Chronoamperometric flow-cell designed to be unaffected by air bubbles.

In this paper, we present a new design for a chronoamperometric flow cell in which air bubbles do not interfere with the control of potential between the working and reference electrodes. The flow-through dual-detection cell consists of two independent parts: an upper compartment containing a quiescent supporting electrolyte solution and a channel that operates under hydrodynamically controlled conditions. In this system, the working and counter electrodes can be placed directly in contact with both compartments, whereas the reference electrode can be assembled to be either isolated or in contact with the flowing stream channel. The design ensures that the potential applied to the working electrode (controlled in the upper compartment) is similar to the potential applied in the flowing channel. The performance of the proposed flow cell in generating accurate results, even in the presence of air bubbles, was evaluated through successive air-analyte-air injections. In both series where the analyte was introduced, suitable reproducibility was achieved. The robustness of the design was definitively proven by performing a series of measurements in analytical applications for the determination of hydrogen peroxide in antiseptic samples, yielding very satisfactory results.

Dual career policy at federal universities in Brazil: analysis of academic and sporting support.

Internationally, the implementation of holistic programs aimed at academic, financial and retirement preparation support for student-athletes who find themselves in dual careers, such as university students, has been widespread and intensified. However, little is known about the subject in the Brazilian national context, because although there are related studies, they are punctual and related to specific universities. In view of the above, this study aimed to investigate public policy aimed at student-athletes at Brazilian federal universities. This is an exploratory, qualitative, cross-sectional and documentary study, using the websites, internal regulations and public notices of 69 Brazilian federal universities for the year 2023, using the content analysis technique. The results indicate that 72.05% offer some kind of support to DC based on the holistic model, 66.17% of which is academic and 60.29% sports. Among the academic support, the flexibility of assessments (57.35%) and the differentiated treatment of absences (51.47%) were close. The sporting support is centered on partial payment of competition costs (60.29%) and athlete grants are restricted to 20.58% of universities. It can be concluded that Brazil's federal universities have policies that include support actions that integrate the holistic model (academic), with incipient coverage of scholarships (sports), but do not effectively follow the holistic model.

Agreement Between Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis and Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry to Estimate Fat Mass in Hispanic Adults With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Adipose tissue excess is associated with adverse health outcomes, including type 2 diabetes. Body mass index (BMI) is used to evaluate obesity but is inaccurate as it does not account for muscle mass, bone density, and fat distribution. Accurate measurement of adipose tissue through dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and computed axial tomography (CT) is crucial for managing and monitoring adiposity-related diseases. Still, these are not easily accessible in most hospitals in Mexico. Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is non-invasive and low-cost but may not be reliable in conditions affecting the body's hydration status, like diabetes. Objectives: To assess fat mass concordance between BIA and DXA in Hispanic-American adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods: Cross-sectional study of a non-probabilistic sample of subjects over 18 years with type 2 diabetes. We used DXA as the reference method. Results: We evaluated the accuracy of FM estimation through BIA and DXA in 309 subjects with type 2 diabetes. Results showed a trend of overestimating the diagnosis of obesity using BIA, especially in individuals with a higher fat mass index (FMI). At the group level, we found BIA accurate; however, at the individual level, it is not. The bias between the 2 methods showed a statistically significant overestimation of body fat by BIA (P ⩽ .01) in both sexes. BIA demonstrated high precision in estimating fat mass. We were able to provide a correction factor of 0.55 kg in men. Conclusion: BIA is inaccurate compared to DXA for body composition assessment in patients with diabetes. Inaccurate measurements can result in misclassification. However, BIA is precise for body composition assessment in patients with diabetes, so it is reliable for tracking patient progress over time.

Agreement between bioelectrical impedance analysis and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry to estimate fat mass in adults with type 2 Diabetes Mellitus This study compares 2 methods for measuring body composition in patients with diabetes in Mexico. The first method is Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA), which is non-invasive, low-cost, and easy to use but may not be reliable in conditions that affect the body's hydration status, like diabetes. The second method is Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA), which is more accurate but less easily accessible. The study was a cross-sectional evaluation of 309 participants over 18 years with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) by HbA1C levels. The present study found BIA to be precise for body composition assessment but not accurate compared to DXA as the reference method. The study showed a trend of overestimating the diagnosis of obesity using BIA, especially in individuals with a higher fat mass index. This study found BIA is accurate at the group level but not at the individual level. The bias between the 2 methods showed a statistically significant overestimation of body fat by BIA. We provided a correction factor of 0.55 kg in men but not women. BIA is not ideal for diagnosing obesity but is reliable for tracking patient progress over time.

Anthropometric measurements as a key diagnostic tool for familial partial lipodystrophy in women.

BACKGROUND: Familial Partial Lipodystrophy (FPLD) is a disease with wide clinical and genetic variation, with seven different subtypes described. Until genetic testing becomes feasible in clinical practice, non-invasive tools are used to evaluate body composition in lipodystrophic patients. This study aimed to analyze the different anthropometric parameters used for screening and diagnosis of FPLD, such as thigh skinfold thickness (TS), Köb index (Köbi), leg fat percentage (LFP), fat mass ratio (FMR) and leg-to-total fat mass ratio in grams (LTR), by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, focusing on determining cutoff points for TS and LFP within a Brazilian population. METHODS: Thirty-seven patients with FPLD and seventy-four healthy controls matched for body mass index, sex and age were studied. Data were collected through medical record review after signing informed consent. All participants had body fat distribution evaluated by skinfolds and DXA measures. Fasting blood samples were collected to evaluate glycemic and lipid profiles. Genetic studies were carried out on all patients. Two groups were categorized based on genetic testing and/or anthropometric characteristics: FPLD+ (positive genetic test) and FPLD1 (negative genetic testing, but positive clinical/anthropometric criteria for FPLD). RESULTS: Eighteen (48.6%) patients were classified as FPLD+, and 19 (51.4%) as FPLD1. Unlike what is described in the literature, the LMNA variant in codon 582 was the most common. Among the main diagnostic parameters of FPLD, a statistical difference was observed between the groups for, Köbi, TS, LFP, FMR, and LTR. A cutoff point of 20 mm for TS in FPLD women was found, which is lower than the value classically described in the literature for the diagnosis of FPLD. Additionally, an LFP < 29.6% appears to be a useful tool to aid in the diagnosis of these women. CONCLUSION: Combining anthropometric measurements to assess body fat distribution can lead to a more accurate diagnosis of FPLD. This study suggests new cutoff points for thigh skinfold and leg fat percentage in women with suspected FPLD in Brazil. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Brain Evaluation by Dual PET/CT with [18F] FDOPA and [18F] FDG in Differential Diagnosis of Parkinsonian Syndromes.

Parkinsonian syndromes are considered clinicopathological conditions that are challenging to diagnose. Molecular imaging with [18F]-FDOPA and [18F]-FDG contributes to a more accurate clinical diagnosis by evaluating presynaptic dopaminergic pathways and glucose metabolism, respectively. The aim of this study was to correlate diagnoses made from dual PET/CT with the initial clinical diagnoses, as well as during follow-ups in patients with Parkinsonian syndromes. A secondary objective was to describe the imaging findings. Methods: A total of 150 patients with a clinical diagnosis of neurodegenerative Parkinsonism were evaluated using dual PET/CT. Clinically, 82% were diagnosed with PD, while the remaining 18% had an atypical Parkinsonism. Results: Using dual PET/CT, the most frequent diagnosis was PD in 67% of the patients, with the rest being diagnosed with an atypical Parkinsonism. In an agreement analysis between the initial clinical diagnosis and the imaging diagnosis by dual PET/CT, a concordance of 94.1% (n = 95) was observed for PD. In the remaining patients, the clinical diagnosis differed from that suggested by dual PET/CT, with atypical Parkinsonian syndromes being diagnosed as DLB in 40% (n = 4), PSP in 46.7% (n = 7), MSA-C in 75% (n = 6), MSA-P in 70% (n = 7), and CBD in 66.7% (n = 4). A total of 38.66% (n = 58) of patients were followed up (median follow-up of 27 months), with a Kappa coefficient of 0.591 (p < 0.001), suggesting substantial agreement. Conclusions: Dual FDOPA-FDG PET/CT demonstrated moderate agreement with the initial clinical diagnosis of Parkinsonism and moderate to substantial agreement during follow-up. This dual technique, therefore, stands out in differentiating between types of Parkinsonisms.

Performance and emission analysis of cassava peel waste pyrolysis oil-hydrogen-diesel blends in a compression ignition engine.

As the world moves away from fossil fuels and embraces sustainable energy sources, the need for sustainable fuels for transportation becomes paramount. This study investigates the effects of pyrolysis oil derived from cassava peel waste (CPO), hydrogen (H), and diesel (D) blends as a partial substitute for low-displacement compression ignition engines. We tested three blends - CPO25, CPO25H5, and CPO25H10 - against neat diesel operation at engine speeds of 3400 rpm, 3600 rpm, and 3800 rpm and torques of 4 Nm, 6 Nm, and 8 Nm. Our findings reveal that while energy efficiency decreased with CPO25 compared to D100 operation, adding H2 increased energy efficiency. The highest increase was 7.8 % for CPO25H5 and 16 % for CPO25H10 compared to CPO25. Exergy efficiency also decreased with CPO25 compared to D100, but adding H2 compensated for this reduction. The highest increase was 8.0 % for CPO25H5 and 17 % for CPO25H10 compared to D100. CPO25H10 showed an increase of 8.1 % in combustion pressure and 9.9 % in heat release rate compared to CPO25. Emissions analysis also revealed that CO emissions were considerably lower with CPO and H2 than with D100, with the highest decrease of 11 % with CPO25H10. CO2 and hydrocarbon emissions followed the same trend as CO. Although NOx emissions slightly increased, the benefits of using pyrolysis oil-H2-diesel blends as a partial substitution fuel for low-displacement compression ignition engines are evident.

Gold Meets Selenium: Dual Activation of Selenium-Containing Propargyl Alcohols Towards the Synthesis of 2H-Chromenes and Mechanistic Insights.

Herein, we report the synthesis of seleno-substituted chromenes from selenoalkynes and phenols. In this cascade reaction, the applied gold catalyst not only functions as a π-acid, but also as a Lewis acid, enabling the propargylic substitution in the first step to connect the oxygen carbon bond. Under the optimal reaction condition a total of 26 chromenes were accessible by this modular access. During scale up experiments, the hydrolysis of the vinylselenium substructure to the corresponding chromenones was observed. By revisiting the electron-rich starting materials, four chromenones were produced following a one-pot reaction using a single gold catalyst. To better understand the interaction of gold and selenium, a series of nuclear magnetic resonance studies and high-resolution mass spectrometry studies were performed, which led to the proposal of a mechanism for this transformation.

Evolving Dairy Cattle Systems in Chile: Structural Shifts and Adaptation Strategies.

This study examines the structural and geographical changes in Chile's dairy cattle systems from 1997 to 2021, using data from agricultural censuses. It focuses on variables like animal stocks, herd sizes, pasture utilization, and stocking rates, analyzed through descriptive statistics, multivariable analysis, and geographical mapping. The findings show a significant decrease in dairy farms (-69%) and dairy cattle stocks (-25.4%), with regional disparities: southern farms increased in importance while central farms declined. There is a trend towards intensification, with higher stocking rates and larger herd sizes. Grassland utilization shifted, with a decrease in natural pastures and an increase in improved and sown pastures. The study identifies four typological groups based on stocking rates, dimensions, and pasture use, reflecting distinct evolutionary paths influenced by climate change, land use, economic dynamics, and technology. Geographical analyses highlight regional variations. This research provides insights into the dynamics of Chile's dairy farming sector and its sustainability challenges and opportunities amidst changing environmental and socioeconomic conditions.

Dual-Task Performance in Individuals With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis.

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by important extrapulmonary alterations that could affect the performance in dual task (DT) (motor and cognitive tasks executed simultaneously), which is defined as DT interference (DTI). Objective: To compare the performance of DT between individuals with COPD and healthy control subjects (HCSs). Methods: The literature search was conducted in seven databases (Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, PEDro, SciELO, LILACS, and Google Scholar) up to December 2023, including studies published in English, Spanish, or Portuguese. Studies with individuals diagnosed with COPD older than 60 years, who were evaluated with any DT assessment, and compared with HCS were included. The quality of the studies was evaluated using the risk of bias in nonrandomized studies of interventions (ROBINS-I). The meta-analysis was performed with JAMOVI software 5.4. The study protocol was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42023435212). Results: From a total of 128 articles, 5 observational studies were selected in this review, involving 252 individuals aged between 60 and 80 years, from France, Italy, Canada, Turkey, and Belgium. Notable DTI was observed in individuals with COPD compared to HCS (standard mean difference [SMD] = 0.91; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.06-1.75, p = 0.04). Individuals with COPD had impaired gait speed, balance control, muscle strength, and cognitive interference during DT compared to HCS. DT assessment protocols included different combination of motor and cognitive tasks, using functional test, gait analysis, and muscle strength paired with countdown and verbal fluency tasks. Studies presented low (n = 2), moderate (n = 1), and serious (n = 2) overall risk of bias. Conclusion: Older adults diagnosed with COPD exhibited a significant DTI compared to HCSs, which is characterized by poorer physical and cognitive performance during DT execution. These findings highlight the importance of incorporating DT assessments into clinical practice for individuals with COPD.

Revisiting the Link between Workplace Support for Families, Family Support, Diet Quality, and Satisfaction with Food-Related Life in the Second Year of the Pandemic.

The main objective of this study was to examine the actor and partner effects between Perceived Workplace Support for Families (PWSFs) and family support (PFS), diet quality, and satisfaction with food-related life (SWFoL) in households with both parents working and adolescents, along with the role of the three family members' diet quality as a mediator. During the second year of the pandemic in Chile, 860 dual-earner parents of different sexes and their adolescent child (average age 13 years, with 50.7% being male) were recruited from two cities. Parents responded to a measure of PWSFs and the Perceived Family Support Scale. Mothers, fathers, and adolescents answered the Adapted Healthy Eating Index (AHEI) and the satisfaction with food-related life Scale. The examination employed the mediation Actor-Partner Interdependence Model and structural equation modeling for the analyses. Results showed that mothers' PWSFs improved their and their teenage children's SWFoL, while fathers' PWSFs only improved their SWFoL. The mothers' PFS improved their and the fathers' diet quality while enhancing their SWFoL and the adolescents' SWFoL. The fathers' PFS enhanced their and the adolescents' SWFoL. The mothers' PFS also indirectly enhanced their and the fathers' SWFoL via each parent's diet quality. Each family member's diet quality was positively related to their SWFoL, while mothers' diet quality was positively related to the fathers' SWFoL. These results imply that resources obtained by parents from PFS positively impact the SWFoL of the three family members through different mechanisms. They also highlight the importance of maternal family support for SWFoL during the pandemic.

Advances in Light-Responsive Smart Multifunctional Nanofibers: Implications for Targeted Drug Delivery and Cancer Therapy.

Over the last decade, scientists have shifted their focus to the development of smart carriers for the delivery of chemotherapeutics in order to overcome the problems associated with traditional chemotherapy, such as poor aqueous solubility and bioavailability, low selectivity and targeting specificity, off-target drug side effects, and damage to surrounding healthy tissues. Nanofiber-based drug delivery systems have recently emerged as a promising drug delivery system in cancer therapy owing to their unique structural and functional properties, including tunable interconnected porosity, a high surface-to-volume ratio associated with high entrapment efficiency and drug loading capacity, and high mass transport properties, which allow for controlled and targeted drug delivery. In addition, they are biocompatible, biodegradable, and capable of surface functionalization, allowing for target-specific delivery and drug release. One of the most common fiber production methods is electrospinning, even though the relatively two-dimensional (2D) tightly packed fiber structures and low production rates have limited its performance. Forcespinning is an alternative spinning technology that generates high-throughput, continuous polymeric nanofibers with 3D structures. Unlike electrospinning, forcespinning generates fibers by centrifugal forces rather than electrostatic forces, resulting in significantly higher fiber production. The functionalization of nanocarriers on nanofibers can result in smart nanofibers with anticancer capabilities that can be activated by external stimuli, such as light. This review addresses current trends and potential applications of light-responsive and dual-stimuli-responsive electro- and forcespun smart nanofibers in cancer therapy, with a particular emphasis on functionalizing nanofiber surfaces and developing nano-in-nanofiber emerging delivery systems for dual-controlled drug release and high-precision tumor targeting. In addition, the progress and prospective diagnostic and therapeutic applications of light-responsive and dual-stimuli-responsive smart nanofibers are discussed in the context of combination cancer therapy.

The dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide/glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist tirzepatide effects on body weight evolution, adiponectin, insulin and leptin levels in the combination of obesity, type 2 diabetes and menopause in mice.

AIM: Tirzepatide (Tzp), a novel dual agonist glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide/glucagon-like peptide-1, is approved for treating insulin resistance and obesity, and menopausal women consuming a high-calorie diet are a target to study the Tzp effect. Therefore, we aimed to allometrically scale body weight (BW) in Tzp-treated obese diabetic menopausal mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three-month-old C57BL/6 female mice had bilateral ovariectomy (Ovx) or a sham procedure and for 12 weeks were fed a control diet or a high-fat and high sucrose diet (n = 120/each group [control (C), obese diabetic (Od), Ovx (O), sham (S), Tzp (T)]). Tzp was subcutaneously administered (10 nmol/kg) or vehicle once a day for an additional 4 weeks. The analysis considered log-transformed data and the allometric equation log y = log a + b log x. RESULTS: Od and OdO showed more upward slopes than C and CO. In C, BW was non-allometric by T administration. Od and OdO showed slightly positive slopes (more prominent in OdO than Od). OdT and OdOT showed negative slopes, significant intercepts, and more robust Pearson coefficients than untreated ones. A potent drug effect was seen with BW allometric decline. Interactions between diet versus Ovx and diet versus Tzp affected weight gain. Diet versus Ovx versus Tzp affected food intake. CONCLUSIONS: A model was developed to show three usual factors observed in mature women. Notably, Tzp improved the metabolism and weight loss of OdO mice. Tzp-treated mice showed negative allometric BW across treatment time, which is a quantitative assessment that allows better comparison between results.

The arrangement of dual-species biofilms of Candida albicans and Issatchenkia orientalis can be modified by the medium: effect of Voriconazole.

Both Candida albicans and Issatchenkia orientalis have been isolated from different types of infections over the years. They have the ability to form communities of microorganisms known as biofilms. It has been demonstrated that the medium employed in studies may affect the biofilm development. The aim of this study was to investigate the arrangement of dual-species biofilms of C. albicans and I. orientalis cultivated on either RPMI-1640 or Sabouraud Dextrose Broth (SDB), as well as the inhibitory effect of Voriconazole (VRC). For the experiments performed, ATCC strains were used, and yeast-mixed suspensions were inoculated in 96-well plates with either RPMI-1640 or SDB, in the presence or absence of VRC. The results were observed by counting the number of CFU obtained from scraping off the biofilms produced and plating the content on CHROMagar Candida medium. It was observed that for all conditions tested the medium chosen affected the arrangement of dual-species biofilms: when RPMI-1640 was used, there was a prevalence of C. albicans, while the opposite was noted when SDB was used. It could be suggested that the medium and environment could regulate interactions between both yeast species, including the response to different antifungal drugs.

Innovative imaging approaches for neuroendocrine tumor characterization: Combined dual energy CT and perfusion protocol implementation.

The article addresses the diagnostic value of the combined use of computed tomography (CT) perfusion and dual-energy CT (DECT) in patients with neuroendocrine tumors. It emphasizes the heterogeneity and complexity of these neoplasms, primarily affecting the gastrointestinal tract, bronchopulmonary system, and pancreas. While conventional CT is widely employed in their diagnosis, the combination of CT perfusion and dual-energy CT offers greater precision, particularly in detecting synchronous tumors and characterizing their vascularization. A clinical case of a patient with chronic abdominal symptoms, whose diagnosis was facilitated using both combined techniques, is presented. The discussion explores how CT perfusion assesses tumor vascularization and how dual-energy CT improves soft tissue differentiation, resulting in increased diagnostic accuracy. It is highlighted that this approach not only enhances detection rates but also positively impacts clinical management and healthcare costs. Therefore, the importance of considering these advanced tools in the diagnosis of neuroendocrine tumors to improve diagnostic precision and efficiency in patient care is underscored.

Caracterización del tejido miocárdico a través de imágenes de densidad electrónica: relación con el sexo y factores de riesgo cardiovascular / Myocardial Tissue Characterization Using Electron Density Imaging: Relationship with Sex and Cardiovascular Risk Factors

RESUMEN Introducción. Las imágenes de densidad electrónica (DE) podrían detectar diferencias miocárdicas tisulares no distinguibles mediante la tomografía computarizada (TC) convencional sin contraste. Objetivos. Evaluar si existen diferencias de DE miocárdica asociadas al sexo, y de estar presentes, su relación con factores de riesgo cardiovascular o calcificación coronaria. Material y métodos. Los pacientes pertenecían a un estudio prospectivo observacional de centro único que incluyó sujetos asintomáticos entre 50 y 75 años, derivados para realizar una TC de tórax de baja dosis. Todas las imágenes se obtuvieron mediante un equipo de TC espectral dual, y fueron evaluadas utilizando imágenes de TC convencional (120 kVp) y de DE. Resultados. Se incluyó un total de 171 pacientes. La atenuación miocárdica no estuvo relacionada con el sexo o factores de riesgo coronarios (todos con p >0,05), mientras que el porcentaje de densidad electrónica respecto del agua (%EDW, por su sigla en inglés) fue significativamente mayor en la población masculina (p<0,0001), y en los pacientes con diabetes (p=0,007), hipertensión (p=0,004) y obesidad (p=0,004). La extensión de la calcificación coronaria no estuvo relacionada ni con la ate nuación ni con la DE miocárdicas. En el análisis univariado, el sexo masculino fue la única variable asociada a un %EDW elevado (p=0,011), mientras que la edad, la diabetes, la obesidad, el tabaquismo, la hipertensión y el score CACSIS (score de calcificación de las arterias coronarias), no. Un modelo de regresión logística que incluyó sexo, obesidad, diabetes e hipertensión, identificó al sexo masculino como el único predictor independiente de %EDW elevado (OR 2,51, IC 95% 1,23-5,34, p=0,016). Conclusiones. En este estudio, las imágenes de DE identificaron diferencias en el tejido miocárdico que la TC convencional fue incapaz de discriminar, con un mayor %EDW en hombres y en pacientes con factores de riesgo cardiovascular. El sexo masculino fue el único predictor independiente de %EDW elevado.

ABSTRACT Background. Electron density (ED) imaging might be able to detect myocardial tissue differences indistinguishable for con ventional non-contrast computed tomography (CT). Objectives. To evaluate whether there are differences in myocardial ED associated with sex, and if present, their relationship with cardiovascular risk factors or coronary calcification. Methods. Patients were participants of a prospective single center observational study comprising asymptomatic subjects between 50 and 75 years old, referred for a low-dose chest CT. All images were obtained using a dual-layer detector spectral CT, and evaluated using conventional CT (120 kVp) and ED images. Results. A total of 171 patients were included. Myocardial attenuation was not related to sex or coronary risk factors (all p >0.05), whereas the percent electron density relative to water (%EDW) was significantly higher among males (p <0.0001), and patients with diabetes (p = 0.007), hypertension (p = 0.004), and obesity (p = 0.004). The extent of coronary artery calcification was unrelated to neither the myocardial attenuation, nor the myocardial ED. At univariate analysis, male sex was the only variable associated with a high %EDW (p = 0.011), whereas age, diabetes, obesity, smoking, hypertension, and CACSIS (coronary artery calcification segment involvement score), were not. Logistic regression analysis including sex, obesity, diabetes, and hypertension in the model, identified male sex as the only independent predictor of a high %EDW (OR 2.51, 95%CI 1.23-5.34, p=0.016). Conclusions. In this study, ED imaging identified myocardial tissue differences that conventional CT was unable to discriminate, with a higher %EDW in men and in patients with cardiovascular risk factors. Male sex was the only independent predictor of a high %EDW

You can't nudge into vaccination: Comparing the effects of nudge types and Covid-19 vaccination attitudes on vaccine willingness.

Nudges can be an effective strategy to promote vaccination. However, it is necessary to better identify the characteristics of nudges that produce the strongest effects and how they interact with individuals' attitudes. Here we sequentially test the effectiveness of three nudge characteristics (framing, nudge type, and presentation modality) and the role of participants' attitudes toward Covid-19 vaccination, social solidarity and authoritarianism in vaccination decisions. In studies 1-4, participants were presented with a nudge manipulating a target characteristic (e.g. positive/negative framing, nudge type) and measuring willingness to vaccinate and related variables compared a control nudge. Study 5 used a single combined nudge reflecting the combination of successful nudges in previous studies. Results over all studies show that nudging has unreliable effects while vaccine attitudes are more reliably linked to all measures of vaccines willingness. These results suggest that attitudes play a more reliable role on effective adoption of vaccinations.

Practical but Inaccurate? A-Mode Ultrasound and Bioelectrical Impedance Underestimate Body Fat Percentage Compared to Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry in Male College Students.

Bioelectrical impedance (BIA) and ultrasound (US) have become popular for estimating body fat percentage (BF%) due to their low cost and clinical convenience. However, the agreement of these devices with the gold-standard method still requires investigation. The aim was to analyze the agreement between a gold-standard %BF assessment method with BIA and US devices. Twenty-three men (aged 30.1 ± 7.7 years, weighing 82.5 ± 14.9 kg, 1.77 ± 0.05 m tall) underwent dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), BIA (tetrapolar) and US (three-site method) %BF assessments. Pearson and concordance correlations were analyzed. A T-test was used to compare the means of the methods, and Bland-Altman plots analyzed agreement and proportional bias. Alpha was set at <0.05. The Pearson coefficients of BIA and US with DXA were high (BIA = 0.94; US = 0.89; both p < 0.001). The concordance coefficient was high for BIA (0.80) and moderate for US (0.49). The BF% measured by BIA (24.5 ± 7.5) and US (19.4 ± 7.0) was on average 4.4% and 9.6% lower than DXA (29.0 + 8.5%), respectively (p < 0.001). Lower and upper agreement limits between DXA and BIA were -1.45 and 10.31, while between DXA and US, they were 2.01 and 17.14, respectively. There was a tendency of both BIA (p = 0.09) and US (p = 0.057) to present proportional bias and underestimate BF%. Despite the correlation, the mean differences between the methods were significant, and the agreement limits were very wide. This indicates that BIA and US, as measured in this study, have limited potential to accurately measure %BF compared to DXA, especially in individuals with higher body fat.

Atrazine degradation through a heterogeneous dual-effect process using Fe-TiO2-allophane catalysts under sunlight.

This study investigated the novel application of Fe-TiO2-allophane catalysts with 6.0 % w/w of iron oxide and two TiO2 proportions (10 % and 30 % w/w) for degrading atrazine (ATZ) using the heterogeneous dual-effect (HDE) process under sunlight. Comparative analyses with Fe-allophane and TiO2-allophane catalysts were conducted in both photocatalysis (PC) and HDE processes. FTIR spectra reveal the unique hydrous feldspathoids structure of allophane, showing evidence of new bond formation between Si-O groups of allophane clays and iron hydroxyl species, as well as Si-O-Ti bonds that intensified with higher TiO2 content. The catalysts exhibited an anatase structure. In Fe-TiO2-allophane catalysts, iron oxide was incorporated through the substitution of Ti4+ by Fe3+ in the anatase crystal lattice and precipitation on the surface of allophane clays, forming small iron oxide particles. Allophane clays reduced the agglomeration and particle size of TiO2, resulting in an enhanced specific surface area and pore volume for all catalysts. Iron oxide incorporation decreased the band gap, broadening the photoresponse to visible light. In the PC process, TiO2-allophane achieves 90 % ATZ degradation, attributed to radical species from the UV component of sunlight. In the HDE process, Fe-TiO2-allophane catalysts exhibit synergistic effects, particularly with 30 % w/w TiO2, achieving 100 % ATZ degradation and 85 % COD removal, with shorter reaction time as TiO2 percentage increased. The HDE process was performed under less acidic conditions, achieving complete ATZ degradation after 6 h without iron leaching. Consequently, Fe-TiO2-allophane catalysts are proposed as a promising alternative for degrading emerging pollutants under environmentally friendly conditions.

A Decalogue on Enhanced Recovery After Breast Augmentation Surgery (ERABAS).

BACKGROUND: Medical and technical advances have changed the state of postoperative surgical patient care, allowing for better and faster recovery. Since its publication, predictable 24-hour recovery in breast augmentation surgery has been controversial and has generated discussion. In this study, we present a novel, easy, and reproducible protocol for Enhanced Recovery After Breast Augmentation Surgery (ERABAS), along with a summary of the ten points to follow. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of all primary breast augmentation surgeries performed between 2010 and 2020 by a private activity. All surgeries were performed by the same surgeon according to the same protocol, and all implants were obtained from the same company. Data were evaluated using two binary logistic regression models, taking as variables responses to recovery time and postoperative pain and as predictor or explanatory variables to the factors age, smoking, size, and location of the implant. RESULTS: In total, 2906 patients were included in this study. Of these, 2770 patients (95%) immediately returned to normal life within the first 24 h, 129 achieved normal life in four days, and only seven needed a week to recover. In these seven patients, the main acute complications were hemorrhage and acute hematoma. The implants were always round; textured implants were used in 88.8% of patients, while smooth implants were used in 11.2%. A subfascial pocket was used in 934 patients, and a dual-plane pocket was performed for 1972 patients. The only factor that showed a significant effect on recovery time was the location of the implant (p < 0.05), with the dual-plane pocket being the intervention associated with a later recovery, specifically a probability of recovery after 24 hour, 2.86 times greater than subfascial. CONCLUSIONS: The ERABAS protocol allowed rapid return to daily activities with low complication rates. Further prospective comparative multicenter studies are required to confirm these results. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.