Machine learning algorithms accurately identify free-living marine nematode species.

Background: Identifying species, particularly small metazoans, remains a daunting challenge and the phylum Nematoda is no exception. Typically, nematode species are differentiated based on morphometry and the presence or absence of certain characters. However, recent advances in artificial intelligence, particularly machine learning (ML) algorithms, offer promising solutions for automating species identification, mostly in taxonomically complex groups. By training ML models with extensive datasets of accurately identified specimens, the models can learn to recognize patterns in nematodes' morphological and morphometric features. This enables them to make precise identifications of newly encountered individuals. Implementing ML algorithms can improve the speed and accuracy of species identification and allow researchers to efficiently process vast amounts of data. Furthermore, it empowers non-taxonomists to make reliable identifications. The objective of this study is to evaluate the performance of ML algorithms in identifying species of free-living marine nematodes, focusing on two well-known genera: Acantholaimus Allgén, 1933 and Sabatieria Rouville, 1903. Methods: A total of 40 species of Acantholaimus and 60 species of Sabatieria were considered. The measurements and identifications were obtained from the original publications of species for both genera, this compilation included information regarding the presence or absence of specific characters, as well as morphometric data. To assess the performance of the species identification four ML algorithms were employed: Random Forest (RF), Stochastic Gradient Boosting (SGBoost), Support Vector Machine (SVM) with both linear and radial kernels, and K-nearest neighbor (KNN) algorithms. Results: For both genera, the random forest (RF) algorithm demonstrated the highest accuracy in correctly classifying specimens into their respective species, achieving an accuracy rate of 93% for Acantholaimus and 100% for Sabatieria, only a single individual from Acantholaimus of the test data was misclassified. Conclusion: These results highlight the overall effectiveness of ML algorithms in species identification. Moreover, it demonstrates that the identification of marine nematodes can be automated, optimizing biodiversity and ecological studies, as well as turning species identification more accessible, efficient, and scalable. Ultimately it will contribute to our understanding and conservation of biodiversity.

XPC and POLH/XPV Genes Mutated in a Genetic Cluster of Xeroderma Pigmentosum Patients in Northeast Brazil.

Xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) is a rare genetic condition in which exposure to sunlight leads to a high tumor incidence due to defective DNA repair machinery. Herein, we investigated seven patients clinically diagnosed with XP living in a small city, Montanhas (Rio Grande do Norte), in the Northeast region of Brazil. We performed high-throughput sequencing and, surprisingly, identified two different mutated genes. Six patients carry a novel homozygote mutation in the POLH/XPV gene, c.672_673insT (p.Leu225Serfs*33), while one patient carries a homozygote mutation in the XPC gene, c.2251-1G>C. This latter mutation was previously described in Southeastern Africa (Comoro Island and Mozambique), Pakistan, and in a high incidence in Brazil. The XP-C patient had the first symptoms before the first year of life with aggressive ophthalmologic tumor progression and a melanoma onset at 7 years of age. The XP-V patients presented a milder phenotype with later onset of the disorder (mean age of 16 years old), and one of the six XP-V patients developed melanoma at 72 years. The photoprotection is minimal among them, mainly for the XP-V patients. The differences in the disease severity between XP-C (more aggressive) and XP-V (milder) patients are obvious and point to the major role of photoprotection in the XPs. We estimate that the incidence of XP patients at Montanhas can be higher, but with no diagnosis, due to poor health assistance. Patients still suffer from the stigmatization of the condition, impairing diagnosis, education for sun protection, and medical care.

The relative contribution of non-selection and selection processes in marine benthic assemblages.

We tested the hypothesis that the ubiquity of marine meiofaunal nematodes and their indiscriminate passive dispersal create assemblages that are less limited by its environment; whereas the relatively smaller population sizes of macrofauna, associated with their ability to track environmental conditions before settlement, renders their distribution more environmentally-restricted. We compared the empirical distribution of macrofauna and nematode species with that of communities simulated under different assumptions of selection (e.g. environmental filtering) and non-selection (e.g. dispersal limitation) processes. Selection processes were the prime driver of both meio- and macrofauna assemblages, with rare species strongly contributing to this component. The total number of species explained by non-selection processes was 27% higher in nematodes than in macrofauna. Our results underline the importance of a species-level approach to determine the contribution of selection and non-selection assembly processes. Moreover, they highlight the important yet overlooked role of dispersal and stochastic processes in determining species dynamics.

Uso do google glass na queiloplastia: a perspectiva do cirurgião / Use of Google Glass in cheiloplasty: the surgeon's perspective

Tecnologia "de vestir" chegou para mudar a forma como as pessoas veem e experimentam o mundo. Google glass é uma dessas tecnologias e foi criada pelo Google Inc. California Mountain View. Este dispositivo tem muitas possibilidades de uso, inclusive na área médica. Dentre estes usos, está a viabilidade de fornecer aos espectadores a visão do cirurgião durante a cirurgia. Cirurgias com pequeno campo operatório, como queiloplastia, devem beneficiar-se com o uso do google glass. Em nossa instituição, gravamos a primeira queiloplastia com google glass com a intenção de dar a nossa impressão dos óculos da Google Inc

Wearable technology has come to change the way people see and experience the world. Google Glass is one of these technologies created by Google Inc., Mountain View, California. This device has many uses, including in the medical field. One of these uses is the possibility of providing viewers with the surgeon's view during surgery. Surgeries with a small operative field, like cleft lip surgery, or cheiloplasty, should benefit from Google Glass. In our institution, we recorded the first cleft lip surgery using Google Glass to give our impression of the Glass.

A simulation-based framework to explore the importance of non-selection and selection processes in structuring ecological communities.

The purpose of this framework is to identify the relative importance of selection and dispersion processes in structuring ecological communities. Using a "pattern-oriented modelling" approach, it consists of five steps: (a) aggregate information from the empirical community and its environment, (b) simulate communities under different degrees of dispersal and selection, (c) select the best set of simulations into a composite model using the environmental boundary (EB) and niche breadth (NB) of each observed species, (d) validate the composite model by comparing expected and observed results from three additional community patterns and (e) classify each observed species along the selection/non-selection continuum. A free-living marine nematodes data set from a coastal bay was used as empirical example. A total of 20 parameterizations were applied varying selection and dispersion levels. In the absence of selection, species from high-dispersal parameter sets showed maximum EBs and NBs, whilst selection parameter sets generated species with narrower EB and NB values. EB and NB values declined with decreasing dispersal. The composite model encompassed 96% of the 194 nematode species and predicted all the three patterns evaluated without further calibration, i.e., they are independent: (1) abundance-rank distribution, the assemblage structures along both the (2) spatial and (3) environmental gradients. Non-selection and selection parameter sets accounted for 34% and 85% of the observed species, respectively. The main advantage of this approach is that empirical niche measurements are placed in the context of model-generated expectations, enabling a deeper understanding of community assembly processes and how they vary from species to species.

Supplementation of L-glycine and L-glutamate to Japanese quails from 01 to 36 days of age using the ideal protein concept.

Experiment I: T1-1 =  basal diet with 25% crude protein (CP) + limiting amino acids (LA); T1-2  = 20% CP + LA; T1-3  = 20% CP + LA + L-glycine; T1-4  = 20% CP + LA + L-glutamate; T1-5  = 20% CP + LA + L-glycine + L-glutamate. Experiment II: T2-1  = basal diet with 22% CP + LA; T2-2  = 20% CP + LA; T2-3  = 17.6% CP + LA + L-glycine; T2-4  = 17.6% CP + LA + L-glutamate; T2-5  = 17.6% CP + LA + L-glycine + L-glutamate. The reduction of dietary protein based on the concept of ideal protein decreases nitrogen excretion in quails when L-glycine is added to the diets. Quails fed diets supplemented with L-glutamate as the non-specific nitrogen source equivalent to the nitrogen level of the control diet had increased nitrogen excretion. However, quails had reduced nitrogen excretion in both experiments when L-glycine was added to diets with L-glutamate. Carcass fat was increased by reducing dietary protein, but fat deposition was reduced by adding L-glutamate and L-glycine, or both. The dietary addition of L-glutamate and L-glycine in quails based on the ideal protein concept is not necessary (Exp. I). Although the total nitrogen, electrolytic balance and glycine level were adjusted in diets, quails had decreased performance. Therefore, other hypotheses besides protein reduction need to be studied (Exp. II). Protein reduction with supplementation of only limiting essential amino acids does not affect quail performance. Dietary addition of L-glycine reduces nitrogen excretion.

Chemical and microbiological characterization of tinctures and microcapsules loaded with Brazilian red propolis extract.

The aim of this study was to characterize tinctures and microcapsules loaded with an ethanol extract of red propolis through chemical, physicochemical and microbiological assays in order to establish quality control tools for nutraceutical preparations of red propolis. The markers (isoflavonoids, chalcones, pterocarpans, flavones, phenolic acids, terpenes and guttiferones) present in the tinctures A and B were identified and confirmed using LC/ESI/FTMS/Orbitrap. Four compositions (A, B, C and D) were prepared to contain B tincture of the red propolis with some pharmaceutical excipients and submitted to two drying processes, i. e. spray-drying and freeze-drying to obtain microcapsules loaded with the red propolis extract. The tinctures and microcapsules of the red propolis were submitted to the total flavonoid content and antioxidant activity tests. The antibacterial activity and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) were tested using Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25293 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853 strains. The tinctures and microcapsules presented high flavonoid quantities from 20.50 to 40.79 mg/100 mg of the microcapsules. The antioxidant activity and IC50 were determined for the tinctures A and B (IC50: 6.95 µg/mL and 7.48 µg/mL), the spray-dried microcapsules (IC50: 8.89-15.63 µg/mL) and the freeze-dried microcapsules (IC50: 11.83-23.36 µg/mL). The tinctures and microcapsules were proved to be bioactive against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria with inhibition halos superior to 10 mm at concentration of 200 µg/mL and MIC values of 135.87-271.74 µg/mL using gram-positive strain and 271.74-543.48 µg/mL using gram-negative strain. The tinctures and microcapsules of the red propolis have a potential application for nutraceutical products.

Long-term dexamethasone treatment alters the histomorphology of acinar cells in rat parotid and submandibular glands.

Glucocorticoids (GCs) induce insulin resistance (IR), a condition known to alter oral homeostasis. This study investigated the effects of long-term dexamethasone administration on morphofunctional aspects of salivary glands. Male Wistar rats received daily injections of dexamethasone [0.1 mg/kg body weight (b.w.), intraperitoneally] for 10 days (DEX), whereas control rats received saline. Subsequently, glycaemia, insulinaemia, insulin secretion and salivary flow were analysed. The parotid and submandibular glands were collected for histomorphometric evaluation and Western blot experiments. The DEX rats were found to be normoglycaemic, hyperinsulinaemic, insulin resistant and glucose intolerant (P < 0.05). DEX rat islets secreted more insulin in response to glucose (P < 0.05). DEX rats had significant reductions in the masses of the parotid (29%) and submandibular (16%) glands (P < 0.05) that was associated with reduced salivary flux rate. The hypotrophy in both glands observed in the DEX group was associated with marked reduction in the volume of the acinar cells in these glands of 50% and 26% respectively (P < 0.05). The total number of acinar cells was increased in the submandibular glands of the DEX rats (P < 0.05) but not in the parotid glands. The levels of proteins related to insulin and survival signalling in both glands did not differ between the groups. In conclusion, the long-term administration of dexamethasone caused IR, which was associated with significant reductions in both mass and flux rate of the salivary glands. The parotid and submandibular glands exhibited reduced acinar cell volume; however, the submandibular glands displayed acinar hyperplasia, indicating a gland-specific response to GCs. Our data emphasize that GC-based therapies and insulin-resistant states have a negative impact on salivary gland homeostasis.

The importance of vertical and horizontal dimensions of the sediment matrix in structuring nematodes across spatial scales.

Intensive surveys have been conducted to unravel spatial patterns of benthic infauna communities. Although it has been recognized that benthic organisms are spatially structured along the horizontal and vertical dimensions of the sediment, little is known on how these two dimensions interact with each other. In this study we investigated the interdependence between the vertical and horizontal dimensions in structuring marine nematodes assemblages. We tested whether the similarity in nematode species composition along the horizontal dimension was dependent on the vertical layer of the sediment. To test this hypothesis, three-cm interval sediment samples (15 cm depth) were taken independently from two bedforms in three estuaries. Results indicated that assemblages living in the top layers are more abundant, species rich and less variable, in terms of species presence/absence and relative abundances, than assemblages living in the deeper layers. Results showed that redox potential explained the greatest amount (12%) of variability in species composition, more than depth or particle size. The fauna inhabiting the more oxygenated layers were more homogeneous across the horizontal scales than those from the reduced layers. In contrast to previous studies, which suggested that reduced layers are characterized by a specific set of tolerant species, the present study showed that species assemblages in the deeper layers are more causal (characterized mainly by vagrant species). The proposed mechanism is that at the superficial oxygenated layers, species have higher chances of being resuspended and displaced over longer distances by passive transport, while at the deeper anoxic layers they are restricted to active dispersal from the above and nearby sediments. Such restriction in the dispersal potential together with the unfavorable environmental conditions leads to randomness in the presence of species resulting in the high variability between assemblages along the horizontal dimension.

Agro-economic yield of taro clones in Brazil, propagated with different types of cuttings, in three crop seasons.

The experimental studies were conducted in 2007-2008, 2008-2009 and 2009-2010 crop seasons, in order to know the agro-economic yield of 'Chinês' and "Macaquinho" taro clones, propagated using huge, extra, large, medium, small and tiny cormels. The harvest was done on average on 202 days after planting, in three crop seasons. Based on the joint analysis of variance carried out, it was observed that taro clones showed significant differences in the yield of fresh and dry weight of leaves, cormels, and commercial and non-commercial comels; besides, there were significant differences in yield of a crop season to another and the size of the cuttings induced significant differences in yield. In the conditions that the experiments were conducted, and considering the highest average yield of fresh weight of commercial cormels (28.69 t.ha-1) and highest net income (US $14,741.14) correspondent to the three crop seasons, it is recommended to cultivate 'Macaquinho' clone using small cuttings in propagation.

[Anatomic and surgical study of the recurrent laryngeal nerve and its involvement with the ligament of Berry]. / Estudo das relações anatomocirúrgicas entre os nervos laríngeos recorrentes e o ligamento de Berry.

OBJECTIVE: To study the anatomical relations of the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) with the ligament of Berry (LB), and point out the different ways of presenting the relationship between these two structures. METHODS: We conducted a study with anterior cervical dissection of 22 corpses, in the years 2009 and 2010, with attention towards the frequency of presentation of anatomical relations between the NLR and Berry ligament, with the following classification: Type I or intraligamentary: the nerve and / or its branches were visualized in the ligament substance conjunctiva; Type IIA or lateral: nerve and / or its branches lateral to the ligament; Type IIB or lateral paraligamentary: nerve and / or its side branches and in contact with the ligament without penetrating it; Type III or medial: nerve and / or its branches visualized after complete dissection of the ligament, in lateral-medial position. RESULTS: The study analyzed 41 RLNs, which comprised eight (19.5%) of type I, 20 (48.8%) Type II, five (12.2%) Type IIB and eight (19.5%) type III. Of the 19 (86.3%) RLNs dissected bilaterally in the same cadaver, 11 (57.8%) displayed a classification in one side of the neck different from the one of the other side. CONCLUSION: Due to its proximity to the RLN and the anatomical variability, the Berry ligament should not be considered a reliable parameter for repair and preservation of the recurrent laryngeal nerve. Hence, the indiscriminate latero-medial dissection of the ligament is not recommended without direct visualization of the nerve.

Estudo das relações anatomocirúrgicas entre os nervos laríngeos recorrentes e o ligamento de Berry / Anatomy surgical study of relations between the recurrent laryngeal nerves and the ligament of Berry

OBJETIVO: Estudar as relações anatômicas do nervo laríngeo recorrente (NLR) com o ligamento de Berry (LB), e assinalar as diferentes formas de apresentação das relações entre essas duas estruturas. MÉTODOS: Estudo realizado a partir da dissecção cervical anterior de 22 cadáveres, nos anos de 2009 e 2010, com estabelecimento das frequências de apresentações anatômicas das relações entre o NLR e o ligamento de Berry, na seguinte categorização: Tipo I ou intraligamentar: o nervo e/ou seus ramos eram visualizados na substância conjuntiva do ligamento; Tipo IIA ou lateral: nervo e/ou seus ramos apresentavam-se laterais ao ligamento; Tipo IIB ou lateral justaligamentar: nervo e/ou seus ramos estavam laterais e em contato com o ligamento, sem penetrá-lo; Tipo III ou medial: nervo e/ou seus ramos eram visualizados após a dissecção completa do ligamento em direção látero-medial. RESULTADOS: O estudo analisou 41 NLR, sendo: oito (19,5%) do Tipo I; 20 (48,8%) do Tipo IIA; cinco (12,2%) Tipo IIB e oito (19,5%) do Tipo III. Dos 19 (86,3%) NLR dissecados bilateralmente no mesmo cadáver, 11 (57,8%) eram discordantes em relação ao outro lado do pescoço quanto à classificação. CONCLUSÃO: Pela sua proximidade com o NLR e pelas variáveis anatômicas dessa topografia, o ligamento de Berry não deve ser considerado um parâmetro seguro para reparo e preservação do nervo laríngeo recorrente, não sendo recomendada a dissecção indiscriminada látero-medial do ligamento, sem a visualização direta do nervo.

OBJECTIVE: To study the anatomical relations of the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) with the ligament of Berry (LB), and point out the different ways of presenting the relationship between these two structures. METHODS: We conducted a study with anterior cervical dissection of 22 corpses, in the years 2009 and 2010, with attention towards the frequency of presentation of anatomical relations between the NLR and Berry ligament, with the following classification: Type I or intraligamentary: the nerve and / or its branches were visualized in the ligament substance conjunctiva; Type IIA or lateral: nerve and / or its branches lateral to the ligament; Type IIB or lateral paraligamentary: nerve and / or its side branches and in contact with the ligament without penetrating it; Type III or medial: nerve and / or its branches visualized after complete dissection of the ligament, in lateral-medial position. RESULTS: The study analyzed 41 RLNs, which comprised eight (19.5%) of type I, 20 (48.8%) Type II, five (12.2%) Type IIB and eight (19.5%) type III. Of the 19 (86.3%) RLNs dissected bilaterally in the same cadaver, 11 (57.8%) displayed a classification in one side of the neck different from the one of the other side. CONCLUSION: Due to its proximity to the RLN and the anatomical variability, the Berry ligament should not be considered a reliable parameter for repair and preservation of the recurrent laryngeal nerve. Hence, the indiscriminate latero-medial dissection of the ligament is not recommended without direct visualization of the nerve.