Direct formation of copper nanoparticles from atoms at graphitic step edges lowers overpotential and improves selectivity of electrocatalytic CO2 reduction.

A key strategy for minimizing our reliance on precious metals is to increase the fraction of surface atoms and improve the metal-support interface. In this work, we employ a solvent/ligand/counterion-free method to deposit copper in the atomic form directly onto a nanotextured surface of graphitized carbon nanofibers (GNFs). Our results demonstrate that under these conditions, copper atoms coalesce into nanoparticles securely anchored to the graphitic step edges, limiting their growth to 2-5 nm. The resultant hybrid Cu/GNF material displays high selectivity in the CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) for formate production with a faradaic efficiency of ~94% at -0.38 V vs RHE and a high turnover frequency of 2.78 × 106 h-1. The Cu nanoparticles adhered to the graphitic step edges significantly enhance electron transfer to CO2. Long-term CO2RR tests coupled with atomic-scale elucidation of changes in Cu/GNF reveal nanoparticles coarsening, and a simultaneous increase in the fraction of single Cu atoms. These changes in the catalyst structure make the onset of the CO2 reduction potential more negative, leading to less formate production at -0.38 V vs RHE, correlating with a less efficient competition of CO2 with H2O for adsorption on single Cu atoms on the graphitic surfaces, revealed by density functional theory calculations.

Progressive strength training can reverse sarcopenia stage in middle-aged and older adults regardless of their genetic profile.

The aim of this study was to verify the association of the ACTN3-R577X polymorphism with sarcopenia stage, according to the Revised European Consensus on the Definition and Diagnosis of Sarcopenia, in middle-aged and older adults, pre- and post- ST. In the 12-week longitudinal study, 71 middle-aged and older adults were evaluated; the participants were assigned to either control or intervention group. The intervention group underwent progressive ST three times a week. All participants underwent blood collection, DNA extraction, genotyping of the ACTN3-R577X polymorphism, anthropometric evaluations, and diagnostic tests for sarcopenia. The last two tests were repeated after 12 weeks. No association of the ACTN3-R577X polymorphism with sarcopenia stage was observed before and after 12 weeks. However, the intervention group remained non-sarcopenic (n = 25, p <0.05) or achieved changes in sarcopenia stage (from sarcopenic to non-sarcopenic) (n = 13, p <0.05). Our study demonstrates that progressive ST performed regularly can reverse or prevent sarcopenia regardless of genotype for the ACTN3-R577X polymorphism.

Radiation exposure during distal and traditional radial coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

OBJECTIVES: Previous studies show that the distal transradial approach (dTRA) is safe and effective for coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention. However, the effect of dTRA on radiation exposure in the catheterization laboratory has not been characterized. The authors analyzed the available literature to compare the radiation exposure associated with dTRA vs the traditional radial approach (TRA). METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis of the scientific literature was conducted by using relevant terms to search the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases from their inception until October 13, 2022, to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing dTRA with TRA. The primary outcome was radiation exposure reported as fluoroscopy time, air kerma, or kerma-dose product. The standard mean difference (SMD) and its 95% confidence interval were used to summarize continuous variables. Random effect and meta-regression also were used for analyses. RESULTS: Among 484 studies identified, 7 were RCTs, with a total of 3427 patients (1712 dTRA, 1715 TRA). No difference was found between dTRA and TRA in radiation exposure quantified as fluoroscopy time (SMD -0.10 [-0.36, 0.15], P=.43) or air kerma (SMD -0.31 [-0.74, 0.13], P=.17). The overall estimate favored lower kerma-area product in the TRA (SMD 0.19 [0.08, 0.30], P=.0006). Meta-regression showed no correlation between fluoroscopy time and year of publication. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with TRA, dTRA was associated with significantly greater radiation exposure per the kerma-area product during interventional cardiology procedures, with no differences in fluoroscopy time and air kerma.

Morphological, histopathological, ultrastructural and phylogenetic analysis of Henneguya archosargus n. sp. (Cnidaria, Myxosporea) infecting the sparid fish Archosargus probatocephalus in Brazilian waters.

The introduction of new fish species to the aquaculture industry is essential to halt the progressive decline of natural fish stocks. The sheepshead Archosargus probatocephalus is a commercially valuable sparid fish with potential for breeding in captivity, but with limited information regarding parasitic infections that could pose a significant threat for its sustainable production. Thus, the present study aimed to study the myxozoan diversity infecting A. probatocephalus. A novel Henneguya sp. was detected forming plasmodia in the gill lamellae of specimens inhabiting the Brazilian coast, and is characterized based on morphological, histopathological, ultrastructural, molecular, and phylogenetic data. Myxospore total length was 21.3 ± 0.8 µm, with myxospore body 10.0 ± 0.5 µm long, 6.2 ± 0.3 µm wide, and 4.8 ± 0.5 µm thick. Caudal appendages were 10.3 ± 0.5 µm long and did not present any type of coating. Two pyriform polar capsules, 3.4 ± 0.3 µm long and 1.5 ± 0.2 µm wide, each containing an isofilar polar tubule with 4-5 coils. Histopathological analyses showed large intralamellar polysporic plasmodia associated with vascular congestion of the gill filament and gill lamellae, as well as epithelial hyperplasia causing partial or total fusion of gill lamellae. Maximum likelihood and Baysesian inference SSU rDNA-based phylogenetic analyses showed the novel sequence grouped within the marine clade of Henneguya spp. that mostly parasitize fishes belonging to Eupercaria incertae sedis.

Chemical Kinetics of Metal Single Atom and Nanocluster Formation on Surfaces: An Example of Pt on Hexagonal Boron Nitride.

The production of atomically dispersed metal catalysts remains a significant challenge in the field of heterogeneous catalysis due to coexistence with continuously packed sites such as nanoclusters and nanoparticles. This work presents a comprehensive guidance on how to increase the degree of atomization through a selection of appropriate experimental conditions and supports. It is based on a rigorous macro-kinetic theory that captures relevant competing processes of nucleation and formation of single atoms stabilized by point defects. The effects of metal-support interactions and deposition parameters on the resulting single atom to nanocluster ratio as well as the role of metal centers formed on point defects in the kinetics of nucleation have been established, thus paving the way to guided synthesis of single atom catalysts. The predictions are supported by experimental results on sputter deposition of Pt on exfoliated hexagonal boron nitride, as imaged by aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy.

Randomized Trial of Targeted Transendocardial Mesenchymal Precursor Cell Therapy in Patients With Heart Failure.

BACKGROUND: Mesenchymal precursor cells (MPCs) are allogeneic, immunoselected cells with anti-inflammatory properties that could improve outcomes in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). OBJECTIVES: This study assessed the efficacy and safety of MPCs in patients with high-risk HFrEF. METHODS: This randomized, double-blind, multicenter study evaluated a single transendocardial administration procedure of MPCs or sham-control in 565 intention-to-treat patients with HFrEF on guideline-directed therapies. The primary endpoint was time-to-recurrent events caused by decompensated HFrEF or successfully resuscitated symptomatic ventricular arrhythmias. Hierarchical secondary endpoints included components of the primary endpoint, time-to-first terminal cardiac events, and all-cause death. Separate and composite major adverse cardiovascular events analyses were performed for myocardial infarction or stroke or cardiovascular death. Baseline and 12-month echocardiography was performed. Baseline plasma high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels were evaluated for disease severity. RESULTS: The primary endpoint was similar between treatment groups (HR: 1.17; 95% CI: 0.81-1.69; P = 0.41) as were terminal cardiac events and secondary endpoints. Compared with control subjects, MPCs increased left ventricular ejection fraction from baseline to 12 months, especially in patients with inflammation. MPCs decreased the risk of myocardial infarction or stroke by 58% (HR: 0.42; 95% CI: 0.23-0.76) and the risk of 3-point major adverse cardiovascular events by 28% (HR: 0.72; 95% CI: 0.51-1.03) in the analysis population (n = 537), and by 75% (HR: 0.25; 95% CI: 0.09-0.66) and 38% (HR: 0.62; 95% CI: 0.39-1.00), respectively, in patients with inflammation (baseline high-sensitivity C-reactive protein ≥2 mg/L). CONCLUSIONS: The primary and secondary endpoints of the trial were negative. Positive signals in prespecified, and post hoc exploratory analyses suggest MPCs may improve outcomes, especially in patients with inflammation.

Freshwater decapod crustaceans from the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil: species composition and distribution.

Brazil contains about 5% (~120 spp.) of the total known species of freshwater decapods. Information on the occurrence of freshwater decapod species in the state of Minas Gerais is dispersed and much of this remains unpublished. We hereby propose to present the first inventory of freshwater decapods from the state, based on data compiled from publications and scientific collections and obtained from fieldwork in the state. Eleven species of freshwater decapods were recorded in Minas Gerais, including three species of crabs (Trichodactylidae), seven of shrimps (Palaemonidae) and one species of freshwater squat lobster (Aeglidae), classified into three infraorders, three families, and four genera. The genus Macrobrachium C.S. Bate, 1868 comprised most of the decapod records. The reduced number of species in relation to coastal states is related, at least in part, to the absence of amphidromic species. Environmental degradation and the construction of dams in several watersheds may be possible causes of this absence. The records obtained from surveys carried out in national parks situated in Minas Gerais and its surroundings indicate the importance of these areas for the conservation of decapod fauna in the state.

Device-based therapy for decompensated heart failure: An updated review of devices in development based on the DRI2P2S classification.

Congestive heart failure (HF) is a devastating disease leading to prolonged hospitalization, high morbidity and mortality rates, and increased costs. Well-established treatments for decompensated or unstable patients include medications and mechanical cardiac support devices. For acute HF decompensation, new devices are being developed to help relieve symptoms and recover heart and renal function in these patients. A recent device-based classification scheme, collectively classified as DRI2P2S, has been proposed to better describe these new device-based therapies based on their mechanism: dilators (increase venous capacitance), removers (direct removal of sodium and water), inotropes (increase left ventricular contractility), interstitials (accelerate removal of lymph), pushers (increase renal arterial pressure), pullers (decrease renal venous pressure), and selective (selective intrarenal drug infusion). In this review, we describe the new class of medical devices with the most current results reported in preclinical models and clinical trials.

Rare delayed cardiac tamponade in a pig after cardiac surgery.

OBJECTIVE: Delayed cardiac tamponade, a life-threatening complication of pericardial effusion in humans, has rarely been described in large animal models. We report here a pig with cardiac tamponade that developed 29 days after cardiac surgery. STUDY DESIGN: Case report. ANIMALS: One 45-kg domestic pig. METHODS: Open-chest surgery was performed on a pig to induce chronic heart failure. At 15 days after surgery, the pig's breathing appeared laboured; induced heart failure was considered the cause. Routine heart failure medications were administered. RESULTS: On day 28, the pig's status deteriorated. On day 29, echocardiography performed just before the pig's death showed a large pericardial effusion, mainly in the lateral and anterior walls of the right heart, with several fibre exudation bands. The right heart was severely compressed with an extremely small right ventricle. An emergency sternotomy was unsuccessful. Pathologic examination showed a severely thickened, fibrous pericardium. The pericardial sac was distended (up to 4.5 cm) and was full of dark brown, soft, friable material. Epicardial haemorrhage with a fresh, organised thrombus was noted in the pericardium. CONCLUSION: Delayed tamponade occurring at least 15 days after open-chest surgery is easy to misdiagnose or overlook in large animal models where attention is often focused on primary pathological model changes. To decrease mortality in animal models, researchers should be aware of potential complications and use the same level of follow-up monitoring of large animals as in clinical care.

Using the Apple Watch to Record Multiple-Lead Electrocardiograms in Detecting Myocardial Infarction: Where Are We Now?

Although the outcome after myocardial infarction depends on the time to treatment, a delay between symptom onset and treatment is common. Apple Watch, a popular wearable device, provides the ability to perform an electrocardiogram. We review the progress made in using the Apple Watch to record multiple electrocardiogram leads for diagnosing myocardial infarction. Although the data are encouraging, many limitations remain, and more research is needed. Nevertheless, the Apple Watch could eventually serve as a self-check tool for patients who have chest pains or other symptoms of myocardial infarction, thus substantially decreasing the time to treatment and improving the outcome after myocardial infarction.

Polymorphism of the angiotensin converting enzyme gene (ACE-I/D) differentiates the aerobic and speed performance of football players.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the distribution of ACE-I/D polymorphisms on Brazilian football players performance in aerobic capacity, strength and speed tests. METHODS: The participants in this study were 212 Brazilian first division male football players genotyped in DD, ID or II. Genotyping of DNA from leucocytes was performed using polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism methods. We evaluated speed using a 30-meter sprint test with speed measured at 10 meters (V10), 20 meters (V20), and 30 meters (V30); muscular strength using counter-movement-jump and squat jump tests; and aerobic endurance using the Yo-Yo endurance test. The athletes were ranked in ascending order according to their performance in each test and divided into quartiles: first quartile (0-25%, weak), second (25-50%, normal), third (50-75%, good), and fourth (75-100%, excellent); these were clustered according to genotype frequency. RESULTS: We identified significant differences in the V20 test values and in the aerobic capacity test. Higher frequencies of the ACE-DD genotype were observed in the excellent performance group in the V20. In the aerobic capacity test, higher frequencies of the ACE-II genotype were observed in excellent and good performance groups. CONCLUSIONS: Players with higher performance in anaerobic and aerobic tests are ACE-DD and ACE-II genotypes, respectively.

Recommendations for nomenclature and definition of cell products intended for human cardiovascular use.

Exogenous cell-based therapy has emerged as a promising new strategy to facilitate repair of hearts damaged by acute or chronic injury. However, the field of cell-based therapy is handicapped by the lack of standardized definitions and terminology, making comparisons across studies challenging. Even the term 'stem cell therapy' is misleading because only a small percentage of cells derived from adult bone marrow, peripheral blood, or adipose tissue meets the accepted haematopoietic or developmental definition of stem cells. Furthermore, cells (stem or otherwise) are dynamic biological products, meaning that their surface-marker expression, phenotypic and functional characteristics, and the products they secrete in response to their microenvironment can change. It is also important to point out that most surface markers are seldom specific for a cell type. In this article, we discuss the lack of consistency in the descriptive terminology used in cell-based therapies and offer guidelines aimed at standardizing nomenclature and definitions to improve communication among investigators and the general public.

Diseases of the digestive system of agoutis (Dasyprocta leporina) raised in captivity in the Brazilian semiarid region / Doenças do sistema digestivo de cutias (Dasyprocta leporina) criadas em cativeiro na região semiárida brasileira

The objective of this study was to describe the clinical and pathological aspects of diseases of the digestive system in agoutis (Dasyprocta leporina Linnaeus, 1758) diagnosed by the "Laboratório de Patologia Veterinária" (Veterinary Pathology Laboratory) of the "Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido" (UFERSA), from January 2018 to February 2020. During the study period, necropsy and a survey of the clinical history of 27 agoutis were performed, 25.93% (7/27) of which were diagnosed with digestive system diseases. The percentages of digestive tract diseases among the diagnosed were: acute carbohydrate overload (11.12%), gastric ulcer (7.41%), gastric volvulus (3.70%), and intestinal volvulus (3.70%). Studies on the occurrence rate of these diseases, as well as the description of their clinical and anatomopathological aspects, may serve as a basis for guiding the appropriate management in the breeding of these animals.

O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever os aspectos clínicos e patológicos das doenças do aparelho digestivo em cutias (Dasyprocta leporina Linnaeus, 1758) diagnosticadas pelo Laboratório de Patologia Veterinária da Universidade Federal Rural do Semiárido (UFERSA), de janeiro 2018 a fevereiro de 2020. Durante o período do estudo, foram realizadas necropsias e levantamento da história clínica de 27 cutias, sendo 25,93% (7/27) diagnosticadas com doenças do aparelho digestivo. Os percentuais de doenças do aparelho digestivo foram: sobrecarga aguda de carboidratos (11,12%), úlcera gástrica (7,41%), vólvulo gástrico (3,70%) e vólvulo intestinal (3,70%). Estudos sobre a taxa de ocorrência dessas doenças, bem como a descrição de seus aspectos clínicos e anatomopatológicos, podem servir de base para orientar o manejo adequado na criação dessa espécie.

Diseases of the digestive system of agoutis (Dasyprocta leporina) raised in captivity in the Brazilian semiarid region

ABSTRACT: The objective of this study was to describe the clinical and pathological aspects of diseases of the digestive system in agoutis (Dasyprocta leporina Linnaeus, 1758) diagnosed by the Laboratório de Patologia Veterinária (Veterinary Pathology Laboratory) of the Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido (UFERSA), from January 2018 to February 2020. During the study period, necropsy and a survey of the clinical history of 27 agoutis were performed, 25.93% (7/27) of which were diagnosed with digestive system diseases. The percentages of digestive tract diseases among the diagnosed were: acute carbohydrate overload (11.12%), gastric ulcer (7.41%), gastric volvulus (3.70%), and intestinal volvulus (3.70%). Studies on the occurrence rate of these diseases, as well as the description of their clinical and anatomopathological aspects, may serve as a basis for guiding the appropriate management in the breeding of these animals.

RESUMO: O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever os aspectos clínicos e patológicos das doenças do aparelho digestivo em cutias (Dasyprocta leporina Linnaeus, 1758) diagnosticadas pelo Laboratório de Patologia Veterinária da Universidade Federal Rural do Semiárido (UFERSA), de janeiro 2018 a fevereiro de 2020. Durante o período do estudo, foram realizadas necropsias e levantamento da história clínica de 27 cutias, sendo 25,93% (7/27) diagnosticadas com doenças do aparelho digestivo. Os percentuais de doenças do aparelho digestivo foram: sobrecarga aguda de carboidratos (11,12%), úlcera gástrica (7,41%), vólvulo gástrico (3,70%) e vólvulo intestinal (3,70%). Estudos sobre a taxa de ocorrência dessas doenças, bem como a descrição de seus aspectos clínicos e anatomopatológicos, podem servir de base para orientar o manejo adequado na criação dessa espécie.

Diseases of the digestive system of agoutis (Dasyprocta leporina) raised in captivity in the Brazilian semiarid region / Doenças do sistema digestivo de cutias (Dasyprocta leporina) criadas em cativeiro na região semiárida brasileira

The objective of this study was to describe the clinical and pathological aspects of diseases of the digestive system in agoutis (Dasyprocta leporina Linnaeus, 1758) diagnosed by the "Laboratório de Patologia Veterinária" (Veterinary Pathology Laboratory) of the "Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido" (UFERSA), from January 2018 to February 2020. During the study period, necropsy and a survey of the clinical history of 27 agoutis were performed, 25.93% (7/27) of which were diagnosed with digestive system diseases. The percentages of digestive tract diseases among the diagnosed were: acute carbohydrate overload (11.12%), gastric ulcer (7.41%), gastric volvulus (3.70%), and intestinal volvulus (3.70%). Studies on the occurrence rate of these diseases, as well as the description of their clinical and anatomopathological aspects, may serve as a basis for guiding the appropriate management in the breeding of these animals.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever os aspectos clínicos e patológicos das doenças do aparelho digestivo em cutias (Dasyprocta leporina Linnaeus, 1758) diagnosticadas pelo Laboratório de Patologia Veterinária da Universidade Federal Rural do Semiárido (UFERSA), de janeiro 2018 a fevereiro de 2020. Durante o período do estudo, foram realizadas necropsias e levantamento da história clínica de 27 cutias, sendo 25,93% (7/27) diagnosticadas com doenças do aparelho digestivo. Os percentuais de doenças do aparelho digestivo foram: sobrecarga aguda de carboidratos (11,12%), úlcera gástrica (7,41%), vólvulo gástrico (3,70%) e vólvulo intestinal (3,70%). Estudos sobre a taxa de ocorrência dessas doenças, bem como a descrição de seus aspectos clínicos e anatomopatológicos, podem servir de base para orientar o manejo adequado na criação dessa espécie.(AU)