Micropalaeontological and Geochemical Evidence of the Late Jurassic Radiolarians Cherts of Naga Ophiolite Hill, Nagaland, Northeast-India

We analyzed the radiolarian assemblages (pelagic sediments) and geochemical studies of 15 samples collected from Meluri district Nagaland, Naga Hills Ophiolite belt (NHO) and it consists of the Flysch Naga-Arakan-Yoma trough beyond the Indo-Myanmar border. It reflects one of the many components of the Himalayan Orogenic systems of Tethyan oceanic crust discovered in Nagaland at Meluri district of India and they have very well-preserved studies and can be identified to Upper Jurassic (Kimmeridgian-mid-Tithonian). As well as a continuous sequence of Kimmeridgian-mid-Tithonian, five radiolarian assemblages have been identified in this study. This is so far the first recovery of pelagic sediment assemblages (Radiolarians) from the Naga Hills Ophiolite complex. Samples of Naga Hills Ophiolite belts fell in the Sublitharenite, Litharenite, and Fe-shale Fe-sand area, and the A-CN-K diagram indicates that these sediments in the source region were exposed deep to moderate weathering conditions. In the discriminant plot, the Naga Hill-Ophiolite-Chert samples occupy the field of origin of the sediment quartzose, and the log (K2O/Na2O) versus SiO2 samples fall into the active continental marginal field, and only one sample falls into an island arch, suggesting that the tectonic framework of the Naga Hills-Chert samples was deposited in the active continental margin and the diagrams K2O/Al2O3 and MgO/Al2O3 illustrated the tectonic setting of the marine environment from Naga Hill Ophiolite Chert. Such findings have been consistent with the current geology of Naga Hills in the province of Nagaland.

Effect of westernization on oral health among college students of Udaipur City,India

Background:There is overwhelming evidence that periodontal disease and dental caries affect the majority of populations and that western culture and lifestyle may have a profound influence on oral health,especially in adults.The present study was performed to determine the effect of westernization on the oral health of college students of Udaipur City,Rajasthan.Methods:A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among students attending various professional and non-professional bachelor's degree colleges of Udaipur City,Rajasthan,India,from March 2013 to May 2013.Eight hundred students were selected based on a two-stage random sampling procedure.Westernization was assessed by a self-administered structured questionnaire.Periodontal status,dental caries status and malocclusion were assessed according to World Health Organization(WHO) criteria(1997).Statistical analysis was performed using Chi-square and Multivariate logistic regression.The confidence level and level of significance were set at 95% and 5%,respectively.Results:The present study suggested that adverse habits,listening to English music and preferring English food had a significant association with dental caries and periodontal diseases.Malocclusion also showed a significant relationship with consuming English food for snacks and desserts.Multivariate analysis revealed a significantly greater odds ratio(OR) for periodontal disease and dental caries among those who preferred English food for lunch.Conclusion:Based on the results of the present study,there is an association between westernization and oral health.

Unveiling the silent link:Normal-tension glaucoma's enigmatic bond with cardiac blood flow

This comprehensive review embarks on a captivating journey into the complex relationship between cardiology and normal-tension glaucoma(NTG),a condition that continues to baffle clinicians and researchers alike.NTG,characterized by optic nerve damage and visual field loss despite normal intraocular pressure,has long puzzled clinicians.One emerging perspective suggests that alterations in ocular blood flow,particularly within the optic nerve head,may play a pivotal role in its pathogenesis.While NTG shares commonalities with its high-tension counterpart,its unique pathogenesis and potential ties to cardiovascular health make it a fascinating subject of exploration.It navigates through the complex web of vascular dysregulation,blood pressure and perfusion pressure,neurovascular coupling,and oxidative stress,seeking to uncover the hidden threads that tie the heart and eyes together in NTG.This review explores into the intricate mechanisms connecting cardiovascular factors to NTG,shedding light on how cardiac dynamics can influence ocular health,particularly in cases where intraocular pressure remains within the normal range.NTG's enigmatic nature,often characterized by seemingly contradictory risk factors and clinical profiles,underscores the need for a holistic approach to patient care.Drawing parallels to cardiac health,we examine into the shared vascular terrain connecting the heart and the eyes.Cardiovascular factors,including systemic blood flow,endothelial dysfunction,and microcirculatory anomalies,may exert a profound influence on ocular perfusion,impacting the delicate balance within the optic nerve head.By elucidating the subtle clues and potential associations between cardiology and NTG,this review invites clinicians to consider a broader perspective in their evaluation and management of this elusive condition.As the understanding of these connections evolves,so too may the prospects for early diagnosis and tailored interventions,ultimately enhancing the quality of life for those living with NTG.

Dysglycemia and arrhythmias

Disorders in glucose metabolism can be divided into three separate but interrelated domains,namely hyperglycemia,hypoglycemia,and glycemic variability.Intensive glycemic control in patients with diabetes might increase the risk of hypoglycemic incidents and glucose fluctuations.These three dysglycemic states occur not only amongst patients with diabetes,but are frequently present in other clinical settings,such as during critically ill.A growing body of evidence has focused on the relationships between these dysglycemic domains with cardiac arrhythmias,including supraventricular arrhythmias(primarily atrial fibrillation),ventricular arrhythmias(malignant ventricular arrhythmias and QT interval prolongation),and bradyarrhythmias(bradycardia and heart block).Different mechanisms by which these dysglycemic states might provoke cardiac arrhythmias have been identified in experimental studies.A customized glycemic control strategy to minimize the risk of hyperglycemia,hypoglycemia and glucose variability is of the utmost importance in order to mitigate the risk of cardiac arrhythmias.

Diet as an epigenetic factor in inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel disease(IBD)has as a main characteristic the exacerbation of the immune system against enterocytes,compromising the individual’s intestinal microbiota.This inflammatory cascade causes several nutritional deficiencies,which further compromise immunological functioning and,as a result,worsen the prognosis.This vicious cycle can be interrupted as the patient’s dietary pattern meets their needs according to their clinical condition,acting directly on the inflammatory process of IBD through the interaction of food,intestinal microbiota,and epigenome.Specific nutritional intervention for IBD has a crucial role in preventing and managing disease activity.This review addresses epigenetic modifications through dietary compounds as a mechanism for modulating the intestinal microbiota of patients with IBD.

Analysis of the Emissions and Performance of a Diesel Engine Using Pumpkin Seed Oil Methyl Ester with Different Injection Pressures

Biodiesel fuel is a potential alternative energy source for diesel engines due to its physiochemical characteristics relatively similar to those of traditional diesel fuel.In this study,the performance,emission,and combustion features of a mono cylinder DI diesel engine are assessed using 20%Pumpkin seed methyl ester(PSOME20)and considering varying injection pressures(200,220,240,and 260 bar).The considered Pumpkin seed oil is converted into pumpkin biodiesel by transesterification and then used as fuel.The findings demonstrate that the Brake Thermal Efficiency(BTE)of PSOME20 can be raised by 1.68%,and the carbon monoxide(CO),hydrocarbon(HC),and smoke emanations can be lowered,while oxides of nitrogen(NOx)emissions are increased at an injection pressure(IP)of 240 bar compared to the standard IP of 200 bar.The cylinder pressure and the Heat Release Rate(HRR)become higher at 240 bar,whereas the ignition delay is shortened with respect to PSOME20 at a normal IP of 200 bar.

An Optimized Deep-Learning-Based Low Power Approximate Multiplier Design

Approximate computing is a popularfield for low power consumption that is used in several applications like image processing,video processing,multi-media and data mining.This Approximate computing is majorly performed with an arithmetic circuit particular with a multiplier.The multiplier is the most essen-tial element used for approximate computing where the power consumption is majorly based on its performance.There are several researchers are worked on the approximate multiplier for power reduction for a few decades,but the design of low power approximate multiplier is not so easy.This seems a bigger challenge for digital industries to design an approximate multiplier with low power and minimum error rate with higher accuracy.To overcome these issues,the digital circuits are applied to the Deep Learning(DL)approaches for higher accuracy.In recent times,DL is the method that is used for higher learning and prediction accuracy in severalfields.Therefore,the Long Short-Term Memory(LSTM)is a popular time series DL method is used in this work for approximate computing.To provide an optimal solution,the LSTM is combined with a meta-heuristics Jel-lyfish search optimisation technique to design an input aware deep learning-based approximate multiplier(DLAM).In this work,the jelly optimised LSTM model is used to enhance the error metrics performance of the Approximate multiplier.The optimal hyperparameters of the LSTM model are identified by jelly search opti-misation.Thisfine-tuning is used to obtain an optimal solution to perform an LSTM with higher accuracy.The proposed pre-trained LSTM model is used to generate approximate design libraries for the different truncation levels as a func-tion of area,delay,power and error metrics.The experimental results on an 8-bit multiplier with an image processing application shows that the proposed approx-imate computing multiplier achieved a superior area and power reduction with very good results on error rates.

The Economic Analysis of Law as a Reference for the Grounds of Judicial Decisions

The present article aimed to analyze the application of the economic analysis of Law as a reference for the reasoning of judicial decisions.To that end,an analysis was carried out on the definitions of what is hermeneutics and economic analysis of law,based on the construction of the matrix rule of conduct for public administration.The method of the approach followed was empirical-dialectical,using bibliographic,legislative and jurisprudential research,having a reference to the Law and Economics.

Sarcopenia in chronic viral hepatitis:From concept to clinical relevance

Although the frequency of metabolic risk factors for cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is increasing,chronic hepatitis B(CHB)and chronic hepatitis C(CHC)remain the most relevant risk factors for advanced liver disease worldwide.In addition to liver damage,hepatitis B virus(HBV)and hepatitis C virus(HCV)infections are associated with a myriad of extrahepatic manifestations including mixed cryoglobulinaemia,lymphoproliferative disorders,renal disease,insulin resistance,type 2 diabetes,sicca syndrome,rheumatoid arthritislike polyarthritis,and autoantibody production.Recently,the list has grown to include sarcopenia.Loss of muscle mass or muscle function is a critical feature of malnutrition in cirrhotic patients and has been found in approximately 23.0%-60.0%of patients with advanced liver disease.Nonetheless,among published studies,there is significant heterogeneity in the aetiologies of hepatic diseases and measurement methods used to determine sarcopenia.In particular,the interaction between sarcopenia,CHB and CHC has not been completely clarified in a real-world setting.Sarcopenia can result from a complex and multifaceted virus-host-environment interplay in individuals chronically infected with HBV or HCV.Thus,in the present review,we provide an overview of the concept,prevalence,clinical relevance,and potential mechanisms of sarcopenia in patients with chronic viral hepatitis,with an emphasis on clinical outcomes,which have been associated with skeletal muscle loss in these patients.A comprehensive overview of sarcopenia in individuals chronically infected with HBV or HCV,independent of the stage of the liver disease,will reinforce the necessity of an integrated medical/nutritional/physical education approach in the daily clinical care of patients with CHB and CHC.

Study of the Superficial Modification of Sisal Fibres with Lignin, and Its Use As a Reinforcement Agent in Cementitious Composites

The objective of this work was to evaluate different superficial treatments of sisal fibres employing lignin,and their use as a reinforcement agent in cementitious composites.The treatments consisted of superficially impregnating sisal fibres(S)with organosolv lignin(LO),organosolv lignin and glutaraldehyde(LOG),Kraft lignin(LK)and Kraft lignin and glutaraldehyde(LKG).The fibre modifications were verified by FTIR-ATR and SEM analyzes,and the presence of lignin on the surface of the fibres was evidenced,confirming the effectiveness of the treatments.The mechanical,thermal(by TGA)and water absorption properties of the fibres before and after the modifications were also investigated.After treatment,the modified fibres presented an expressive reduction of the water absorption and did not show significant changes in the mechanical properties when compared with the natural unmodified sisal fibre(SNAT).It was verified an increase in the thermal stability of the treated fibres which can be attributed to the insertion of lignin on the fibres.To evaluate the performance of the fibres in the cementitious composites,cement plates(CP)were produced with different treated fibres(CP-SLOG,CP-SLO,CP-SLKG,CP-SLK)and fibres without treatment(CP-SNAT).The composites were evaluated concerning to the water absorption,porosity and mechanical properties.The fractured regions were also investigated by SEM.All composites prepared showed similar values of absorption and porosity indexes.From the mechanical properties,the composites prepared with modified fibres showed a significant increase in the modulus of rupture and modulus of elasticity compared with CP-SNAT,while toughness was similar to all samples.From the SEM images,it was observed that the modified fibres immersed in the cementitious plates showed no degradation,indicating that the impregnation of lignin acted as a protective agent of the fibres.Therefore,the treatments of the fibres with lignin led to a significant improvement in the properties of the composites generating a treatment with potential for industrial application.

Transcriptome analyses of the Dof-like gene family in grapevine reveal its involvement in berry, flower and seed development

The Dof(DNA-binding with one finger)protein family spans a group of plant transcription factors involved in the regulation of several functions,such as plant responses to stress,hormones and light,phytochrome signaling and seed germination.Here we describe the Dof-like gene family in grapevine(Vitis vinifera L.),which consists of 25 genes coding for Dof.An extensive in silico characterization of the VviDofL gene family was performed.Additionally,the expression of the entire gene family was assessed in 54 grapevine tissues and organs using an integrated approach with microarray(cv Corvina)and real-time PCR(cv Pinot Noir)analyses.The phylogenetic analysis comparing grapevine sequences with those of Arabidopsis,tomato,poplar and already described Dof genes in other species allowed us to identify several duplicated genes.The diversification of grapevine DofL genes during evolution likely resulted in a broader range of biological roles.Furthermore,distinct expression patterns were identified between samples analyzed,corroborating such hypothesis.Our expression results indicate that several VviDofL genes perform their functional roles mainly during flower,berry and seed development,highlighting their importance for grapevine growth and production.The identification of similar expression profiles between both approaches strongly suggests that these genes have important regulatory roles that are evolutionally conserved between grapevine cvs Corvina and Pinot Noir.

Effects of aquatic exercise on depression and anxiety in ischemic stroke subjects

Background: Stroke ranks third and is the leading cause of permanent disability in western countries. Furthermore there are no treatments for the psychosocial effects of this pathology. Purpose: Analyse the effect of an aquatic exercise program in depression and trace and state anxiety in subjects who suffered an ischemic stroke. Methods: Two groups were analyzed: experimental group (EG) n = 15, 50.3 ± 9.1 years;control group (CG) n = 13, 52.5 ± 7.7 years. EG underwent a 12-week aquatic exercise program. Both groups were evaluated in pre and post- treatment using Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Trace State Anxiety Inventory (IDATE). Wilcoxon signed-rank and Mann-Whitney tests were used to compare moments and groups, respec- tively. Results: The BDI scores of aquatic activities were: pre-treatment, 17.4 ± 7.7 and 16.9 ± 8.6 for the EG and CG, respectively;post-treat- ment, 13.2 + 7.1 and 16.4 + 7.9 for the EG and CG, respectively. The IDATE scores for anxiety trace in strength training were: pre-treatment, 43.2 + 12.5 and 42.9 + 12.2 for the EG and CG, respec- tively;post-treatment, 39.7 + 7.1 and 42.6 + 12.1 for the EG and CG, respectively. The IDATE scores for anxiety state in strength training were: pre-treatment, 46.9 + 7.6 and 47.4 + 8.1 for the EG and CG, respectively;post-treatment, 44.4 + 7.9 and 47.5 + 8.0 for the EG and CG, respectively. Significant differences were found in pre and post-treatment values in the EG and between groups in the depression and trace and state anxiety levels in post-treatment (p Conclusions: Aquatic physical activity contributes to an improvement of the levels of depression and anxiety in people who suffered a stroke.

Saccharification of Sugarcane Bagasse Using an Enzymatic Extract Produced by Aspergillus fumigatus

This study investigates the efficiency of a crude enzymatic extract produced by Aspergillus fumigatus SCBM6 by solid state fermentation(SSF)in the hydrolysis of alkali pretreated sugarcane bagasse(PTB).After SSF using in natura sugarcane bagasse(SCB),the enzymatic extract presented 21.33 U.g^-1 of β-glucosidase and 544.46 U.g^-1 of xylanase.The alkaline pretreatment with sodium hydroxide 2%NaOH(w/v)removed 43% of the lignin from PTB and the cellulosic fraction increased to 75%.The hydrolysis was optimized as a function of time,temperature,and concentration of PTB.After hydrolysis,the maximum yield(30.05%)of total released reducing sugars(TRS)was obtained under the following conditions:24 h,55℃,2% of PTB and 3 U.g^-1 of β-glucosidase(CBU).Furthermore,an approximate TRS value(26.4%)was also obtained after saccharification carried out during 6 h,55℃,4% of PTB and 1 CBU.These results indicate that hydrolysis can be performed in a short incubation period and with low enzymatic load for reasonable TRS release.

Edible Coatings Based on Apple Pectin,Cellulose Nanocrystals,and Essential Oil of Lemongrass:Improving the Quality and Shelf Life of Strawberries(Fragaria Ananassa)

In this work,nine different types of edible coating based on pectin,cellulose nanocrystals,glycerol,and essential oil of lemongrass were prepared and used to coat strawberries with a film formed directly on the surface of the coated fruit.The effects of the different edible coatings on refrigerated fruits in terms of weight loss,titratable acidity,total soluble solids,pH,and anthocyanin content was evaluated after 2 days,4 days,6 days,and 8 days of storage.Application of the edible coatings reduced the weight loss of the coated strawberries and the anthocyanin content.The total soluble solids content of or uncoated fruit increase more markedly than that of coated fruit.In contrast,pH was maintained for both coated and uncoated strawberries.The edible coatings were effective in minimizing of the weight loss,without worsening the physical chemistry attributes.The treatments T5 and T9 presented the best results.

hsa-miR-29c and hsa-miR-135b differential expression aspotential biomarker of gastric carcinogenesis

AIM: To investigate the expression profiles of hsa-mi R-29 c and hsa-mi R-135 b in gastric mucosal samples and their values as gastric carcinogenesis biomarkers. METHODS: The expression levels of hsa-mi R-29 c and hsa-mi R-135 b in normal gastric mucosa, non-atrophic chronic gastritis, intestinal metaplasia and intestinaltype gastric adenocarcinoma were analysed using quantitative real-time PCR. The difference between hsa-mi R-29 c and hsa-mi R-135 b expression profiles in the grouped samples was evaluated by ANOVA and Student's t-test tests. The results were adjusted for multiple testing by using Bonferroni's correction. P values ≤ 0.05 were considered statistically significant. To evaluate hsa-mi R-29 c and hsa-mi R-135 b expressions as potential biomarkers of gastric carcinogenesis, we performed a receiver operating characteristic curve analysis and the derived area under the curve, and a Categorical Principal Components Analysis. In silico identification of the genetic targets of hsa-mi R-29 c and hsa-mi R-135 b was performed using different prediction tools, in order to identify possible genes involved in gastric carcinogenesis.RESULTS: The expression levels of hsa-mi R-29 c were higher in normal gastric mucosal samples, and decreased progressively in non-atrophic chronic gastritis samples, intestinal metaplasia samples and intestinal-type gastric adenocarcinoma samples. The expression of hsa-mi R-29 c in the gastric lesions showed that non-atrophic gastritis have an intermediate profile to gastric normal mucosa and intestinal-type gastric adenocarcinoma, and that intestinal metaplasia samples presented an expression pattern similar to that in intestinal-type gastric adenocarcinoma. This micro RNA(mi RNA) has a good discriminatory accuracy between normal gastric samples and(1) intestinal-type gastric adenocarcinoma; and(2) intestinal metaplasia, and regulates the DMNT3 A oncogene. hsa-mi R-135 b is up-regulated in non-atrophic chronic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia samples and down-regulated in normal gastric mucosa and intestinal-type gastric adenocarcinoma samples. Non-atrophic chronic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia are significantly different from normal gastric mucosa samples. hsa-mi R-135 b expression presented a greater discriminatory accuracy between normal samples and gastric lesions. This mi RNA was associated with Helicobacter pylori presence in non-atrophic chronic gastritis samples and regulates the APC and KLF4 tumour suppressor genes.CONCLUSION: Our results provide evidence of epigenetic alterations in non-atrophic chronic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia and suggest that hsa-mi R-29 c and hsa-mi R-135 b are promising biomarkers of gastric carcinogenesis.

Initial Growth of Eucalyptus with Different Spatial Arrangements in Agrosilvopastoral Systems

Success of integrating livestock farming with forestry systems or SAF′s (Agroforestry Systems) highly depends on correct chose of the tree component and the best spatial arrangement of plants, for which eucalyptus has proven as an excellent option. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate eucalyptus wood yield under different spatial arrangements in agrosilvipastoral system. The arrangements were: single rows 10 × 2 m, double rows (2 × 3) + 15 m and (2 × 3) + 20 m and triple rows (3 × 2 × 3) +20 m. Silvicultural evaluations (DBH, tree height, tree volume and volume per hectare) were done eighteen months after experiment installation. The experimental design was randomized blocks with six repetitions and two trees per plot. Trees were arbitrarily identified in each spatial arrangement, numbered from 1 to 5, totaling 30 plots in each system. The DBH increased as the alleys became closer to each other, being higher in the10 × 2 m and (2 × 3) + 15 m systems;tree height increased in denser spacing—10 × 2 m, (2 × 3) + 15 m and (3 × 2 × 3) + 20 m;the volume of wood per plant and per hectare showed higher values in the 10 × 2 m and (2 × 3) + 15 m systems. The lowest yield was found in the system with the least amount of trees, i.e. (2 × 3) + 20 m (576 trees/ha).

Circulation of Immunosuppressive Viruses and Avian Encephalomyelitis Virus in Backyard Chicken Flocks

The objective of this study was to evaluate the circulation of Chicken Anemia Virus (CAV), Infectious Bursal Disease Virus (IBDV), Avian Reovirus (ARV) and Avian Encephalomyelitis virus (AEV) in properties of backyard chickens and carry out an epidemiological analysis. We evaluated 200 samples of chickens from 19 backyard chicken property. Only one property (P10) did not present serological titers for the diseases evaluated. This property is close to industrial farms as well as the other properties, however, P10 remained a few years without the breeding of chicks and these were the first poultry to be housed on site. This reinforces the importance of the fallow period for poultry production. The prevalence of virus-seroreactive birds was 78% (156/200), 64.5% (129/200), 78% (156/200), 78% (156/200) for CAV, IBDV, ARV and, EA, respectively. All the free-range farms studied are within a radius of 500 meters to 6 Km away from some establishments of industrial poultry. There was a correlation between serological titers for CAV and the frequency of disease in poultry (r = 0.6178). In places where birds are frequently sick, 30.76% reported that the disease occurs in chicks, 30.76% in broilers, 23.07% in broiler chickens and 7.69% in birds of all ages. Birds get sick more often in the summer period. The owners reported that the most common signs of disease were respiratory signs (snoring and nasal discharge) (46.15%), diarrhea (30.76%), and paralysis of wings and/or paws (38.46%). There was a correlation between the presence of untreated water in the property and serological titers for ARV (r = 0.5576). This report draws attention not only to high serological prevalence for the viruses studied but also important epidemiological aspects of backyard chicken diseases that may indirectly influence the industrial production.

Photogrammetric Survey of the Historical Church of Nossa Senhora do Rosário and São Benedito in Brazil

In the history of cities and society,architecture plays an important role in the materialization of buildings,in the ways of life and in the constitution of an era.Documenting architectural heritage is an essential task for the conservation,management and collection of knowledge,however it is a time consuming and costly task.Presently,the application of digital aerial and terrestrial photogrammetry has made this process simpler,more agile and of relatively low cost.In this context,the objective of this study was to analyze the visual and geometric quality of the 3D model,of architectural heritage,generated by photogrammetric techniques.To this end,topographic mapping(reference)and aerial and terrestrial photogrammetric surveys of the Church of Nossa Senhora do Rosário and São Benedito,in Estrela do Sul/MG,Brazil,which is a historical and cultural heritage of the country,were carried out.Adopted as a reference,the 3D topographic model was generated by the points collected with a total station.To generate the photogrammetric 3D model,aerial photos were obtained using a UAV(Unmanned Aerial Vehicle)and terrestrial photos,acquired at strategic points.In both cases the PowerShot SX260HS camera was used.The two georeferenced 3D models were analyzed visually,considering texture and completeness,and compared geometrically through coordinates of homologous points.Comparatively,the photogrammetric 3D model presented results with a wealth of details far superior to the topographic ones and a geometry with centimetric discrepancies,showing that the method is suitable for generating 3D models relating to architectural heritage.

Special Issue on 15th Brazilian Polymer Conference:Biopolymers,Eco-Friendly and Biodegradable Polymers and Other Topics Related to Polymeric Materials Derived from Renewable Materials

This issue of Journal of Renewable Materials is a special issue dedicated to the 15th Brazilian Polymer Conference(15th CBPol)which was held in Bento Gonçalves,Rio Grande do Sul State,Brazil,from 27 to 31 October,2019[1].CBPol is the main scientific forum in the field of polymer science and technology in Brazil.The conference has been held biannually since 1991 and in this event had almost 900 participants mainly from Brazil,but also from Argentina,Chile,Peru,USA,Canada,Belgium,France,Great Britain,Portugal and Spain,with 60%students and 40%professionals.A total of 1,100 papers from 2725 authors were presented,from which 25%(280 papers)was in the field of Biomaterials showing the importance of these materials which are in general based on renewable resources.These 280 works were developed mainly by researchers from Brazilian institutions(universities and research institutes),mainly from the south and southeast regions of the country.The subject of more than 70%of the works was dedicated on vegetal raw materials,medicinal applications,packaging and composite materials.

Dermatophytes Species Isolated of HIV-Infected Patients Identified by ITS-RFLP and ITS Region Sequencing from Triangulo Mineiro, Minas Gerais State of Brazil

Dermatomycoses are a group of diseases worldwide distributed and affect skin, hair and nails. Several fungal species can be envolved and keratinophilic fungi belonging to the genera Trichophyton, Microsporum and Epidermophyton are very common. These infections are globally distributed and their incidence has progressively increased. Despite their high incidence, few studies have been carried out in HIV-infected patients, regarding frequency, clinical presentations, and species identification. This study aimed to evaluate some epidemiological and clinical aspects of dermatophytosis in HIV-infected patients and to attempt phenotypical and molecular characteristics of their agents. Of 398 patients included, 306 were HIV-infected. Clinical data and samples of skin, hair and nail lesions were simultaneously obtained. The dermatophytes yielded in culture were phenotypically identified and evaluated by ITS-RFLP and ITS (Internal Transcribed Space) sequencing. Dermatophytes frequency in HIV-infected patients with cutaneous lesions was 11.76% similar to the 15.22% observed in non-HIV individuals. Trichophyton rubrum was the most common isolated species in both groups. Throught ITS-RFLP, 29/32 (90.63%) of dermatophytes isolates were identified at the species level. From the 10 isolates randomly selected for ITS sequencing, seven confirmed the ITS-RFLP results while three Trichophyton sp. were not identified as dermatophytes. The identification of these species in HIV-infected patients is highly desirable in order to improve the knowledge of their frequency, geographical distribution and relation to clinical presentation.