Integrating remote sensing and machine learning to detect turbidity anomalies in hydroelectric reservoirs.

Monitoring water quality in reservoirs is essential for the maintenance of aquatic ecosystems and socioeconomic services. In this scenario, the observation of abrupt elevations of physicochemical parameters, such as turbidity and other indicators, can signal anomalies associated with the occurrence of critical events, requiring operational actions and planning to mitigate negative environmental impacts on water resources. This work aims to integrate Machine Learning methods specialized in anomaly detection with data obtained from remote sensing images to identify with high turbidity events in the surface water of the Três Marias Hydroelectric Reservoir. Four distinct threshold-based scenarios were evaluated, in which the overall performance, based on F1-score, showed decreasing trends as the thresholds became more restrictive. In general, the anomaly identification maps generated through the models ratified the applicability of the methods in the diagnosis of surface water in reservoirs in distinct hydrological contexts (dry and wet), effectively identifying locations with anomalous turbidity values.

Beta-alanine fails to improve on 5000 m running time despite increasing PAT1 expression in long-distance runners.

BACKGROUND: Beta-alanine has become a dietary supplement widely used by athletes due to its ergogenic effect. However, there is still no consensus on the performance benefit of beta-alanine on exercise lasting longer than ten minutes. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of beta-alanine supplementation on running performance and the expression of TauT and PAT1. METHODS: This double-blind, randomized study enrolled 16 long-distance runners (37±8 years) who were randomly allocated to two groups: placebo (PLA) and beta-alanine (BA) (4.8 g/day 1) for four weeks. Maximal oxygen consumption, anthropometry, body composition, and food intake were determined. Before and after the intervention, the athletes undertook a 5000 m running time trial. Venous blood (TauT and PAT1 expressions) and ear lobe capillary blood (lactate) collected before and after exercise. Between tests, we monitored the training variables. RESULTS: The results were analyzed by t-tests and an ANOVA of repeated measures, with Sidak's post hoc (P<0.05). PLA exhibited lower body fat than BA (8.7±2.2 vs. 11.5±2.8%, P=0.04). After supplementation, there was an increase in PAT1 expression in BA when compared to PLA (1.17±0.47 vs. 0.77±0.18, P=0.04). No significant differences were shown for the 5000 m running time in PLA (PRE: 1128±72; POST: 1123±72s) and BA (PRE: 1107±95; POST: 1093±86s). CONCLUSIONS: Although beta-alanine supplementation increased PAT1 expression, there was no statistically significant improvement in 5000 m running performance. However, individual responses should be considered as the BA showed a higher delta than the PLA.

Green tea supplementation promotes leukocyte telomere length elongation in obese women.

INTRODUCTION: inflammation and oxidative stress are factors that may play a substantial role in telomere attrition. In line of this, obesity is associated with telomere shortening. Green tea had anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects and may alter telomere length (TL). OBJECTIVES: we evaluated the effect of decaffeinated green tea supplementation in obese women on TL. METHODS: we conducted a cross-sectional interventional study with ten obese (body mass index [BMI] > 40 kg/m²) and eight normal weight (BMI > 18.5 and < 24.9 kg/m²) women (age between 27 and 48 years). The supplementation was carried out with capsules (each contained 450.7 mg of epigallocatechin-3-gallate) during eight weeks. Anthropometric and dietary intake assessment, and blood collection (for biochemical and TL analysis by quantitative PCR) were performed before and after supplementation. Normal weight patients were evaluated at a single moment. RESULTS: we observed a significant increase on TL after supplementation (1.57 ± 1.1 to 3.2 ± 2.1 T/Sratio; p < 0.05). Moreover, we found shorter TL in obese patients (day 0) when compared to normal weight individuals (3.2 ± 1.9 T/Sratio; p < 0.05) and an inverse association between TL and BMI, even after age adjustment (beta = -0.527; r² = 0.286; IC = -0.129, -0.009). CONCLUSION: obesity is related to shorter telomeres. Green tea supplementation during eight weeks promotes telomere elongation in obese women.

Performance of a two-stage anaerobic digestion system treating fruit pulp waste: The impact of substrate shift and operational conditions.

Food and beverage industry wastes present high amounts of organic matter, which may cause water quality degradation if not treated. Two-stage anaerobic digestion is a promising and efficient solution for the treatment of this type of wastes whilst producing bioenergy. The composition of fruit pulp waste varies throughout the different harvesting seasons, which may impact the process performance. In this study, a two-stage anaerobic digestion system was operated to assess the effect of substrate shift from peach to apple pulp wastes (obtained from a fruit juice company) on the microbial community activity and performance. During acidogenesis, the sugar conversion was higher than 95% for all operational conditions tested, obtaining a degree of acidification up to 89%. Principal Component Analysis was used to evaluate the relationship between the initial fermentation state of the residues in each operational condition and the obtained effluent. Methanogenic activity resulted in high organic carbon consumption (89%) and high methane productivities, achieving a maximum of 4.33 [Formula: see text] for peach waste influent. Overall, the results showed that the microbial community activity was not affected by the substrate shift, converting the sugars into biogas rich in methane (>70% CH4). Microbial analysis showed that the communities present in the acidogenic and methanogenic reactors were highly enriched in bacteria and archaea, respectively. The observed stability of the process, also demonstrated in pilot scale, confirmed the robustness of the process and thus, was suitable for implementation in companies producing seasonally different fruit wastes in a continuous operation.

The Ala55Val and -866G>A polymorphisms of the UCP2 gene could be biomarkers for weight loss in patients who had Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate whether the Ala55Val and -866G>A polymorphisms of the UCP2 gene are related to weight loss and changes in body composition after bariatric surgery performed by Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). METHODS: This longitudinal study enrolled obese patients submitted to RYGB. Data regarding weight (kg), body mass index (kg/m2), fat-free mass (FFM; kg), fat mass (kg), weight loss (kg and %), and percent excess weight loss were collected from both preoperative and 1-y postoperative medical records. Polymorphisms were genotyped by allelic discrimination using real-time polymerase chain reaction and TaqMan-predesigned single nucleotide polymorphism Genotyping Assay kits (Applied Biosystems, Foster City, CA, USA). The t test was used to compare variables between genotypes of each polymorphism to analyze the dominant and recessive models. Linear regression models were used to adjust the effects of initial weight, age, and sex on the variation of weight and body composition (P < 0.05). RESULTS: We analyzed 150 severely obese individuals (age 47.2 ± 10.5 y; 80% women). Genotype analysis showed a greater prevalence of heterozygous GA (41.3%) for -866G>A polymorphism and CT (39.3%) for Ala55Val polymorphism. Individuals who carried the T (CT+TT) and A (GA+AA) mutated alleles for Ala55Val and -866G>A, respectively, showed a higher weight and FFM loss. CONCLUSION: The mutated alleles T for Ala55Val and A for -866G>A polymorphism could be biomarkers of weight loss 1 y after RYGB.

UCP1 and UCP3 Expression Is Associated with Lipid and Carbohydrate Oxidation and Body Composition.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: Uncoupling proteins (UCPs) are located in the inner membrane of mitochondria. These proteins participate in thermogenesis and energy expenditure. This study aimed to evaluate how UCP1 and UCP3 expression influences substrate oxidation and elicits possible changes in body composition in patients submitted to bariatric surgery. SUBJECTS/METHODS: This is a longitudinal study comprising 13 women with obesity grade III that underwent bariatric surgery and 10 healthy weight individuals (control group). Body composition was assessed by bioelectrical impedance. Carbohydrate and fat oxidation was determined by indirect calorimetry. Subcutaneous adipose tissue was collected for gene expression analysis. QPCR was used to evaluate UCP1 and UCP3 expression. RESULTS: Obese patients and the control group differed significantly in terms of lipid and carbohydrate oxidation. Six months after bariatric surgery, the differences disappeared. Lipid oxidation correlated with the percentage of fat mass in the postoperative period. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that the UCP1 and UCP3 genes contributed to lipid and carbohydrate oxidation. Additionally, UCP3 expression was associated with BMI, percentage of lean body mass, and percentage of mass in the postoperative period. CONCLUSIONS: UCP1 and UCP3 expression is associated with lipid and carbohydrate oxidation in patients submitted to bariatric surgery. In addition, UCP3 participates in body composition modulation six months postoperatively.

WEIGHT LOSS AND METABOLIC OUTCOMES 12 MONTHS AFTER ROUX-EN-Y GASTRIC BYPASS IN A POPULATION OF SOUTHEASTERN BRAZIL.

UNLABELLED: BACKGROUNGD: previous outcome research in bariatric surgery has to document positive changes in co-morbidities associated with obesity. OBJECTIVE: the study aimed report a description of the impact of bariatric surgery on weight loss and on the resolution of diseases associated with obesity in patients followed up for 12 months in the public health service of São Paulo/Brazil. METHODS: the study was conducted on the data for 598 selected patients with grade III obesity subjected to Rouxen- Y gastric bypass evaluated postoperatively and 6 and 12 months after surgery. Anthropometric, demographic and biochemical data and personal history were determined at each time point. Serum glucose, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and triglycerides were determined in the biochemical evaluation. Data were analyzed statistically by the Chi-square test, by ANOVA followed by the Bonferroni post-test and by the Student t-test for independent data, significance set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: weight loss of 45.5 ± 13.7kg (33.5%) was observed during the first year after surgery. Serum glucose, total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol were reduced during the first six months after surgery and the values were maintained up to 12 months, whereas weight and triglycerides were reduced throughout the study period. A reduced prevalence of diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemia was observed after surgery (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is an important procedure for weight loss and control of comorbidities such as diabetes and dyslipidemia at least during the first postoperative year.

Introducción: la investigación de los resultados previa en cirugía bariátrica tiene que documentar los cambios positivos en las comorbilidades asociadas a la obesidad. Objetivo: el objetivo del estudio fue informar de una descripción de los efectos de la cirugía bariátrica sobre la pérdida de peso y en la resolución de enfermedades asociadas con la obesidad en pacientes seguidos durante 12 meses en el servicio de salud pública de São Paulo/Brasil. Métodos: el estudio se realizó con los datos de 598 pacientes seleccionados con obesidad grado III sometidos a bypass gástrico en Y de Roux evaluados antes y 6 y 12 meses después de la cirugía. En cada momento se determinaron la antropometría, los datos demográficos y bioquímicos y la historia personal. La glucosa sérica, el colesterol total, el colesterol LDL, el colesterol HDL y los triglicéridos fueron determinados en la evaluación bioquímica. Los datos fueron analizados estadísticamente por el test de Chi-cuadrado, por ANOVA seguido por el post-test de Bonferroni y por la prueba t de Student para datos independientes; significación fijada en p < 0,05. Resultados: se observó pérdida de peso de 45,5 ± 13,7 kg (33,5%) durante el primer año después de la cirugía. Glucosa sérica, colesterol total y colesterol LDL se redujeron durante los primeros seis meses después de la cirugía y los valores se mantuvieron hasta los 12 meses, mientras que el peso y los triglicéridos se redujeron en todo el período de estudio. Se observó una prevalencia reducida de diabetes mellitus y dislipidemia después de la cirugía (p < 0,001). Conclusiones: el bypass gástrico en Y de Roux es un procedimiento importante para la pérdida de peso y el control de las comorbilidades como la diabetes y la dislipidemia, al menos durante el primer año postoperatorio.

Alpha-synuclein A53T mutation is not frequent on a sample of Brazilian Parkinson's disease patients.

INTRODUCTION: The pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD) involves both genetic susceptibility and environmental factors, with focus on the mutation in the alpha-synuclein gene (SNCA).Objective To analyse the polymorphism SNCA-A53T in patients with familial PD (FPD) and sporadic PD (SPD). METHOD: A total of 294 individuals were studied, regardless of sex and with mixed ethnicity. The study group with 154 patients with PD, and the control group included 140 individuals without PD. The genotyping of SNCA-A53T was performed by PCR/RFLP. Significance level was p < 0.05. RESULTS: Among all patients, 37 (24%) had FPD and 117 (75.9%) had SPD. The absence of SNCA-A53T mutation was observed in all individuals. CONCLUSION: SPD is notably observed in patients. However, the SNCA-A53T mutation was absent in all individuals, which does not differ controls from patients. This fact should be confirmed in a Brazilian study case with a more numerous and older population.

Alpha-synuclein A53T mutation is not frequent on a sample of Brazilian Parkinson’s disease patients / Mutação A53T da alfa-sinucleína não é frequente em amostra de população brasileira com doença de Parkinson

Introduction The pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease (PD) involves both genetic susceptibility and environmental factors, with focus on the mutation in the alpha-synuclein gene (SNCA).Objective To analyse the polymorphism SNCA-A53T in patients with familial PD (FPD) and sporadic PD (SPD).Method A total of 294 individuals were studied, regardless of sex and with mixed ethnicity. The study group with 154 patients with PD, and the control group included 140 individuals without PD. The genotyping of SNCA-A53T was performed by PCR/RFLP. Significance level was p < 0.05.Results Among all patients, 37 (24%) had FPD and 117 (75.9%) had SPD. The absence of SNCA-A53T mutation was observed in all individuals.Conclusion SPD is notably observed in patients. However, the SNCA-A53T mutation was absent in all individuals, which does not differ controls from patients. This fact should be confirmed in a Brazilian study case with a more numerous and older population.

Introdução A patogênese da doença de Parkinson (DP) envolve fatores ambientais e suscetibilidade genética, destacando-se a mutação de alfa-sinucleína (SNCA.)Objetivos Analisar a variante genética SNCA-A53T em pacientes com DP familiar (DPF) e DP esporádica (DPE).Método Foram estudados 294 indivíduos, independente de sexo, com etnia miscigenada, sendo 154 com DP e 140 sem a doença (grupo controle). A genotipagem de SNCA-A53T foi realizada por PCR/RFLP. Nível de significância para p < 0,05.Resultados Entre os pacientes, 37(24%) tinham DPF e 117 (75,9%) DPE. A ausência da mutação SNCA-A53T em todos os indivíduos.Conclusão DPE é destacada entre os pacientes, no entanto a mutação SNCA-A53T ausente em todos os indivíduos, não diferenciando os grupo controle e pacientes, o que deve ser confirmado em população brasileira, considerando uma ampla casuística, além da ancestralidade.

Synthesis and Antibacterial Activity of Alkylated Diamines and Amphiphilic Amides of Quinic Acid Derivatives.

Different series of N-alkylated diamines and their derivatives condensed to quinic acid were synthesized and tested for antibacterial properties against Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The lipophilic chain and carbohydrate moiety modulate the antibacterial activity and the compounds showed a structure-activity relationship. Overall, 11 compounds displayed better activity than chloramphenicol against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Monoalkylated amines 2a-h displayed an activity similar to that of ethambutol against Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Las comparaciones entre las ecuaciones de predicción de la tasa metabólica en reposo y la calorimetría indirecta en los adolescentes obesos / Comparisons between predictive equations of resting metabolic rate and indirect calorimetry in obese teenagers

Objective: To measure the accuracy of predictive equations of resting metabolic rate (RMR) in obese teenagers in relation to indirect calorimetry (IC). Methods: This study was conducted with 116 obese teenagers (60 males; 13.7±1.1 years). The RMR was calculated from Harris and Benedict, Schofield, WHO, Henry and Rees equations. The RMR was measured by the QUARK-RMR system. The comparison between predictive equations and IC was by the Student's t test. The reliability of data between predictive equations and IC was verified by the typical error of measurement (TEM) and the coefficient of variation (CV%). Results: Henry's equation was significantly different from IC (p<0.02). The CV% found for each equations compared to IC turned was low. However, when the TEM was measured it was considered high in absolute values which can cause errors when estimating the RMR. Therefore, it is important that specific predictive equations are developed for Brazilian obese teenagers.

Objetivo: Medir la precisión de las ecuaciones predictivas de la tasa metabólica de reposo (TMR) en los adolescentes obesos en relación con la calorimetría indirecta (CI). Métodos: El estudio se realizó en 116 adolescentes obesos (60 niños, 13,7 ± 1,1 años). La TMR se calculó a partir de las ecuaciones predictivas de Harris y Benedict, Schofield, OMS, Henry y Rees. La TMR se midió por el sistema de QUARK-TMR. La comparación entre las ecuaciones de predicción y IC se realizó mediante el test t de Student. La fiabilidad de los datos entre IC y ecuaciones de predicción fue verificada por el error típico de la medición (TEM) y el coeficiente de variación (CV%). Resultados: La ecuación de Henry fue significativamente diferente de IC (p <0,02). El CV% encontrado para cada ecuación en comparación con IC fue bajo; no obstante, cuando se midió el TEM, este fue considerado alto en valores absolutos que puede provocar errores al estimar la TMR. Por lo tanto, es importante que ecuaciones de predicción específicas sean desarrolladas para adolescentes obesos brasileños.

Prevalence of allergic rhinitis among adolescents from Distrito Federal, Brazil: comparison between ISAAC phases I and III.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of allergic rhinitis in a random group of schoolchildren aged 13 to 14 years in Brasilia, Brazil, to evaluate tendencies over 6 years and to compare prevalence rates among different socioeconomic groups. METHODS: Two cross-sectional studies were undertaken 6 years apart, using the ISAAC (phases I and III) written questionnaire. Thirty-nine schools were chosen at random from eight administrative regions in Brasilia, and were classified into three groups according to the socioeconomic conditions of the population. RESULTS: A total of 3,009 questionnaires were collected. Of these 53.5% related to female children and 80% to students from public schools. Prevalence rates for diagnosed rhinitis, recent rhinitis and allergic rhinitis were 20, 29.3 and 12.2%, respectively. Rhinitis was more prevalent in private schools than in public ones (17.8 versus 14.1%) and sufferers were predominantly female. Prevalence rates were also higher among populations with higher socioeconomic status (23.5 versus 12.2%). Comparison with the 1996 data revealed significant increases in the prevalence of diagnosed rhinitis (12.7 versus 20%, p = 0.001). These increases were observed at all socioeconomic levels. CONCLUSIONS: A large number of 13 and 14-year-old children resident in the Distrito Federal exhibit symptoms indicative of rhinitis and the majority of them have allergic rhinitis. Over a six-year period the prevalence of allergic rhinitis increased significantly, predominantly affecting females and with greater prevalence among students at private school and from families with higher socioeconomic status.

Prevalence of allergic rhinitis among adolescents from Distrito Federal, Brazil: comparison between ISAAC phases I and III

OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of allergic rhinitis in a random group of schoolchildren aged 13 to 14 years in Brasilia, Brazil, to evaluate tendencies over 6 years and to compare prevalence rates among different socioeconomic groups.METHODS: Two cross-sectional studies were undertaken 6 years apart, using the ISAAC (phases I and III) written questionnaire. Thirty-nine schools were chosen at random from eight administrative regions in Brasilia, and were classified into three groups according to the socioeconomic conditions of the population.RESULTS: A total of 3,009 questionnaires were collected. Of these 53.5% related to female children and 80% to students from public schools. Prevalence rates for diagnosed rhinitis, recent rhinitis and allergic rhinitis were 20, 29.3 and 12.2%, respectively. Rhinitis was more prevalent in private schools than in public ones (17.8 versus 14.1%) and sufferers were predominantly female. Prevalence rates were also higher among populations with higher socioeconomic status (23.5 versus 12.2%). Comparison with the 1996 data revealed significant increases in the prevalence of diagnosed rhinitis (12.7 versus 20%, p = 0.001). These increases were observed at all socioeconomic levels.CONCLUSION: A large number of 13 and 14-year-old children resident in the Distrito Federal exhibit symptoms indicative of rhinitis and the majority of them have allergic rhinitis.Over a six-year period the prevalence of allergic rhinitis increased significantly, predominantly affecting females and with greater prevalence among students at private school and from families with higher socioeconomic status.

Fisioterapia e amputação transtibial / Physical therapy and transtibial amputation

Amputação transtibial é definida como a retirada total ou parcial de um membro. Esse tipo de amputação, apesar de acarretar transtornos físicos e psicológicos ao paciente, é considerado como sendo de bom nível posicional, principalmente, para reabilitação e indicação de próteses. Esse estudo objetivou adicionar à literatura a descrição da importância de uma protetização precoce para indivíduos com amputação transtibial. A meta geral para os envolvidos com o tema é capacitar o paciente ao maior aproveitamento de suas potencialidades, proporcionando independência nas atividades diárias, no tratamento fisioterapêutico e nas variadas etapas durante o período pré e pós-operatório. Entre as técnicas mais utilizadas destaca-se a cinesioterapia, incluindo também, o tratamento do coto sem dor ou edema, com boa força muscular e apto para receber o soquete protético, orientações gerais no pré e pós-operatórios, uso das técnicas de eletroestimulação e treino de marcha, destacando-se a necessidade de individualização.