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Abstract Sleep is a complex and conserved biological process that affects several body functions and behaviors. Evidence suggests that there is a reciprocal interaction between sleep and immunity. For instance, fragmented sleep can increase the probability of parasitic infections and reduce the ability to fight infections. Moreover, viral and bacterial infections alter the sleep patterns of infected individuals. However, the effects of macro-parasitic infections on sleep remain largely unknown, and measuring sleep in non-model organisms remains challenging. In this study, we investigated whether macro-parasite infections could alter sleep-like behavior of their hosts. We experimentally infected three-spined sticklebacks (Gasterosteus aculeatus), a freshwater fish, with the tapeworm Schistocephalus solidus and used a hidden Markov model to characterize sleep-like behavior in sticklebacks. One to four days after parasite exposure, infected fish showed no difference in sleep-like behavior compared with non-exposed fish, and fish that were exposed-but-not-infected only showed a slight reduction in sleep-like behavior during daytime. Twenty-nine to 32 days after exposure, infected fish showed more sleep-like behavior than control fish, while exposed-but-not-infected fish showed overall less sleep-like behavior. Using brain transcriptomics, we identified immune- and sleep-associated genes that potentially underlie the observed behavioral changes. These results provide insights into the complex association between macro-parasite infection, immunity, and sleep in fish and may thus contribute to a better understanding of reciprocal interactions between sleep and immunity.

Abstract Background Dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) is useful for detecting gouty tophi. While iodinated contrast media (ICM) might enhance the detection of monosodium urate crystals (MSU), higher iodine concentrations hamper their detection. Calculating virtual noncontrast (VNC) images might improve the detection of enhancing tophi. The aim of this study was to evaluate MSU detection with VNC images from DECT acquisitions in phantoms, compared against the results with standard DECT reconstructions. Methods A grid-like and a biophantom with 25 suspensions containing different concentrations of ICM (0 to 2%) and MSU (0 to 50%) were scanned with sequential single-source DECT using an ascending order of tube current time product at 80 kVp (16.5–220 mAs) and 135 kVp (2.75–19.25 mAs). VNC images were equivalently reconstructed at 80 and 135 kVp. Two-material decomposition analysis for MSU detection was applied for the VNC and conventional CT images. MSU detection and attenuation values were compared in both modalities. Results For 0, 0.25, 0.5, 1, and 2% ICM, the average detection indices (DIs) for all MSU concentrations (35–50%) with VNC postprocessing were respectively 25.2, 36.6, 30.9, 38.9, and 45.8% for the grid phantom scans and 11.7, 9.4, 5.5, 24.0, and 25.0% for the porcine phantom scans. In the conventional CT image group, the average DIs were respectively 35.4, 54.3, 45.4, 1.0, and 0.0% for the grid phantom and 19.4, 17.9, 3.0, 0.0, and 0.0% for the porcine phantom scans. Conclusions VNC effectively reduces the suppression of information caused by high concentrations of ICM, thereby improving the detection of MSU. Relevance statement Contrast-enhanced DECT alone may suffice for diagnosing gout without a native acquisition. Key points • Highly concentrated contrast media hinders monosodium urate crystal detection in CT imaging • Virtual noncontrast imaging redetects monosodium urate crystals in high-iodinated contrast media concentrations. • Contrast-enhanced DECT alone may suffice for diagnosing gout without a native acquisition. Graphical Abstract

O conhecimento sobre a flora do Cerrado avançou nas últimas décadas, mas parte significativa do seu território permanece subamostrada ou não representada por estudos florísticos. Além disso, as áreas não amostradas frequentemente estão sujeitas a intensas mudanças no uso da terra, como ocorre no sudeste de Mato Grosso. Neste estudo, descrevemos o estado atual do conhecimento da flora do Cerrado na microrregião de Rondonópolis-MT para identificar lacunas e direcionar futuros estudos. Para tanto, revisamos a literatura acerca da flora dessa microrregião e sumarizamos os resultados graficamente. Encontramos 18 estudos conduzidos entre 2004 e 2021, dos quais 83,3% foram realizados no município de Rondonópolis, onde há um centro de pesquisa permanente, enquanto claras lacunas apareceram no território dos outros sete municípios da microrregião. A maioria dos estudos (88,8%) levantou espécies arbóreo-arbustivas, as quais foram amostradas principalmente nas fitofisionomias cerrado sentido restrito e cerradão. Apenas 38,8% dos estudos tiveram o levantamento florístico como objetivo primário. Nossa investigação revelou a necessidade de intensificar os inventários florísticos de diversos grupos de plantas na microrregião de Rondonópolis, e de distribuir geograficamente melhor os estudos, revertendo ou mitigando o ‘efeito herbário’ resultante da concentração dos estudos florísticos próximos a um centro de pesquisa referência.

This paper examines a comment by Priscillian (d. c. 385) in his Liber apologeticus that certain people erroneously applied to God the unusual Latin neologism, masculofemina. He contrasts their perspective with scriptural teaching about the Holy Spirit being poured out on both men and women. This raises two questions, namely, how Priscillian’s comment relates to accusations he faced of encouraging dangerous intimacy between men and women and the source of his information about their teaching. This paper argues that the central thrust of Priscillian’s teaching is around the notion that the spirit of prophecy was manifested in both sexes, but that he distinguished his teaching from that of Valentinian gnostics to defend his own orthodoxy. It argues that Priscillian acquired this teaching about God as masculofemina from the translation into Latin of the Aduersus haereses of Irenaeus of Lyons (d. c. 202). The term also occurs within the writing of Marius Victorinus (c. 359–61) in defense of Catholic Christianity. Priscillian drew on Irenaeus to defend the orthodoxy of his notion that the gift of prophecy was given to both men and women.

Abstract Objectives The aim of the study was to investigate computed tomography-based thermography (CTT) for ablation zone prediction in microwave ablation (MWA). Methods CTT was investigated during MWA in an in vivo porcine liver. For CTT, serial volume scans were acquired every 30 s during ablations and every 60 s immediately after MWA. After the procedure, contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) was performed. After euthanasia, the liver was removed for sampling and further examination. Color-coded CTT maps were created for visualization of ablation zones, which were compared with both CECT and macroscopy. Average CT attenuation values in Hounsfield units (HU) were statistically correlated with temperatures using Spearman’s correlation coefficient. CTT was retrospectively evaluated in one patient who underwent radiofrequency ablation (RFA) treatment of renal cell carcinoma. Results A significant correlation between HU and temperature was found with r = − 0.77 (95% confidence interval (CI), − 0.89 to − 0.57) and p

Abstract SABRE (Sodium iodide with Active Background REjection) is a direct detection dark matter experiment based on arrays of radio-pure NaI(Tl) crystals. The experiment aims at achieving an ultra-low background rate and its primary goal is to confirm or refute the results from the DAMA/LIBRA experiment. The SABRE Proof-of-Principle phase was carried out in 2020–2021 at the Gran Sasso National Laboratory (LNGS), in Italy. The next phase consists of two full-scale experiments: SABRE South at the Stawell Underground Physics Laboratory, in Australia, and SABRE North at LNGS. This paper focuses on SABRE South and presents a detailed simulation of the detector, which is used to characterise the background for dark matter searches including DAMA/LIBRA-like modulation. We estimate an overall background of 0.72 cpd/kg/ $$\hbox {keV}_{\hbox {{ee}}}$$ keV ee in the energy range 1–6 $$\hbox {keV}_{\hbox {{ee}}}$$ keV ee primarily due to radioactive contamination in the crystals. Given this level of background and considering that the SABRE South has a target mass of 50 kg, we expect to exclude (confirm) DAMA/LIBRA modulation at $$4~(5)\sigma $$ 4 ( 5 ) σ within 2.5 years of data taking.

Multimodal x-ray microscopy is key to assessing the property-functionality relationships of semiconductor devices with the utmost sensitivity and spatial resolution. Here, we report on a novel setup—the “Analyzer of X-ray excited Optical Luminescence Offering Temporal and spectraL resolution” (AXOLOTL)—and demonstrate its use by investigating a series of triple-cation mixed-halide perovskite solar cells (PSCs) with varying Cs content. These PSCs exhibit spatially varying performance and are thus ideally probed by multimodal x-ray microscopy to elucidate the origin of the performance variations. Specifically, our nanoscale characterization of the wrinkled perovskite photoabsorber unveils a segregation of I and Br, which is accompanied by a narrowed band gap and an increased charge-carrier lifetime in thick absorber areas. Overall, we demonstrate with this technique the spatial correlation of compositional inhomogeneities, topography, electrical performance, and optical performance, which is of highest interest for identifying loss mechanisms at the nanoscale in high-performance electronic device development, including solar cells.

Abstract Background To investigate the influence of iodinated contrast medium (ICM) on detection of monosodium urate (MSU) with dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) in two types of phantoms and demonstrate an example patient for clinical illustration. Methods Approval is by the institutional review board, and written informed consent was obtained. A grid-like and a biophantom with 25 suspensions containing different concentrations of ICM (0 to 2%) and MSU (0 to 50%) were prepared and scanned with sequential single-source DECT using established methodology. Ascending orders of tube currents were applied at 80 kVp (16.5 to 220.0 mAs) and 135 kVp (2.75 to 19.25 mAs). Volume and mass measurements were performed using clinical gout software (dual-energy decomposition analysis). Numbers of true-positive and false-positive MSU detections were recorded and compared for different ICM concentrations. We demonstrate a patient with gouty arthritis for clinical illustration. Results Effects of ICM on MSU detection varied with the amount of iodine. Lower ICM concentrations (0.25 and 0.50%) improved detection of small uric acid concentrations of 35 to 45% in comparison to scans without ICM. However, high ICM concentrations (1 and 2%) almost completely precluded MSU detection for all MSU concentrations investigated. In a patient with gouty arthritis, tophi in the wrist were only detected after intravenous ICM administration. Conclusions Exploring multimodal DECT for arthritis imaging, enhancement of ICM influences tophus detection. It can help in visualizing previously undetected MSU depositions but, with too strong enhancement, also obscure tophi. Relevance statement Use of iodinated contrast media in dual-energy CT might help in visualizing previously undetected uric acid depositions but, with too strong enhancement, obscure gouty tophi. Key points • Iodine significantly influences the uric acid crystal detection in systematic phantom studies. • Lower iodine concentrations improved detection of low and medium uric acid concentrations. • High concentrations of iodine hampered detection of all uric acid concentrations. Graphical abstract

Abstract Small voids in the absorber layer of thin‐film solar cells are generally suspected to impair photovoltaic performance. They have been studied on Cu(In,Ga)Se2 cells with conventional laboratory techniques, albeit limited to surface characterization and often affected by sample‐preparation artifacts. Here, synchrotron imaging is performed on a fully operational as‐deposited solar cell containing a few tens of voids. By measuring operando current and X‐ray excited optical luminescence, the local electrical and optical performance in the proximity of the voids are estimated, and via ptychographic tomography, the depth in the absorber of the voids is quantified. Besides, the complex network of material‐deficit structures between the absorber and the top electrode is highlighted. Despite certain local impairments, the massive presence of voids in the absorber suggests they only have a limited detrimental impact on performance.

Abstract Dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) is an imaging technique that combines nondestructive morphological cross-sectional imaging of objects and the quantification of their chemical composition. However, its potential to assist investigations in paleontology has not yet been explored. This study investigates quantitative DECT for the nondestructive density- and element-based material decomposition of fossilized bones. Specifically, DECT was developed and validated for imaging-based calcium and fluorine quantification in bones of five fossil vertebrates from different geological time periods and of one extant vertebrate. The analysis shows that DECT material maps can differentiate bone from surrounding sediment and reveals fluorine as an imaging marker for fossilized bone and a reliable indicator of the age of terrestrial fossils. Moreover, the jaw bone mass of Tyrannosaurus rex showed areas of particularly high fluorine concentrations on DECT, while conventional CT imaging features supported the diagnosis of chronic osteomyelitis. These findings highlight the relevance of radiological imaging techniques in the natural sciences by introducing quantitative DECT imaging as a nondestructive approach for material decomposition in fossilized objects, thereby potentially adding to the toolbox of paleontological studies.

Abstract Background Social problems of patients such as family or work-related conflicts as well as financial difficulties affect the individual health situation and the treatment of diseases in general practice. General practitioners (GPs) would like to have direct access to professionals in social care services. In Germany, there are many different social care facilities for people with a wide range of social problems. As the social and health care systems hardly interact collaborations between social professionals (SPs) and GPs are rare exceptions. This study explored perspectives of GPs regarding their patients with social problems in combination with the perspectives of SPs. Aim of this study was to explore how a systematic interprofessional collaboration between GPs and SPs could be realised. Methods We carried out a participatory sequential qualitative study design consisting of two focus groups with GPs, two with SPs and two mixed-professional focus groups with GPs and SPs. The focus groups were conducted with semi-structured moderating guidelines and analysed with a qualitative content analysis approach using inductive and deductive categories. Results GPs view themselves as the first point of contact for their patients' social problems. For persistent social problems, they expressed a desire for support and SPs were willing to provide this. We developed a stepped care implementation model for a systematic cooperation consisting of nine collaboration strategies. These strategies included: index or website of social care services, referrals to the social care system, using flyers and posters of social care services, direct contact/hotline to local social care services, participation in meetings of social care facilities, involving physician assistants, external social care advice service in GP rooms, implementation in education and training and access to volunteers. Conclusions Our stepped care implementation model for a systematic cooperation of GPs and SPs could be a feasible need- and resource-oriented approach for the collaborative care of patients with social problems to improve their medical treatment in most western healthcare systems. GPs and SPs are ready to generate the necessary evidence for policy makers in high quality RCTs.

Computed tomography (CT)-based Thermography (CTT) is currently being investigated as a non-invasive temperature monitoring method during ablation procedures. Since multiple CT scans with defined time intervals were acquired during this procedure, interscan motion artifacts can occur between the images, so registration is required. The aim of this study was to investigate different registration algorithms and their combinations for minimizing inter-scan motion artifacts during thermal ablation. Four CTT datasets were acquired using microwave ablation (MWA) of normal liver tissue performed in an in vivo porcine model. During each ablation, spectral CT volume scans were sequentially acquired. Based on initial reconstructions, rigid or elastic registration, or a combination of these, were carried out and rated by 15 radiologists. Friedman’s test was used to compare rating results in reader assessments and revealed significant differences for the ablation probe movement rating only (p = 0.006; range, 5.3–6.6 points). Regarding this parameter, readers assessed rigid registration as inferior to other registrations. Quantitative analysis of ablation probe movement yielded a significantly decreased distance for combined registration as compared with unregistered data. In this study, registration was found to have the greatest influence on ablation probe movement, with connected registration being superior to only one registration process.

ABSTRACT Objective The increase in antibiotic resistance (AR) is a global phenomenon with regional variation. This survey aims to describe the AR in urine cultures of women from the community in a southern Brazil city. Methods A retrospective cross-sectional single-center study in urine cultures of community dwelling individuals. The main outcome was the AR profile of bacterial isolates from women in outpatient care. Results From 4,011 urine cultures, 524 were positive (91% from women). The most frequently isolated bacteria were Escherichia coli (E. coli) (67.0%) and Klebsiella spp. (19.4%). E. coli presented low resistance to nitrofurantoin (3.7%), moderate to levofloxacin (15.6%), amoxacillin-clavulonate (16.4%) and ciprofloxacin (17.4%), and high to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (26.9%). Conclusions Nitrofurantoin seems to be the best choice for the empirical treatment of low urinary tract infections in women, whereas sulfonamides are no longer an option, since E. coli resistance to this drug is above 20%.

Tree mortality rates and the modes of tree death have recently been extensively investigated in the Amazon. However, efforts to describe these processes have not been well distributed across the basin. No study has yet investigated in depth tree mortality process in the unique low, open, bamboo-dominated forests of southwestern Amazonia, a region with a distinct climate and the epicenter of recent severe drought events. Here, we investigated the leading ways that trees die in the terra-firme forests of the southwestern Brazilian Amazon, to understand whether the dynamics of mortality differ from those recorded in other parts of the basin. Using data from six permanent plots located in southwestern Amazonia, we calculated the mortality rate for three main modes of tree death: standing, broken and uprooted. We thus identified the predominant mode of death over a 14 year period (2002–2016). We found that trees in the southwestern Amazon died mainly standing (325 trees, 0.8% year−1) and broken (362 trees, 0.8% year−1); significantly fewer trees died uprooted (156 trees, 0.4% year−1, equivalent to less than one in five of all trees dying). During the study period, the tree mode of death with the greatest proportion in the region alternated between standing and broken trees. Forest characteristics of the southwestern Amazon, like presence and high density of bamboo culms, and the fact that the region was subject to severe droughts in 2005 and 2010, may be affecting how trees die in southwestern Amazon. The presence of these factors makes the forest dynamics of the southwestern Amazon different from other regions of the Amazon basin.

Purpose: To assess the impact of a pharmacist-led warfarin to DOAC conversion initiative during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Patients who were prescribed warfarin and followed with the anticoagulation clinic for INR monitoring were assessed by outpatient clinical pharmacists as potential candidates for transition to DOACs from March-August 2020. Results: 530 patients were assessed for transition to DOACs, of which 373 (70.4%) were deemed by clinical pharmacists to be candidates for DOACs. Of the patients who were candidates for DOACs, 66 (17.7%) were transitioned from warfarin to a DOAC. Of the patients who transitioned to a DOAC, 59 (89.4%) remained on a DOAC after one year. Conclusion: Outpatient clinical pharmacists are an effective resource to help identify patients who are candidates for DOACs and assist with transition from warfarin. Further, high persistence rates with DOAC therapy after one year demonstrate the positive impact of the clinical pharmacist on medication adherence.