The phylogeny of the Casque-headed Treefrogs (Hylidae: Hylinae: Lophyohylini).

The South American and West Indian Casque-headed Treefrogs (Hylidae: Hylinae: Lophyohylini) include 85 species. These are notably diverse in morphology (e.g. disparate levels of cranial hyperossification) and life history (e.g. different reproductive modes, chemical defences), have a wide distribution, and occupy habitats from the tropical rainforests to semiarid scrubland. In this paper, we present a phylogenetic analysis of this hylid tribe based on sequence fragments of up to five mitochondrial (12S, 16S, ND1, COI, Cytb) and six nuclear genes (POMC, RAG-1, RHOD, SIAH, TNS3, TYR). We included most of its species (> 96%), in addition to a number of new species. Our results indicate: (i) the paraphyly of Trachycephalus with respect to Aparasphenodon venezolanus; (ii) the nonmonophyly of Aparasphenodon, with Argenteohyla siemersi, Corythomantis galeata and Nyctimantis rugiceps nested within it, and Ap. venezolanus nested within Trachycephalus; (iii) the polyphyly of Corythomantis; (iv) the nonmonophyly of the recognized species groups of Phyllodytes; and (v) a pervasive low support for the deep relationships among the major clades of Lophyohylini, including C. greeningi and the monotypic genera Itapotihyla and Phytotriades. To remedy the nonmonophyly of Aparasphenodon, Corythomantis, and Trachycephalus, we redefined Nyctimantis to include Aparasphenodon (with the exception of Ap. venezolanus, which we transferred to Trachycephalus), Argenteohyla, and C. galeata. Additionally, our results indicate the need for taxonomic work in the following clades: (i) Trachycephalus dibernardoi and Tr. imitatrix; (ii) Tr. atlas, Tr. mambaiensis and Tr. nigromaculatus; and (iii) Phyllodytes. On the basis of our phylogenetic results, we analyzed the evolution of skull hyperossification and reproductive biology, with emphasis on the multiple independent origins of phytotelm breeding, in the context of Anura. We also analyzed the inter-related aspects of chemical defences, venom delivery, phragmotic behaviour, co-ossification, and prevention of evaporative water loss.

Computerized decision support and machine learning applications for the prevention and treatment of childhood obesity: A systematic review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Digital health interventions based on tools for Computerized Decision Support (CDS) and Machine Learning (ML), which take advantage of new information, sensing and communication technologies, can play a key role in childhood obesity prevention and treatment. OBJECTIVES: We present a systematic literature review of CDS and ML applications for the prevention and treatment of childhood obesity. The main characteristics and outcomes of studies using CDS and ML are demonstrated, to advance our understanding towards the development of smart and effective interventions for childhood obesity care. METHODS: A search in the bibliographic databases of PubMed and Scopus was performed to identify childhood obesity studies incorporating either CDS interventions, or advanced data analytics through ML algorithms. Ongoing, case, and qualitative studies, along with those not providing specific quantitative outcomes were excluded. The studies incorporating CDS were synthesized according to the intervention's main technology (e.g., mobile app), design type (e.g., randomized controlled trial), number of enrolled participants, target age of children, participants' follow-up duration, primary outcome (e.g., Body Mass Index (BMI)), and main CDS feature(s) and their outcomes (e.g., alerts for caregivers when BMI is high). The studies incorporating ML were synthesized according to the number of subjects included and their age, the ML algorithm(s) used (e.g., logistic regression), as well as their main outcome (e.g., prediction of obesity). RESULTS: The literature search identified 8 studies incorporating CDS interventions and 9 studies utilizing ML algorithms, which met our eligibility criteria. All studies reported statistically significant interventional or ML model outcomes (e.g., in terms of accuracy). More than half of the interventional studies (n = 5, 63 %) were designed as randomized controlled trials. Half of the interventional studies (n = 4, 50 %) utilized Electronic Health Records (EHRs) and alerts for BMI as means of CDS. From the 9 studies using ML, the highest percentage targeted at the prognosis of obesity (n = 4, 44 %). In the studies incorporating more than one ML algorithms and reporting accuracy, it was shown that decision trees and artificial neural networks can accurately predict childhood obesity. CONCLUSIONS: This review has found that CDS tools can be useful for the self-management or remote medical management of childhood obesity, whereas ML algorithms such as decision trees and artificial neural networks can be helpful for prediction purposes. Further rigorous studies in the area of CDS and ML for childhood obesity care are needed, considering the low number of studies identified in this review, their methodological limitations, and the scarcity of interventional studies incorporating ML algorithms in CDS tools.

Effect of sugarcane bagasse addition on physical, chemical, and sensory properties of oat flour and banana cake.

The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of sugarcane bagasse (SB) addition on chemical, physical, and sensory properties of the oat flour and banana cakes. The SB was added in the amount of 3 g and 6 g/100 g solids (BC3 and BC6) to obtain cakes considered "source of fiber" and "high in fiber content," respectively. The addition of SB did not alter the chemical composition of the cakes except the dietary fiber which was higher in the BC6. The firmness of the cake increased with SB concentration, but this fact did not interfere in the sensorial acceptance of the product. The production of oat flour and banana cakes containing "high fiber content" with good sensorial acceptance was possible and demonstrated the reuse of an agro-industrial residue widely available the sugar and alcohol industry.

Anesthesia of tambaqui Colossoma macropomum (Characiformes: Serrasalmidae) with the essential oils of Aniba rosaeodora and Aniba parviflora and their major compound, linalool

The aim of this study was to determine the anesthetic efficacy of the essential oils (EOs) of Aniba rosaeodora (EOAR) and Aniba parviflora (EOAP) and one of their main compounds, linalool, in two forms: synthetic and extracted from EOAR (linalool-AR) in tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum). In the first experiment, the anesthetic induction and recovery of juveniles exposed to 25- 200 µL L-1 of EOAR or 50- 300 µL L-1 of EOAP or synthetic linalool or linalool-AR was evaluated. The second experiment observed the behavioral effects of long-term exposure (12h) of these EOs and linalools (5 and 10 µL L-1). Fish exposed to 50-200 µL L-1 of EOAR and 100-300 µL L-1 of EOAP and both linalools reached deep anesthesia between 1-10 min. Induction time for all anesthesia stages decreased with the increasing concentration of the anesthetics. Linalool-AR showed lengthier time for anesthesia induction in some stages and for recovery at 100 and 200 µL L-1 in comparison to synthetic linalool. Normal equilibrium and swimming behavior was observed in fish exposed to the EOs and linalools throughout the 12 h of exposure. In conclusion, both EOs and linalools can be used as anesthetics and sedatives in tambaqui.(AU)

O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar a eficácia anestésica dos óleos essenciais (OEs) de Aniba rosaeodora (OEAR) Aniba parviflora (OEAP) e um de seus compostos majoritários, linalol, em duas formas: sintética e extraída a partir de OEAR (linalol-AR) em tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum). No primeiro experimento avaliou-se a indução anestésica e a recuperação de juvenis expostos a 25- 200 µL L-1 de EOAR ou 50- 300 µL L-1 de EOAP ou linalol sintético ou linalol-AR. No segundo experimento observaram-se os efeitos comportamentais de uma longa exposição (12h) a estes OEs e linalois (5 e 10 µL L-1). Os peixes expostos a 50-200 µL L-1 de EOAR e 100-300 µL L-1 de OEAP e ambos os linalois alcançaram anestesia profunda entre 1-10 min. Tempo de indução a todos os estágios de anestesia diminuiu com o aumento na concentração dos anestésicos. Linalol-AR levou um maior tempo para induzir anestesia e para recuperação com 100 e 200 µL L-1 em comparação ao composto sintético. Peixes expostos aos OES e linalois por 12 h apresentaram equilíbrio e comportamento natatório normais. Em conclusão, tanto os OEs como o linalol sintético ou natural de AR podem ser usados como anestésicos e sedativos em tambaqui.(AU)

NESSCA Validation and Responsiveness of Several Rating Scales in Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 2.

Spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 (SCA2), caused by a CAG expansion (CAGexp) at ATXN2, has a complex clinical picture. While validated ataxia scales are available, comprehensive instruments to measure all SCA2 neurological manifestations are required. This study aims to validate the Neurological Examination Score for the assessment of Spinocerebellar Ataxias (NESSCA) to be used in SCA2 and to compare its responsiveness to those obtained with other instruments. NESSCA, SARA, SCAFI, and CCFS scales were applied in symptomatic SCA2 patients. Correlations were done with age at onset, disease duration, CAGexp, and between scales. Responsiveness was estimated by comparing deltas of stable to worse patients after 12 months, according to Patient Global Impression of change, and the area under the curve (AUC) of the Receiver Operating Characteristics curve of scores range. Eighty-eight evaluations (49 patients) were obtained. NESSCA had an even distribution and correlated with disease duration (r = 0.55), SARA (r = 0.63), and CAGexp (rho = 0.32): both explained 44% of NESSCA variance. Deltas (95% CI) after 1 year in stable and worse patients were only significantly different for SARA. NESSCA, SARA, SCAFI, and CCFS AUC were 0.63, 0.81, 0.49, and 0.48, respectively. NESSCA is valid to be used in SCA2. However, the only instrument that presented good responsiveness to change in 1 year was SARA. We suggest that NESSCA can be used as a secondary outcome in future trials in SCA2 due to the burden of neurological disabilities related to disease progression.

Reproductive biology of a bromeligenous frog endemic to the Atlantic Forest: Aparasphenodon arapapa Pimenta, Napoli and Haddad, 2009 (Anura: Hylidae).

The genus Aparasphenodon is restricted to South America and comprises five poorly studied species which present a straight relationship with bromeliads. Herein we present the reproductive biology of the species Aparasphenodon arapapa. Our observations indicate that A. arapapa is a prolonged breeder, reproducing throughout the year using bromeliads as a calling and breeding site. The tadpoles complete their development inside those plants. Males, females and juveniles may also use the bromeliads as a shelter. We also describe the courtship behavior and the parental care of the species with an evidence of temporary fidelity between male and female and propose a new reproductive mode.