Exploring Limit Cycles of Differential Equations through Information Geometry Unveils the Solution to Hilbert's 16th Problem.

The detection of limit cycles of differential equations poses a challenge due to the type of the nonlinear system, the regime of interest, and the broader context of applicable models. Consequently, attempts to solve Hilbert's sixteenth problem on the maximum number of limit cycles of polynomial differential equations have been uniformly unsuccessful due to failing results and their lack of consistency. Here, the answer to this problem is finally obtained through information geometry, in which the Riemannian metrical structure of the parameter space of differential equations is investigated with the aid of the Fisher information metric and its scalar curvature R. We find that the total number of divergences of |R| to infinity provides the maximum number of limit cycles of differential equations. Additionally, we demonstrate that real polynomial systems of degree n≥2 have the maximum number of 2(n-1)(4(n-1)-2) limit cycles. The research findings highlight the effectiveness of geometric methods in analyzing complex systems and offer valuable insights across information theory, applied mathematics, and nonlinear dynamics. These insights may pave the way for advancements in differential equations, presenting exciting opportunities for future developments.

Zika virus and brain cancer: Can Zika be an effective treatment for brain cancer? A systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Many studies have highlighted the use of oncolytic viruses as a new class of therapeutic agents for central nervous system (CNS) tumors, especially glioblastomas (GMB). Zika Virus (ZIKV) proteins targeted to specific stem cells have been studied in vitro and animal models with promising results. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic review was evaluated the efficacy and safety of the ZIKV use for CNS tumors treatment. Data were extracted and the in vivo studies were evaluated using the Robins-I tool. We assessed bias in each study using criteria such as selection bias, performance bias, detection bias, attrition bias, reporting bias, and others. According to Cochrane guidelines, bias was classified as high, low, or uncertain. High bias occurred when studies did not meet the criteria. Low bias was assigned when criteria were clearly met. Uncertain bias reflected insufficient information for a clear classification. RESULTS: The 14 included studies shown that ZIKV reduced cell viability or inhibited the growth, proliferation of glioma stem cells (GSCs), and Bcl2 expression - which could potentially enhance the effect of chemotherapy/radiotherapy; caused cytopathic effects, induced tumor cell damage, manifested oncolytic properties, and even selectively safely killed GSCs; ultimately, it led to significant tumor remission and enhanced long-term survival through enhanced T-cell response. CONCLUSIONS: Although current evidence suggests ZIKV as a promising treatment for CNS tumors and may improve survival when combined with surgery and radiotherapy. Despite limited human evidence, it shows potential benefits. Further research is needed to confirm safety, efficacy, and optimize treatment in humans.

Use of intracranial compliance to assist arterial blood pressure adjustment in critical patients: Short report and review of the literature.

Background: Blood pressure management is extremely important to prevent cerebral hypoxia and influence the outcome of critically ill patients. In medicine, precise instruments are essential to increase patient safety in the intensive care unit (ICU), including intracranial compliance (ICC) monitoring. A new technology developed by Brain4care, makes it possible to analyze the waveform of intracranial pressure (ICP) non-invasively associated with ICC, and this instrument was used in the patient for monitoring. Case Description: A 40-year-old male underwent aortic endocarditis surgery involving 182-min extracorporeal circulation and 9-min aortic clamping. Post-surgery, he exhibited a seizure bilateral mydriasis, followed by isochoric pupils and rapid foot movements. Neuroprotection measures were applied in the ICU, with noninvasive ICC monitoring initiated to assess intervention effectiveness. Conclusion: The non-invasive measurement of ICP can help clinical decision-making regarding the optimization of adapted protocols for neuroprotection in the ICU.

Gesture size affects numerical estimates in quantifier comprehension.

People think and talk about numerical magnitude in terms of space, and co-speech gestures reflect this, with English speakers using expansive gestures when talking about greater quantities. Existing gestural research on the spatial conceptualization of number has largely looked at gesture production, but we do not know whether gestures can influence the interpretation of imprecise or underspecified numerical expressions such as quantifiers. Looking at the quantifier several as a test case, this study investigates the influence of manual inwards-directed (i.e., hands move closer the torso) and outwards-directed (i.e., hands move away from the torso) co-speech gestures on comprehenders' conceptualization of quantities associated with several through three preregistered experiments. Our results suggest that gesture modulates the interpretation of several such that speakers moving their hands outwards and thereby creating space between their hands lead to higher quantity estimates, compared to speakers not gesturing, or moving their hands inwards. We discuss the implications of our findings for future work in numerical cognition, multimodal communication, and pragmatics. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Investigating cryopreservation techniques for maintaining morphology and in vitro viability of cartilage and skin from Spix's yellow-toothed cavies (Galea spixii Wagler, 1831) for conservation through biobanks.

Conservation of the genetic diversity through skin and cartilage biobanks represents an essential strategy for maintaining biodiversity. Biobanks for the wild species of the order Rodentia have been little studied. Considering that the cryopreservation technique has specific relationships with the tissue and species of interest, we propose investigating different techniques for preserving tissue integrity and cell viability after cartilage and skin culture from Spix's yellow-toothed cavies. Subsequently, two techniques [solid-surface vitrification (SSV) vs. slow freezing (SF)] were used for cartilage and skin cryopreservation. Tissues not subjected to cryopreservation were used as controls. All tissues were evaluated for morphology and proliferation by histological techniques. Moreover, fragments were cultured, and cells were evaluated for viability, proliferation, metabolism, and apoptosis. Regardless of the cryopreservation technique, no differences were observed for the thickness of the epidermis, dermis, skin, spinous and basal layers, fibroblasts, and proliferative activity regarding the number of nucleolar organizer regions (NOR). SSV ensured better maintenance of epidermal cells, normal chondrocytes, filled gaps, collagen fibers, proliferative activity by NOR area/cell, and reduced perinuclear halos and empty gaps compared to SF. SF ensured the conservation of corneum thickness compared to the control. Although both techniques promoted cell recovery after culture, cells from SF resulted in better subconfluence time and day with cell growth around fragments compared to SSV. In conclusion, both cryopreservation techniques resulted in viable cells after culture. However, SSV promoted better maintenance of tissue morphological integrity, and SF ensured the preservation of all cell quality parameters in Spix's yellow-toothed cavies.

Eruptive path of maxillary canines in patients with lateral incisor agenesis: a longitudinal follow-up.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the eruptive angle, mesiodistal position and height of permanent maxillary canines in patients with agenesis of the permanent maxillary lateral incisor (AL) from the mixed to the permanent dentition. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The sample was composed of orthodontic records of subjects with and without AL. The agenesis group comprised 11 patients, 7 with bilateral and 4 with unilateral AL (8.6 ± 1.6 years, 4 males, 7 females). The control group comprised 9 patients (8.5 ± 1.0 years, 2 males, 7 females) without AL. Panoramic radiographs were analyzed at three timepoints: inter-transitional period (T1), second transitional period (10.1±0.9 years, T2) and permanent dentition (11.9±1.1 years, T3). The long axis angle of the permanent maxillary canine (α and ß), the mesiodistal distance (d) in relation to the central incisor, and the height (H) from the cusp tip of the canine to the occlusal plane were evaluated. Intergroup comparisons were performed with t-tests, Mann-Whitney, and Chi-square tests (P < 0.05). RESULTS: A mesial position of the canine cusp tip relative to the distal of the permanent maxillary central incisor was observed for the agenesis group at T1, T2 and T3. From T1 to T2, the agenesis group showed greater occlusal displacement of the canine tooth germ. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with AL, canine tooth germs showed more mesial displacement and erupted a mean of 4.5 mm closer to the maxillary central incisors. Eruption of maxillary canines tended to be accelerated during the late mixed dentition in patients with AL.

Correction: Alves et al. WNK2 Inhibits Autophagic Flux in Human Glioblastoma Cell Line. Cells 2020, 9, 485.

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Fork in the road: How self-efficacy related to walking across terrain influences gaze behavior and path choice.

Decisions about where to move occur throughout the day and are essential to life. Different movements may present different challenges and affect the likelihood of achieving a goal. Certain choices may have unintended consequences, some of which may cause harm and bias the decision. Movement decisions rely on a person gathering necessary visual information via shifts in gaze. Here we sought to understand what influences this information-seeking gaze behavior. Participants chose between walking across one of two paths that consisted of terrain images found in either hiking or urban environments. We manipulated the number and type of terrain of each path, which altered the amount of available visual information. We recorded gaze behavior during the approach to the paths and had participants rate the confidence in their ability to walk across each terrain type (i.e., self-efficacy) as though it was real. Participants did not direct gaze more to the path with greater visual information, regardless of how we quantified information. Rather, we show that a person's perception of their motor abilities predicts how they visually explore the environment with their eyes as well as their choice of action. The greater the self-efficacy in walking across one path, the more they directed gaze to it and the more likely they chose to walk across it.

Degradation of Dyes Catalyzed by Aminophenyl-Substituted Mn-Porphyrin Immobilized on Chloropropyl Silica Gel and Evaluation of Phytotoxicity.

A heterogenized Mn(III) porphyrin-based catalyst was prepared for dye degradation. The new Mn(III) complex of 5,15-bis(4-aminophenyl)-10,20-diphenylporphyrin was immobilized, via covalent bond, in chloropropyl silica gel, generating the material (Sil-Cl@MnP) with a loading of 23 µmol manganese porphyrin (MnP) per gram of Sil-Cl. This material was used as a catalyst in degradation reactions of model dyes, a cationic dye [methylene blue (MB)] and an anionic dye (reactive red 120, RR120), using PhI(OAc)2 and H2O2 as oxidants. The oxidation reactions were carried out after the dye reached adsorption/desorption equilibrium with the catalytic material, with a much higher percentage of adsorption being observed for the cationic MB dye (20%) than for the anionic RR120 dye (3%), which may be associated with electrostatic attraction or repulsion effects, respectively, with the negatively charged surface of the silica (zeta potential measurement for Sil-Cl@MnP, ζ = -19.2 mV). In general, there was a higher degradation percentage for MB than for RR120, probably because the size and charge of RR120 would hinder its approach to the MnP active species on the silica surface. With respect to the oxidant, the PhI(OAc)2-based systems showed a higher degradation percentage than those of H2O2. It was observed that the increase in the oxidant concentration promoted a significant increase in the degradation of MB, with a degradation of approximately 65%. The efficiency of the catalyst was also evaluated after successive additions of the oxidant every 2 h, and it can be seen that the catalyst had no loss of efficiency, with a degradation percentage greater than 80% being observed after 8 h of reaction. The phytotoxicity of the products formed in the system was evaluated in a 1:23.5:188 molar ratio Sil-Cl@MnP: MB:PhI(OAc)2 was used. In these studies, phytotoxicity was found for the germination of lettuce seeds when the original solution was used without dilution; however, when diluted (10% V/V), the results were close to the positive and negative controls. Thus, the material obtained proved to be a potential candidate for application in the degradation reactions of environmental pollutants.

Large acute epidural hematoma from head pin fixation fracture.

Regarding head immobilization practices in neurosurgery, secondary fixation fractures are rare, underscoring the importance of precise pin positioning and an adequate force in the three-point clamp to achieve adequate fixation. Attention should be given to factors such as changes in bone metabolism.

Effects of a mat Pilates-based exercise program for low back pain in helicopter pilots of the Brazilian Air Force: Randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Helicopter pilots may present chronic low back pain due to vibration exposure and asymmetric posture during flight. OBJECTIVES: To analyze the effects of a Pilates-based exercise program on low back pain of helicopter pilots of the Brazilian Air Force. METHODS: This is a randomized controlled trial with fifteen helicopter pilots of the Brazilian Air Force, who were assessed for pain intensity (Numerical Pain Rating Scale), disability associated with low back pain, and spine muscle endurance in three positions: trunk extension (Ito test) and left and right lateral bridge. Individuals were randomly distributed into the regular exercises group (REG) (n = 7), oriented to maintain their exercise routine, and Pilates group (PG) (n = 8), which performed an exercise program based on Pilates method twice a week for 12 weeks. Reassessments occurred after 6 and 12 weeks. Data were analyzed on SPSS 20.0 software using a significance level of 5%. RESULTS: PG showed a significant reduction in low back pain after 12 weeks of training compared with REG (mean difference of 3.5 points, p < 0.0001). We also observed increased endurance of trunk extensors (p = 0.002) and right (p = 0.001) and left lateral muscles (p = 0.001) in the PG compared with REG. However, the indexes of disability did not change between groups. CONCLUSION: Pain intensity was significantly reduced while spine muscle endurance increased in PG compared with REG after intervention; thus, Pilates-based exercises should be considered in physical conditioning programs for helicopter pilots.

Evaluation of the testicular artery Doppler velocimetry and its correlation with sperm defects in domestic cats.

Several studies have demonstrated the correlation between Doppler velocimetric parameters of testicular artery and semen quality in domestic species, but in felines data are scarce. This study aimed to correlate the Doppler velocimetry of the testicular artery with sperm kinetics and sperm defects, in sedated and non-sedated cats. Forty tomcats were divided into two groups: sedated (SG; n=20) with dexmedetomidine (10 µm/kg) and ketamine (12 mg/kg), and non-sedated (NSG; n=20). The animals were subjected to ultrasound Doppler velocimetry of the distal supratesticular and marginal region of the testicular artery and subsequently orchiectomized. Epididymal tail spermatozoa were recovered and analyzed using a CASA system for motility, and morphology took place. Animals of SG presented a significantly higher velocity in the marginal region of the cat's testicular artery [peak systolic velocity (PSV) 11.51 cm/s; end-diastolic velocity (EDV) 7.72 cm/s] compared to NSG (PSV 7.72 cm/s, P < 0.001; EDV 4.93 cm/s, P < 0.001). Sedated cats presented higher pulsatility and resistivity indexes than non-sedated cats. The supratesticular PSV of NSG was moderately correlated with major (rs = 0621; P < 0.001) and total sperm defects (rs = 0614; P < 0001). Doppler velocimetry was fairly correlated with minor, major, and total sperm defects. In conclusion, Doppler velocimetric evaluation emerges as an important possibility in the reproductive evaluation of tomcats, once the testicular artery hemodynamics were associated with sperm defects. However, it is advisable to carry out this evaluation in non-sedated animals. If sedation is necessary, peripheral vasoconstriction should be considered.

Mixed effects of climate and species richness on aboveground carbon stock in subtropical Atlantic forests.

Tropical forests are global biodiversity hotspots and are crucial in the global carbon (C) cycle. Understanding the drivers of aboveground carbon stock (AGC) in a heterogeneous and biodiverse system can shed light on the processes underlying the relationship between biodiversity and carbon accumulation. Here, we investigate how biodiversity, environment, and landscape structure affect AGC. We examined such associations in 349 plots comprising over 95,346 km2 the Atlantic Forest of southern Brazil, encompassing three forest types: Dense Ombrophylous Forest (DF), Mixed Ombrophylous Forest (MF), and Seasonal Deciduous Forest (SF). Each plot was described by environmental variables, landscape metrics, and biodiversity (species richness and functional diversity). We used diversity, environmental, and landscape variables to build generalized linear mixed models and understand which can affect the forest AGC. We found that species richness is associated positively with AGC in all forest types, combined and separately. Seasonal temperature and isothermality affect AGC in all forest types; additionally, stocks are positively influenced by annual precipitation in SF and isothermality in MF. Among landscape metrics, total fragment edge negatively affects carbon stocks in MF. Our results show the importance of species diversity for carbon stocks in subtropical forests. The climate effect was also relevant, showing the importance of these factors, especially in a world where climate change tends to affect forest stock capacity negatively.

Standardization use of the international classification of functioning, disability and health in the determination of health status in patients with post-acute COVID-19 syndrome.

PURPOSE: To propose a standardized method for the use of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) to describe the health status in Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome (PACS) and investigate interrater agreement in the linking process in instruments and clinical exams using the ICF categories. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cross-sectional and interrater agreement study that followed the Guidelines for Reporting Reliability and Agreement Studies. Two raters performed the linking coding process in instruments of quality of life, anxiety and depression, fatigue and pulmonary function, inspiratory muscle strength and cardiopulmonary exercise testing. The codes were qualified by standards defined to each instrument and exams. RESULTS: The instrument with the lowest Cohen's Kappa coefficient was anxiety and depression (k = 0.57). Forty ICF codes were linked to clinical instruments and exams. The fatigue instrument presented a higher degree of disability by the qualification process, from severe to complete, in the linked codes. CONCLUSION: The study presents a standardized method for the assessment of the health status of patients with PACS through ICF. Restriction in work performance, socialization and family relationships as well as disabilities in physical endurance, fatigue and exercise tolerance were found in the sample. The agreement between the raters was moderate to perfect, demonstrating that the method can be reproducible.

The body structures and functions, environmental factors, activities and participation in a person's environment are determinant aspects of his health.Ways to measure these aspects are key to assessing health not only as absence of disease, so the International Classification of Disability and Functional Health demonstrates the ability to fully describe health.This study proposes a standardization in the use of the tool to facilitate usability in clinical practice.

Novel putative causal mutations associated with fat traits in Nellore cattle uncovered by eQTLs located in open chromatin regions.

Intramuscular fat (IMF) and backfat thickness (BFT) are critical economic traits impacting meat quality. However, the genetic variants controlling these traits need to be better understood. To advance knowledge in this area, we integrated RNA-seq and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) identified in genomic and transcriptomic data to generate a linkage disequilibrium filtered panel of 553,581 variants. Expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) analysis revealed 36,916 cis-eQTLs and 14,408 trans-eQTLs. Association analysis resulted in three eQTLs associated with BFT and 24 with IMF. Functional enrichment analysis of genes regulated by these 27 eQTLs revealed noteworthy pathways that can play a fundamental role in lipid metabolism and fat deposition, such as immune response, cytoskeleton remodeling, iron transport, and phospholipid metabolism. We next used ATAC-Seq assay to identify and overlap eQTL and open chromatin regions. Six eQTLs were in regulatory regions, four in predicted insulators and possible CCCTC-binding factor DNA binding sites, one in an active enhancer region, and the last in a low signal region. Our results provided novel insights into the transcriptional regulation of IMF and BFT, unraveling putative regulatory variants.

Avaliação da adesão às práticas de controle de infecção na atenção domiciliar: instrumento de pesquisa / Assessment of adherence to infection control practices in home health care: research instrument / Evaluación de la adherencia a las prácticas de control de infecciones en la atención domiciliaria: instrumento de investigación

Objetivo: Adaptar o instrumento norte-americano Survey of Infection Control in Home Health Care para a cultura brasileira. Métodos: Estudo metodológico de adaptação transcultural, seguindo as etapas de tradução, síntese, retro tradução, avaliação por comitê de especialistas e pré-teste com a população alvo. Resultados: Foram realizadas duas rodadas de avaliação pelo comitê de especialistas para alcance da concordância esperada. Nesse processo, três itens foram excluídos por não se adequarem à cultura brasileira. O Índice de Validade de Conteúdo geral foi de 0,97. O pré-teste com a população alvo resultou em um coeficiente de Kappa igual a 0,94 ­ concordância quase perfeita e porcentagem de concordância geral de 95,78%. As etapas desenvolvidas contribuíram para as equivalências semântica, conceitual e cultural em relação ao instrumento original. Conclusão: Obteve-se o questionário "Pesquisa sobre controle de infecção na Atenção Domiciliar", destinado à avaliação da adesão autodeclarada dos profissionais de enfermagem às práticas de controle de infecção na AD, conhecimentos correlatos e atitudes relacionadas. Assim, o instrumento foi adaptado à cultura brasileira e alcançou concordância satisfatória entre os especialistas e entre os membros da população alvo. (AU)

Objective: To adapt the North American instrument "Survey of Infection Control in Home Health Care" to the Brazilian culture. Methods: Methodological study of cross-cultural adaptation, following the steps of translation, synthesis, back translation, evaluation by an expert committee and pre-test with the target population. Results: Two rounds of evaluation were carried out by the expert committee to reach the expected agreement. In this process, three items were excluded because they did not fit the Brazilian culture. The overall Content Validity Index was 0.97. The pre-test with the target population resulted in a Kappa coefficient equal to 0.94 ­ almost perfect agreement and an overall agreement percentage of 95.78%. The developed steps contributed to the semantic, conceptual and cultural equivalence in relation to the original instrument. Conclusion: The questionnaire Pesquisa sobre controle de infecção na Atenção Domiciliar was obtained, aimed at evaluating the self-declared adherence of nursing professionals to the practices of infection control in Home Health Care, related knowledge and attitudes. Thus, the instrument was adapted to the Brazilian culture and achieved satisfactory agreement among experts and among members of the target population. (AU)

Objetivo: Adaptar el instrumento norteamericano Survey of Infection Control in Home Health Care a la cultura brasileña. Métodos: Estudio metodológico de adaptación transcultural, siguiendo las etapas de traducción, síntesis, retrotraducción, evaluación por un comité de expertos y pre-test con la población objetivo. Resultados: Se realizaron dos rondas de evaluación por parte del comité de expertos para llegar al acuerdo esperado. En ese proceso, tres ítems fueron excluidos por no encajar en la cultura brasileña. El Índice de Validez de Contenido general fue de 0,97. El pre-test con la población diana resultó en un coeficiente Kappa igual a 0,94 ­ concordancia casi perfecta y un porcentaje de concordancia global del 95,78%. Los pasos desarrollados contribuyeron a la equivalencia semántica, conceptual y cultural en relación al instrumento original. Conclusión: Se obtuvo el cuestionario Pesquisa sobre controle de infecção na Atenção Domiciliar con el objetivo de evaluar la adhesión autodeclarada de los profesionales de enfermería a las prácticas de control de infecciones en los Servicios de Atención de Salud a Domicilio, los conocimientos y las actitudes relacionados. Así, el instrumento se adaptó a la cultura brasileña y logró un acuerdo satisfactorio entre los expertos y entre los miembros de la población objetivo. (AU)

Retrosigmoid versus middle fossa approach for hearing and facial nerve preservation in vestibular schwannoma surgery: A systematic review and comparative meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Vestibular schwannomas (VS) are benign tumors arising from vestibular nerve's Schwann cells. Surgical resection via retrosigmoid (RS) or middle fossa (MF) is standard, but the optimal approach remains debated. This meta-analysis evaluated RS and MF approaches for VS management, emphasizing hearing preservation and Cranial nerve seven (CN VII) outcomes stratified by tumor size. METHODS: Systematic searches across PubMed, Cochrane, Web of Science, and Embase identified relevant studies. Hearing and CN VII outcomes were gauged using the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Gardner Robertson, and House-Brackmann scores. RESULTS: Among 7228 patients, 56 % underwent RS and 44 % MF. For intracanalicular tumors, MF recorded 38 % hearing loss, compared to RS's 54 %. In small tumors (<1.5 cm), MF showed 41 % hearing loss, contrasting RS's lower 15 %. Medium-sized tumors (1.5 cm-2.9 cm) revealed 68 % hearing loss in MF and 55 % in RS. Large tumors (>3cm) were only reported in RS with a hearing loss rate of 62 %. CONCLUSION: Conclusively, while MF may be preferable for intracanalicular tumors, RS demonstrated superior hearing preservation for small to medium-sized tumors. This research underlines the significance of stratified outcomes by tumor size, guiding surgical decisions and enhancing patient outcomes.

Co3O4/activated carbon nanocomposites as electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction.

The Oxygen Evolution Reaction (OER) is crucial in various processes such as hydrogen production via water splitting. Several electrocatalysts, including metal oxides, have been evaluated to enhance the reaction efficiency. Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework-67 (ZIF-67) has been employed as a precursor to produce Co3O4, showing high OER activity. Additionally, the formation of composites with carbon-based materials improves the activity of these materials. Thus, this work focuses on synthesizing ZIF-67 and commercial activated carbon (AC) composites, which were used as precursors to obtain Co3O4/C electrocatalysts by calculating ZIF-67/CX (X = 10, 30, and 50, the mass percentage of AC). The obtained materials were thoroughly characterized by employing X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), confirming the cobalt oxide structure with a sphere-like morphology as observed in the TEM images. The presence of oxygen vacancies was confirmed by infrared spectroscopy and EPR measurements. The electrocatalytic performance in the OER was investigated by linear sweep voltammetry (LSV), which revealed an overpotential of 325 mV at 10 mA cm-2 and a Tafel slope value of 65.32 mV dec-1 for Co3O4/C10, superior in activity to several previously reported studies in the literature and electrochemical stability of up to 8 hours. The reduced value of charge transfer resistance, high double-layer capacitance, and the presence of Co3+ ions justify the superior performance of the Co3O4/C10 electrocatalyst.

Frequency, complications, and mortality of inhalation injury in burn patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis protocol.

INTRODUCTION: Burns are tissue traumas caused by energy transfer and occur with a variable inflammatory response. The consequences of burns represent a public health problem worldwide. Inhalation injury (II) is a severity factor when associated with burn, leading to a worse prognosis. Its treatment is complex and often involves invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV). The primary purpose of this study will be to assess the evidence regarding the frequency and mortality of II in burn patients. The secondary purposes will be to assess the evidence regarding the association between IIs and respiratory complications (pneumonia, airway obstruction, acute respiratory failure, acute respiratory distress syndrome), need for IMV and complications in other organ systems, and highlight factors associated with IIs in burn patients and prognostic factors associated with acute respiratory failure, need for IMV and mortality of II in burn patients. METHODS: This is a systematic literature review and meta-analysis, according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA). PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, LILACS/VHL, Scopus, Web of Science, and CINAHL databases will be consulted without language restrictions and publication date. Studies presenting incomplete data and patients under 19 years of age will be excluded. Data will be synthesized through continuous (mean and standard deviation) and dichotomous (relative risk) variables and the total number of participants. The means, sample sizes, standard deviations from the mean, and relative risks will be entered into the Review Manager web analysis software (The Cochrane Collaboration). DISCUSSION: Despite the extensive experience managing IIs in burn patients, they still represent an important cause of morbidity and mortality. Diagnosis and accurate measurement of its damage are complex, and therapies are essentially based on supportive measures. Considering the challenge, their impact, and their potential severity, IIs represent a promising area for research, needing further studies to understand and contribute to its better evolution. The protocol of this review is registered on the International prospective register of systematic reviews platform of the Center for Revisions and Disclosure of the University of York, United Kingdom (https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero), under number RD42022343944.