BACKGROUND Liver cirrhosis often leads to significant impairments in functional capacity,which are associated with disease severity and prognosis.Simple,reliable,and low-cost tests are essential to monitor these patie...BACKGROUND Liver cirrhosis often leads to significant impairments in functional capacity,which are associated with disease severity and prognosis.Simple,reliable,and low-cost tests are essential to monitor these patients in clinical practice.The 6-min walk test(6MWT)is widely used in other chronic conditions,but its measurement properties in cirrhosis remain underexplored.AIM To assess the reliability of the 6MWT in patients with liver cirrhosis(LC).METHODS This cross-sectional study was conducted at a teaching hospital in Juiz de Fora-Minas Gerais.Patients diagnosed with LC at any stage of the disease and under clinical follow-up were included.Patients with grade 2 or higher encephalopathy,respiratory,and/or musculoskeletal diseases or who did not understand the test were excluded.Initially,anamnesis and anthropometric evaluation were performed,followed by the 6MWT.After 24 h the test was repeated.Descriptive statistics were used to present the data.Continuous variables were tested for normality using the Shapiro-Wilk test.The reliability of the 6MWT was tested through Bland-Altman analysis,typical error of measurement,and intraclass correlation coefficient(ICC)as well as a one-sample t-test.A paired Student’s ttest was used to check for differences between means,and Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to verify the relationship between the two moments[first 6MWT(6MWT-1)and second 6MWT(6MWT-2)].RESULTS The mean difference between 6MWT-2 and 6MWT-1 was-18.9 m;the lower limit of the Bland-Altman agreement was-83.5 m,and the upper limit was 45.7 m.One participant was excluded from further analyses for being outside these limits.The typical error of measurement was 18.9 m.The ICC showed excellent reliability between the two tests(ICC=0.97,95%confidence internal:0.90-0.99,P<0.001).The Student’s one-sample t-value was-2.35(P=0.03).The paired t-value was 2.35(P=0.03).Pearson’s correlation coefficient between the 6MWT-1 and 6MWT-2 was r=0.98(P=0.0001).CONCLUSION The 6MWT is a test with excellent reliability.It is safe,easy to administer,inexpensive,and can be introduced into routine practice without loss of diagnostic precision in estimating the functional capacity of patients with LC.展开更多
Linoleic (LA) and α-linolenic acids (ALA) are considered essential fatty acids (EFA) because they are not produced by the human body. This way, EFAs sources must come from the diet. The primary dietary source of n-3 ...Linoleic (LA) and α-linolenic acids (ALA) are considered essential fatty acids (EFA) because they are not produced by the human body. This way, EFAs sources must come from the diet. The primary dietary source of n-3 fatty acids is ALA, found in seeds and seed oils. Other important sources are fish oils such as tuna, salmon and herring. Currently, numerous studies suggest possible benefits of essential fatty acids in human health, such as in cardiovascular, cognitive and eye health, and also during pregnancy and childhood. This paper also discusses the impact of fatty acids in human metabolism, and the available evidence regarding its risks. It addresses the relevant debate regarding a general ban of trans fatty acids (TFA) from the world food market, because of the cardiovascular risks associated with its consumption.展开更多
Cells,tissues,and organs are constantly subjected to the action of mechanical forces from the extracellular environment-and the nervous system is no exception.Cell-intrinsic properties such as membrane lipid compositi...Cells,tissues,and organs are constantly subjected to the action of mechanical forces from the extracellular environment-and the nervous system is no exception.Cell-intrinsic properties such as membrane lipid composition,abundance of mechanosensors,and cytoskeletal dynamics make cells more or less likely to sense these forces.Intrinsic and extrinsic cues are integrated by cells and this combined information determines the rate and dynamics of membrane protrusion growth or retraction(Yamada and Sixt,2019).Cell protrusions are extensions of the plasma membrane that play crucial roles in diverse contexts such as cell migration and neuronal synapse formation.In the nervous system,neurons are highly dynamic cells that can change the size and number of their pre-and postsynaptic elements(called synaptic boutons and dendritic spines,respectively),in response to changes in the levels of synaptic activity through a process called plasticity.Synaptic plasticity is a hallmark of the nervous system and is present throughout our lives,being required for functions like memory formation or the learning of new motor skills(Minegishi et al.,2023;Pillai and Franze,2024).展开更多
BACKGROUND Cirrhotic patients face heightened energy demands,leading to rapid glycogen depletion,protein degradation,oxidative stress,and inflammation,which drive disease progression and complications.These disruption...BACKGROUND Cirrhotic patients face heightened energy demands,leading to rapid glycogen depletion,protein degradation,oxidative stress,and inflammation,which drive disease progression and complications.These disruptions cause cellular damage and parenchymal changes,resulting in vascular alterations,portal hypertension,and liver dysfunction,significantly affecting patient prognosis.AIM To analyze the association between Child–Turcotte–Pugh(CTP)scores and di-fferent nutritional indicators with survival in a 15-year follow-up cohort.METHODS This was a retrospective cohort study with 129 cirrhotic patients of both sexes aged>18 years.Diagnosis of cirrhosis was made by liver biopsy.The first year of data collection was 2007,and data regarding outcomes were collected in 2023.Data were gathered from medical records,and grouped by different methods,including CTP,handgrip strength,and triceps skinfold cutoffs.The prognostic values for mortality were assessed using Kaplan–Meier curves and multivariate binary logistic regression models.RESULTS The coefficient for CTP was the only statistically significant variable(Wald=5.193,P=0.023).This suggests that with a negative change in CTP classification score,the odds of survival decrease 52.6%.The other evaluated variables did not significantly predict survival outcomes in the model.Kaplan–Meier survival curves also indicated that CTP classification was the only significant predictor.CONCLUSION Although different classifications showed specific differences in stratification,only CTP showed significant predictive potential.CTP score remains a simple and effective predictive tool for cirrhotic patients even after longer follow-up.展开更多
AIM To assess the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) in chronic liver disease due to hepatitis B virus(HBV) or hepatitis C virus(HCV) coinfected with human immunodeficiency virus(HIV).METHODS A retrospective c...AIM To assess the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) in chronic liver disease due to hepatitis B virus(HBV) or hepatitis C virus(HCV) coinfected with human immunodeficiency virus(HIV).METHODS A retrospective cohort study was performed, including patients with chronic liver disease due to HBV or HCV, with and without HIV coinfection. Patients were selected in the largest tertiary public hospital complex in southern Brazil between January 2007 and June 2014. We assessed demographic and clinical data, including lifestyle habits such as illicit drug use or alcohol abuse, in addition to frequency and reasons for hospital admissions via medical records review.RESULTS Of 804 patients were included(399 with HIV coinfection and 405 monoinfected with HBV or HCV). Coinfected patients were younger(36.7 ± 10 vs 46.3 ± 12.5, P < 0.001). Liver cirrhosis was observed in 31.3% of HIV-negative patients and in 16.5% of coinfected(P < 0.001). HCC was diagnosed in 36 patients(10 HIV coinfected and 26 monoinfected). The incidence density of HCC in coinfected and monoinfected patients was 0.25 and 0.72 cases per 100 patient-years(95%CI: 0.12-0.46 vs 0.47-1.05)(long-rank P = 0.002), respectively. The ratio for the HCC incidence rate was 2.98 for HIV-negative. However, when adjusting for age or when only cirrhotic are analyzed, the absence of HIV lost statistical significance for the development of HCC. CONCLUSION In this study, the presence of HIV coinfection in chronic liver disease due to HBV or HCV showed no relation to the increase of HCC incidence.展开更多
To improve understanding of the multifaceted nature of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease(MASLD),the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases,in collaboration with the European Associ...To improve understanding of the multifaceted nature of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease(MASLD),the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases,in collaboration with the European Association for the Study of the Liver and the Latin American Association for the Study of the Liver,proposed a broader and more flexible definition,highlighting the role of underlying metabolic dysfunction.MASLD represents the most common chronic liver disease worldwide;however,the impact of the disease goes beyond its epidemiological aspects.Currently,the impact on patients and healthcare syst-ems,due to hepatic and extrahepatic complications,is significant.Recent evidence has demonstrated that epigenetic regulation plays a key role in the development and progression of MASLD.This highly sophisticated regulatory system includes DNA methylation,histone modification,chromatin remodeling,and modulation of non-coding RNA,without causing changes in the primary DNA sequence.Diet,particularly the Westernized diet(characterized by high levels of processed foods,fats,and sugars,but deficient in vitamins and minerals),contributes to the pathogenesis of MASLD through epigenetic modulation at multiple levels.Given the association between diet,epigenetics,and MASLD,this review aims to present some micronutrients and their importance in the prevention and/or treatment of metabolically dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease.展开更多
Here we compare the efficacy of anti-obesity drugs alone or combined with exercise training on body weight and exercise capacity of obese patients.Randomized clinical trials that assessed the impact of any anti-obesit...Here we compare the efficacy of anti-obesity drugs alone or combined with exercise training on body weight and exercise capacity of obese patients.Randomized clinical trials that assessed the impact of any anti-obesity drug alone or combined with exercise training on body weight,body fat,fat-free mass and cardiorespiratory fitness in obese patients were retrieved from Pubmed and EMBASE up to May 2024.Risk of bias assessment was performed with RoB 2.0,and the GRADE approach assessed the certainty of evidence(CoE)of each main outcome.We included four publications summing up 202 patients.Two publications used orlistat as an anti-obesity drug treatment,while the other two adopted GLP-1 receptor agonist(liraglutide or tirzepatide)as a pharmacotherapy for weight management.Orlistat combined with exercise was superior to change body weight(mean difference(MD):−2.27 kg;95%CI:−2.86 to−1.69;CoE:very low),fat mass(MD:−2.89;95%CI:−3.87 to−1.91;CoE:very low),fat-free mass(MD:0.56;95%CI:0.40–0.72;CoE:very low),and VO_(2)Peak(MD:2.64;95%CI:2.52–2.76;CoE:very low).GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs combined with exercise had a great effect on body weight(MD:−3.96 kg;95%CI:−5.07 to−2.85;CoE:low),fat mass(MD:−1.76;95%CI:−2.24 to−1.27;CoE:low),fat-free mass(MD:0.50;95%CI:−0.98 to 1.98;CoE:very low)and VO_(2)Peak(MD:2.47;95%CI:1.31–3.63;CoE:very low).The results reported here suggest that exercise training remains an important approach in weight management when combined with pharmacological treatment.展开更多
BACKGROUND Telerehabilitation can help overcome geographic barriers and expand access to physical rehabilitation for patients with chronic liver disease.AIM To evaluate the impact of adherence to a videoconference-sup...BACKGROUND Telerehabilitation can help overcome geographic barriers and expand access to physical rehabilitation for patients with chronic liver disease.AIM To evaluate the impact of adherence to a videoconference-supervised telerehabilitation programme on frailty,functional capacity,and quality of life in pre-frail or frail cirrhotic patients awaiting liver transplantation.METHODS We conducted a non-randomised controlled clinical trial involving patients listed for liver transplantation from January 2021 to May 2023.Frailty was assessed using the Liver Frailty Index(LFI).Participants were enrolled in a 12-week telerehabilitation programme and classified as adherent(≥50%sessions)or nonadherent.Functional capacity was measured using the 4-minute step test(4MST),and quality of life was evaluated with the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey(SF-36)questionnaire.RESULTS Fifty-seven pre-frail or frail patients were included in the study and enrolled in the telerehabilitation programme.Adherence was observed in 29.8%of participants.At baseline,non-adherent patients had higher mean LFI scores(4.24 vs 4.03,P<0.001).Over time,the LFI score increased by 0.11 in non-adherent patients,while adherent patients experienced a mean score reduction of 0.54(final mean LFI score:3.2).Adherent patients also demonstrated enhanced heart rate responses in the 4MST(P<0.001)and greater improvements in the physical functioning,vitality,and mental health domains of the SF-36.No serious adverse events were reported.CONCLUSION The videoconference-supervised telerehabilitation programme was safe and effective in reducing frailty and improving functional outcomes and quality of life in adherent cirrhotic patients on the liver transplant waitlist.展开更多
Bacterial infection is considered to be one of the most critical health issues of the world. It is essential to overcome this problem by the development of new drugs. Marine organisms as corals, sponges, seaweeds, and...Bacterial infection is considered to be one of the most critical health issues of the world. It is essential to overcome this problem by the development of new drugs. Marine organisms as corals, sponges, seaweeds, and other are an incredible source of novel pharmacologically active compounds. Herein, the antimicrobial activity (extract/fractions) of the invasive stony coralTubastraea coccinea was evaluated by the disk diffusion method against 21 microbial strains (ATCC and clinical strains). Micro broth dilution was used to determinate the MIC of the fractions that showed antimicrobial activity by the disk diffusion method. Bioautography assay was also performed. Our results showed that the n-butanol (BF) and aqueous fractions (AF) showed activity against ATCC strains Staphylococcus aureus (MIC 31.25 and 250 μg/mL),Salmonella typhimurium (MIC 125 and 500 μg/mL), Escherichia coli (MIC 62.5 and 500 μg/mL) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MIC 62.5 and 500 μg/mL), respectively. Moreover, BF fraction was also effective against the clinical strains S. aureus(MIC 62.5 μg/mL), Klebsiella pneumoniae Carbapenemase—KPC (MIC 125 μg/mL), Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus—MRSA (MIC 125 μg/mL) and Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus faecalis—VRE (MIC 62.5 μg/mL). The ratio MBC/MIC reinforces the bactericidal profile of BF fraction. The bioautography assay of BF fraction showed the presence of antimicrobial components at R<sub>f</sub>0.55.展开更多
bjectives:Academic Evaluation Anxiety is a significant psychological concern among adolescents,with well-documented impacts on academic performance,emotional well-being,and school engagement.In Portugal,recent evidenc...bjectives:Academic Evaluation Anxiety is a significant psychological concern among adolescents,with well-documented impacts on academic performance,emotional well-being,and school engagement.In Portugal,recent evidence suggests growing pressure on students to achieve high academic standards,with psychosocial variables such as resilience,perceived support,and school environment playing a crucial role.This study aims to examine the prevalence and psychosocial predictors of Academic Evaluation Anxiety in Portuguese students,and to identify risk and protective factors that inform educational practice.Methods:This cross-sectional,quantitative study analysed data from 3083 students(5th to 12th grade)from the 2024 National Study by the Observatory of Psychological Health and Well-Being.Validated instruments were used,including the Depression,Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 items(DASS-21),the Social and Emotional Skills Scale(SSES),the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children(HBSC)psychological symptoms and well-being indices,the Positive Youth Development(PYD)scale,and the School Environment Scale.Statistical analyses included descriptive measures,one-way ANOVAs,and multivariate linear regression.Results:Academic Evaluation Anxiety was significantly higher among female students(Mean=2.80,SD=0.93)compared to male students(Mean=2.16,SD=1.10),representing approximately 30%higher mean levels of anxiety in girls(F=306.206,p<0.001).Resilience(β=−0.38,p<0.001),self-confidence(β=−0.07,p=0.02),and creativity(β=−0.06,p=0.01)emerged as protective factors,whereas cooperation(β=0.23,p<0.001),teacher relationships(β=0.08,p<0.001),bullying(β=0.07,p<0.001),and school environment(β=0.05,p=0.03)were positively associated with anxiety levels.Conclusions:Academic Evaluation Anxiety is highly prevalent among Portuguese adolescents,with girls reporting significantly higher levels than boys.Resilience,self-confidence,and creativity act as protective factors,while bullying,teacher relationships,cooperation,and negative school climate increase vulnerability.These findings highlight the need for whole-school strategies that strengthen socio-emotional competencies and create psychologically safe learning environments to support both well-being and academic success.展开更多
BACKGROUND Hepatic encephalopathy(HE)is a poorly understood complication in hepatosplenic schistosomiasis(HSS),a neglected cause of non-cirrhotic portal hypertension.Although portosystemic shunts(PSS)are commonly obse...BACKGROUND Hepatic encephalopathy(HE)is a poorly understood complication in hepatosplenic schistosomiasis(HSS),a neglected cause of non-cirrhotic portal hypertension.Although portosystemic shunts(PSS)are commonly observed in HSS patients,the prevalence and clinical impact of overt HE(OHE)and minimal HE(MHE)remain understudied,particularly in resource-limited settings.AIM To determine OHE/MHE prevalence in HSS and its associations with PSS,clinical,and laboratory characteristics.METHODS This cross-sectional study included 200 HSS patients undergoing treatment at the Hospital of Universidade Federal de Pernambuco in Brazil between 2021 and 2023.Cognitive function was assessed using the animal naming test(ANT)and Mini-Mental State Examination(MMSE),while psychological status was evaluated with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale.PSS was identified via ultrasound,and fibrosis severity was quantified using the Coutinho index(CI).Analyses were adjusted for education level and the presence of comorbidities.Statistical analyses were performed using R software.RESULTS The prevalence of OHE was 0.5%,while MHE,diagnosed via ANT,affected 24%of patients.ANT positivity was significantly associated with the presence of PSS(35.1%vs 15.1%;P=0.0018)and higher CI scores(1.79±0.26 vs 1.30±0.84;P=0.045).Patients with MHE demonstrated notably lower MMSE scores(24.06±1.17 vs 26.04±0.63;P=0.0003),independent of education level.The ANT showed high diagnostic robustness,even among patients with limited formal education.CONCLUSION MHE is prevalent in HSS,especially with PSS,and is associated with portal hypertension severity.The ANT enables practical screening,underscoring the need for routine assessment to improve outcomes.展开更多
Potential interactive effects and trade-offs between drivers can regulate species diversity,affecting distributions by several orders of magnitude and distribution.The decomposition ofβ-diversity into turnover and ne...Potential interactive effects and trade-offs between drivers can regulate species diversity,affecting distributions by several orders of magnitude and distribution.The decomposition ofβ-diversity into turnover and nestedness could disentangle community assembly rules and offer the opportunity to encompass the processes that structure the communities and maintain theβ-diversity on the campo rupestre.We evaluatedα-andβ-diversity and species conservation status of rocky outcrop communities in the Parque Nacional da Serra do Cipó,as well as the decomposed component of theβ-diversity index.Due to the isolation characteristics of rocky outcrops,we expect to find high taxonomic turnover among the communities.The study was performed on five quartzitic rocky outcrops divided into two sampling stations.We used field expeditions and plant inventory data of shrubs and herbaceous layers.We recorded 286 angiosperms taxa among rocky outcrops of campo rupestre of Serra do Cipó.The structure andα-diversity showed significant differences among rocky outcrops and an evident oligarchic structure in the plant communities analyzed.Taxonomicβ-diversity showed high turnover with a significant contribution of the turnover component to this index.This pattern reflects the interplay between regional and local scale processes.Therefore,we believe this approach becomes a unified framework,which allows the comparison of diversity patterns and ecological processes in rocky outcrops ecosystems.We highlight the high percentage of not evaluated species for threats and the need to fill this lack.展开更多
AIM To determine the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) and the impact of HCC surveillance on early diagnosis and survival of cirrhotic outpatients. METHODS In this retrospective cohort study, cirrhotic outpat...AIM To determine the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) and the impact of HCC surveillance on early diagnosis and survival of cirrhotic outpatients. METHODS In this retrospective cohort study, cirrhotic outpatients undergoing HCC surveillance between March 2005 and March 2014 were analyzed. Exclusion criteria were HIV coinfection; previous organ transplantation; diagnosis of HCC at first consultation; missing data in the medical chart; and less than 1 year of follow-up. Surveillance was carried out every six months using ultrasound and serum alpha-fetoprotein determination. Ten-year cumulative incidence and survival were estimated through Kaplan-Meier analysis. RESULTS Four hundred and fifty-three patients were enrolled, of which 57.6% were male. Mean age was 55 years. Hepatitis C virus and heavy use of alcohol were the main etiologic agents of cirrhosis. HCC was diagnosed in 75 patients(16.6%), with an estimated cumulative incidence of 2.6% in the 1st year, 15.4% in the 5th year, and 28.8% in the 10 th year. Median survival was estimated at 17.6 mo in HCC patients compared to 234 mo in non-HCC patients(P < 0.001). Early-stage HCC was more often detected in patients who underwent surveillance every 6 mo or less(P = 0.05). However, survival was not different between patients with early stage vs non-early stage tumors [HR = 0.54(0.15-1.89), P = 0.33].CONCLUSION HCC is a frequent complication in patients with cirrhosis and adherence to surveillance programs favors early diagnosis.展开更多
Cerrado soils are acidic and nutrient-poor,with high content of solubilized Al 3+.Plants growing in these conditions may display adaptations to cope with high aluminum concentrations especially during early developmen...Cerrado soils are acidic and nutrient-poor,with high content of solubilized Al 3+.Plants growing in these conditions may display adaptations to cope with high aluminum concentrations especially during early developmental stages.We investigated leaf nutritional status,and photosynthetic and growth characteristics during the initial establishment of Handroanthus impetiginosus(Mart.Ex Dc.)Mattos,a secondary tree species distributed in the Brazilian Cerrado.Our goal was to understand leaf-level traits related to diff erent aluminum concentrations.H.impetiginosus plants were cultivated in four diff erent aluminum sulfate concentrations:0,1,2,and 4 mM Al,for 40 days.We performed analyses of growth,leaf gas exchange,chloroplast pigment content,and leaf mineral nutrients.We observed a linear increase of Al leaf content as a function of Al concentration in the nutrient solution.Plants grown in 1 mM Al showed a remarkable increase of K leaf content,net photosynthesis,stomatal conductance,and transpiration,while in 4 mM Al there were reductions of N,P,and K contents,gas exchange characteristics,and height.H.impetiginosus did not have mechanisms of avoidance,compartmentalization,or resistance to high Al concentrations.Indeed,this species showed a hormetic response,with low Al concentrations stimulating and high Al concentrations inhibiting plant responses.展开更多
Flowering is essential in any breeding programme, particularly in genetic introgression programmes in which flowering synchronism is required. In this work, 16 sugarcane genotypes were evaluated using three different ...Flowering is essential in any breeding programme, particularly in genetic introgression programmes in which flowering synchronism is required. In this work, 16 sugarcane genotypes were evaluated using three different flowering-inductive photoperiod treatments (30 s, 45 s, and 1 min of a daily photoperiod decrease from 12 h 55 of light). Each genotype was planted in 43 L pots (equal proportion of soil, sand, and substrate) with three tillers per pot. Plants with 4 to 6 internodes were placed in a photoperiod facility with three controlled chambers, each chamber containing all 16 genotypes (one treatment per chamber). The temperature range (21°C to 32°C) and humidity were the same for all of the treatments. The flower induction started in September 2010 and ended in April 2011. The plant elongation and flag leaf and inflorescence emergence were recorded and the pollen viability was evaluated by using the iodine staining method. The photoperiod facility provided suitable conditions for flowering, as the plants in the three treatments successfully flowered. The genotypes in the three treatments behaved differently in relation to the date of panicle emergence, with the treatment of 45 s showing better results. The results here presented contribute to synchronise flowering for desired sugarcane crosses, particularly those from introgression programmes between commercial cultivars and species from the Saccharum complex.展开更多
Paraoxonase-1(PON1)is an important enzyme in various pathologies such as pesticide poisoning,diabetes,atherosclerosis,neuronal disorders,and cancer,due to its multifunctional activity since it acts on different metabo...Paraoxonase-1(PON1)is an important enzyme in various pathologies such as pesticide poisoning,diabetes,atherosclerosis,neuronal disorders,and cancer,due to its multifunctional activity since it acts on different metabolites.However,one of its main functions is the hydrolysis of organophosphate(OP)compounds from pesticides that cause fatal poisoning at the level of the central nervous system(CNS).The objective of this review was to investigate whether the structure,genetics,and function of PON1 affect the metabolism of organophosphate pesticides or other abnormalities.Information was selected from articles in the database PubMed–NCBI(https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/)with a publication date between 2011 and 2019.The enzymatic activity of PON1 can be modified depending on its chemical structure since there are different genetic polymorphisms that change PONI morphologies or the levels of expression in the bloodstream.This leads to differences in susceptibilities to organophosphate pesticide poisoning.The results of this review reveal that phenotypic variants of PON1 have differences in affinities for OP substrates.展开更多
Roads are a leading cause of habitat fragmentation and may reduce bird populations by increasing nest predation rates.However,few studies have investigated the effects of traffic volume on the reproductive success of ...Roads are a leading cause of habitat fragmentation and may reduce bird populations by increasing nest predation rates.However,few studies have investigated the effects of traffic volume on the reproductive success of roadside birds in the neotropics.Our goal was to evaluate the effects of spatial,temporal,and vehicle flow variations on the survival of artificial open-cup nests.The study was carried out in a nature reserve on the side of a highway during the breeding season(from October to March)in two restinga(sand-coastal plain)phytophysiognomies in southeastern Brazil:non-floodable(open)and floodable(closed).One hundred thirty nests were distributed along transects ranging from 3 m to 300 m from the highway in each vegetation type(totaling 260 nests).The nests were checked every three days for their status(depredated or intact)over 12 days,and new nests were subsequently placed near sampling points of depredated or successful nests.We estimated survival using logistic exposure generalized linear and additive mixed models.At the end of the 180 days of the experiment,33%of 6202 nests were successful.Nest survival was higher in open restinga than in closed restinga.In both habitats,nest survival was lowest mid-season and highest at the beginning and end.Survival rates peaked near the highway,declined up to 50 m away,then showed a slight increase.Finally,survival increased at moderate-to-high traffic volumes(∼22,000 vehicles/day),particularly in open restinga.We suggest that spatial,temporal,and habitat-specific highway impacts(e.g.,noise,vibration,visual stimuli)can lead to variations in the activity of nest predators,generating fluctuations in nest survival associated with predator behavior.展开更多
文摘BACKGROUND Liver cirrhosis often leads to significant impairments in functional capacity,which are associated with disease severity and prognosis.Simple,reliable,and low-cost tests are essential to monitor these patients in clinical practice.The 6-min walk test(6MWT)is widely used in other chronic conditions,but its measurement properties in cirrhosis remain underexplored.AIM To assess the reliability of the 6MWT in patients with liver cirrhosis(LC).METHODS This cross-sectional study was conducted at a teaching hospital in Juiz de Fora-Minas Gerais.Patients diagnosed with LC at any stage of the disease and under clinical follow-up were included.Patients with grade 2 or higher encephalopathy,respiratory,and/or musculoskeletal diseases or who did not understand the test were excluded.Initially,anamnesis and anthropometric evaluation were performed,followed by the 6MWT.After 24 h the test was repeated.Descriptive statistics were used to present the data.Continuous variables were tested for normality using the Shapiro-Wilk test.The reliability of the 6MWT was tested through Bland-Altman analysis,typical error of measurement,and intraclass correlation coefficient(ICC)as well as a one-sample t-test.A paired Student’s ttest was used to check for differences between means,and Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to verify the relationship between the two moments[first 6MWT(6MWT-1)and second 6MWT(6MWT-2)].RESULTS The mean difference between 6MWT-2 and 6MWT-1 was-18.9 m;the lower limit of the Bland-Altman agreement was-83.5 m,and the upper limit was 45.7 m.One participant was excluded from further analyses for being outside these limits.The typical error of measurement was 18.9 m.The ICC showed excellent reliability between the two tests(ICC=0.97,95%confidence internal:0.90-0.99,P<0.001).The Student’s one-sample t-value was-2.35(P=0.03).The paired t-value was 2.35(P=0.03).Pearson’s correlation coefficient between the 6MWT-1 and 6MWT-2 was r=0.98(P=0.0001).CONCLUSION The 6MWT is a test with excellent reliability.It is safe,easy to administer,inexpensive,and can be introduced into routine practice without loss of diagnostic precision in estimating the functional capacity of patients with LC.
文摘Linoleic (LA) and α-linolenic acids (ALA) are considered essential fatty acids (EFA) because they are not produced by the human body. This way, EFAs sources must come from the diet. The primary dietary source of n-3 fatty acids is ALA, found in seeds and seed oils. Other important sources are fish oils such as tuna, salmon and herring. Currently, numerous studies suggest possible benefits of essential fatty acids in human health, such as in cardiovascular, cognitive and eye health, and also during pregnancy and childhood. This paper also discusses the impact of fatty acids in human metabolism, and the available evidence regarding its risks. It addresses the relevant debate regarding a general ban of trans fatty acids (TFA) from the world food market, because of the cardiovascular risks associated with its consumption.
基金supported by PTDC-01778/2022-NeuroDev3D,iNOVA4Health(UIDB/04462/2020 and UIDP/04462/2020)LS4FUTURE(LA/P/0087/2020)。
文摘Cells,tissues,and organs are constantly subjected to the action of mechanical forces from the extracellular environment-and the nervous system is no exception.Cell-intrinsic properties such as membrane lipid composition,abundance of mechanosensors,and cytoskeletal dynamics make cells more or less likely to sense these forces.Intrinsic and extrinsic cues are integrated by cells and this combined information determines the rate and dynamics of membrane protrusion growth or retraction(Yamada and Sixt,2019).Cell protrusions are extensions of the plasma membrane that play crucial roles in diverse contexts such as cell migration and neuronal synapse formation.In the nervous system,neurons are highly dynamic cells that can change the size and number of their pre-and postsynaptic elements(called synaptic boutons and dendritic spines,respectively),in response to changes in the levels of synaptic activity through a process called plasticity.Synaptic plasticity is a hallmark of the nervous system and is present throughout our lives,being required for functions like memory formation or the learning of new motor skills(Minegishi et al.,2023;Pillai and Franze,2024).
文摘BACKGROUND Cirrhotic patients face heightened energy demands,leading to rapid glycogen depletion,protein degradation,oxidative stress,and inflammation,which drive disease progression and complications.These disruptions cause cellular damage and parenchymal changes,resulting in vascular alterations,portal hypertension,and liver dysfunction,significantly affecting patient prognosis.AIM To analyze the association between Child–Turcotte–Pugh(CTP)scores and di-fferent nutritional indicators with survival in a 15-year follow-up cohort.METHODS This was a retrospective cohort study with 129 cirrhotic patients of both sexes aged>18 years.Diagnosis of cirrhosis was made by liver biopsy.The first year of data collection was 2007,and data regarding outcomes were collected in 2023.Data were gathered from medical records,and grouped by different methods,including CTP,handgrip strength,and triceps skinfold cutoffs.The prognostic values for mortality were assessed using Kaplan–Meier curves and multivariate binary logistic regression models.RESULTS The coefficient for CTP was the only statistically significant variable(Wald=5.193,P=0.023).This suggests that with a negative change in CTP classification score,the odds of survival decrease 52.6%.The other evaluated variables did not significantly predict survival outcomes in the model.Kaplan–Meier survival curves also indicated that CTP classification was the only significant predictor.CONCLUSION Although different classifications showed specific differences in stratification,only CTP showed significant predictive potential.CTP score remains a simple and effective predictive tool for cirrhotic patients even after longer follow-up.
文摘AIM To assess the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) in chronic liver disease due to hepatitis B virus(HBV) or hepatitis C virus(HCV) coinfected with human immunodeficiency virus(HIV).METHODS A retrospective cohort study was performed, including patients with chronic liver disease due to HBV or HCV, with and without HIV coinfection. Patients were selected in the largest tertiary public hospital complex in southern Brazil between January 2007 and June 2014. We assessed demographic and clinical data, including lifestyle habits such as illicit drug use or alcohol abuse, in addition to frequency and reasons for hospital admissions via medical records review.RESULTS Of 804 patients were included(399 with HIV coinfection and 405 monoinfected with HBV or HCV). Coinfected patients were younger(36.7 ± 10 vs 46.3 ± 12.5, P < 0.001). Liver cirrhosis was observed in 31.3% of HIV-negative patients and in 16.5% of coinfected(P < 0.001). HCC was diagnosed in 36 patients(10 HIV coinfected and 26 monoinfected). The incidence density of HCC in coinfected and monoinfected patients was 0.25 and 0.72 cases per 100 patient-years(95%CI: 0.12-0.46 vs 0.47-1.05)(long-rank P = 0.002), respectively. The ratio for the HCC incidence rate was 2.98 for HIV-negative. However, when adjusting for age or when only cirrhotic are analyzed, the absence of HIV lost statistical significance for the development of HCC. CONCLUSION In this study, the presence of HIV coinfection in chronic liver disease due to HBV or HCV showed no relation to the increase of HCC incidence.
文摘To improve understanding of the multifaceted nature of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease(MASLD),the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases,in collaboration with the European Association for the Study of the Liver and the Latin American Association for the Study of the Liver,proposed a broader and more flexible definition,highlighting the role of underlying metabolic dysfunction.MASLD represents the most common chronic liver disease worldwide;however,the impact of the disease goes beyond its epidemiological aspects.Currently,the impact on patients and healthcare syst-ems,due to hepatic and extrahepatic complications,is significant.Recent evidence has demonstrated that epigenetic regulation plays a key role in the development and progression of MASLD.This highly sophisticated regulatory system includes DNA methylation,histone modification,chromatin remodeling,and modulation of non-coding RNA,without causing changes in the primary DNA sequence.Diet,particularly the Westernized diet(characterized by high levels of processed foods,fats,and sugars,but deficient in vitamins and minerals),contributes to the pathogenesis of MASLD through epigenetic modulation at multiple levels.Given the association between diet,epigenetics,and MASLD,this review aims to present some micronutrients and their importance in the prevention and/or treatment of metabolically dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease.
基金supported by Brazilian agencies CAPES(Finance Code 001)CNPq through PQ productivity scholarship.
文摘Here we compare the efficacy of anti-obesity drugs alone or combined with exercise training on body weight and exercise capacity of obese patients.Randomized clinical trials that assessed the impact of any anti-obesity drug alone or combined with exercise training on body weight,body fat,fat-free mass and cardiorespiratory fitness in obese patients were retrieved from Pubmed and EMBASE up to May 2024.Risk of bias assessment was performed with RoB 2.0,and the GRADE approach assessed the certainty of evidence(CoE)of each main outcome.We included four publications summing up 202 patients.Two publications used orlistat as an anti-obesity drug treatment,while the other two adopted GLP-1 receptor agonist(liraglutide or tirzepatide)as a pharmacotherapy for weight management.Orlistat combined with exercise was superior to change body weight(mean difference(MD):−2.27 kg;95%CI:−2.86 to−1.69;CoE:very low),fat mass(MD:−2.89;95%CI:−3.87 to−1.91;CoE:very low),fat-free mass(MD:0.56;95%CI:0.40–0.72;CoE:very low),and VO_(2)Peak(MD:2.64;95%CI:2.52–2.76;CoE:very low).GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs combined with exercise had a great effect on body weight(MD:−3.96 kg;95%CI:−5.07 to−2.85;CoE:low),fat mass(MD:−1.76;95%CI:−2.24 to−1.27;CoE:low),fat-free mass(MD:0.50;95%CI:−0.98 to 1.98;CoE:very low)and VO_(2)Peak(MD:2.47;95%CI:1.31–3.63;CoE:very low).The results reported here suggest that exercise training remains an important approach in weight management when combined with pharmacological treatment.
文摘BACKGROUND Telerehabilitation can help overcome geographic barriers and expand access to physical rehabilitation for patients with chronic liver disease.AIM To evaluate the impact of adherence to a videoconference-supervised telerehabilitation programme on frailty,functional capacity,and quality of life in pre-frail or frail cirrhotic patients awaiting liver transplantation.METHODS We conducted a non-randomised controlled clinical trial involving patients listed for liver transplantation from January 2021 to May 2023.Frailty was assessed using the Liver Frailty Index(LFI).Participants were enrolled in a 12-week telerehabilitation programme and classified as adherent(≥50%sessions)or nonadherent.Functional capacity was measured using the 4-minute step test(4MST),and quality of life was evaluated with the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey(SF-36)questionnaire.RESULTS Fifty-seven pre-frail or frail patients were included in the study and enrolled in the telerehabilitation programme.Adherence was observed in 29.8%of participants.At baseline,non-adherent patients had higher mean LFI scores(4.24 vs 4.03,P<0.001).Over time,the LFI score increased by 0.11 in non-adherent patients,while adherent patients experienced a mean score reduction of 0.54(final mean LFI score:3.2).Adherent patients also demonstrated enhanced heart rate responses in the 4MST(P<0.001)and greater improvements in the physical functioning,vitality,and mental health domains of the SF-36.No serious adverse events were reported.CONCLUSION The videoconference-supervised telerehabilitation programme was safe and effective in reducing frailty and improving functional outcomes and quality of life in adherent cirrhotic patients on the liver transplant waitlist.
文摘Bacterial infection is considered to be one of the most critical health issues of the world. It is essential to overcome this problem by the development of new drugs. Marine organisms as corals, sponges, seaweeds, and other are an incredible source of novel pharmacologically active compounds. Herein, the antimicrobial activity (extract/fractions) of the invasive stony coralTubastraea coccinea was evaluated by the disk diffusion method against 21 microbial strains (ATCC and clinical strains). Micro broth dilution was used to determinate the MIC of the fractions that showed antimicrobial activity by the disk diffusion method. Bioautography assay was also performed. Our results showed that the n-butanol (BF) and aqueous fractions (AF) showed activity against ATCC strains Staphylococcus aureus (MIC 31.25 and 250 μg/mL),Salmonella typhimurium (MIC 125 and 500 μg/mL), Escherichia coli (MIC 62.5 and 500 μg/mL) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MIC 62.5 and 500 μg/mL), respectively. Moreover, BF fraction was also effective against the clinical strains S. aureus(MIC 62.5 μg/mL), Klebsiella pneumoniae Carbapenemase—KPC (MIC 125 μg/mL), Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus—MRSA (MIC 125 μg/mL) and Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus faecalis—VRE (MIC 62.5 μg/mL). The ratio MBC/MIC reinforces the bactericidal profile of BF fraction. The bioautography assay of BF fraction showed the presence of antimicrobial components at R<sub>f</sub>0.55.
文摘bjectives:Academic Evaluation Anxiety is a significant psychological concern among adolescents,with well-documented impacts on academic performance,emotional well-being,and school engagement.In Portugal,recent evidence suggests growing pressure on students to achieve high academic standards,with psychosocial variables such as resilience,perceived support,and school environment playing a crucial role.This study aims to examine the prevalence and psychosocial predictors of Academic Evaluation Anxiety in Portuguese students,and to identify risk and protective factors that inform educational practice.Methods:This cross-sectional,quantitative study analysed data from 3083 students(5th to 12th grade)from the 2024 National Study by the Observatory of Psychological Health and Well-Being.Validated instruments were used,including the Depression,Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 items(DASS-21),the Social and Emotional Skills Scale(SSES),the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children(HBSC)psychological symptoms and well-being indices,the Positive Youth Development(PYD)scale,and the School Environment Scale.Statistical analyses included descriptive measures,one-way ANOVAs,and multivariate linear regression.Results:Academic Evaluation Anxiety was significantly higher among female students(Mean=2.80,SD=0.93)compared to male students(Mean=2.16,SD=1.10),representing approximately 30%higher mean levels of anxiety in girls(F=306.206,p<0.001).Resilience(β=−0.38,p<0.001),self-confidence(β=−0.07,p=0.02),and creativity(β=−0.06,p=0.01)emerged as protective factors,whereas cooperation(β=0.23,p<0.001),teacher relationships(β=0.08,p<0.001),bullying(β=0.07,p<0.001),and school environment(β=0.05,p=0.03)were positively associated with anxiety levels.Conclusions:Academic Evaluation Anxiety is highly prevalent among Portuguese adolescents,with girls reporting significantly higher levels than boys.Resilience,self-confidence,and creativity act as protective factors,while bullying,teacher relationships,cooperation,and negative school climate increase vulnerability.These findings highlight the need for whole-school strategies that strengthen socio-emotional competencies and create psychologically safe learning environments to support both well-being and academic success.
文摘BACKGROUND Hepatic encephalopathy(HE)is a poorly understood complication in hepatosplenic schistosomiasis(HSS),a neglected cause of non-cirrhotic portal hypertension.Although portosystemic shunts(PSS)are commonly observed in HSS patients,the prevalence and clinical impact of overt HE(OHE)and minimal HE(MHE)remain understudied,particularly in resource-limited settings.AIM To determine OHE/MHE prevalence in HSS and its associations with PSS,clinical,and laboratory characteristics.METHODS This cross-sectional study included 200 HSS patients undergoing treatment at the Hospital of Universidade Federal de Pernambuco in Brazil between 2021 and 2023.Cognitive function was assessed using the animal naming test(ANT)and Mini-Mental State Examination(MMSE),while psychological status was evaluated with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale.PSS was identified via ultrasound,and fibrosis severity was quantified using the Coutinho index(CI).Analyses were adjusted for education level and the presence of comorbidities.Statistical analyses were performed using R software.RESULTS The prevalence of OHE was 0.5%,while MHE,diagnosed via ANT,affected 24%of patients.ANT positivity was significantly associated with the presence of PSS(35.1%vs 15.1%;P=0.0018)and higher CI scores(1.79±0.26 vs 1.30±0.84;P=0.045).Patients with MHE demonstrated notably lower MMSE scores(24.06±1.17 vs 26.04±0.63;P=0.0003),independent of education level.The ANT showed high diagnostic robustness,even among patients with limited formal education.CONCLUSION MHE is prevalent in HSS,especially with PSS,and is associated with portal hypertension severity.The ANT enables practical screening,underscoring the need for routine assessment to improve outcomes.
基金the Graduate Program in Ecology, Conservation and Wildlife Management (ECMVS)Institute of Biological Sciences (ICB)+1 种基金Department of Botany, Biodiversitas Foundation, Universidade Federal de Minas GeraisCoordenacao de Aperfeicoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) for supporting this study
文摘Potential interactive effects and trade-offs between drivers can regulate species diversity,affecting distributions by several orders of magnitude and distribution.The decomposition ofβ-diversity into turnover and nestedness could disentangle community assembly rules and offer the opportunity to encompass the processes that structure the communities and maintain theβ-diversity on the campo rupestre.We evaluatedα-andβ-diversity and species conservation status of rocky outcrop communities in the Parque Nacional da Serra do Cipó,as well as the decomposed component of theβ-diversity index.Due to the isolation characteristics of rocky outcrops,we expect to find high taxonomic turnover among the communities.The study was performed on five quartzitic rocky outcrops divided into two sampling stations.We used field expeditions and plant inventory data of shrubs and herbaceous layers.We recorded 286 angiosperms taxa among rocky outcrops of campo rupestre of Serra do Cipó.The structure andα-diversity showed significant differences among rocky outcrops and an evident oligarchic structure in the plant communities analyzed.Taxonomicβ-diversity showed high turnover with a significant contribution of the turnover component to this index.This pattern reflects the interplay between regional and local scale processes.Therefore,we believe this approach becomes a unified framework,which allows the comparison of diversity patterns and ecological processes in rocky outcrops ecosystems.We highlight the high percentage of not evaluated species for threats and the need to fill this lack.
文摘AIM To determine the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) and the impact of HCC surveillance on early diagnosis and survival of cirrhotic outpatients. METHODS In this retrospective cohort study, cirrhotic outpatients undergoing HCC surveillance between March 2005 and March 2014 were analyzed. Exclusion criteria were HIV coinfection; previous organ transplantation; diagnosis of HCC at first consultation; missing data in the medical chart; and less than 1 year of follow-up. Surveillance was carried out every six months using ultrasound and serum alpha-fetoprotein determination. Ten-year cumulative incidence and survival were estimated through Kaplan-Meier analysis. RESULTS Four hundred and fifty-three patients were enrolled, of which 57.6% were male. Mean age was 55 years. Hepatitis C virus and heavy use of alcohol were the main etiologic agents of cirrhosis. HCC was diagnosed in 75 patients(16.6%), with an estimated cumulative incidence of 2.6% in the 1st year, 15.4% in the 5th year, and 28.8% in the 10 th year. Median survival was estimated at 17.6 mo in HCC patients compared to 234 mo in non-HCC patients(P < 0.001). Early-stage HCC was more often detected in patients who underwent surveillance every 6 mo or less(P = 0.05). However, survival was not different between patients with early stage vs non-early stage tumors [HR = 0.54(0.15-1.89), P = 0.33].CONCLUSION HCC is a frequent complication in patients with cirrhosis and adherence to surveillance programs favors early diagnosis.
基金This study was financed in part by the Coordenacao de Aperfeicamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior-Brazil(CAPES)-Financial Code 001 and the Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científicoe Tecnológico-Brazil(CNPq)by providing scholarship for the authors.
文摘Cerrado soils are acidic and nutrient-poor,with high content of solubilized Al 3+.Plants growing in these conditions may display adaptations to cope with high aluminum concentrations especially during early developmental stages.We investigated leaf nutritional status,and photosynthetic and growth characteristics during the initial establishment of Handroanthus impetiginosus(Mart.Ex Dc.)Mattos,a secondary tree species distributed in the Brazilian Cerrado.Our goal was to understand leaf-level traits related to diff erent aluminum concentrations.H.impetiginosus plants were cultivated in four diff erent aluminum sulfate concentrations:0,1,2,and 4 mM Al,for 40 days.We performed analyses of growth,leaf gas exchange,chloroplast pigment content,and leaf mineral nutrients.We observed a linear increase of Al leaf content as a function of Al concentration in the nutrient solution.Plants grown in 1 mM Al showed a remarkable increase of K leaf content,net photosynthesis,stomatal conductance,and transpiration,while in 4 mM Al there were reductions of N,P,and K contents,gas exchange characteristics,and height.H.impetiginosus did not have mechanisms of avoidance,compartmentalization,or resistance to high Al concentrations.Indeed,this species showed a hormetic response,with low Al concentrations stimulating and high Al concentrations inhibiting plant responses.
文摘Flowering is essential in any breeding programme, particularly in genetic introgression programmes in which flowering synchronism is required. In this work, 16 sugarcane genotypes were evaluated using three different flowering-inductive photoperiod treatments (30 s, 45 s, and 1 min of a daily photoperiod decrease from 12 h 55 of light). Each genotype was planted in 43 L pots (equal proportion of soil, sand, and substrate) with three tillers per pot. Plants with 4 to 6 internodes were placed in a photoperiod facility with three controlled chambers, each chamber containing all 16 genotypes (one treatment per chamber). The temperature range (21°C to 32°C) and humidity were the same for all of the treatments. The flower induction started in September 2010 and ended in April 2011. The plant elongation and flag leaf and inflorescence emergence were recorded and the pollen viability was evaluated by using the iodine staining method. The photoperiod facility provided suitable conditions for flowering, as the plants in the three treatments successfully flowered. The genotypes in the three treatments behaved differently in relation to the date of panicle emergence, with the treatment of 45 s showing better results. The results here presented contribute to synchronise flowering for desired sugarcane crosses, particularly those from introgression programmes between commercial cultivars and species from the Saccharum complex.
文摘Paraoxonase-1(PON1)is an important enzyme in various pathologies such as pesticide poisoning,diabetes,atherosclerosis,neuronal disorders,and cancer,due to its multifunctional activity since it acts on different metabolites.However,one of its main functions is the hydrolysis of organophosphate(OP)compounds from pesticides that cause fatal poisoning at the level of the central nervous system(CNS).The objective of this review was to investigate whether the structure,genetics,and function of PON1 affect the metabolism of organophosphate pesticides or other abnormalities.Information was selected from articles in the database PubMed–NCBI(https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/)with a publication date between 2011 and 2019.The enzymatic activity of PON1 can be modified depending on its chemical structure since there are different genetic polymorphisms that change PONI morphologies or the levels of expression in the bloodstream.This leads to differences in susceptibilities to organophosphate pesticide poisoning.The results of this review reveal that phenotypic variants of PON1 have differences in affinities for OP substrates.
基金supports were provided by the Concessionária Rodovia do Sol/SA(RodoSol)the Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico(CNPq,grant:45.6446/2014/1)+2 种基金the São Paulo Research Foundation(FAPESP,Process Number#2024/13237-3)PD received a postdoctoral fellowship from the Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior(CAPES,grant:88887.469218/2019-00)CD is grateful to CNPq(Bolsa de Produtividade em Pesquisa,grant:308997/2023-9).
文摘Roads are a leading cause of habitat fragmentation and may reduce bird populations by increasing nest predation rates.However,few studies have investigated the effects of traffic volume on the reproductive success of roadside birds in the neotropics.Our goal was to evaluate the effects of spatial,temporal,and vehicle flow variations on the survival of artificial open-cup nests.The study was carried out in a nature reserve on the side of a highway during the breeding season(from October to March)in two restinga(sand-coastal plain)phytophysiognomies in southeastern Brazil:non-floodable(open)and floodable(closed).One hundred thirty nests were distributed along transects ranging from 3 m to 300 m from the highway in each vegetation type(totaling 260 nests).The nests were checked every three days for their status(depredated or intact)over 12 days,and new nests were subsequently placed near sampling points of depredated or successful nests.We estimated survival using logistic exposure generalized linear and additive mixed models.At the end of the 180 days of the experiment,33%of 6202 nests were successful.Nest survival was higher in open restinga than in closed restinga.In both habitats,nest survival was lowest mid-season and highest at the beginning and end.Survival rates peaked near the highway,declined up to 50 m away,then showed a slight increase.Finally,survival increased at moderate-to-high traffic volumes(∼22,000 vehicles/day),particularly in open restinga.We suggest that spatial,temporal,and habitat-specific highway impacts(e.g.,noise,vibration,visual stimuli)can lead to variations in the activity of nest predators,generating fluctuations in nest survival associated with predator behavior.
