Bilinear optimization of protein structure prediction: An exact approach via AB off-lattice model.

Protein structure prediction (PSP) remains a central challenge in computational biology due to its inherent complexity and high dimensionality. While numerous heuristic approaches have appeared in the literature, their success varies. The AB off-lattice model, which characterizes proteins as sequences of A (hydrophobic) and B (hydrophilic) beads, presents a simplified perspective on PSP. This work presents a mathematical optimization-based methodology capitalizing on the off-lattice AB model. Dissecting the inherent non-linearities of the energy landscape of protein folding allowed for formulating the PSP as a bilinear optimization problem. This formulation was achieved by introducing auxiliary variables and constraints that encapsulate the nuanced relationship between the protein's conformational space and its energy landscape. The proposed bilinear model exhibited notable accuracy in pinpointing the global minimum energy conformations on a benchmark dataset presented by the Protein Data Bank (PDB). Compared to traditional heuristic-based methods, this bilinear approach yielded exact solutions, reducing the likelihood of local minima entrapment. This research highlights the potential of reframing the traditionally non-linear protein structure prediction problem into a bilinear optimization problem through the off-lattice AB model. Such a transformation offers a route toward methodologies that can determine the global solution, challenging current PSP paradigms. Exploration into hybrid models, merging bilinear optimization and heuristic components, might present an avenue for balancing accuracy with computational efficiency.

Bibliometric Analysis of Cannabis sativa Research: Trends, Challenges, and Future Directions.

Introduction: The use of medical Cannabis remains unregulated in several countries due to the scarcity of clinical studies with high scientific evidence that establish safety and efficacy of Cannabis products. This study aimed to comprehensively analyze how knowledge has been created in this field, as well as perform a bibliographic mapping to identify knowledge gaps, and investigate key authors and journals that have significantly contributed to advancing our understanding of Cannabis. Method: The study protocol was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Review (CRD42020223084). A systematic search was conducted in the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Lilacs, Google Scholar, PubMed, SciELO, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. The bibliographic analysis and mapping were registered using the VOSviewer, Sci2tool, CiteSpace, and PoP software. Results: The systematic search identified 27,597 records, with 17,020 duplicates, resulting in a total of 10,577 articles included. The authors who published the most were Marilyn Ann Huestis (n=108) and Sagnik Bhattacharyya (n=71), while Elisaldo A. Carlini and Raphael Mechoulam published 8 and 22 articles, respectively. The journals Drug and Alcohol Dependence (n=297), Psychopharmacology (n=159) and Addictive Behaviors (n=150) were the ones that published the most on Cannabis. The journals suggest that the articles are correlated with the adverse and toxicological effects of recreational Cannabis use; however, most articles focus on medical Cannabis. The peak of publications was in 2021 (n=1,481). The countries that published the most were the United States (n=9,735), while Brazil occupied the 11th position (n=422). Most publications were carried out in "Pharmacology and Pharmacy" (11.31%), followed by "Psychiatry" (7.66%) and "Medicine" (5.80%). The areas of "Neurosciences" (1.59%), "Biochemistry," "Genetics," and "Molecular Biology" (0.79%) were little explored. Conclusion: This study captured the characteristics of publications about Cannabis and clinical studies in the scientific literature, yielding >10,000 articles, representing a large literature review, to date. Therefore, the most productive countries included the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada, while the most productive authors were Marilyn Ann Huestis and Sagnik Bhattacharyya, with a peak of publications in 2021. Finally, the most chosen journals were Drug and Alcohol Dependence and Psychopharmacology.

An overview on neurobiology and therapeutics of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent psychiatric condition characterized by developmentally inappropriate symptoms of inattention and/or hyperactivity/impulsivity, which leads to impairments in the social, academic, and professional contexts. ADHD diagnosis relies solely on clinical assessment based on symptom evaluation and is sometimes challenging due to the substantial heterogeneity of the disorder in terms of clinical and pathophysiological aspects. Despite the difficulties imposed by the high complexity of ADHD etiology, the growing body of research and technological advances provide good perspectives for understanding the neurobiology of the disorder. Such knowledge is essential to refining diagnosis and identifying new therapeutic options to optimize treatment outcomes and associated impairments, leading to improvements in all domains of patient care. This review is intended to be an updated outline that addresses the etiological and neurobiological aspects of ADHD and its treatment, considering the impact of the "omics" era on disentangling the multifactorial architecture of ADHD.

Development and properties of biodegradable film from peach palm (Bactris gasipaes).

Formulations of biodegradable films using macrocarpa peach palm flour (low amylose starch), chitosan and glycerol, were developed and the effects of the drying temperature on films by assessing their physicochemical, mechanical, barrier, optical, structural, antioxidant properties, and the biodegradability in soil were evaluated. Chitosan enhanced the mechanical properties of the films, but they showed no antimicrobial activity against the tested food-borne pathogens, except for Listeria monocytogenes, for which the inhibition zone was from 0.1 to 0.6 cm. Films with higher concentrations of peach palm flour are opaquer, with better antioxidant characteristics and content of phenolic compounds compared to films made with lower concentrations of flour. The films presented a yellowish color because of the carotenoids found in peach palm flour, 29.63 µg 100 g-1, and exhibited a C-type X-ray pattern, characteristic peak of materials where amylose and amylopectin are present. After 15 days in soil, the films lost 30% of their initial weight. Therefore, these results suggest that the development of films as food preservative is a promising field and that the material used in the study are suitable for their formulation.

Five-year follow-up of a phase I trial of donor-derived modified immune cell infusion in kidney transplantation.

Background: The administration of modified immune cells (MIC) before kidney transplantation led to specific immunosuppression against the allogeneic donor and a significant increase in regulatory B lymphocytes. We wondered how this approach affected the continued clinical course of these patients. Methods: Ten patients from a phase I clinical trial who had received MIC infusions prior to kidney transplantation were retrospectively compared to 15 matched standard-risk recipients. Follow-up was until year five after surgery. Results: The 10 MIC patients had an excellent clinical course with stable kidney graft function, no donor-specific human leukocyte antigen antibodies (DSA) or acute rejections, and no opportunistic infections. In comparison, a retrospectively matched control group receiving standard immunosuppressive therapy had a higher frequency of DSA (log rank P = 0.046) and more opportunistic infections (log rank P = 0.033). Importantly, MIC patients, and in particular the four patients who had received the highest cell number 7 days before surgery and received low immunosuppression during follow-up, continued to show a lack of anti-donor T lymphocyte reactivity in vitro and high CD19+CD24hiCD38hi transitional and CD19+CD24hiCD27+ memory B lymphocytes until year five after surgery. Conclusions: MIC infusions together with reduced conventional immunosuppression were associated with good graft function during five years of follow-up, no de novo DSA development and no opportunistic infections. In the future, MIC infusions might contribute to graft protection while reducing the side effects of immunosuppressive therapy. However, this approach needs further validation in direct comparison with prospective controls. Trial registration: https://clinicaltrials.gov/, identifier NCT02560220 (for the TOL-1 Study). EudraCT Number: 2014-002086-30.

Clinical data or scoring system for predicting mortality in elderly patients with hip fracture: A prospective study.

INTRODUCTION: Hip fracture in elderly individuals is frequent and is related to a high rate of mortality. Finding the best predictor of death will help to develop better patient care. Aim - To analyze the reliability of the clinical data and assessment scores to predict mortality in acute hip fracture in elderly patients. PATIENT AND METHODS: Prospective data were collected from all patients > 65 years with acute hip fracture from May to October 2020. The clinical data collected were age, sex, comorbidities, medication, type of fracture and presence of delirium. The assessment scores were ASA, Lee, ACP and Charlson. RESULTS: The statistically significant results were age > 80 years (OR 1.121 IC95% [1.028-1.221] p = 0.0101) and number of medications (OR5.991 95% CI [2.422-14.823] p <0.001). Three scores showed a correlation with mortality: ASA score (p = 0.017), Lee score (p = 0.024) and ACP score (p = 0.013). The Charlson Comorbidity Index did not correlate with mortality (p = 0.172). CONCLUSION: To stratify the risk of death, both clinical data and scores should be used. The best clinical indicators are age and number of medications, and the scores are ASA, Lee and ACP.

The stability of cardiometabolic risk factors clustering in children and adolescents: a 2-year longitudinal study.

Objective: The present study aims to verify the odds of remaining with the clustering of 3 or more, 4 or more, and 5 or more risk factors across a 2-year time span. Methods: Observational longitudinal study that included 358 children and adolescents (10.96 ± 2.28 years of age at baseline). Cardiorespiratory fitness, glucose, systolic blood pressure, total cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio, triglycerides, and waist circumference were assessed. The number of children in whom the risk factors were not independently distributed was analyzed. Odds ratios of presenting n risk factors clustered at follow-up according to the number of risk factors observed at baseline were calculated. Results: More participants than expected were found presenting clustering of 4 or more and 5 or more risk factors at both baseline (11.7% and 5.6%, respectively) and follow-up (9.5% and 5.6%, respectively). The odds ratios calculated demonstrated that the odds of presenting the same number of risk factors clustered or more at follow-up increased according to the number of risk factors clustered at baseline. Conclusion: The higher the number of risk factors a child had at baseline, the higher the odds of presenting the same number of risk factors or more after two years of follow-up. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40200-022-01174-1.

Soursop (Annona muricata) Properties and Perspectives for Integral Valorization.

The increased international interest in the properties of soursop (Annona muricata) alerts us to the sustainability of productive chain by-products, which are rich in phytochemicals and other properties justifying their industrial application in addition to reducing the environmental impact and generating income. Chemical characteristics of soursop by-products are widely known in the scientific community; this fruit has several therapeutic effects, especially its leaves, enabling it to be used by the pharmaceutical industry. Damaged and non-standard fruits (due to falling and crushing) (30-50%), seeds (3-8.5%), peels (7-20%), and leaves, although they constitute discarded waste, can be considered as by-products. There are other less cited parts of the plant that also have phytochemical components, such as the columella and the epidermis of the stem and root. Tropical countries are examples of producers where soursop is marketed as fresh fruit or frozen pulp, and the valorization of all parts of the fruit could represent important environmental and economic perspectives. Based on the chemical composition of the fruit as well as its by-products and leaves, this work discusses proposals for the valorization of these materials. Soursop powder, bioactive compounds, oil, biochar, biodiesel, bio-oil, and other products based on published studies are presented in this work, offering new ideas for opportunities for the regions and consumers that produce soursop.

6-Nitrodopamine potentiates contractions of rat isolated vas deferens induced by noradrenaline, adrenaline, dopamine and electric field stimulation.

6-Nitrodopamine (6-ND) is a novel endogenous catecholamine that is released from the rat isolated vas deferens, and has been characterized as a major modulator of the contractility of rat isolated epididymal vas deferens (RIEVD). Drugs such as tricyclic antidepressants, α1 and ß1ß2 adrenoceptor blockers, act as selective antagonists of the 6-ND receptor in the RIEVD. In the rat isolated atria, 6-ND has a potent positive chronotropic action and causes remarkable potentiation of the positive chronotropic effects induced by dopamine, noradrenaline, and adrenaline. Here, whether 6-ND interacts with the classical catecholamines in the rat isolated vas deferens was investigated. Incubation with 6-ND (0.1 and 1 nM; 30min) caused no contractions in the RIEVD but provoked significant leftward shifts in the concentration-response curves to noradrenaline, adrenaline, and dopamine. Pre-incubation of the RIEVD with 6-ND (1 nM), potentiated the contractions induced by electric-field stimulation (EFS), whereas pre-incubation with 1 nM of dopamine, noradrenaline or adrenaline, did not affect EFS-induced contractions. In tetrodotoxin (1 µM) pre-treated (30 min) RIEVD, pre-incubation with 6-ND (0.1 nM) did not cause leftward shifts in the concentration-dependent contractions induced by noradrenaline, adrenaline, or dopamine. Pre-incubation of the RIEVD with the α2A-adrenoceptor antagonist idazoxan (30 min, 10 nM) did not affect dopamine, noradrenaline, adrenaline, and EFS-induced contractions. However, when idazoxan (10 nM) and 6-ND (0.1 nM) were simultaneously pre-incubated (30 min), a significant potentiation of the EFS-induced contractions of the RIEVD was observed. 6-nitrodopamine causes remarkable potentiation of dopamine, noradrenaline, and adrenaline contractions on the RIEVD, due to activation of adrenergic terminals, possibly via pre-synaptic adrenoceptors.

Temporal Trend in the Coexistence of Risk Behaviors for Noncommunicable Diseases in Brazil: 2009-2019.

INTRODUCTION: Individuals can accumulate multiple risk factors for noncommunicable diseases, increasing the chance of adverse health outcomes. We aimed to analyze the temporal trend in the coexistence of risk behaviors for noncommunicable diseases and their association with sociodemographic characteristics among adults in Brazil from 2009 through 2019. METHODS: This cross-sectional study and time-series analysis was based on data collected by the Surveillance System for Risk Factors and Protection for Chronic Diseases by Telephone Survey (Vigitel) from 2009 through 2019 (N = 567,336). We used item response theory to identify the coexistence of risk behaviors (infrequent consumption of fruits and vegetables, regular consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages, smoking, abusive alcohol consumption, insufficient leisure-time physical activity). We used Poisson regression models to assess the temporal trend in the prevalence of the coexistence of noncommunicable disease-related risk behaviors and associated sociodemographic characteristics. RESULTS: Risk behaviors that most contributed to the occurrence of coexistence were smoking, consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages, and alcohol abuse. Coexistence was more frequent among men and was inversely associated with age and education level. During the study period, we found a significant decrease in coexistence (adjusted prevalence ratio decreased from 0.99 in 2012 to 0.94 in 2019; P = .001), especially before 2015 (adjusted prevalence ratio = 0.94; P = .001). CONCLUSION: We found a reduction in the frequency of the coexistence of noncommunicable disease-related risk behaviors and their association with sociodemographic characteristics. It is necessary to implement effective actions to reduce risk behaviors, especially behaviors that lead to a greater coexistence of those behaviors.

Risk factors for hospital mortality in intensive care unit survivors: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Deaths can occur after a patient has survived treatment for a serious illness in an intensive care unit (ICU). Mortality rates after leaving the ICU can be considered indicators of health care quality. This study aims to describe risk factors and mortality of surviving patients discharged from an ICU in a university hospital. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study carried out from January 2017 to December 2018. Data on age, sex, length of hospital stay, diagnosis on admission to the ICU, hospital discharge outcome, presence of infection, and Simplified Acute Physiology Score (SAPS) III prognostic score were collected. Infected patients were considered as those being treated for an infection on discharge from the ICU. Patients were divided into survivors and non-survivors on leaving the hospital. The association between the studied variables was performed using the logistic regression model. RESULTS: A total of 1,025 patients who survived hospitalization in the ICU were analyzed, of which 212 (20.7%) died after leaving the ICU. When separating the groups of survivors and non-survivors according to hospital outcome, the median age was higher among non-survivors. Longer hospital stays and higher SAPS III values were observed among non-survivors. In the logistic regression, the variables age, length of hospital stay, SAPS III, presence of infection, and readmission to the ICU were associated with hospital mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Infection on ICU discharge, ICU readmission, age, length of hospital stay, and SAPS III increased risk of death in ICU survivors.

Induction of Long-Lasting Regulatory B Lymphocytes by Modified Immune Cells in Kidney Transplant Recipients.

BACKGROUND: We recently demonstrated that donor-derived modified immune cells (MICs)-PBMCs that acquire immunosuppressive properties after a brief treatment-induced specific immunosuppression against the allogeneic donor when administered before kidney transplantation. We found up to a 68-fold increase in CD19 + CD24 hi CD38 hi transitional B lymphocytes compared with transplanted controls. METHODS: Ten patients from a phase 1 clinical trial who had received MIC infusions before kidney transplantation were followed to post-transplant day 1080. RESULTS: Patients treated with MICs had a favorable clinical course, showing no donor-specific human leukocyte antigen antibodies or acute rejections. The four patients who had received the highest dose of MICs 7 days before surgery and were on reduced immunosuppressive therapy showed an absence of in vitro lymphocyte reactivity against stimulatory donor blood cells, whereas reactivity against third party cells was preserved. In these patients, numbers of transitional B lymphocytes were 75-fold and seven-fold higher than in 12 long-term survivors on minimal immunosuppression and four operationally tolerant patients, respectively ( P <0.001 for both). In addition, we found significantly higher numbers of other regulatory B lymphocyte subsets and a gene expression signature suggestive of operational tolerance in three of four patients. In MIC-treated patients, in vitro lymphocyte reactivity against donor blood cells was restored after B lymphocyte depletion, suggesting a direct pathophysiologic role of regulatory B lymphocytes in donor-specific unresponsiveness. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that donor-specific immunosuppression after MIC infusion is long-lasting and associated with a striking increase in regulatory B lymphocytes. Donor-derived MICs appear to be an immunoregulatory cell population that when administered to recipients before transplantation, may exert a beneficial effect on kidney transplants. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRY NAME AND REGISTRATION NUMBER: MIC Cell Therapy for Individualized Immunosuppression in Living Donor Kidney Transplant Recipients (TOL-1), NCT02560220.

Comportamentos autoagressivos e sofrimento psíquico: retratos da adolescência contemporânea / Self-aggressive behavior and psychological suffering: portraits of contemporary adolescence / Comportements auto-agressifs et souffrance psychique: portraits de l'adolescence contemporaine / Comportamientos autoagresivos y sufrimiento psíquico: retratos de la adolescencia contemporánea

As lesões autoprovocadas são investigadas a partir da escuta psicanalítica de 15 adolescentes que chegaram a um ambulatório público. O sofrimento psíquico na adolescência contemporânea apresenta-se com crescente frequência sob a forma desse tipo de problema. A medicalização, que tem sido uma resposta dominante para esses jovens, é avaliada criticamente. Explora-se, com a ajuda do referencial psicanalítico, outros tipos de entendimento da questão, recorrendo-se às teorias freudianas sobre angústia, dor e formação de sintomas. Usando os aportes lacanianos, são destacados, também, os efeitos da palavra e da voz do Outro sobre o sujeito adolescente. Dois jovens transgêneros que apresentavam histórico de autoagressão conduziram a reflexões específicas sobre o tema.

Self-inflicted lesions are examined from the perspective of psychoanalytic listening to fifteen adolescents who sought help at a walk-in clinic. Psychological suffering among contemporary adolescents often presents in the guise of this problem. Medicalization is critically assessed as the predominant response to such youths. Aided by psychoanalytic references, other modes of understanding the problem are explored, and Freudian theories of anxiety, pain, and symptom formation are deployed. Additionally, Lacanian theory is called upon to highlight the effects of the word and voice of the Other upon the adolescent subject. Two transgender youths presenting with histories of self-aggression lead to specific reflections on the issue.

Les automutilations sont étudiées à partir de l'écoute psychanalytique de 15 adolescents arrivés en centre ambulatoire. La souffrance psychique de l'adolescence contemporaine se manifeste de plus en plus fréquemment sous cette forme. La médicalisation, qui a été la solution majoritairement adoptée pour ces jeunes, est considérée sous un jour critique. Sont explorées, à l'aide du référentiel psychanalytique, d'autres formes de compréhension de cette problématique, grâce aux théories freudiennes sur l'angoisse, la douleur et la formation des symptômes. Faisant usage des apports lacaniens, sont également mis en relief les effets de la parole et de la voix de l'Autre sur le sujet adolescent. Deux jeunes transgenres présentant un historique d'automutilations ont conduit à des réflexions spécifiques sur le sujet.

Se investigan las autolesiones a partir de la escucha psicoanalítica de 15 jóvenes que fueron acudidos en ambulatorio público. El sufrimiento psíquico en la adolescencia contemporánea se presenta cada vez con mayor frecuencia en forma de este tipo de problemas. La medicalización, que ha sido una respuesta dominante para estos jóvenes, es evaluada críticamente. Con la ayuda del marco psicoanalítico, se exploran otras maneras de comprensión del problema, utilizando las teorías freudianas sobre la angustia, el dolor y la formación de síntomas. Con los aportes lacanianos, también se destacan los efectos de la palabra y la voz del Otro en el sujeto adolescente. Dos jóvenes transgénero que tenían un historial de autolesiones llevaron a reflexiones específicas sobre el tema.

Hospitalizations by Primary Care Sensitive Conditions: prevalence and costs in the state of Minas Gerais / Internações por Condições Sensíveis à Atenção Primária: prevalência e gastos no estado de Minas Gerais

Resumo Objetivo analisar a prevalência e os gastos com Internações por Condições Sensíveis à Atenção Primária (ICSAP) em Minas Gerais (MG). Método estudo ecológico que analisou internações hospitalares e variáveis de estrutura de serviços em 2009 e 2014. As ICSAP, selecionadas pela Lista Brasileira (2008), foram estudadas nas populações infantil e idosa em relação à prevalência e gastos. A análise estatística entre ICSAP e variáveis de estrutura foi feita pela correlação de Pearson (p ≤ 0,05). Resultados taxas de ICSAP/1.000 habitantes foram reduzidas nas populações infantil e idosa, enquanto gastos totais aumentaram somente para os idosos. Insuficiência cardíaca foi a principal causa para idosos, enquanto pneumonias bacterianas e gastroenterites, para crianças. A cobertura pela Estratégia Saúde da Família (ESF) associou-se estatisticamente com ICSAP em 2009 (p = 0,028) e em 2014 (p = 0,006). Conclusão a expansão da cobertura pela ESF, associada à redução das ICSAP em Minas Gerais, também encontrada em outros estudos, ressalta a importância da Atenção Primária à Saúde (APS) na coordenação do cuidado e ordenação das redes de atenção, contribuindo para o acesso universal e integral do usuário aos serviços. Conhecer a prevalência e os gastos com ICSAP viabiliza a discussão sobre os recursos financeiros disponíveis para a APS.

Abstract Background to analyze the prevalence and costs of hospitalizations by Primary Care Sensitive Conditions (HPCSC) in Minas Gerais (MG). Method ecological study analyzing hospital admissions and service structure variables in 2009 and 2014. Based on the Brazilian List (2008), the HPCSC were selected for the study of the infant and elderly populations concerning prevalence and costs. The Pearson's correlation test (p≤0.05) was used for the statistical analysis between the HPCSC and structure variables. Results lower rates of HPCSC/1000 residents both for the infant and elderly populations and total higher costs only for the elderly. The leading hospitalization causes were heart Failure for the elderly and Bacterial Pneumonias and Gastroenteritis for the children. The coverage by the Family Health Strategy (FHS) was statistically associated with HPCSC in 2009 (p = 0.028) and 2014 (p = 0.006). Conclusion like in previous studies, a larger FHS coverage associated with a lower HPCSC rate in MG highlights the importance of PHC in coordinating care and organizing care networks, contributing to the user's universal and integral access to services. Learning the prevalence and costs of the HPCSC allows for discussing the financial resources available to the PHC.

Elaboration and Characterization of Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents (NADESs): Application in the Extraction of Phenolic Compounds from pitaya.

In this paper, natural deep eutectic solvents (NADESs) with lactic acid, glycine, ammonium acetate, sodium acetate, and choline chloride were prepared with and without the addition of water. NADES formation was evaluated using FTIR and Raman, where hydrogen bonds were identified between the hydroxyl group of lactic acid and the amino and carboxyl groups of glycine. Acetate and ammonium ions were also identified as forming bonds with lactic acid. The addition of water did not cause changes in the vibrational modes of the FTIR and Raman spectra but contributed to a reduction in NADES viscosity and density. Viscosity ranged from 0.335 to 0.017 Pa s-1, and density ranged from 1.159 to 0.785 g mL-1. The best results for the extraction of phenolic compounds from pitaya (dragon fruit) were achieved with an organic solvent (450. 41 mg 100 g-1 dry bases-db) in comparison to NADESs lactic acid:glycine (193.18 mg 100 g-1 db) and lactic acid:ammonium acetate (186.08 mg 100 g-1 db). The antioxidant activity of the extracts obtained with the NADESs was not statistically different from that of the extract obtained with organic solvents.

Effects of by-product from biscuit industry on performance and carcass traits of fattening Morada Nova lambs.

This research evaluated the effects of using by-product from biscuit industry (BBI) in the diet of fattening lambs of Morada Nova breed. Lamb growth performances and carcass traits were investigated. Twenty Morada Nova breed male lambs body weight (BW) 17.1 ± 3.74 kg, single born, and age 141 ± 7 days were divided into four homogeneous groups (n = 5) fed for 8.5 weeks with four experimental diets replacing corn with BBI at 0, 150, 300, and 450 g/kg. Experimental diets were consisted of 30% Tifton-85 hay and 70% concentrate on dry matter (DM) basis. Diets were formulated to be isonitrogenous and isoenergetic in order to supply nutrient requirements of growing lambs with an average daily gain of 200 g/day. Increased feeding levels of BBI partially replacing corn did not affect dry matter intake, organic matter, and crude protein intake (P > 0.05). Animal performance was not affected by the dietary treatments (P > 0.05). BBI addition to the concentrate did not influence carcass traits, carcass measurements, quali-quantitative of Longissimus lumborum muscle, and meat cuts (P > 0.05). Partially replacing corn with a by-product from biscuit industry does not affect performance and carcass traits of fattening lambs. The BBI can partially replace up to 450 g/kg DM of corn on lambs' diets as a suitable agro-industrial by-product.

Suitability of two WHO research and development initiatives for COVID-19 to promote equitable innovation: the Access to COVID-19 Tools Accelerator and COVID-19 Technology Access Pool.

Objectives: To analyze the World Health Organization's (WHO's) contribution to promotion of access to innovative technologies by assessing its initiatives on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) research, development, and innovation. Methods: A document search was done for previous criteria used by WHO working groups to evaluate innovation and access merits. Two sets of criteria were identified. One set was used to assess the suitability of existing mechanisms to coordinate research, development, and innovation and pool funds globally. The second set was used to measure success in implementing demonstration projects and consider the extent of innovative components being implemented by them. These criteria were applied to the COVID-19 Technology Access Pool (C-TAP) and Access to COVID-19 Tools Accelerator (ACT-A) initiatives. Scores were classified as: meets the criteria (2); partially meets the criteria (1); does not meet the criteria (0). Results: Both initiatives met all the first set of criteria. C-TAP, an initiative based on a patent pool and other open knowledge approaches, best met the second set of criteria, scoring 7 out of 12 points. ACT-A, based on pooled funds, advanced purchase agreements, and voluntary contributions, met none of the second set of criteria. Conclusions: Equitable access to health technologies has been a recurring problem in recent pandemics and initiatives were proposed to prevent it. However, even though COVID-19 has been the greatest health crisis in the 21st century, market dynamics still prevailed. Income disparities between countries and lack of support for solidarity and a global health approach only aggravated the negative health and economic impacts.

Changes on the physicochemical and fatty acid profile of meat induced by inclusion of biscuit bran in lamb diet.

The animal feed science is in constant search for new products that bring economic return, without harming the quality of the final product. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of increasing levels of substitution of corn by biscuit bran in lamb diet upon the fatty acid profile of its meat and its physicochemical and sensory characteristics. Twenty-four male lambs divided in four treatments were used. The treatments consisted in increasing levels (0, 15, 30, and 45%) of substitution of corn by biscuit bran in lamb diet. The significance of the treatments was determined by ANOVA and the adjusted means were compared by Tukey test at 5%. The effects were determined by linear and quadratic responses. The use of up to 45% biscuit bran sweet type did not modify the physical and sensory characteristics of meat, just as it did not affect nutrient and dry matter intakes and animal performance. A replacement of 45%, reduces the cholesterol (P = 0.03) and the total content of saturated fatty acid (P = 0.002), not modifying other physicochemical characteristics. The replacement of corn by biscuit bran sweet type in the feeding represents an alternative nutritional strategy for sheep meat production with desirable organoleptic and quality characteristics.

Suitability of two WHO research and development initiatives for COVID-19 to promote equitable innovation: the Access to COVID-19 Tools Accelerator and COVID-19 Technology Access Pool

[ABSTRACT]. Objectives. To analyze the World Health Organization’s (WHO's) contribution to promotion of access to innova- tive technologies by assessing its initiatives on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) research, development, and innovation. Methods. A document search was done for previous criteria used by WHO working groups to evaluate inno- vation and access merits. Two sets of criteria were identified. One set was used to assess the suitability of existing mechanisms to coordinate research, development, and innovation and pool funds globally. The second set was used to measure success in implementing demonstration projects and consider the extent of innovative components being implemented by them. These criteria were applied to the COVID-19 Technology Access Pool (C-TAP) and Access to COVID-19 Tools Accelerator (ACT-A) initiatives. Scores were classified as: meets the criteria (2); partially meets the criteria (1); does not meet the criteria (0). Results. Both initiatives met all the first set of criteria. C-TAP, an initiative based on a patent pool and other open knowledge approaches, best met the second set of criteria, scoring 7 out of 12 points. ACT-A, based on pooled funds, advanced purchase agreements, and voluntary contributions, met none of the second set of criteria. Conclusions. Equitable access to health technologies has been a recurring problem in recent pandemics and initiatives were proposed to prevent it. However, even though COVID-19 has been the greatest health crisis in the 21st century, market dynamics still prevailed. Income disparities between countries and lack of support for solidarity and a global health approach only aggravated the negative health and economic impacts.

[RESUMEN]. Objetivos. Analizar la contribución de la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) a la promoción del acceso a tecnologías innovadoras mediante la evaluación de sus iniciativas de investigación, desarrollo e innovación sobre la enfermedad por coronavirus del 2019 (COVID-19). Métodos. Se realizó una búsqueda de documentos de acuerdo con los criterios previamente utilizados por los grupos de trabajo de la OMS para evaluar méritos en cuanto a acceso e innovación. Se determinó que se usarían dos conjuntos de criterios: el primero para evaluar la idoneidad de los mecanismos existentes para coordinar la investigación, el desarrollo y la innovación y mancomunar fondos a nivel mundial; el segundo para medir el éxito en la ejecución de proyectos de demostración y valorar el alcance de los componentes innovadores que se están poniendo en marcha. Estos criterios se aplicaron a las iniciativas Acceso Manco- munado a las Tecnologías contra la COVID-19 (C-TAP) y Acelerador del Acceso a las Herramientas contra la COVID-19 (Acelerador ACT). Se asignaron las siguientes puntuaciones: cumple con los criterios (2); cumple parcialmente con los criterios (1); no cumple con los criterios (0). Resultados. Ambas iniciativas cumplieron con el primer conjunto de criterios en su totalidad. El C-TAP, una iniciativa basada en un consorcio de patentes y otros enfoques de conocimiento abierto, obtuvo la mejor cla- sificación en el segundo conjunto de criterios, con una puntuación de 7 sobre 12 puntos. El Acelerador ACT, basado en fondos mancomunados, acuerdos de compra anticipada y contribuciones voluntarias, no reunió ninguno de los criterios del segundo conjunto. Conclusiones. El acceso equitativo a las tecnologías sanitarias ha sido un problema recurrente en las pandemias recientes; se propusieron distintas iniciativas para prevenirlo. Sin embargo, a pesar de que la COVID-19 ha supuesto la mayor crisis de salud en el siglo XXI, la dinámica del mercado ha prevalecido. Las disparidades de ingresos entre los países y la falta de solidaridad y de un enfoque mundial de salud solo agravaron las repercusiones negativas a nivel económico y de salud.

[RESUMO]. Objetivos. Analisar a contribuição da Organização Mundial de Saúde (OMS) promover o acesso a tecno- logias inovadoras mediante avaliação de suas iniciativas de pesquisa, desenvolvimento e inovação para a doença por coronavírus 2019 (COVID-19). Métodos. Realizou-se uma pesquisa documental dos critérios anteriores usados por grupos de trabalho da OMS para avaliar os méritos de inovação e acesso. Identificaram-se dois grupos de critérios. Um deles foi usado para avaliar a adequação dos mecanismos existentes para coordenar a pesquisa, o desenvolvimento e a inovação e reunir fundos mundialmente. O segundo grupo foi usado para medir o sucesso na implemen- tação de projetos de demonstração e avaliar a envergadura dos componentes inovadores implementados por eles. Esses critérios foram aplicados às iniciativas Grupo de Acesso às Tecnologias contra a COVID- 19 (C-TAP, na sigla em inglês) e Acelerador de Acesso a Ferramentas contra a COVID-19 (ACT-A, na sigla em inglês). A pontuação foi atribuída da seguinte maneira: cumpre os critérios (2); cumpre parcialmente os critérios (1); não cumpre os critérios (0). Resultados. As duas iniciativas cumpriram todos os critérios do primeiro grupo. O C-TAP, uma iniciativa com base em um consórcio de patentes e outras estratégias de conhecimento aberto, cumpriu melhor o segundo grupo de critérios, alcançando 7 de 12 pontos. O ACT-A, com base em fundos conjuntos, contratos de compra antecipada e contribuições voluntárias, não cumpriu nenhum critério do segundo grupo. Conclusões. O acesso equitativo às tecnologias de saúde foi um problema recorrente nas pandemias recentes e foram propostas iniciativas para evitar esse problema. Entretanto, embora a COVID-19 tenha sido a maior crise de saúde do século XXI, ainda prevaleceu a dinâmica de mercado. As disparidades de renda entre os países e a falta de apoio à solidariedade e a uma estratégia de saúde global só agravaram os impac- tos negativos na saúde e na economia.

Post-embryonic development of the female reproductive system of the Neotropical termite Silvestritermes euamignathus (Isoptera: Termitidae: Syntermitinae).

In termites, the maturation of the female reproductive system is progressive following post-embryonic development. In Silvestritermes euamignathus, the imaginal line is characterized by five nymphal instars that develop into the imago, but it can deviate in some instars to neotenic reproductives. In order to understand the rate of development of the female reproductive system throughout post-embryonic development, we analyzed the morphology of the reproductive system of nymphs, characterizing the stage of development and comparing it with neotenics and primary queens. We also followed embryonic development and compared eggs from neotenics and primary queens from incipient and mature colonies. Our results showed that gonadal development follows the post-embryonic instars, and previtellogenic oocytes are present in third-instar nymphs and are retained for the next two successive nymphal instars. The full maturation of the ovaries with vitellogenic oocytes requires molting to either imagos or neotenics. Eggs from neotenics follow the same embryonic development and each stage presents similar volume when compared to those of mature primary queens. Eggs of primary queens from incipient colonies are greater in volume than those of mature primary queens and of neotenics, suggesting an investment in egg quality rather than quantity during colony foundation.