Enhanced Power Generation Using a Dual-Surface-Modified Hematite Photoanode in a Direct Glyphosate Photo Fuel Cell.

Given the current and escalating global energy and environmental concerns, this work explores an innovative approach to mitigate a widely employed commercial herbicide using a direct glyphosate (Gly) photocatalytic fuel cell (PFC). The device generates power continuously by converting solar radiation, degrading and mineralizing commercial glyphosate-based fuel, and reducing sodium persulfate at the cathode. Pristine and modified hematite photoanodes were coupled to Pt/C nanoparticles dispersed in a carbon paper (CP) support (Pt/C/CP) dark cathode by using an H-type cell. The Gly/persulfate PFC shows a remarkable current and power generation enhancement after dual-surface modification of pristine hematite with segregated Hf and FeNiOx cocatalysts. The optimized photoanode elevates maximum current density (Jmax) from 0.35 to 0.71 mA cm-2 and maximum power generation (Pmax) from 0.04 to 0.065 mW cm-2, representing 102.85 and 62.50% increase in Jmax and Pmax, respectively, as compared to pristine hematite. The system demonstrated stability over a studied period of 4 h; remarkably, the photodegradation of Gly proved substantial, achieving ∼98% degradation and ∼6% mineralization. Our findings may significantly contribute to reducing Gly's environmental impact in agribusiness since it may convert the pollutant into energy at zero bias. The proposed device offers a sustainable solution to counteract Gly pollution while concurrently harnessing solar energy for power generation.

Robotic-Assisted Resection of a Benign Schwannoma of the Obturator Nerve: A Rare Case.

BACKGROUND Neurilemmomas are rare tumors derived from the Schwann cells that comprise the peripheral nerve sheaths. They have a slow growth and rarely display malignancy. Early diagnosis is rare, and the treatment consists by surgical resection. Although robotic-assisted surgery is commonly used for treating retroperitoneal diseases, there are few reports of resection of retroperitoneal and pelvic schwannoma through robotic-assisted surgery. In the present study, we reported a case of complete excision of a benign retroperitoneal schwannoma of the obturator nerve by robotic-assisted surgery. CASE REPORT A 51-year-old woman was referred by her gynecologist for left pelvic discomfort of a 3-month duration. The physical examination was normal, but a computerized tomography scan of the abdomen and pelvis showed an expansive pelvic lesion in the topography of the left iliac vessels, a hypodense contrast enhancement measuring 4.6×3.4 cm. Magnetic resonance imaging showed an extraperitoneal lesion located medially and inferiorly to the left external iliac vessels, with a size of 4.9×3.7 cm, and of probable neural etiology. Surgical resection of the tumor was recommended because of the diagnostic hypothesis of obturator nerve schwannoma. CONCLUSIONS This case showed that retroperitoneal neurilemmomas are difficult to diagnose owing to a lack of specific symptoms, and the best treatment is complete tumor resection. The use of robotic techniques gives greater dexterity to the surgeon, since it provides high-definition 3-dimensional vision, which can make the removal of retroperitoneal tumors susceptible to minimally invasive resection in a safe and effective way.

How many meals and snacks do Brazilians eat a day? Findings from the 2017-2018 Brazilian National Dietary Survey.

The habit of eating specific meals has been addressed in several studies, but the evaluation of meal patterns has received less attention. This study aimed to describe the meal patterns of the Brazilian population. A complex sampling design was used to select the 46,164 ≥ 10-year-old individuals examined in the Brazilian National Dietary Survey. Food consumption was assessed by two non-consecutive 24-hour recalls applied throughout a one-week period. The exploratory data analysis approach was used to determine the meal patterns, i.e., how individuals combined the main meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) and snacks (morning, afternoon, evening/night) throughout the day. The most common meal patterns were three main meals + one snack, reported by 25.1% of the individuals, and three main meals + two snacks (24.6%). Other meal patterns identified were: three main meals + three snacks (18.5%); three main meals and no snacks (10.9%); one or two main meals + two snacks (7.4%); one or two main meals + one snack (6.9%); one or two main meals + three snacks (4.2%); and one or two main meals and no snacks (2.3%). Meal patterns varied according to gender and age group, and on typical versus atypical food consumption days. We found that eight patterns characterized the daily meal consumption in Brazil. Furthermore, around 80% of the population had three main meals every day and about 13% did not report having any snacks. The characterization of meal habits is important for tailoring and targeting health promotion actions.

Potential urinary biomarkers in preeclampsia: a narrative review.

INTRODUCTION: Preeclampsia (PE) is a highly relevant pregnancy-related disorder. An early and accurate diagnosis is crucial to prevent major maternal and neonatal complications and mortality. Due to the association of kidney dysfunction with the pathophysiology of the disease, urine samples have the potential to provide biomarkers for PE prediction, being minimally invasive and easy to perform. Therefore, searching for novel biomarkers may improve outcomes. This narrative review aimed to summarize the scientific literature about the traditional and potential urinary biomarkers in PE and to investigate their applicability to screen and diagnose the disorder. METHODS: A non-systematic search was performed in PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and SciELO databases. RESULTS: There is significant divergence in the literature regarding traditionally used serum markers creatinine, cystatin C, and albuminuria, accuracy in PE prediction. As for the potential renal biomarkers investigated, including vascular epithelial growth factor (VEGF), placental growth factor (PlGF), and soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase (sFlt-1), urinary levels of PlGF and sFtl-1/PlGF ratio in urine seem to be the most promising as screening tests. The assessment of the global load of misfolded proteins through urinary congophilia, podocyturia, and nephrinuria has also shown potential for screening and diagnosis. Studies regarding the use of proteomics and metabolomics have shown good accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity for predicting the development and severity of PE. CONCLUSION: However, there are still many divergences in the literature, which requires future and more conclusive research to confirm the predictive role of urinary biomarkers in pregnant women with PE.

How many meals and snacks do Brazilians eat a day? Findings from the 2017-2018 Brazilian National Dietary Survey / Quantas refeições e lanches os brasileiros fazem por dia? Resultados do Inquérito Nacional de Alimentação de 2017-2018 / ¿Cuántas comidas y meriendas tienen los brasileños por día? Resultados de la Encuesta Nacional de Alimentación 2017-2018

The habit of eating specific meals has been addressed in several studies, but the evaluation of meal patterns has received less attention. This study aimed to describe the meal patterns of the Brazilian population. A complex sampling design was used to select the 46,164 ≥ 10-year-old individuals examined in the Brazilian National Dietary Survey. Food consumption was assessed by two non-consecutive 24-hour recalls applied throughout a one-week period. The exploratory data analysis approach was used to determine the meal patterns, i.e., how individuals combined the main meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) and snacks (morning, afternoon, evening/night) throughout the day. The most common meal patterns were three main meals + one snack, reported by 25.1% of the individuals, and three main meals + two snacks (24.6%). Other meal patterns identified were: three main meals + three snacks (18.5%); three main meals and no snacks (10.9%); one or two main meals + two snacks (7.4%); one or two main meals + one snack (6.9%); one or two main meals + three snacks (4.2%); and one or two main meals and no snacks (2.3%). Meal patterns varied according to gender and age group, and on typical versus atypical food consumption days. We found that eight patterns characterized the daily meal consumption in Brazil. Furthermore, around 80% of the population had three main meals every day and about 13% did not report having any snacks. The characterization of meal habits is important for tailoring and targeting health promotion actions.

Os hábitos de consumo de refeições específicas têm sido abordados em diversos estudos, no entanto, a avaliação dos padrões refeições tem recebido menos atenção. O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever os padrões de refeições da população brasileira. Um desenho amostral complexo foi utilizado para selecionar os 46.164 indivíduos de ≥ 10 anos examinados no Inquérito Nacional de Alimentação de 2017-2018. O consumo alimentar foi avaliado por meio de dois recordatórios de 24 horas não consecutivos, aplicados durante um período de uma semana. A análise exploratória de dados foi utilizada para determinar os padrões de refeições, ou seja, como os indivíduos combinam as principais refeições (café da manhã, almoço, jantar) e lanches (manhã, tarde, noite) ao longo do dia. Os padrões de refeições mais frequentes foram três refeições principais + um lanche, conforme relatado por 25,1% dos indivíduos, e três refeições principais + dois lanches (24,6%). Outros padrões de refeições identificados foram: três refeições principais + três lanches (18,5%); três refeições principais e nenhum lanche (10,9%); uma ou duas refeições principais + dois lanches (7,4%); uma ou duas refeições principais + um lanche (6,9%); uma ou duas refeições principais + três lanches (4,2%); e uma ou duas refeições principais e nenhum lanche (2,3%). Os padrões de refeições variaram de acordo com o sexo e a faixa etária, e nos dias típicos em comparação com os atípicos de consumo alimentar. Verificou-se que oito padrões caracterizaram o consumo diário de refeições no Brasil. Além disso, cerca de 80% da população realizava três refeições principais diárias e cerca de 13% reportaram não lanchar. A caracterização dos padrões de refeições é importante para adequar e direcionar ações de promoção da saúde.

Los hábitos alimenticios específicos se han abordado en varios estudios, sin embargo, poco se sabe sobre la evaluación de los patrones de alimentación. El objetivo de este estudio fue describir el patrón de alimentación de la población brasileña. Se utilizó un diseño de muestra complejo para seleccionar a 46.164 individuos de ≥ 10 años quienes participaron en la Encuesta Nacional de Alimentación 2017-2018. El consumo alimentario se evaluó mediante dos registros de 24 horas no consecutivos, aplicados durante una semana. Para determinar el patrón de alimentación, se aplicó el análisis exploratorio, es decir, cómo las personas combinan las comidas principales (desayuno, almuerzo, cena) y las meriendas (mañana, tarde, noche) a lo largo del día. Los patrones de alimentación más frecuentes fueron tres comidas principales + una merienda según informan el 25,1% de los individuos, y tres comidas principales + dos meriendas (24,6%). Otros patrones identificados destacaron tres comidas principales + tres meriendas (18,5%); tres comidas principales sin merienda (10,9%); una o dos comidas principales + dos meriendas (7,4%); una o dos comidas principales + una merienda (6,9%); una o dos comidas principales + tres meriendas (4,2%); y una o dos comidas principales sin merienda (2,3%). Los patrones de alimentación tuvieron una variación según el sexo y el grupo de edad, y en días típicos en comparación con los atípicos de consumo de alimentos. Se encontró que ocho patrones caracterizan el consumo diario de comidas en Brasil. Por lo tanto, aproximadamente el 80% de la población tienen tres comidas principales al día y aproximadamente el 13% informan que no tienen merienda. Es importante caracterizar los patrones de alimentación para adaptar y orientar las acciones de promoción de la salud.

Transformação de amostras de Escherichia coli com plasmídeo contendo a proteína GFP

The gut microbiota has a great diversity of genera and species. The most recent studies show an effective participation of the microbiome not only in the modulation and production of virulence factors of bacteria present in the intestine, but also in the signaling and communication between the body's organs. The study models used so far have limitations and do not allow an effective study of identification and quantification of distinct populations of related species. The cellular assays used for the study of biofilm formation and bacterial adhesion are very effective for visualization of samples, but in the case of mixed cultures of species with similar characteristics it is not possible to distinguish. In this study, bacterial transformation was performed by inserting the plasmid containing the green fluorescent protein (GFP) gene, giving the samples the ability to emit green light. After confirmation of the transformation, the samples were used in biofilm formation and bacterial adhesion assays in in vitro epithelial tissues containing more than one bacterial population. It was possible to visualize and identify the different samples with the use of staining and fluorescence microscopy.

A microbiota intestinal possui grande diversidade de gêneros e espécies. Os estudos mais recentes evidenciam uma participação efetiva do microbioma não só na modulação e produção de fatores de virulência de bactérias presentes no intestino como na sinalização e comunicação entre os órgãos do corpo. Os modelos de estudo utilizados até o momento possuem limitações e não permitem um estudo eficaz de identificação e quantificação de populações distintas de espécies relacionadas. Os ensaios celulares utilizados para o estudo de formação de biofilme e adesão bacteriana são bastante eficazes para visualização de amostras, porém no caso de culturas mistas de espécies com características semelhantes não é possível a distinção. Neste estudo foi realizada a transformação bacteriana para a inserção do plasmídeo contendo o gene green fluorescent protein (GFP) conferindo às amostras a capacidade de emitir luz verde. Após a confirmação da transformação, as amostras foram utilizadas em ensaios de formação de biofilme e adesão bacteriana em tecidos epiteliais in vitro contendo mais de uma população bacteriana. Foi possível a visualização e identificação das diferentes amostras com a utilização de coloração e microscopia de fluorescência.

Robotic approach to remove four tailgut cyst cases in Brazil: a case series.

Tailgut cysts are rare congenital lesions that are remnants of the embryonic hindgut. This abnormality presents with non-specific symptoms or no symptoms; therefore, misdiagnosis is common. Here, we present four cases of tailgut cysts that were successfully removed using a robotic surgical approach. A 42-year-old woman with tenesmus, pain in the right gluteal region, and discomfort in the rectal region during evacuation was referred to our medical center. Another patient was a 28-year-old woman who presented with the same symptoms to our general practitioner. Both patients underwent upper abdominal and pelvic magnetic resonance imaging that revealed a tailgut cyst. Further, a 36-year-old woman was referred with coccyx and hypogastric pain. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed two pararectal cystic formations. She underwent robot-assisted surgery, and after analysis by a pathologist, the conclusion was that the tailgut cyst was associated with scarring fibrosis. A 55-year-old woman with posterior epigastric pelvic pain associated with heartburn underwent robot-assisted surgery to resect a retroperitoneal tumor. These cases highlighted the importance of tailgut cysts in the differential diagnosis of rectal lesions. Surgical treatment is preferred because malignant transformations can occur. The difference between laparoscopic and robotic approaches is the better visualization and stability of the latter, inducing less tissue damage. Robotic resection is a safe procedure, especially in patients with a narrow pelvis, because it reduces tissue damage.

First report of an accident caused by Jaguajir agamemnon (C.L. Koch, 1839) (Scorpiones, Buthidae) in Paraná state, Brazil.

We report the first pediatric case of a Jaguajir agamemnon scorpion sting. This case occurred in the state of Paraná and is the first record of this species in southern Brazil. The patient was admitted within 15 min, with pain, local edema, erythema, whole-body pruritus, and tongue paresthesia within the first two hours, which disappeared thereafter. The patient's condition was considered mild, with a positive outcome, and she recovered completely.

Internal post-bariatric hernia due to hepatic adhesion: a case report.

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, a procedure proven effective for treating morbid obesity and metabolic disorders, carries the risk of complications such as the formation of internal hernias. These hernias are often difficult to diagnose and can be potentially fatal because they can cause structural obstruction. Most internal hernias occur in the jejunojejunostomy mesentery space, followed by Petersen's space hernias, although herniation at other locations can also occur. Our case report presents an example of a rare internal hernia after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. A 36-year-old woman presented with an uncommon internal hernia located between the liver and alimentary loop, resulting in the formation of a new space and consequently incarcerating the entire biliopancreatic loop. This type of internal hernia is rare and has not been reported in the literature, indicating that this is the first report of such a case. In this case, we realized that the diagnosis was challenging and imaging examinations could not help determine the etiology of the pain and obstruction. Therefore, videolaparoscopy revealed an uncommon hernia formed by firm adhesion between the hepatic segment III and the alimentary loop mesentery. Our case is an example of an internal hernia that was not detected with a normal computed tomography scan of the abdomen and pelvis. Only diagnostic laparoscopy revealed herniation, effectively preventing further complications for the patient.

Ticks (Ixodida) associated with bats (Chiroptera): an updated list with new records for Brazil.

Bats harbor diverse groups of ectoparasites, such as insects and mites like ticks (Ixodida). Some species of ticks with records for bats and humans have already been reported with the occurrence of pathogens. This research article aims to document new geographical and host records of ticks infesting bats in Rio de Janeiro state, Southeastern Brazil, and provides a list of tick species associated with bats in Brazil. We counted 12 argasid ticks and five ixodid ticks associated with six individuals of bats. Larvae of Amblyomma sp., Ixodes sp., Ornithodoros sp., and Ornithodoros hasei and one nymph of Amblyomma sculptum parasitizing Artibeus obscurus, Phyllostomus hastatus, Micronycteris sp., Molossus fluminensis, and Carollia perspicillata in different localities of Rio de Janeiro state were studied. We carried out a systematic review with the descriptors: tick bat Brazil. We considered data from 42 articles in the systematic review. We compiled eleven records of Ixodidae, and 160 records of Argasidae. Ornithodoros cavernicolous were the most recorded tick species. Overall, we registered 171 tick-bat or roost-bat associations with 85 records of these infesting bats. The review also shows the occurrence of tick species associated with bats, and we present new records on ticks parasitizing bats in Brazil.

Oculoauriculofrontonasal syndrome: Refining the phenotype through a new case series and literature review.

The oculoauriculofrontonasal syndrome (OAFNS) is a rare condition, with unknown etiology, characterized by the association of frontonasal dysplasia (FND) and oculoauriculovertebral spectrum (OAVS). Main clinical findings include widely spaced eyes, epibulbar dermoid, broad nose, mandibular hypoplasia, and preauricular tags. Here, we describe a case series of 32 Brazilian individuals with OAFNS and review the literature ascertaining individuals presenting phenotypes compatible with the diagnosis of OAFNS, aiming to refine the phenotype. This series emphasizes the phenotypic variability of the OAFNS and highlights the occurrence of rare craniofacial clefts as a part of the phenotype. The ectopic nasal bone, a hallmark of OAFNS, was frequent in our series, reinforcing the clinical diagnosis. The absence of recurrence, consanguinity, chromosomal, and genetic abnormalities reinforces the hypothesis of a nontraditional inheritance model. The phenotypic refinement provided by this series contributes to an investigation regarding the etiology of OAFNS.

Regulation of Carotenoid Biosynthesis and Degradation in Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) from Seedlings to Harvest.

Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) is one of the commercially important leafy vegetables worldwide. However, lettuce cultivars vary widely in their carotenoid concentrations at the time of harvest. While the carotenoid content of lettuce can depend on transcript levels of key biosynthetic enzymes, genes that can act as biomarkers for carotenoid accumulation at early stages of plant growth have not been identified. Transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis was performed on the inner and outer leaves of the six cultivars at different developmental stages to identify gene-to-metabolite networks affecting the accumulation of two key carotenoids, ß-carotene and lutein. Statistical analysis, including principal component analysis, was used to better understand variations in carotenoid concentration between leaf age and cultivars. Our results demonstrate that key enzymes of carotenoid biosynthesis pathway can alter lutein and ß-carotene biosynthesis across commercial cultivars. To ensure high carotenoids content in leaves, the metabolites sink from ß-carotene and lutein to zeaxanthin, and subsequently, abscisic acid needs to be regulated. Based on 2-3-fold carotenoids increase at 40 days after sowing (DAS) as compared to the seedling stage, and 1.5-2-fold decline at commercial stage (60 DAS) compared to the 40 DAS stage, we conclude that the value of lettuce for human nutrition would be improved by use of less mature plants, as the widely-used commercial stage is already at plant senescence stage where carotenoids and other essential metabolites are undergoing degradation.

Craniofacial Microsomia: New Updates in Spinal Anomalies.

INTRODUCTION: Craniofacial microsomia (CFM) involves anomalies of the first and second pharyngeal arches, mainly of the mandible, maxilla, ears, and vertebral spine. This study aimed to identify the frequency and morphology of spinal anomalies of individuals with clinical diagnoses of CFM. In addition, the correlation between spinal anomalies and craniofacial involvement was performed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was a retrospective review of individuals with a clinical diagnosis of craniofacial microsomia. The inclusion criteria were a clinical diagnosis of CFM with no overlap with any other syndromes of first and second pharyngeal arches and radiograph availability in the hospital's database. Prevalence and morphology of spinal anomalies were calculated and clinical details were recorded: types of spinal anomalies and correlations according to OMENS score. RESULTS: The sample consisted of 46 individuals with a clinical diagnosis of CFM, 24 (52,2%) female and 22 (47,8%) male (1M:1F). Twenty-one (45,7%) had unilateral craniofacial involvement and 25 (54,3%), bilateral. Twenty-eight (60,9%) individuals presented spinal anomalies. Those with unaltered spinal morphology showed a slight preference toward OMENS scores under 5: 7 patients did, only one of which had spinal alterations (14,3%); 68,8% (22) in the group with scores 5 to 9 (n=32) and 71,4% (5) in the 10 to 15 group (n=7) did as well. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Spinal anomalies in individuals with CFM are more common than usually reported in medical literature, mainly when associated with radial anomalies and correlate with statistical significance to facial features, mainly the OMENS score.

Landing Technique and Ankle-dorsiflexion Range of Motion are not Associated with the History of Lower Limb Injuries among Youth Basketball Athletes.

Background: Lower limb injuries generate a significant health burden in basketball. Landing technique and ankle-dorsiflexion range of motion have been suggested as risk factors for lower limb injuries among youth athletes, but studies conducted specifically with basketball athletes are lacking. Hypothesis/Purpose: To describe the period prevalence of basketball-related injuries and to examine the association of the history of lower limb injuries with landing technique and ankle-dorsiflexion range of motion asymmetry among youth basketball athletes. Study Design: Cross-Sectional Survey. Methods: Youth basketball athletes were asked to complete a paper-based survey to investigate personal characteristics, training characteristics and their three-month history of basketball-related injuries. The Landing Error Scoring System and the Weight-Bearing Lunge Test were used to evaluate landing technique and ankle-dorsiflexion range of motion. Binary logistic regression was utilized to examine the association of the investigated variables with the presence of history of lower limb injuries among the athletes. Results: A total of 534 athletes participated. The three-month prevalence of basketball-related injuries was 23.2% (95% CI 19.7 - 27), and the majority of the reported injuries affected the lower limbs (69.7%; n=110). Sprains were the most frequent type of injury (29.1%; n=46), and the ankle (30.4%; n=48) and knee (21.5%; n=34) were the most affected anatomic locations. Landing technique (p = 0.105) and ankle-dorsiflexion range of motion asymmetry (p = 0.529) were not associated with the history of lower limb injuries. Conclusion: The three-month prevalence of basketball-related injuries was 23.2%. Although ankle sprains were the most frequent injury, landing technique and ankle-dorsiflexion range of motion asymmetry were not associated with the history of lower limb injuries among youth basketball athletes. Level of Evidence: 3.

Solid waste ingestion by marine megafauna on Southeast Brazilian coast.

The disparities in the ecology and behavior of marine megafauna may influence their susceptibility to solid waste ingestion; however, this relationship has been underestimated along the Brazilian coast. We analyzed a dataset of 7261 marine megafauna (45 species) necropsied to investigate the influence of their foraging strategies on solid waste ingestion. A total of 1240 specimens ingested solid waste with over 55 % (689) that ingested plastic. Sea turtles were the most impacted taxa, while cetaceans present the lowest frequency. Some characteristics such as regurgitation (e.g., Suliformes and Charadriiformes seabirds) or possess complex foraging strategies (e.g., cetaceans echolocation) may mitigate the negative effects of solid waste ingestion. Also, the variability over the monitoring program likely was influenced by the volume of pollutants transported to the ocean during flood periods, and level of staff training. This study serves as a valuable baseline for solid waste management actions and marine megafauna conservation efforts.

Bayesian inference and wind field statistical modeling applied to multiple source estimation.

We present a methodology to identify multiple pollutant sources in the atmosphere that combines a data-driven dispersion model with Bayesian inference and uncertainty quantification. The dispersion model accounts for a realistic wind field based on the output of a multivariate dynamic linear model (DLM), estimated from measured wind components time series. The forward problem solution, described by an adjoint transient advection-diffusion partial differential equation, is then obtained using an appropriately stabilized finite element formulation. The Bayesian inference tool accounts for uncertainty in the concentration data and automatically states the balance between the prior and the likelihood. The source parameters are estimated by a Metropolis in Gibbs Monte Carlo Markov chain (MCMC) algorithm with adaptive steps. The MCMC algorithm is initialized with a maximum a posteriori estimator obtained with particle swarm optimization to accelerate convergence. Finally, the proposed methodology seems to outperform inversion techniques from previous works.

Craniocervical Instability in Oculoauriculovertebral Spectrum.

INTRODUCTION: The oculoauriculovertebral spectrum (OAVS) are anomalies of the first and second pharyngeal arches, causing craniofacial changes, principally facial asymmetry, as well as anomalies in the spine, that can be a cause of instability of the craniocervical junction - manipulation of an unstable spine can result in morbimortality. However, few studies have related OAVS to craniocervical instability. OBJECTIVES: Correlate patients with OAVS through radiography with craniocervical instability and prediction of its occurrence. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Through a radiographic study of the cervical spine, the assessment of vertebral malformations and the presence of craniocervical instability was performed and clinical assessment using the OMENS score as a phenotypic criteria for patients with OAVS, by a specialized multidisciplinary team. Student's t test, Kolmogorov-Smirnova, and χ 2 were performed. RESULTS: Twenty-six patients with OAVS were evaluated, 7 (26.9%) had craniocervical instability, the OMENS score was 3 times higher, but without statistical significance. All patients with instability also had spinal malformations, and of those without craniocervical instability (19 patients), 57.8% had spinal malformations. Vertebral malformations had a similar incidence in those with and without instability, the most common being scoliosis. There was no statistical significance in the presence or absence of spinal malformations with the presence or absence of craniocervical instability. Extracraniofacial findings were found in all patients with instability; 71.4% of them were radial. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with higher OMENS scores had more craniocervical instability but without statistical significance. It also did not show statistical relevance between the presence of malformations and craniocervical instability.

Black TiO2 Photoanodes for Direct Methanol Photo Fuel Cells.

Photocatalytic fuel cells (PFCs) are considered the next generation of energy converter devices, since they can harvest solar energy through relatively low-cost semiconductor material to convert the chemical energy of renewable fuels and oxidants directly into electricity. Here, we report black TiO2 nanoparticle (NP) photoanodes for simple single-compartment PFCs and microfluidic photo fuel cells (µPFCs) fed by methanol. We show that Ti3+ and oxygen vacancy (OV) defects at the TiO2 NPs are easily controlled by annealing in a NaBH4-containing atmosphere. This optimized noble-metal-free black TiO2 photoanode shows superior PFC performance for methanol oxidation and O2 reduction with a maximum power density (Pmax) ∼2000% higher compared to the undoped TiO2. At flow conditions, the black TiO2 photoanode showed a Pmax ∼90 times higher than the µFC equipped with regular TiO2 in the dark. The PFC and µPFC operate spontaneously with little activation polarization, and black TiO2 photoanodes are stable under light irradiation. The improved photoactivity of the black TiO2 photoanode is a consequence of the self-doping with Ti3+/OV defects, which significantly red-shifted the bandgap energy, induced intragap electronic states, and widened both the valence band and conduction band, enhancing the overall absorption of visible light and decreasing the interfacial charge transfer resistance.

Host Suitability of Lettuce and Bean Germplasm for Meloidogyne incognita and M. javanica Isolates from Spain.

Meloidogyne spp. are an important threat to horticulture and cause substantial yield losses. Plant resistance is an alternative control method for chemical nematicides. This study highlights the host suitability of the lettuces cultivars Grand Rapids and Salinas 88 and the beans cultivars Aporé, Cornell 49242, Macarrão Atibaia and Ouro Negro to four Meloidogyne incognita and seven M. javanica isolates from Spain in a pot experiment. Moreover, the response of these cultivars to increasing M. incognita densities (Pi) was assessed in a plastic greenhouse. The lettuce cultivar Regina 71 and the bean cultivar Bolinha were included as susceptible standards for comparison. It was found that Grand Rapids and Salinas 88 lettuces were resistant to the most nematode isolates in the pot experiment but were classified as slightly and moderately resistant, respectively, in the plastic greenhouse at increasing Pi. Regarding the beans, Aporé was resistant to the majority of the Meloidogyne isolates whereas Macarrão Atibaia and Ouro Negro were slightly resistant and Cornell 49242 was susceptible in the pot experiment. In the plastic greenhouse, Aporé was the only cultivar able to effectively suppress the nematode reproduction irrespective of Pi, while Ouro Negro became less resistant as Pi increased. These results play an important role in enhancing the effective and ecofriendly Meloidogyne management strategies.

Robotic approach to remove four tailgut cyst cases in Brazil: a case series

ABSTRACT Tailgut cysts are rare congenital lesions that are remnants of the embryonic hindgut. This abnormality presents with non-specific symptoms or no symptoms; therefore, misdiagnosis is common. Here, we present four cases of tailgut cysts that were successfully removed using a robotic surgical approach. A 42-year-old woman with tenesmus, pain in the right gluteal region, and discomfort in the rectal region during evacuation was referred to our medical center. Another patient was a 28-year-old woman who presented with the same symptoms to our general practitioner. Both patients underwent upper abdominal and pelvic magnetic resonance imaging that revealed a tailgut cyst. Further, a 36-year-old woman was referred with coccyx and hypogastric pain. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed two pararectal cystic formations. She underwent robot-assisted surgery, and after analysis by a pathologist, the conclusion was that the tailgut cyst was associated with scarring fibrosis. A 55-year-old woman with posterior epigastric pelvic pain associated with heartburn underwent robot-assisted surgery to resect a retroperitoneal tumor. These cases highlighted the importance of tailgut cysts in the differential diagnosis of rectal lesions. Surgical treatment is preferred because malignant transformations can occur. The difference between laparoscopic and robotic approaches is the better visualization and stability of the latter, inducing less tissue damage. Robotic resection is a safe procedure, especially in patients with a narrow pelvis, because it reduces tissue damage.