Bacterial septicemia and herpesvirus infection in Antarctic fur seals (Arctocephalus gazella) stranded in the São Paulo coast, Brazil.

In August 2021, two juvenile male Antarctic fur seals (Arctocephalus gazella) stranded in the southeastern Brazilian coast and were referred to rehabilitation centers. The animals presented increased body temperature, prostration, respiratory distress and despite treatment died. A necropsy following a standardized protocol was performed, and formalin-fixed tissues were processed for microscopic examination. Samples were screened for morbillivirus, herpesvirus, and Brucella spp. by molecular analyses (PCR, RT-PCR). Bacteriological culture was performed in samples collected from the lungs, trachea, and lymph nodes of both cases. The main histopathologic findings were of infectious nature, including multifocal necrotizing and fibrinous mixed interstitial pneumonia, bronchiolitis, and bronchitis, with intralesional myriad bacteria associated with vascular fibrinoid necrosis. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was isolated from tracheal and lung swabs of Case 1, and Klebsiella oxytoca was found in nostril swabs, tracheobronchial lymph nodes, and lung of Case 2. Gammaherpesvirus infection was detected in both cases, and the sequences retrieved were classified into the genus Percavirus. All tested samples were PCR-negative for Brucella spp. and morbillivirus. We hypothesize that the deficient immunological status in association with starvation predisposed the reactivation of herpesvirus and secondary bacterial co-infections. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first molecular detection of herpesvirus in an Antarctic pinniped. These findings reinforce that Otariid gammaherpesvirus circulating in the Southern Hemisphere are likely endemic in the Arctocephalus genus. This report contributes to the current knowledge of health aspects affecting wild pinnipeds, especially in the poorly studied Antarctic species.

Outcomes of childhood TB in countries with a universal BCG vaccination policy.

TB remains an important cause of childhood morbidity and mortality. Underdiagnosis, underreporting and limited data on the outcomes of childhood TB have led to an underestimation of its impact.This was a systematic review to characterise childhood TB outcomes. Studies reporting relevant epidemiological data on children between 0 and 14 years of age, with a particular focus on treatment outcomes, from countries with universal bacilli Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccination and conducted between 2000 and 2020 were selected. Random effects meta-analysis was performed in R software.We identified 1,806 references and included 35 articles. Among children with TB, the overall proportion of unfavourable outcomes was 19.5% (95% CI 14.4-25.8) and pooled case-fatality ratio was 6.1% (95% CI 4.3-8.4). The proportion of deaths observed among children between 0 and 4 years old was 6.6% (95% CI 4.9-8.7) and 4.6% (95% CI 3.1-6.9) in older children. TB and HIV co-infected children presented a case-fatality ratio of 15.1% (95% CI 7.9-27.0).Despite the efforts made in the last decades, treatment outcomes in childhood TB are still worrisome. Efforts to fill existing gaps and design health policies targeting vulnerable populations, such as children, should be intensified to tackle the global TB burden..

Holistic evaluation of the environmental impacts of shipping in the sensitive region of Ria de Aveiro.

Shipping activity can be a substantial source of pollution and impact on the environment, including air, water and ecosystems, as well as adverse health and climatic effects. Due to the distribution of maritime transport activity routes in the EU, a large portion of the population is exposed to shipping pollution throughout Europe. The ongoing European project EMERGE aims to investigate and quantify these impacts over Europe, and in more detail, in specific case studies regions. The Aveiro lagoon region in Portugal is one of these case studies. This region is a Natura 2000 area, and also includes a medium-sized port. Both air quality and water modelling tools were applied to assess the impact of the emissions and discharges from shipping (to air and water) in the region in 2018. Additionally, ecotoxicological impacts were determined by bioassays to evaluate the impact of scrubber-water discharges on the most sensitive stages of marine invertebrates, and on the post-exposure feeding inhibition of crustacean and bivalve species. The results show that there was a substantial increase in atmospheric pollutant concentrations due to emissions attributed to shipping, which was most relevant for NOx and SO2 (up to a 30 % shipping contribution). There was no significant degradation of the water quality, mainly as the ships operating in this area did not have scrubber equipment. The ecotoxicological tests were performed with three samples of scrubber water, including one artificial sample and two samples collected on-board ships. If scrubber water would have been discharged in this area, the results indicated that the majority of the tested species would be exposed to lowest observed effect concentration (LOEC) for the different scrubber-water samples, as well as to substantial concentrations of metals, PAHs, and alkylated PAHs.

Precise positioning of gamma ray interactions in multiplexed pixelated scintillators using artificial neural networks.

Introduction. The positioning ofγray interactions in positron emission tomography (PET) detectors is commonly made through the evaluation of the Anger logic flood histograms. machine learning techniques, leveraging features extracted from signal waveform, have demonstrated successful applications in addressing various challenges in PET instrumentation.Aim. This paper evaluates the use of artificial neural networks (NN) forγray interaction positioning in pixelated scintillators coupled to a multiplexed array of silicon photomultipliers (SiPM).Methods. An array of 16 Cerium doped Lutetium-based (LYSO) crystal pixels (cross-section 2 × 2 mm2) coupled to 16 SiPM (S13360-1350) were used for the experimental setup. Data from each of the 16 LYSO pixels was recorded, a total of 160000 events. The detectors were irradiated by 511 keV annihilationγrays from a Sodium-22 (22Na) source. Another LYSO crystal was used for electronic collimation. Features extracted from the signal waveform were used to train the model. Two models were tested: i) single multiple-class neural network (mcNN), with 16 possible outputs followed by a softmax and ii) 16 binary classification neural networks (bNN), each one specialized in identifying events occurred in each position.Results. Both NN models showed a mean positioning accuracy above 85% on the evaluation dataset, although the mcNN is faster to train.DiscussionThe method's accuracy is affected by the introduction of misclassified events that interacted in the neighbour's crystals and were misclassified during the dataset acquisition. Electronic collimation reduces this effect, however results could be improved using a more complex acquisition setup, such as a light-sharing configuration.ConclusionsThe methods comparison showed that mcNN and bNN can surpass the Anger logic, showing the feasibility of using these models in positioning procedures of future multiplexed detector systems in a linear configuration.

Identification of runs of homozygosity (ROHs) in Curraleiro Pé-Duro and Pantaneiro cattle breeds.

This study aimed to identify and characterize runs of homozygosis (ROHs), genes involved in production characteristics and adaptation to tropical systems and to estimate the inbreeding coefficient of Curraleiro Pé-Duro (CPD) and Pantaneiro (PANT), two brazilian locally adapted cattle breeds. The results demonstrated that 79.25% and 54.29% of ROH segments were bigger than 8 Mb in CPD and PANT, respectively, indicating recent inbred matings in the studied population. Six homozygosis islands were identified simultaneously in both breeds, where 175 QTLs and 1072 genes previously described as associated with production traits are located. The inbreeding coefficient (FROH) estimated based on ROHs (FROH) showed that inbreeding is low (2 to 4%), which is different from expected for small populations such as locally adapted ones.

Frequency and reporting of complications after Dupuytren's contracture interventions: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Numerous complications are reported following interventions for Dupuytren's contracture; however, their incidence, management, and outcomes remain poorly reported. The aims of this review were to report the proportions of complications, compare likelihood of complications between interventions, and evaluate reporting of complications, including assessment, grading, management, and subsequent reporting of their impact on patient outcomes. METHODS: Extracted data included patient demographics, intervention details, complications, their management, and final outcomes. Analysis of descriptive data enabled review of complications reporting. Meta-analysis(MA) of non-comparative datasets enabled estimation of proportions of patients experiencing complications. Network meta-analysis(NMA) of comparative studies estimated the relative occurrence of complications between interventions. Risk of bias analysis was performed. RESULTS: 26 studies, comprising 10,831 patients, were included. Interventions included collagenase injection, percutaneous needle fasciotomy(PNF), limited fasciectomy(LF), open fasciotomy(OF), and dermofasciectomy(DF). Overall quality and consistency of outcomes reporting was poor. MA enabled estimates of probabilities for three common complications(infection, nerve injury, complex regional pain syndrome(CRPS)) across all interventions; the reported rates for LF were 4.5% for infection, 3% for nerve injury, and 3.3% for CRPS. As the commonest intervention, LF was used as the reference intervention for comparison of the commonest complications via NMA, including haematoma [OF OR 0.450(0.277, 0.695); PNF OR 0.245(0.114, 0.457)], infection [PNF OR 0.2(0.0287, 0.690); DF OR 2.02(1.02, 3.74)], and neuropraxia [PNF OR 0.0926(0.00553, 0.737)]. We noted that the complication incidence was higher the more invasive the intervention. CONCLUSIONS: There was limited reporting of complication occurrence, management, and outcomes following interventions, contributing to a gap in information for informed patient consent. MA was possible for reporting of proportions for infection, nerve injury, and CRPS across interventions. NMA enabled direct comparison of the six commonest complications between interventions. These findings can guide intervention selection. Improving consistency and quality in complications reporting is essential to aid counselling of patients regarding the true rates and consequences of the risks of interventions. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2.

Survey of selected viral agents (herpesvirus, adenovirus and hepatitis E virus) in liver and lung samples of cetaceans, Brazil.

Hepatic and pulmonary lesions are common in cetaceans, despite their poorly understood viral etiology. Herpesviruses (HV), adenoviruses (AdV) and hepatitis E virus (HEV) are emerging agents in cetaceans, associated with liver and/or pulmonary damage in mammals. We isolated and molecularly tested DNA for HV and AdV (n = 218 individuals; 187 liver and 108 lung samples) and RNA for HEV (n = 147 animals; 147 liver samples) from six cetacean families. All animals stranded or were bycaught in Brazil between 2001 and 2021. Positive-animals were analyzed by histopathology. Statistical analyses assessed if the prevalence of viral infection could be associated with the variables: species, family, habitat, region, sex, and age group. All samples were negative for AdV and HEV. Overall, 8.7% (19/218) of the cetaceans were HV-positive (4.8% [9/187] liver and 11.1% [12/108] lung), without HV-associated lesions. HV-prevalence was statistically significant higher in Pontoporiidae (19.2%, 10/52) when compared to Delphinidae (4.1%, 5/121), and in southeastern (17.1%, 13/76)-the most industrialized Brazilian region-when compared to the northeastern region (2.4%, 3/126). This study broadens the herpesvirus host range in cetaceans, including its description in pygmy sperm whales (Kogia breviceps) and humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae). Further studies must elucidate herpesvirus drivers in cetaceans.

LSD1 inhibition suppresses ASCL1 and de-represses YAP1 to drive potent activity against neuroendocrine prostate cancer.

Lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1 or KDM1A ) has emerged as a critical mediator of tumor progression in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). Among mCRPC subtypes, neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC) is an exceptionally aggressive variant driven by lineage plasticity, an adaptive resistance mechanism to androgen receptor axis-targeted therapies. Our study shows that LSD1 expression is elevated in NEPC and associated with unfavorable clinical outcomes. Using genetic approaches, we validated the on-target effects of LSD1 inhibition across various models. We investigated the therapeutic potential of bomedemstat, an orally bioavailable, irreversible LSD1 inhibitor with low nanomolar potency. Our findings demonstrate potent antitumor activity against CRPC models, including tumor regressions in NEPC patient-derived xenografts. Mechanistically, our study uncovers that LSD1 inhibition suppresses the neuronal transcriptional program by downregulating ASCL1 through disrupting LSD1:INSM1 interactions and de-repressing YAP1 silencing. Our data support the clinical development of LSD1 inhibitors for treating CRPC - especially the aggressive NE phenotype. Statement of Significance: Neuroendocrine prostate cancer presents a clinical challenge due to the lack of effective treatments. Our research demonstrates that bomedemstat, a potent and selective LSD1 inhibitor, effectively combats neuroendocrine prostate cancer by downregulating the ASCL1- dependent NE transcriptional program and re-expressing YAP1.

An in-depth characterisation of European seabass intestinal segments for assessing the impact of an algae-based functional diet on intestinal health.

Sustainable farming of fish species depends on emerging new feed ingredients, which can alter the features of the digestive tract and influence animals' overall health. Recent research has shown that functional feeds hold great potential for enhancing fish robustness by evoking appropriate responses at the intestine level. However, there is a lack of extensive and accurate descriptions of the morphology of the gastrointestinal tract of most farmed fish. We have characterised the intestine of European seabass thoroughly, by targeting four segments - anterior, mid, posterior and rectum. Results indicated that the anterior segment is mostly associated with absorption-related features; this segment has the largest absorptive area, the longest villi, and the highest number of neutral goblet cells (GC). The posterior segment and rectum have distinct histomorphometric features, but both seem to be important for immunity, displaying the highest count of acid GC and the highest expression of immune-related genes. The strongest proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) signal was observed in the anterior intestine and rectum, with PCNA+ cells appearing at the base of the villi and the corresponding villi branches. We have also evaluated the impact of a novel feed supplemented with a macro- and microalgae blend and found that there were no differences in terms of growth. However, the alterations observed in the mid intestine of fish fed the blend, such as thickening of the submucosa and lamina propria, an increased number of leucocytes, and higher expression of immune- and oxidative stress-related genes, suggest that algae may have an immunomodulatory effect. In the current article, we have described the morphology and expression patterns of the intestine segments of European seabass in detail and have presented a comprehensive report of the indices and methods used for the semi-quantitative and quantitative histomorphometric assessments, thereby providing useful information for future studies that aim to maintain intestinal health through dietary interventions.

Fetal Pulmonary Venous Return: From Basic Research to the Clinical Value of Doppler Assessment.

The fetal pulmonary circulation represents less than 25% of the fetal cardiac output. In comparison with the pulmonary arteries, studies on pulmonary veins are few and limited, and many questions remain to be answered. The literature reports that pulmonary veins play an important role in regulating vascular flow, forming an active segment of the pulmonary circulation. The development of more sophisticated ultrasonography technology has allowed the investigation of the extraparenchymal pulmonary veins and their waveform. The recognition of the pulmonary vein anatomy in echocardiography is important for the diagnosis of anomalous pulmonary venous connections, with a significant impact on prognosis. On the other hand, the identification of the normal pulmonary vein waveform seems to be a reliable way to study left heart function, with potential applicability in fetal and maternal pathology. Thus, the goal of this narrative review was to provide a clinically oriented perspective of the available literature on this topic.

K-shell X-ray production cross sections of Ti, Cr, Ni and Zn induced by chlorine ions.

In this work we report on the results of the total K-shell X-ray production cross sections of Ti, Cr, Ni and Zn induced by Cl4+ and Cl5+ ions with energies ranging from 4 MeV to 10 MeV. The experimental results were compared with Atomic Orbitals Coupled-Channels (CC) calculations based on the independent electron model. The experimental X-ray production cross sections vary from about 10-2 barns for Zn up to 102 barns for Ti. The results obtained for Ti indicate that the present CC calculations underestimate the experimental cross sections up to two orders of magnitude at 10 MeV chlorine bombarding energy. However, the discrepancy between CC calculations and experimental results decreases as both bombarding energy and the atomic number of the target species increase. The dependency of the experiment-theory agreement on the asymmetry and adiabaticity parameters α and η respectively is discussed.

Coastal warming under climate change: Global, faster and heterogeneous.

The assessment of expected changes in coastal sea surface temperature (SST) on a global scale is becoming increasingly important due to the growing pressure on coastal ecosystems caused by climate change. To achieve this objective, 17 Global Climate Models from CMIP6 were used, with data from historical and hist-1950 experiments spanning 1982-2050. This analysis highlights significant warming of coastal areas worldwide, with higher and more variable rates of warming than observed in previous decades. All basins are projected to experience an increase in coastal SST near 1 °C by mid-century, with some regions exhibiting nearshore SST anomalies exceeding 2 °C for the period 2031-2050 relative to 1995-2014. Regarding the Eastern Upwelling Boundary Systems, only the Canary upwelling system and the southern part of the Humboldt upwelling system manage to show lower-than-average SST warming rates, maintaining, to a certain extent, their ability to buffer global warming.

The implementation of portable air-cleaning technologies in healthcare settings - a scoping review.

The COVID-19 pandemic revealed opportunities to improve prevention practices in healthcare settings, mainly related to the spread of airborne microbes (also known as bioaerosols). This scoping review aimed to map methodologies used to assess the implementation of portable air cleaners in healthcare settings, identify gaps, and propose recommendations for future research. The protocol was registered in the Open Science Framework and reported following the checklist provided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis - an extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) statement. The search strategy was performed in five databases and one grey literature source. At the last selection phase, 24 articles that fulfilled our inclusion criteria were summarized and disseminated. Of these, 17 studies were conducted between 2020 and 2022; one of them was a protocol of a multicentre randomized controlled trial. The outcomes measured among the studies include airborne microbe counts, airborne particle concentrations, and rate of infections/interventions. The leading healthcare settings assessed were dental clinics (28%), patient's wards (16%), operating rooms (16%), and intensive care units (12%). Most of the devices demonstrated a significant potential to mitigate the impact of bioaerosols. Although some indoor air quality parameters can influence the mechanics of aerosols, only a few studies controlled these parameters in their analyses. Future clinical research should assess the rate of infections through randomized controlled trials with long-term follow-up and large sample sizes to determine the clinical importance of the findings.

Effects of different doses of estradiol benzoate used in a cervical relaxation protocol on the success of non-surgical embryo recovery and luteal function in superovulated ewes.

This study investigated the effectiveness of different doses of estradiol benzoate (EB) to promote cervical relaxation and their effects on luteal function and outcomes of non-surgical embryo recovery (NSER) in sheep. Multiparous (MULT) and nulliparous (NULL) crossbred Lacaune X Santa Inês ewes were superovulated and naturally bred. Seven days after progesterone withdrawal, females were randomly assigned to one of three distinct cervical relaxation protocols, consisting of i.m. treatment with 37.5 µg d-cloprostenol and different doses of EB: 0.0 mg (0.0EB group; n = 3 NULL and 14 MULT); 0.5 mg (0.5EB group; n = 4 NULL and 12 MULT) or 1.0 mg (1.0EB group, n = 6 NULL and 11 MULT) 16 h before NSER. All ewes received 50 IU of oxytocin 20 min before NSER (D17). Blood samples were collected and ultrasound exams (B-mode and color Doppler) were performed at two timepoints: immediately before d-cloprostenol and EB treatments and prior to NSER. Estrous behavior, corpora lutea count and NSER success outcomes were not affected by EB treatments nor parity (P > 0.05). Embryo recovery rate was greater for ewes in the 0.5EB group and in the NULL ewes (P < 0.05). Ovarian biometrics differed between the two evaluation timepoints in all groups (P < 0.05). Plasma estradiol increased over time, reaching a significant greater level in 1.0EB ewes compared to controls on D17 (P < 0.05), whereas progesterone concentrations decreased over time in all groups (P > 0.05). In conclusion, treatments did not affect NSER success but they did affect luteal function by altering P4 and E2 concentrations. Therefore, the NSER technique can be successfully performed in ewes with or without prior treatment with EB.

Single dose of 300 IU hCG in the early luteal phase in superovulated ewes: Effects on corpora lutea, progesterone profile, and embryo recovery.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of hCG treatment during the early luteal phase on ovarian function, progesterone profile, and embryo yield in superovulated ewes. Superovulated sheep were randomly assigned to receive 300 IU hCG i.m. (GhCG, n = 24) or not (GControl, n = 25) at 96 h after the removal of the progesterone (P4) device (D13). Non-surgical embryo recovery (NSER) was performed eight days after P4 withdrawal. Ultrasound evaluations were performed on D13, D14, D16, and D17. Blood samples were collected on D14, D16, and D17. Superovulation scores were recorded based on the number of corpora lutea (CL) as follows: 1 (≤ 2), 2 (3-5), 3 (6-8), and 4 (≥ 9). NSER efficiency, superovulation response, and luteal tissue area were similar in both groups (P > 0.05). Structural luteolysis tended to be higher in GControl (P = 0.07; 47.0 %) while functional luteolysis was similar in both groups (P > 0.05; 0.0 % and 5.9 %). The recovery rate was greater (P < 0.05) in GhCG (89.8 %) compared with GControl (71.0 %), with similar overall ova/embryo numbers observed for both groups (P > 0.05). GhCG showed a higher concentration of animals with a superovulatory response score of 4 (54.5 %; P < 0.05) compared with the lowest scores. Plasma progesterone on D16 was higher (P < 0.05) in GhCG ewes (11.1 ± 1.5 vs 6.9 ± 1.5 ng/mL). In conclusion, the hCG treatment improved circulating P4 and embryo recovery rate, tended to maintain luteal functionality, and thus constitutes an additional tool for improving embryo yield in superovulated ewes.

Protocolo de vigilancia activa para el cáncer de próstata en Portugal / Active surveillance protocol in prostate cancer in Portugal

Objetivo: Evaluar los patrones de práctica clínica de urólogos portugueses en el manejo de pacientes incluidos en un protocolo de vigilancia activa.IntroducciónEl cáncer de próstata (CaP) es una enfermedad heterogénea, con un alto porcentaje de adenocarcinomas indolentes y con una probabilidad baja de convertirse en una enfermedad sintomática o potencialmente mortal. La vigilancia activa (VA) es una forma de tratamiento conservador, empleado con el objetivo de limitar el sobretratamiento de los pacientes con CaP de bajo riesgo. A lo largo de los años, la experiencia con VA ha ido aumentado considerablemente, siendo actualmente el manejo estándar en algunos países. Sin embargo, no existe, a día de hoy, un protocolo universal.MétodosEncuesta electrónica anónima de ámbito nacional, sobre los hábitos y prácticas en materia de VA entre urólogos portugueses. La encuesta constaba de 12preguntas y fue enviada por vía electrónica a los 368 miembros actuales de la Asociación Portuguesa de Urología.ResultadosSe encuestó a 56 urólogos (15,21% de respuestas), distribuidos geográficamente de manera uniforme y categorizados según los años de experiencia y el número de pacientes con CaP tratados mensualmente. La gran mayoría de los encuestados recomienda la VA a sus pacientes, en particular en el caso de pacientes de grado 1 de la ISUP, con un nivel sérico de PSA es inferior a 20 ng/ml. No se cuestiona el cumplimiento de los programas de VA por parte de los pacientes, pero la morbilidad psicológica de albergar la enfermedad es un factor preocupante. Según la mayoría de los encuestados, los protocolos de vigilancia propuestos por las guías internacionales son adecuados y suficientes, pero se ponen de manifiesto algunas limitaciones en cuanto a la disponibilidad de la resonancia magnética de forma periódica y al requerimiento de nuevas biopsias (AU)

Objectiv: To examine clinical practice patterns in locally managing patients under an active surveillance protocol among Portuguese urologists.IntroductionProstate cancer (PCa) is a heterogeneous disease with many prostate adenocarcinomas being indolent and a low probability of ever causing symptoms or death. Active surveillance (AS) is a form of conservative management aimed to reduce over-treatment for low-risk PCa patients. Over the years, experience with AS has grown considerably and is now standard in some countries, however a universal protocol still does not exist.MethodsNationwide anonymous e-survey concerning habits and practices on AS among Portuguese urologists, that consisted of 12questions and was sent electronically to all 368 current members of the Portuguese Urological Association.Results56 urologists were surveyed (15.21% answer rate), evenly distributed geographically and allocated according to years of experience as well as number of PCa patients managed monthly. The vast majority of respondents recommends AS to their patients, particularly ISUP grade 1 patients, whose PSA serum level is bellow 20ng/mL. Observance of AS programs by patients was not in question but concerns exist over psychological morbidity while harboring disease. Majority believed that international guidelines surveillance protocols were adequate and sufficient, but there are some constraints concerning availability of periodic MRIs and re-biopsy needs (AU)

Statistical modeling of diffusive CO2 emissions before the creation of the SINOP hydroelectric reservoir, Brazil.

Several discussions have arisen about energy from hydroelectric plants being considered clean energy and its reservoirs have been investigated due to the large emission of greenhouse gases (GHG), such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide. The present work shows a statistical study of the diffusive CO2 emissions before the formation of the reservoir of the hydroelectric power plant (HPP) of SINOP, Brazil. The association between emissions collected at the surface (water-air) and at the bottom of the reservoir (sediment-water) was investigated during four data collection campaigns, carried out from November 2017 to September 2018. This study aims to compare the effect of reservoir depth on the diffusive flow of CO2 at 34 collection points. The variable depth analyzed was defined from points collected on the surface and bottom of the reservoir. The objective is to detect whether different periods of time and whether the depth of the reservoir have a direct impact on the behavior of diffusive CO2 emissions. As the measurements of the observational unit are repeatedly observed, there is a multilevel structure, individuals are independent of each other, but there is an intra-individual correlation. Considering this data configuration, an estimation of generalized equations (GEE) was performed, which is a technique that estimates the intra-individual correlation matrix and thus produces estimates for the parameters of the generalized regression models (Generalized Regression Models - GLM) that are not biased. The study showed that the average diffusive CO2 emissions are higher on the reservoir surface. The study also found that, on average, there are more emissions during the rainy season in the region than during the dry season.

The potential of accelerator-based techniques as an analytical tool for forensics: The case of coffee.

We discuss how different accelerator-based techniques can be employed synergistically as a powerful analytical tool for forensic studies of foodstuff. Brazilian and Jamaican coffees were chosen as a showcase due to its popularity and potential risk of adulteration and/or falsification. Comprehensive characterization of major and trace elements, age since production and compound contents were achieved using different techniques, including PIXE (Particle-Induced X-ray Emission), FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared), and AMS-14C (Accelerator Mass Spectrometry - Radiocarbon Analysis). While PIXE provides information on the elements present in the samples, FTIR probes the types of compounds through their vibrational spectra. Finally, AMS-14C is capable of dating organic samples regarding their harvesting time. Five different laboratories from research institutions around the world took part in the experiments. The integration of the results obtained with different techniques provided multifaceted perspectives on the coffee under study, thus allowing a direct assessment of the material for forensic purposes such as authentication, determination of provenance, and combat counterfeiting.

Active surveillance protocol in prostate cancer in Portugal.

OBJECTIVE: To examine clinical practice patterns in locally managing patients under an active surveillance protocol among Portuguese urologists. INTRODUCTION: Prostate cancer (PCa) is a heterogeneous disease with many prostate adenocarcinomas being indolent and a low probability of ever causing symptoms or death. Active surveillance (AS) is a form of conservative management aimed to reduce over-treatment for low-risk PCa patients. Over the years, experience with AS has grown considerably and is now standard in some countries, however a universal protocol still does not exist. METHODS: Nationwide anonymous e-survey concerning habits and practices on AS among Portuguese urologists, that consisted of twelve questions and was sent electronically to all 368 current members of the Portuguese Urological Association. RESULTS: 56 urologists were surveyed (15.21% answer rate), evenly distributed geographically and allocated according to years of experience as well as number of PCa patients managed monthly. The vast majority of respondents recommends AS to their patients, particularly ISUP grade 1 patients, whose PSA serum level is bellow 20 ng/mL. Observance of AS programs by patients was not in question but concerns exist over psychological morbidity while harboring disease. Majority believed that international guidelines surveillance protocols were adequate and sufficient, but there are some constraints concerning availability of periodic MRIs and re-biopsy needs. CONCLUSIONS: AS seems to be sustained in urologist clinical practice, although patients still lag to adhere and choose for active treatment. AS may not be an easy choice for patients and clinicians due to uncertainty of disease progression, risk of loss to follow-up and repeated biopsies but is also a cause for anxiety, depression, uncertainty and a perception of danger.