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This study aimed to investigate the behavioral responses and circadian rhythms of mice to both rapid and gradual increases in photoperiod, mimicking the transition from winter to summer, which is associated with a heightened prevalence of hospitalizations for mania and suicidal behavior. Behavioral tests were performed in C57BL/6 male mice exposed to a transitional photoperiod, from short to long durations. To determine if circadian rhythms are affected, we measured spontaneous locomotor activity and body temperature. Mice exhibited heightened exploratory and risk-taking behaviors compared with equatorial and static long (16:8 h of light-dark cycle for several days) groups. These behaviors were prevented by lithium. Spontaneous locomotor activity and body temperature rhythms persisted and were effectively synchronized; however, the relative amplitude of activity and interdaily stability were diminished. Additionally, the animals displayed increased activity during the light phase. Photoperiodic transition modulates behavior and circadian rhythms, mirroring certain features observed in bipolar disorder patients. This study introduces an animal model for investigating mania-like behavior induced by photoperiodic changes, offering potential insights for suicide prevention strategies and the management of mood disorders.

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Volatile oils or essential oils (EOs) were extracted from three V. sebifera samples (labeled as A, B, and C) in September 2018 and February 2019; the extraction process involved hydrodistillation of the leaves. The chemical compositions of the EOs were analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The volatile components were identified by comparing their retention indices and mass spectra with standard substances documented in the literature (ADAMS). The antioxidant activity of the EOs was evaluated using 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), while their toxicity was assessed using Artemia salina Leach. Molecular docking was utilized to examine the interaction between the major constituents of V. sebifera EO and acetylcholinesterase (AChE), a molecular target linked to toxicity in A. salina models. The EO obtained from specimen A, collected in September 2018, was characterized by being primarily composed of (E,E)-α-farnesene (47.57%), (E)-caryophyllene (12.26%), and α-pinene (6.93%). Conversely, the EO from specimen A, collected in February 2019, was predominantly composed of (E,E)-α-farnesene (42.82%), (E)-caryophyllene (16.02%), and bicyclogermacrene (8.85%), the EO from specimen B, collected in September 2018, primarily contained (E,E)-α-farnesene (47.65%), (E)-caryophyllene (19.67%), and α-pinene (11.95%), and the EO from the leaves collected in February 2019 was characterized by (E,E)-α-farnesene (23.57%), (E)-caryophyllene (19.34%), and germacrene D (7.33%). The EO from the leaves collected in September 2018 contained (E,E)-α-farnesene (26.65%), (E)-caryophyllene (15.7%), and germacrene D (7.72%), while the EO from the leaves collected in February 2019 was primarily characterized by (E,E)-α-farnesene (37.43%), (E)-caryophyllene (21.4%), and α-pinene (16.91%). Among these EOs, sample B collected in February 2019 demonstrated the highest potential for inhibiting free radicals, with an inhibition rate of 34.74%. Conversely, the EOs from specimen A exhibited the highest toxic potentials, with an lethal concentration 50 (LC50) value of 57.62 ± 1.53 µg/mL, while specimen B had an LC50 value of 74.72 ± 2.86 µg/mL. Molecular docking results suggested that hydrophobic interactions significantly contributed to the binding of the major compounds in the EO from sample B to the binding pocket of AChE.

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Background: Deep vein thrombosis of the lower extremities is associated with a significant burden of comorbidities. Objectives: In this study, our objective was to investigate the presence of seasonal variation in deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and assess the location of the thrombus. Methods: Out of 8177 patients admitted to two university hospitals and referred to outpatient clinics, we included a total of 611 consecutive patients (316 females, 295 males) diagnosed with acute deep vein thrombosis in this retrospective study. The mean age of the patients was 59.35±18.49 years, ranging from 1 to 96 years. Patients were categorized into four groups by age. Results: DVT was found to be more frequent in the summer (n = 190 or 31%, p = 0.003) and specifically in August (n = 65 or 10.6%, p = 0.014), while it was least frequent in the spring (n = 128 or 20.9%) and in May (n = 40 or 6.5%). However, when comparing seasons, no significant differences were observed in terms of seasonal variation (p = 0.062) or monthly variation (p = 0.143). Conclusions: Contrary to previous studies, this study demonstrated a higher occurrence of DVT during the summer, particularly in August. However, it did not reveal a clear seasonal pattern. One plausible explanation for these findings could be the adverse winter conditions and transportation challenges within the province, which may result in fewer DVT patients being able to reach hospitals for timely treatment.

Contexto: A trombose venosa profunda (TVP) dos membros inferiores está associada a uma carga significativa de comorbidades. Objetivos: Investigar a presença de variação sazonal na TVP e identificar a localização do trombo. Métodos: Dos 8.177 pacientes internados em dois hospitais universitários e encaminhados para ambulatórios, incluímos um total de 611 pacientes consecutivos (316 mulheres, 295 homens) diagnosticados com TVP aguda neste estudo retrospectivo. A idade média dos pacientes foi de 59,35±18,49 anos, variando de 1 a 96 anos. Os pacientes foram categorizados em quatro grupos com base na idade. Resultados: A TVP foi mais frequente no verão (n = 190 ou 31%, p = 0,003), especificamente em agosto (n = 65 ou 10,6%, p = 0,014), e menos frequente na primavera (n = 128 ou 20,9%) e em maio (n = 40 ou 6,5%). No entanto, ao comparar as estações, não foram observadas diferenças significativas em termos de variação sazonal (p = 0,062) e variação mensal (p = 0,143). Conclusões: Ao contrário de estudos anteriores, este estudo demonstrou maior ocorrência de TVP no verão, principalmente em agosto. No entanto, não revelou um padrão sazonal claro. Explicações plausíveis para essas descobertas seriam as condições adversas do inverno e dificuldades de deslocamento, o que pode resultar em menos pacientes com TVP chegando aos hospitais para tratamento oportuno.

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The parameters for assessing the quality of honey produced by Apis mellifera are standardized worldwide. The physicochemical properties of honey might vary extensively due to factors such as the geographical area where it was produced and the season in which it was harvested. Little information is available on variations in honey quality among different harvest periods in tropical areas, and particularly in neotropical dry forests. This study describes variations in seventeen physicochemical parameters and the pollen diversity of honey harvested from beehives during the dry season in February, March, and April 2021, in the dry arc of Panama. Potassium is the most abundant mineral in honey samples, and its concentration increases during the harvest period from February to April. A PCA analysis showed significant differences among the samples collected during different harvest periods. The pollen diversity also differs among honey samples from February compared with March and April. The results indicate that climatic conditions may play an important role in the quality of honey produced in the dry arc of Panama. Furthermore, these results might be useful for establishing quality-control parameters of bee honey produced in Panama in support of beekeeping activities in seasonal wet-dry areas of the tropics.

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Seasonal variation of blood pressure (BP) is a topic in cardiology that has gained more attention throughout the years. Although it is extensively documented that BP increases in seasons coupled with lower temperatures, there are still many gaps in this knowledge field that need to be explored. Notably, seasonal variation of BP phenotypes, such as masked and white coat hypertension, and the impact of air pollution, latitude, and altitude on seasonal variation of BP are still poorly described in the literature, and the levels of the existing evidence are low. Therefore, further investigations on these topics are needed to provide robust evidence that can be used in clinical practice.

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It is well-documented that carbonyl compounds have adverse effects on human health. On the other hand, these oxygenated volatile organic compounds (OVOCs) are precursors of secondary pollutants such as tropospheric ozone or peroxy acetyl nitrate (PAN). In particular, formaldehyde, the simplest carbonyl, is the most abundant carbonyl in the air generated from the degradation of most volatile organic compounds (VOCs). This work presents for the first time the characterization and determination of levels of carbonyl compounds by passive monitoring performed from April-December 2021 in the city of Córdoba, Argentina, the second most populated Mediterranean city located in the center of the country. Annual concentrations, considering the 11 carbonyls measured, were in the range of 0.13-8.75 µgm-3. Formaldehyde and acetaldehyde were the carbonyls detected in the highest annual average concentrations of 4.44 ± 1.75 µgm-3 and 3.85 ± 1.44 µgm-3, respectively. These carbonyls represent a contribution of around 40-57% on total carbonyls measured. Statistical analysis to determine significant differences and Pearson correlations with the meteorological parameters were performed. Spring and summer were found to be the seasons with the highest carbonyl concentration linked to forest fire episodes, especially in springtime. The values for the C1/C2 and C2/C3 ratios showed that sources of carbonyl formation are anthropogenic. In addition, the prop-Equiv concentration was determined, where formaldehyde and acetaldehyde were the main producers of tropospheric ozone. The ozone formation potential (OFP) showed that spring and summer are the seasons where carbonyls contribute to the formation of tropospheric ozone.This study represents a first approach of the carbonyl concentration in the city and of the influence of meteorological parameters on the behavior of carbonyls.

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Seasonal variation of water, antioxidant activities as algal pigments, total antioxidant activities, DPPH, total phenolic compound using three solvents, methanol, acetone, and diethyl ether, of two algal species, N. commune and N. muscarum, were assessed. They also determined the physio-chemical and bacteriological water characteristics at the Gali Ali Bag. A significant variation were observed with an obvious correlation in water quality parameters in different seasons, generally raised in summer and reduced in winter. The two algal species show a higher accumulation of photosynthetic and accessory pigments in spring and summer and a significant decrease in winter. Antioxidant capacity in both algal species was analyzed by a three-way ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis test. However, the contents were significant for all solvents. Moreover, N. muscarum shows the highest capacity in winter and reduced in summer for DPPH; however, the opposite pattern shows by N. commune. Although the total phenolic content of N. commune recorded a significant relation, N. muscarum was non-significant. The Cyanophyta algae show prominent growth responses and antioxidant activities and are better adapted to changing climatic conditions. Due to their prompt responses, even to minor changes in the aquatic environment, they can be used as ecological indicators in freshwater ecosystems.

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ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Hypovitaminosis D is a public health problem associated with several chronic inflammatory and immunological diseases, including psoriasis. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of hypovitaminosis D in patients with plaque psoriasis. A comparison was made between vitamin D levels in patients with psoriasis and those with other non-inflammatory dermatoses without photosensitivity. In addition, it evaluated the effects of the patients' Fitzpatrick skin phototype and the season of the year on the serum levels of vitamin D. DESIGN AND SETTINGS: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted at an outpatient clinic in a university center in Juiz de Fora (MG), Brazil. METHODS: A review of dermatology patients' demographic data, including skin phototype and serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], over 12 months in 2016. RESULTS: This study included 554 patients: 300 patients allocated to the plaque psoriasis group and 254 control patients with other dermatological diseases. Regarding the season of the year, 229, 132, 62, and 131 participants were evaluated in summer, autumn, winter, and spring, respectively. As for the skin phototype, 397, 139, and 18 patients had phototypes III, IV, and V, respectively. The serum levels of 25(OH)D were significantly lower in the psoriasis group (24.91 ± 7.16 ng/mL) than in the control group (30.37 ± 8.14 ng/mL). CONCLUSIONS: Hypovitaminosis D (< 30 ng/mL) was present in 76.66% of patients with psoriasis versus 53.94% of control patients. Vitamin D deficiency (< 20 ng/mL) was observed in 25% of the patients with psoriasis versus 8.66% in the control group (P < 0.001). The season and patient's skin phototype were independent predictors of serum vitamin D levels.

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Abstract Background Deep vein thrombosis of the lower extremities is associated with a significant burden of comorbidities. Objectives In this study, our objective was to investigate the presence of seasonal variation in deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and assess the location of the thrombus. Methods Out of 8177 patients admitted to two university hospitals and referred to outpatient clinics, we included a total of 611 consecutive patients (316 females, 295 males) diagnosed with acute deep vein thrombosis in this retrospective study. The mean age of the patients was 59.35±18.49 years, ranging from 1 to 96 years. Patients were categorized into four groups by age. Results DVT was found to be more frequent in the summer (n = 190 or 31%, p = 0.003) and specifically in August (n = 65 or 10.6%, p = 0.014), while it was least frequent in the spring (n = 128 or 20.9%) and in May (n = 40 or 6.5%). However, when comparing seasons, no significant differences were observed in terms of seasonal variation (p = 0.062) or monthly variation (p = 0.143). Conclusions Contrary to previous studies, this study demonstrated a higher occurrence of DVT during the summer, particularly in August. However, it did not reveal a clear seasonal pattern. One plausible explanation for these findings could be the adverse winter conditions and transportation challenges within the province, which may result in fewer DVT patients being able to reach hospitals for timely treatment.

Resumo Contexto A trombose venosa profunda (TVP) dos membros inferiores está associada a uma carga significativa de comorbidades. Objetivos Investigar a presença de variação sazonal na TVP e identificar a localização do trombo. Métodos Dos 8.177 pacientes internados em dois hospitais universitários e encaminhados para ambulatórios, incluímos um total de 611 pacientes consecutivos (316 mulheres, 295 homens) diagnosticados com TVP aguda neste estudo retrospectivo. A idade média dos pacientes foi de 59,35±18,49 anos, variando de 1 a 96 anos. Os pacientes foram categorizados em quatro grupos com base na idade. Resultados A TVP foi mais frequente no verão (n = 190 ou 31%, p = 0,003), especificamente em agosto (n = 65 ou 10,6%, p = 0,014), e menos frequente na primavera (n = 128 ou 20,9%) e em maio (n = 40 ou 6,5%). No entanto, ao comparar as estações, não foram observadas diferenças significativas em termos de variação sazonal (p = 0,062) e variação mensal (p = 0,143). Conclusões Ao contrário de estudos anteriores, este estudo demonstrou maior ocorrência de TVP no verão, principalmente em agosto. No entanto, não revelou um padrão sazonal claro. Explicações plausíveis para essas descobertas seriam as condições adversas do inverno e dificuldades de deslocamento, o que pode resultar em menos pacientes com TVP chegando aos hospitais para tratamento oportuno.

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Resumen Introducción: Tradicionalmente, los estudios de escarabajos coprófagos en los bosques secos tropicales (BST) del Caribe colombiano han aplicado metodologías diseñadas para zonas húmedas y andinas del país, lo cual podría estar incidiendo en el rendimiento y la eficiencia del muestreo. Objetivo: Con el fin de aportar a esta discusión, se analizó cómo la cantidad de cebo y el tiempo de operación de la trampa de caída inciden en la efectividad de captura de escarabajos coprófagos en un fragmento de BST en La Reserva Campesina la Flecha, San Jacinto, Colombia. Métodos: Para la captura de los escarabajos, se utilizó trampas de caída, cebadas con tres cantidades diferentes de atrayente: pequeño (34.6 g), mediano (53.8 g) y grande (114.9 g), las cuales permanecieron activas en campo durante 48 h. Cuatro muestreos fueron realizados entre marzo y septiembre de 2015, abarcando por igual la época seca y de lluvia. Resultados: Se registró un total de 4 563 individuos, agrupados en 10 géneros y 27 especies de escarabajos coprófagos. Los mayores valores de riqueza, abundancia y biomasa se presentaron en el cebo grande, a las 48 h, durante la época de lluvias. Sin embargo, el tiempo de operación de la trampa no tuvo efecto en la estimación de la riqueza, abundancia y biomasa de escarabajos independientemente de los tamaños de cebo. Los tres órdenes de la diversidad ( 0 D, 1 D y 2 D), presentaron valores similares entre las cantidades de cebo durante la época de lluvia, pero en la época seca, los cebos de mayor tamaño presentaron los valores de diversidad más altos. Por su parte con el cebo de mayor tamaño se capturó significativamente más riqueza, abundancia y biomasa de escarabajos de cuerpo pequeño y grande siendo esta situación más notaria durante la época seca. Conclusiones: Los resultados de este trabajo evidencian que para el estudio de los ensamblajes de escarabajos en el BST la utilización de un cebo de mayor tamaño contribuye a una mejor estimación de riqueza, abundancia, diversidad y biomasa, sobre todo durante la época seca, cuando las condiciones ambientales propician que los cebos pierdan su atractividad con mayor rapidez.

Abstract Introduction: Typically, research on dung beetles in the Tropical Dry Forests (TDF) of Colombian Caribbean region, have applied methodologies designed for wet or Andean areas of the country, which could be influencing the performance and efficiency of sampling. Objective: In order to contribute to this discussion, we analyzed how the bait amount and pitfall trap operating time influence the collection effectiveness of dung beetles in a TDF fragment at Reserva Campesina La Flecha, San Jacinto, Colombia. Methods: For the collection of beetles, we utilized pitfall traps baited with three different amounts of attractants: small (34.6 g), medium (53.8 g), and large (114.9 g), which remained active in the field for 48 h., 4 samplings between March and September 2015 were carried out, covering both, dry and rainy seasons. Results: A total of 4 563 individuals were recorded, grouped into 10 genera and 27 species of dung beetles. The highest values of richness, abundance and biomass were registered in the large bait, at 48 h, during the rainy season. However, the trap operating time had no effect on the estimation of beetles' richness, abundance, and biomass, regardless of bait sizes. The three diversity orders ( 0 D, 1 D y 2 D) showed similar values between the bait amounts during rainy season, but in the dry season, the largest baits displayed the highest diversity values. On the other hand, with the largest bait, significantly more richness, abundance, and biomass of small and large body beetles were registered, especially during the dry season. Conclusions: The results of this research show that, for the study of beetles' assemblages in the BST, the use of a larger bait contributes to a better estimate of richness, abundance, diversity and biomass, especially during the dry season, when environmental conditions promote a more rapidly loss of baits attractiveness.

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