH, increasing from 31 to 77 and 95/100,000 inhabitants, in the areas of low, intermediate and high vulnerability, respectively. There was an aging gradient in COVID-19 MR, ranging from 4 to 611/100,000 inhabitants among individuals of 20-39 years and 75+ years. The COVID-19 MR per 100,000 elderly (60+ years) was 292 in BH, increasing from 179 to 354 and 476, in the low, intermediate and high vulnerability areas, respectively. Conclusion: Inequalities in mortality, particularly among the elderly, combined with the limited supply of doses, demonstrate the importance of prioritizing socially vulnerable areas during vaccination against COVID-19.

Objetivo: Avaliar a mortalidade por áreas de Belo Horizonte (BH) durante a pandemia de COVID-19 conforme vulnerabilidade social, visando estratégia de vacinação. Métodos: Estudo ecológico com análise de mortalidade, segundo setores censitários classificados pelo Índice de Vulnerabilidade da Saúde, composto por indicadores de saneamento e socioeconômicos. Óbitos por causas naturais e COVID-19 foram obtidos do Sistema de Informação sobre Mortalidade, entre a 10ª e 43ª semana epidemiológica (SE) de 2020. Calculou-se o excesso de mortalidade por modelo de série temporal, considerando as mortes observadas por SE, entre 2015 e 2019, por setor censitário. Taxas de mortalidade (TM) foram calculadas e padronizadas por idade a partir de estimativas populacionais do IBGE. Resultados: Houve 16,1% (n=1524) de excesso de mortalidade em BH: 11,0%, 18,8% e 17,3% nas áreas de baixa, média e elevada vulnerabilidade, respectivamente. As diferenças entre TM observadas e esperadas por causas naturais, padronizadas por idade, foi igual a 59/100.000 habitantes em BH, aumentando de 31 para 77 e 95/100.000, nas áreas de baixa, média e elevada vulnerabilidade, respectivamente. Houve gradiente de aumento com a idade nas TM por COVID-19, variando de 4 a 611/100.000 habitantes entre as idades de 20-39 anos e 75+ anos. A TM por COVID-19 por 100.000 idosos (60+ anos) foi igual a 292, aumentando de 179 para 354 e 476, nos setores de baixa, média e elevada vulnerabilidade, respectivamente. Conclusão: Desigualdades na mortalidade, mesmo entre idosos, aliadas à baixa oferta de doses, demonstram importância de priorizar áreas socialmente vulneráveis durante a vacinação contra COVID-19.

Existing frameworks of community-based early warning systems (CBEWS) lack focus on its actual implementation. Furthermore, they do not describe how a top-down early warning system (EWS) can be transformed into a CBEWS. Hence, to support the establishment of a community-based early warning system for deep-seated landslides (CBEWS-L), this study aimed to assess the capacities and vulnerabilities of five barangays in the Philippines. The CBEWS-L to be established is envisioned to be information and communication technology (ICT)-based. An ICT4D perspective was therefore taken in conducting this participatory study. Stakeholder mapping, focus group discussions and key informant interviews were used to gather data. Validation was also done through triangulation and post-analysis consultations. The results showed that there are varying sets of capacities and vulnerabilities existing in each community. Moreover, ICT capacities are lacking and are outnumbered by vulnerabilities. Yet, site-specific action points to enhance capacities and resolve vulnerabilities were determined. Still, overall strategies were not uncovered. Furthermore, compounding the capacities and vulnerabilities in each site are indirect factors which, if examined thoroughly, may lead to more complex socio-political issues. It is therefore recommended that in establishing a CBEWS, a comprehensive community risk assessment is first conducted to exhaust all possible action points that can be used in formulating site-specific strategies. Moreover, development of technological solutions must be modular to allow flexibility in accommodating complex community capacities and vulnerabilities.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of bio-oil (obtained by pyrolysis of biomass: soybean oil, eucalyptus sawdust and coffee grounds) added to the blend B10 (diesel and biodiesel). The bio-oil is compatible to diesel oil and it contains promising compounds that can exhibit antimicrobial activity during fuel storage. We evaluated the antimicrobial activity of bio-oil added to diesel oil B10 by determining the minimum inhibitory concentration at different concentrations (0-10%) using oil-deteriorating microorganisms for 10 days at 30 °C. Bio-oil was separated from the aqueous phase by solid phase extraction using ultrapure water and sodium hydroxide. The aqueous phase containing the solubilized compounds of bio-oil was characterized by comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography with time-of-flight mass spectrometric detection. Minimum inhibitory concentration in the range of 0.25% to 4% was observed for the tested inocula. The chromatographic analysis of both extracts allowed the identification of several oxygenated compounds, which the majority of the analytes consisted of phenolic compounds, followed by ketones.

O biodiesel é um biocombustível biodegradável e não tóxico produzido a partir de recursos renováveis. Sua produção industrial ocorre pela transesterificação catalítica de óleos vegetais refinados com metanol ou etanol. Os custos de produção do biodiesel podem ser reduzidos pelo uso de matérias-primas não refinadas, cujos preços são inferiores aos dos óleos vegetais refinados. Neste trabalho estudou-se o uso de sulfato de estanho(II) (SnSO4), como catalisador para a transesterificação e esterificação simultânea de matérias-primas modelo com altos teores de ácidos graxos livres. Analisou-se a influência de parâmetros experimentais, a lixiviação do catalisador bem como a sua capacidade de reutilização. Obteve-se rendimento elevado (92%) para uma matéria-prima modelo contendo 70% (m/m) de ácidos graxos livres (ácido oleico), a 100 ºC, sob pressão autógena, 5% (m/m) de SnSO4 em excesso de etanol, após 3 h de reação. O catalisador foi reutilizado por dez vezes sem decréscimo significativo no rendimento de biodiesel.

Biodiesel is an alternative biodegradable and non-toxic biofuel produced from renewable resources. Industrially, it is produced by catalytic transesterification of refined vegetable oil with methanol or ethanol. Biodiesel production costs can be reduced by using non-refined feedstocks whose market prices are lower than those of refined vegetable oils. This work studied the use of tin(II) sulfate (SnSO4), as catalyst for the simultaneous transesterification and esterification of model acid oil containing high levels of free fatty acids. The influence of experimental parameters, catalyst leaching as well as its reusability was investigated. For a model feedstock containing 70 wt. % of free fatty acids (oleic acid), the highest biodiesel yield (92%) was obtained at 100 ºC, under autogenous pressure, using 5 wt. % of SnSO4 in excess of ethanol after 3 h of reaction. The catalyst was reused ten times without significant decrease in biodiesel yield.

Self-face perception plays an important role in self-consciousness and personal identity as well as in social exchanges and well-being. Despite its significance, little is known about how individuals represent their faces internally. This study explored mechanisms of self-face perception in three experiments. First, participants chose from two images (self-face image vs. self-image with manipulated facial features) which one was their veridical image and which one they liked most. Afterwards, participants could (digitally) manipulate their facial features to increase their attractiveness (either to themselves or to an imagined other/s). Results showed that self-face recognition was better when veridical faces were paired with 'clones' with larger facial features or when all facial features were enlarged concurrently. Moreover, up to half of the participants preferred smaller noses and larger eyes and manipulated their self-images accordingly. State (but not trait) self-esteem was inversely correlated with eye, mouth and nose size manipulations made to increase one's attractiveness. The results indicate that a certain tolerance for error in self-face recognition might be required to maintain a consistent facial identity during one's lifespan. The discovered preference for neotenous features and discrepancies between one's perceived and one's veridical face and their link to state self-esteem are discussed.

A fixação biológica de azoto é uma importante alternativa para o fornecimento de azoto (N) às leguminosas. O presente trabalho objetivou avaliar a qualidade de mudas de Enterolobium contortisiliquum (Vell.) Morong em função da inoculação e da nodulação natural em solos do Sudoeste do Piauí. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado, com cinco repetições, e os tratamentos arranjados em esquema fatorial (5 x 4), constituídos por cinco classes de solo e quatro tratamentos de N (a-inoculação com a estirpe BR 4406, b-adubação com N mineral, c-adubação com N mineral e inoculação com a estirpe BR 4406, d-sem N mineral e sem inoculação). Aos 75 dias após a semeadura foram avaliados: nodulação, eficiência da fixação de N2, acúmulo de azoto na massa seca da parte aérea e parâmetros morfológicos das mudas. As mudas de E. contortisiliquum apresentaram nodulação natural apenas quando cultivadas no Organossolo e Neossolo Flúvico. A estirpe inoculante BR 4406 mostrou-se pouco adaptada aos solos do Sudoeste piauiense constituintes dos substratos de cultivo. As mudas cultivadas no Neossolo Quartzarênico, Organossolo e Neossolo Flúvico apresentam melhor qualidade em relação às cultivadas no Latossolo Amarelo e Neossolo Litólico.

Biological nitrogen fixation is an important alternative to provide nitrogen (N) to legumes. This study aimed to evaluate the quality of Enterolobium contortisiliquum (Vell.) Morong seedlings depending on the inoculation and natural nodulation in soils from southwest of Piauí, Brazil. The experimental design was completely randomized with five replications and treatments arranged in a (5 x 4) factorial design, consisting of five soil classes and four N treatments (a-inoculation with strain BR 4406, b- with application of mineral N, c- with mineral N and inoculation with BR 4406, d- without mineral N or inoculation). Seventy five days after sowing number and fresh weight of nodules, N2 fixation efficiency, nitrogen concentration in shoot and morphological parameters of seedlings were evaluated. The seedlings of E. contortisiliquum presented natural nodulation only when grown on Organosol and Fluvic Neossol. The inoculant strain BR 4406 showed a very low adaptation to the soils from Southwest of Piauí. Seedlings grown in Quartzarenic Neosol, Organosol and Fluvic Neossol have better quality compared to those grown in Oxisol and Litolic Neosol.

Esta revisão enfatiza a expressão e a função dos receptores muscarínicos, adrenoceptores α1 e receptores para relaxina no sistema reprodutor masculino. A expressão dos receptores muscarínicos e adrenoceptores α1 em compartimentos específicos de dúctulos eferentes, epidídimo, ductos deferentes, vesícula seminal e próstata de várias espécies indica o envolvimento destes receptores na modulação da composição do fluido luminal e na contração do músculo liso, incluindo efeitos na fertilidade masculina. Além disso, a ativação dos receptores muscarínicos leva à transativação do receptor para o fator crescimento epidermal e proliferação das células de Sertoli. Os receptores para relaxina estão presentes no testículo, RXFP1 nas espermátides alongadas e células de Sertoli de rato e RXFP2 nas células de Leydig e germinativas de ratos e humano, sugerindo o envolvimento destes receptores no processo espermatogênico. A localização de ambos os receptores na porção apical das células epiteliais e no músculo liso dos ductos deferentes de rato sugere um papel na contração e na regulação da secreção.

This review focuses on the expression and function of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs), α1-adrenoceptors and relaxin receptors in the male reproductive tract. The localization and differential expression of mAChR and α1-adrenoceptor subtypes in specific compartments of the efferent ductules, epididymis, vas deferens, seminal vesicle and prostate of various species indicate a role for these receptors in the modulation of luminal fluid composition and smooth muscle contraction, including effects on male fertility. Furthermore, the activation of mAChRs induces transactivation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and the Sertoli cell proliferation. The relaxin receptors are present in the testis, RXFP1 in elongated spermatids and Sertoli cells from rat, and RXFP2 in Leydig and germ cells from rat and human, suggesting a role for these receptors in the spermatogenic process. The localization of both receptors in the apical portion of epithelial cells and smooth muscle layers of the vas deferens suggests an involvement of these receptors in the contraction and regulation of secretion.

Avaliaram-se, neste trabalho, em experimento de campo, os efeitos da aplicação, durante dois anos consecutivos, de doses crescentes de um biossólido industrial (0, 6, 12, 18 e 24 Mg ha-1 base seca) e da adubação mineral no cultivo de milho sobre atributos químicos e físicos de um Cambissolo distrófico sob Brachiaria sp. A análise química mostrou que a aplicação do biossólido melhorou a fertilidade do solo, especialmente em doses superiores a 12 Mg ha-1, apresentando maiores teores de C orgânico, nutrientes, Na, CTC, soma de bases, porcentagem de saturação por bases e menor pH que o solo sem adubação, com adubação mineral e de área adjacente, até a profundidade de 0,6 m. Os teores de Cd e Pb não alteraram significativamente enquanto os de N-NO3- e Na aumentaram com as doses e em profundidade atingindo, respectivamente, 53 e 47 mg dm-3, na camada de 0,4-0,6 m com 24 Mg ha-1 de biossólido. A aplicação do biossólido aumentou a estabilidade de agregados, a porosidade total e a microporosidade e reduziu a densidade do solo. O biossólido melhorou a fertilidade e a estrutura do solo, porém sua utilização como insumo agrícola deve ser controlada, respeitando critérios e normas vigentes para que seus benefícios superem os riscos de poluição ambiental.

The effects of applying increasing doses of an industrial biosolid (0, 6, 12, 18 and 24 Mg ha-1 dry matter) and mineral fertilizer for two consecutive years in corn cultivation on the chemical and physical attributes of a distrophic Inceptisol under Brachiaria sp. have been evaluated in a field experiment. The chemical analysis showed that the biosolid application improved the soil fertility, especially in doses higher than 12 Mg ha-1, presenting higher organic carbon, nutrients and sodium contents, CEC, sum of bases and saturation percentage for bases and smaller pH than the control soil, with mineral fertilizer and of adjacent area, up to a depth of 0.6 m. The Cd and Pb contents were not altered significantly, while the nitrate and sodium contents increased with doses and depth, reaching 53 and 47 mg dm-3, respectively, in the 0.4-0.6 m depth layer with 24 Mg ha-1 of biosolid. The biosolid application enhanced soil aggregate stability, total porosity and microporosity and reduced soil density. The biosolid improved the fertility and the structure of soil, but its use as an agricultural input must be controlled, respecting criteria and standards so that the benefits of agricultural application overcome the risks of environmental pollution.

Solventes halogenados -- 1,1,1-tricloretano, tricloretileno, percloretileno -- apresentam o ácido tricloracético (TCA) como produto de biotransformação comum, o qual pode ser utilizado como indicador biológico de dose interna na exposição a estes compostos. Foi realizado estudo de métodos espectrofotométrico e cromatográfico em fase gasosa para a determinação do TCA, bem como da aplicação destes métodos à sua determinação em urina de indivíduos expostos ao 1,1,1-tricloretano. Os resultados mostram a boa precisão à determinação do TCA em urina de indivíduos expostos ao 1,1,1-tricloretano e nenhuma diferença significativa foi observada entre os métodos, ainda que o cromatográfico em fase gasosa apresentasse menor limite de detecção.

Some chlorinated hydrocarbon solvents -- 1,1,1-trichloroethane, tricloroethylene and perchloroethylene -- have a common biotransformation product, trichloroacetic acid, which can be used as their biological exposure index. The spectrophotometric and gas chromatographic methods for the determination of trichloroacetic acid were studied and used as well as in its determination in the urine of workers exposed to 1,1,1-trichloroethane . Both methods showed good precision and no statistically significant difference was found although the gas cromatographic method presented a lower detection limit.