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The insect digestive system is divided into three sections: the foregut, the midgut, and the hindgut. Specific subdivisions and modifications in these regions can characterize distinct insect groups, representing apomorphies. Since only females of hematophagous insects from nematoceran Diptera feed on blood, nearly all studies have focused on specimens of this sex, often neglecting the studies on the males' internal anatomy. In our studies of Lower Diptera (Nematocera) (Lutzomyia longipalpis Lutz & Neiva, 1912, Aedes aegypti Linnaeus, 1762, and Culex quinquefasciatus Say, 1823), we observed differences in midgut morphology between males and females. In hematophagous species, within both Culicomorpha and Psychodomorpha, females exhibit a prominent dilation in the posterior midgut. In contrast, in Culicomorpha males only a slight dilation in the posterior region of the midgut was observed. For Psychodomorpha males, the midgut remained tubular and narrow throughout its length. Interestingly, in the non-hematophagous insect Clogmia albipunctata Williston, 1893 (Diptera: Psychodidae) both males and females possess a tubular and narrow midgut. Our showed that the observed differences are related to hematophagy, where all hematophagous females have a midgut with prominent posterior dilation, while females from non-hematophagous species have a narrowed midgut. These observations, if further validated, could significantly impact future studies in insect physiology and evolutionary biology, inspiring new research directions and methodologies. • Nematoceran hematophagous females have prominently dilated posterior midguts. • Probably such dilation is a characteristic related to hematophagy. • This dilation is absent in non-hematophagous Psychodomorpha. • Culicomorpha males' midguts presents a slight dilation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To evaluate the acute effect of Kinesio Taping® (KT) on peripheral tissue perfusion in women with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). Methods: This randomized, double-blind controlled trial included 59 women with mild to moderate CVI. They were randomized to a control group (n = 23; 54.08 ± 9.04 years) and KT group (n = 36; 55.87 ± 9.97 years). Near-infrared spectroscopy was positioned in the medial gastrocnemius muscle for assessment of resting tissue perfusion 48 h after the first day of evaluation and after placement of the Kinesio Taping® tape. The evaluation also consisted of performing movements of the plethysmography examination. To verify the comparisons of pre- and post-Kinesio Taping® data, the variation delta was used for analysis. Mann–Whitney U test was performed an an alpha of 5% was considered statistically significant. Results: There wasn't a significant difference between groups regarding the peripheral tissue perfusion evaluation variables Peripheral Oxygen Saturation Difference – DELTA_SPO2: (KT Group 3.21 (0.84–3.62); Control 2.21 (1.59–4.83), p = 0.219) and Difference in deoxygenate hemoglobin values – DELTA_HHB (units) KT Group -0.62 (-2.14–0.67); Control Group -0.07 (-2.15–2.62) p = 0.238). Despite the lack of statistical significance, the KT group had a 785.7% greater drop in HHB values than the control group. Conclusions: Acute use of Kinesio Taping® in women with CVI did not significantly alter tissue perfusion of calf muscles. However, it was possible to observe percentage differences in venous retention to be considered from a clinical point of view • Using Kinesio Taping® in women with chronic venous insufficiency is not feasible to promote acute changes in tissue perfusion. • This study is a double-blind randomized clinical trial demonstrating that short-term use of Kinesio Taping® is not capable of modifying tissue perfusion in women with chronic venous insufficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phimosis is defined as the inability to retract the foreskin, preventing partial or complete exposure of the glans. To compare the efficacy of topical treatment with betamethasone alone and in combination with hyaluronidase, evaluate systemic absorption of cortisol, and identify factors that predispose the success of topical treatment of phimosis in children aged 3–10 years. This randomized double-blinded clinical trial involved 152 participants (3–10 years old) with phimosis. The children were divided into two groups: betamethasone associated with hyaluronidase (betamethasone valerate 2.5 mg + hyaluronidase 150 UTR; Group A) and betamethasone (betamethasone valerate 2.5 mg; Group B). Parents were instructed on how to use the ointment (twice a day, after hygiene, for 60 days) and on collecting salivary cortisol measurements at 11pm and 9am, before and after treatment. Participants were evaluated after 30 and 60 days. Fisher's exact test and paired t-test were used to analyze the data. Ninety children (69.77%) were successfully treated with the proposed treatment, with the success rate for Group A being 75.38% versus 64.06% for Group B, p = 0.18). Systemic absorption evaluated by salivary cortisol did not show differences after the intervention (p > 0.05), indicating that there was no systemic absorption when using ointments with or without hyaluronidase. The factors of age (OR = 0.98 – CI: 0.97–1.00), adherence (OR = 1.49 – CI: 0.53–4.16), balanoposthitis (OR = 1.85 – CI: 0.47–7.19), and previous use of corticosteroids (OR = 1.21 – CI: 0.53–2.72) also did not show influenced results Topical therapy for true phimosis with betamethasone 0.2% + hyaluronidase, despite showing no differences when compared with betamethasone 0.2% alone, for a period of up to 60 days, proved to be safe, effective, and with good results. The variables analyzed could not predict the expected clinical response. RBR-76bhgyb. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is an endemic fungal disease that occurs in Latin America and primarily affects humans. The disease has been rarely documented in non-human primates. This report details a disseminated and fatal case of PCM caused by Paracoccidioides brasiliensis in a western black-handed tamarin (Saguinus niger) under human care. Histopathological examination revealed extensive pyogranulomatous inflammation in the lungs, spleen, liver, lymph nodes, kidneys, epididymis, right testicle, heart, adrenal gland and intestines, associated with characteristic yeast forms consistent with Paracoccidioides spp and confirmed by immunohistochemistry. Molecular analysis indicated a high nucleotide similarity with P. brasiliensis sequences for both the 18S rRNA and gp43 genes. This naturally occurring infection highlights the susceptibility of these animals to PCM and their role in ecoepidemiology warrants further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The stage of life at the onset of obesity is an important factor in assessing inflammatory state and cardiometabolic risk. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between the obesity onset and the inflammatory profile in women with severe obesity. Public hospital, Brazil. Forty-eight women with severe obesity (20–59 yr old) were evaluated according to weight, height, neck circumference (NC), waist circumference (WC), and hip circumference, as well blood metabolic and inflammatory parameters. The participants were grouped according to obesity onset stage of life (early group: ≤19 yr; late group: >19 yr). The demographic means of the participants were: age of 39.7 years, weight of 122.7 kg and body mass index (BMI) of 48.4 kg/m2. The late group presented significantly higher values of leptin (lep)/adiponectin (adipo) ratio and homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) than the early group. The late group also had a lower adipo/lep ratio. Moreover, the late group showed correlations between the lep/adipo ratio and BMI (r =.460, P =.021), NC (r =.478, P =.016), and WC (r =.535, P =.006). Adipo was also correlated with NC (r = −.418, P =.038), WC (r = −.437, P =.029), and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C) (r = −.485, P =.019). By contrast, in the early group, the lep/adipo ratio showed correlations with insulin (r =.647, P =.004) and HOMA-B (r =.564, P =.015). The inflammatory profile is correlated with anthropometric values in women with late-onset obesity. Inflammatory markers seemed to correlate with the glycemic profile in women with early-onset obesity. Furthermore, inflammation was higher in women with late-onset obesity compared to those with early-onset obesity. • First study to report the correlation of time of obesity onset and inflammation. • The study was performed only on women with severe obesity. • New insights were found regarding inflammation and obesity onset. • New findings were obtained regarding glycemic profile and obesity onset. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A systematic review was performed to synthesize and identify risk factors involved in TMD onset. Electronic searches were conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, PsyInfo and Lilacs databases, as well as in three gray literature databases (Google Scholar, ProQuest and Open grey). The studies were blindly assessed by two reviewers and selected by a pre-defined eligibility criterion. Risk of bias of included studies was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for Cohort Studies. Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) was evaluated for most related factors. Twenty-one cohort studies were included. Significant factors were female gender, symptoms of depression and anxiety, perceived stress, sleep quality, symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea and presence of any comorbidity, such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome, lower back pain, headache frequency, tension-type headache, migraine and mixed headache. Moreover, high estrogen and low testosterone levels in utero, greater pain perception, jaw mobility pain, pain during palpation, orofacial anomalies, as well as extrinsic and intrinsic injuries were also significant. Several factors seems to be involved in TMD onset, however, more studies with standardized methodology are necessary to confirm these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a need to consolidate reporting guidance for nutrition randomised controlled trial (RCT) protocols. The reporting completeness in nutrition RCT protocols and study characteristics associated with adherence to SPIRIT and TIDieR reporting guidelines are unknown. We, therefore, assessed reporting completeness and its potential predictors in a random sample of published nutrition and diet-related RCT protocols. We conducted a meta-research study of 200 nutrition and diet-related RCT protocols published in 2019 and 2021 (aiming to consider periods before and after the start of the COVID pandemic). Data extraction included bibliometric information, general study characteristics, compliance with 122 questions corresponding to items and subitems in the SPIRIT and TIDieR checklists combined, and mention to these reporting guidelines in the publications. We calculated the proportion of protocols reporting each item and the frequency of items reported for each protocol. We investigated associations between selected publication aspects and reporting completeness using linear regression analysis. The majority of protocols included adults and elderly as their study population (n = 73; 36.5%), supplementation as intervention (n = 96; 48.0%), placebo as comparator (n = 89; 44.5%), and evaluated clinical status as the outcome (n = 80; 40.0%). Most protocols described a parallel RCT (n = 188; 94.0%) with a superiority framework (n = 141; 70.5%). Overall reporting completeness was 52.0% (SD = 10.8%). Adherence to SPIRIT items ranged from 0% (n = 0) (data collection methods) to 98.5% (n = 197) (eligibility criteria). Adherence to TIDieR items ranged from 5.5% (n = 11) (materials used in the intervention) to 98.5% (n = 197) (description of the intervention). The multivariable regression analysis suggests that a higher number of authors [β = 0.53 (95%CI: 0.28–0.78)], most recent published protocols [β = 3.19 (95%CI: 0.24–6.14)], request of reporting guideline checklist during the submission process by the journal [β = 6.50 (95%CI: 2.56–10.43)] and mention of SPIRIT by the authors [β = 5.15 (95%CI: 2.44–7.86)] are related to higher reporting completeness scores. Reporting completeness in a random sample of 200 diet or nutrition-related RCT protocols was low. Number of authors, year of publication, self-reported adherence to SPIRIT, and journals' endorsement of reporting guidelines seem to be positively associated with reporting completeness in nutrition and diet-related RCT protocols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective was to evaluate the consumption and behavior of recently weaned foals receiving different sources of roughage. Twenty recently weaned foals of the Mangalarga Marchador breed, with an average of 6 months and 135.9kg, were distributed into four groups: corn silage (CS), conventional hay (HAY), pelleted hay (PELET), and haylage (HL). The diets were formulated to meet the requirements of the category and were isoproteic and isoenergetic. The experimental period lasted 110 days, with the first 35 days of adaptation. The dry matter intake was manually measured at the beginning, middle, and end of the twenty foals experiment, and the ingestion and ingestive behavior of ten foals were also evaluated in an automated way (Intergado®). Two behavioral assessments were also performed (START and END) through visual observations at 5-minute intervals for 24 hours. Ingestion and behavior results were analyzed in a randomized block design (RBD) with split plots, and the results recorded by the Intergado® electronic feeder were analyzed in RBD, and the means were compared by Tukey test at 5% of significance. The lowest forage dry matter (FDMI) and total (TDMI) intakes throughout the experiment were from the CS treatment and the highest was from the HAY Similar results were found for FDMI measured by the Intergado® feeder (FDMIi). At the START, the CS and PELET treatments provided the lowest times consuming roughage and the longest times standing idle and performing stereotypical behavior. At the END, the same treatments provided the shortest times in social interaction and the longest times performing stereotypic behavior. PELET continued to be the treatment with the shortest time-consuming roughage. Thus, CS should not be used as a roughage base in diets for recently weaned foals, as it results in lower FDMI and lower TDMI, resulting in longer idle times and higher frequency of stereotypic behavior. The pelleted hay should be used with caution, because in addition to causing less consumption time, longer idle time, and greater frequency of stereotypic behavior, it can cause colic. • Corn silage provides foals with lower forage consumption and greater frequency of stereotypic behavior. • Pelleted hay provides longer idle time and a greater frequency of stereotypic behavior. • Corn silage should not be used as a roughage base in diets for newly weaned foals. • Pelleted hay should be used with caution, especially in ad libitum consumption. • Hay and haylage of Tifton 85 can be used in diets for newly weaned foals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 'Fit to Dance?' survey has been used in a number of studies to understand the health and wellbeing of dancers. These data have not been collected in Brazil as there is no validated questionnaire available in Brazilian Portuguese, culturally validated in Brazil with a scope as broad and comprehensive as that of 'Fit to Dance?'. Translate into Brazilian Portuguese and culturally validate the questionnaire 'Fit to Dance?' in Brazil. This was a validity and reliability study of the Brazilian Portuguese version of the 'Fit to Dance?' Survey. The stages of the research were: translation into the target language (Brazilian Portuguese), translation synthesis, translation validation and cross-cultural adaptation by a committee of experts in Dance Medicine and Science (DMS), reverse translation into English, pilot study (test/retest), and final version of the questionnaire. The questionnaire was applied to 21 dancers of different dance genres, with an age average of 25 ± 7.0 years. Cronbach's alpha (0.705), ICC (0.984) and Kappa (0.794) results reached adequate values. The Brazilian Portuguese version of the questionnaire 'Fit to Dance?' is effective, has adequate levels of validity and reliability, and can be used to report injuries and aspects of health and well-being of Brazilian dancers. • Brazilian Portuguese version of 'Fit to Dance?' is effective and has adequate levels of validity and reliability. • By applying an international instrument, there is a possibility of crossing and harmonizing data. • First questionnaire translated into Brazilian Portuguese that has data about dancers' injuries and lifestyle habits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic venous disease (CVD) is a highly prevalent disease that presents a wide spectrum of clinical expressions due to abnormalities in the venous system. Patients often have major functional changes that can limit daily activities. However, the functional factors associated with the severity of the disease remain poorly understood. To identify the functional factors associated with CVD severity. Seventy-five patients with CVD (92.0% females, 49.6 ± 13.3 years) were evaluated through clinical examination, lower limb perimetry, ankle range of motion (AROM), and lower limb muscle strength by the Heel Rise test, and Sit-to-stand test. Patients were stratified according to the disease severity as mild (telangiectasia, varicose veins, or edema in the lower limbs) or severe CVD (trophic changes or venous ulcer). Patients with severe CVD (n = 13) were older (p = 0.002), predominantly male (p = 0.007), with reduced AROM in dorsiflexion (p = 0.028) and inversion (p = 0.009), reduced lower limb strength by the Heel Rise test (p = 0.040), and greater circumference of the calf (p = 0.020), ankle (p = 0.003), and plantar arch (p = 0.041) when compared to mild CVD (n = 62). Advanced age, male sex, lower ankle range of motion in dorsiflexion, and greater ankle and plantar arch circumferences were associated with CVD severity. However, the ankle circumference (OR 1.258, 95% CI: 1.008–1.570; p = 0.042), together with advanced age and male sex, was the only functional variable that remained independently associated with CVD severity. The increased ankle circumference was a determinant of the CVD severity and may assist in risk stratification and guide treatment goals in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An increase in the workload and use of personal protective equipment by healthcare workers was observed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to the connections between craniocervical structures, symptoms such as neck pain and temporomandibular symptoms could be influenced by the use of PPE. To assess the prevalence of craniocervical pain, sleep quality, physical activity, and depressive symptoms and relationship among craniocervical symptoms in healthcare workers before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil. Cross-sectional study. Healthcare workers. An online questionnaire included a self-report of craniocervical pain intensity [orofacial pain, neck pain, and headache (Numerical Rating Scale)], sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index), depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire two items) and physical activity (self-report). The sample analysis was performed by descriptive statistics, the paired t-test was used to compare symptoms intensity before and during the pandemic. The relationship between dependent and independent samples was assessed through McNemar test, Pearson's chi-squared test, and Student's independent t-test. A value of p <.05 was adopted as statistical significance. Overall, 147 participants replied the questionnaires. Headache, neck pain, and orofacial pain complaints increased during the pandemic in healthcare workers (p < 0.001). Craniocervical pain was correlated with poor sleep quality, probable depression, and physical activity during the pandemic (p < 0.05). Healthcare workers self-reported more craniocervical pain during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to before the pandemic. In addition, poor sleep quality, depressive symptoms, and physical inactivity were associated with craniocervical symptoms during this period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• BREATHE was the first nationwide registry in Brazil that included patients hospitalized due to acute HF. • Almost 28% of patients were hospitalized due to poor adherence to HF medications. • Less than half of the patients with LVEF < 40% used beta-blockers, renin-angiotensin-aldosterone inhibitors and spironolactone concomitantly at hospital discharge. • The mortality rate at 12 months was 28.9/100 patient-years, with 26.2% readmission at 90 days and 46.4% at 12 months. • Our findings should guide the implementation of quality-improvement interventions to help close the gap between scientific evidence and clinical practice in HF. Heart failure (HF), a common cause of hospitalization, is associated with poor short-term clinical outcomes. Little is known about the long-term prognoses of patients with HF in Latin America. BREATHE was the first nationwide prospective observational study in Brazil that included patients hospitalized due to acute heart failure (HF). Patients were included during 2 time periods: February 2011–December 2012 and June 2016–July 2018 In-hospital management, 12-month clinical outcomes and adherence to evidence-based therapies were evaluated. A total of 3013 patients were enrolled at 71 centers in Brazil. At hospital admission, 83.8% had clear signs of pulmonary congestion. The main cause of decompensation was poor adherence to HF medications (27.8%). Among patients with reduced ejection fraction, concomitant use of beta-blockers, renin-angiotensin-aldosterone inhibitors and spironolactone decreased from 44.5% at hospital discharge to 35.2% at 3 months. The cumulative incidence of mortality at 12 months was 27.7%, with 24.3% readmission at 90 days and 44.4% at 12 months. In this large national prospective registry of patients hospitalized with acute HF, rates of mortality and readmission were higher than those reported globally. Poor adherence to evidence-based therapies was common at hospital discharge and at 12 months of follow-up. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• MTA is the gold standard as the biomaterial of choice in vital pulp therapies, however there is growing interest in Biodentine from the scientific community; • When it comes to vital pulp therapies, the literature has received a recent spike in publications, so the date of publication of the article is not directly related to its prestige; • Henry F Duncan and Lars Bjørndal appear as the authors who published the most in the list of the 50 most cited articles in vital pulp therapies; • This work aims to help student and researchers in the field of endodontics as an impressive source of information. The aim of this study was to identify and analyze the most cited articles on vital pulp therapies. Bibliographical data related to the abstract, citations, keywords, and other relevant information was extracted using different combinations of keywords. Further evaluation and visualization of the selected data were performed with the help of various tools, including MS Excel, Microsoft Word, Google open refine, BibExcel, and VOS viewer. An initial search revealed 91 documents, of which 40 were chosen for further analysis. We used the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test and Spearman correlation coefficient test, and our adopted significance level was p < 0.05. In total, the articles received 1,905 citations, with six of them receiving at least 100 citations. Among the top 40 articles, the United States of America (10 articles) and Ireland (6 articles) were the countries with the highest number of cited articles. The journals "Journal of Endodontics" (14 articles; 650 citations) and "International Endodontic Journal" (13 articles; 577 citations) published most of the articles among the 50 most cited ones. Duncan H. was the author with the highest number of works cited (11 articles; 339 citations). Of the articles, systematic reviews accounted for 32%, literature reviews for 14%, in vitro experimental studies for 12%, clinical trials for 8%. Among the biomaterials used in vital pulp therapies, mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) was discussed in 37 articles (74%), followed by calcium hydroxide, mentioned in 30 studies (60%). Interestingly, the publication year did not demonstrate a significant impact on citation count. The present study provided a detailed list of the top 50 most cited and classic articles on vital pulp therapies. This will help researchers, students, and clinicians in the field of endodontics with an impressive source of information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infrastructure construction companies encounter numerous challenges in managing large and dispersed teams, along with fragmented or non-existent operational data. These challenges often result in delays, inefficiencies, and over-budget projects. Road pavement works are an example of this, as they heavily rely on expensive heavy construction equipment that requires detailed planning and real-time adjustments. Also, pavement quality is closely linked to the quality of the asphalt mixture in terms of viscosity and compactability, which is significantly influenced by temperature. This paper describes the features, challenges and results of a road paving real-time management system that was conceived in a co-creation environment with a construction company. Such a partnership has allowed to specify the requirements of such an application aligned with the identified needs of a real-world development. According with the state-of-the-art, this innovative system is unique in the way it is manufacturer-agnostic and designed to be compatible with most situations. It is also data production-oriented to allow future developments that may provide business analytics or scientific research in the road paving area. This work also presents the development of sensors such as a high precision geolocalized infrared matricial temperature sensor for the application of the bituminous mixture, the data and communication structure, and a web-based interface that manages the construction projects for different stakeholders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This retrospective study analyzed the errors generated by a convolutional neural network (CNN) when performing automated classification of oral lesions according to their clinical characteristics, seeking to identify patterns in systemic errors in the intermediate layers of the CNN. A cross-sectional analysis nested in a previous trial in which automated classification by a CNN model of elementary lesions from clinical images of oral lesions was performed. The resulting CNN classification errors formed the dataset for this study. A total of 116 real outputs were identified that diverged from the estimated outputs, representing 7.6% of the total images analyzed by the CNN. The discrepancies between the real and estimated outputs were associated with problems relating to image sharpness, resolution, and focus; human errors; and the impact of data augmentation. From qualitative analysis of errors in the process of automated classification of clinical images, it was possible to confirm the impact of image quality, as well as identify the strong impact of the data augmentation process. Knowledge of the factors that models evaluate to make decisions can increase confidence in the high classification potential of CNNs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to describe the perception of parents of children/adolescents with chronic conditions of their quality of life and family functioning during the COVID-19 pandemic and explore how the COVID-19 pandemic affected family management of children/adolescents' chronic conditions. A total of 237 parents of children/adolescents with chronic conditions participated in this cross-sectional study. Data were collected through an online questionnaire using the Paediatric Quality of Life Inventory™ Family Impact Module and an open-ended question about the impact of the pandemic on the family management of the paediatric chronic condition. The Total Score of PedsQL™ FIM was slightly higher than the midpoint of the scale (M = 60.27; SD = 19.04), and the impact of the pandemic on the family's management of the chronic condition was perceived by 30% of parents as high or moderate. Statistically significant differences were found between parents who reported a high or moderate impact of the pandemic and those reporting little or no impact of the pandemic regarding parental quality of life and family functioning (t (233) = 8.13, p =.00, Cohen's d = 1.14). Two themes emerged from the analysis of the open-ended question: Impact on the child/adolescent and Impact on the family. Parents of children/adolescents with chronic conditions reported an average quality of life, and the COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the family management of chronic conditions. These results highlight the importance of developing interventions to support families in complex situations and contexts, targeting family functioning, family quality of life, and emotional management. • Lockdown imposed by COVID-19 produced major changes in the daily lives of families. • Parents' quality of life, measured by PedsQL™ Family Impact Module, were moderate. • COVID-19 pandemic affected the family's management of the chronic condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

: Have you ever been in the trenches of a complicated study only to be interrupted by a not-so urgent phone-call? We were, repeatedly– unfortunately. : To increase productivity of radiologists by quantifying the main source of interruptions (phone-calls) to the workflow of radiologists, and too assess the implemented solution. : To filter calls to the radiology consultant on duty, we introduced an automatic voicemail and custom call redirection system. Thus, instead of directly speaking with radiology consultants, clinicians were to first categorize their request and dial accordingly: 1. Inpatient requests, 2. Outpatient requests, 3. Directly speak with the consultant radiologist. Inpatient requests (1) and outpatient requests (2) were forwarded to MRI technologists or clerks, respectively. Calls were monitored in 15-minute increments continuously for an entire year (March 2022 until and including March 2023). Subsequently, both the frequency and category of requests were assessed. : 4803 calls were recorded in total: 3122 (65 %) were forwarded to a radiologist on duty. 870 (18.11 %) concerned inpatients, 274 (5.70 %) outpatients, 430 (8.95 %) dialed the wrong number, 107 (2.23 %) made no decision. Throughout the entire year the percentage of successfully avoided interruptions was relatively stable and fluctuated between low to high 30 % range (Mean per month 35 %, Median per month 34.45 %). : This is the first analysis of phone-call interruptions to consultant radiologists in an imaging department for 12 continuous months. More than 35 % of requests did not require the input of a specialist trained radiologist. Hence, installing an automated voicemail and custom call redirection system is a sustainable and simple solution to reduce phone-call interruptions by on average 35 % in radiology departments. This solution was well accepted by referring clinicians. The installation required a one-time investment of only 2h and did not cost any money. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

EDTA plays a crucial role in regenerative endodontic therapy (RET) because of its significant biological effects. However, EDTA is also recognized as the preferred anticoagulant for hematologic tests. Thus, this study aimed to assess the influence of different EDTA activation techniques on the morphology of blood clots after conditioning the root canal dentin. Forty extracted human teeth were prepared to simulate immature teeth and divided into the following 5 groups: (1) saline solution (negative control), (2) EDTA 17% + saline solution (CNI), (3) CNI + ultrasonic activation, (4) CNI + Easy clean activation, and (5) CNI + XP-endo Finisher activation. After irrigation, the roots were cleaved, and the root canals were filled with human blood to clot formation. The morphology and density of erythrocytes, platelets, and the fibrin network were observed using a scanning electron microscope. The fibrin network density was classified using a 4-point scale. Data were analyzed using the Friedman test and the Kruskal-Wallis test with Bonferroni adjustment (α = 5%). All groups exhibited consistent blood clot morphology characterized by a high density of erythrocytes, platelets, and white blood cells throughout the entire length of the root canal. The negative control group showed statistically significant high scores of fibrin density compared with the CNI group in all root thirds (P <.05). However, there was no statistical difference in the scores for the fibrin network density between the groups irrigated with EDTA with and without activation (P >.05). EDTA may impair the fibrin network formation compared with the saline group. However, EDTA activation did not significantly change the effects on the blood clot in contact with the conditioned intraradicular dentin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clinicians frequently prescribe systemic antibiotics after lower third molar extractions to prevent complications such as surgical site infections and dry socket. A systematic review of randomised clinical trials was conducted to compare the risk of dry socket and surgical site infection after the removal of lower third molars with different prophylactic antibiotics. The occurrence of any antibiotic-related adverse event was also analysed. A pairwise and network meta-analysis was performed to establish direct and indirect comparisons of each outcome variable. Sixteen articles involving 2158 patients (2428 lower third molars) were included, and the following antibiotics were analysed: amoxicillin (with and without clavulanic acid), metronidazole, azithromycin, and clindamycin. Pooled results favoured the use of antibiotics to reduce dry socket and surgical site infection after the removal of a lower third molar, with a number needed to treat of 25 and 18, respectively. Although antibiotic prophylaxis was found to significantly reduce the risk of dry socket and surgical site infection in patients undergoing lower third molar extraction, the number of patients needed to treat was high. Thus, clinicians should evaluate the need to prescribe antibiotics taking into consideration the patient's systemic status and the individual risk of developing a postoperative infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monosymptomatic enuresis (MNE) results from a pathogenic triad that may include lack of vasopressin secretion during sleep, reduced functional bladder capacity and inability to wake up during sleep. The treatment of MNE can be performed through behavioral therapy, use of alarms or medications such as desmopressin and imipramine. To compare the effectiveness of different treatments of MNE. Prospective and randomized study comparing different intervention and a control group (receiving only behavior therapy) for MNE. Inclusion criteria: age between 5 and 16 years old, with MNE, evaluated at the pediatric urology outpatient clinic of Hospital Infantil Menino Jesus. At first visit children were submitted to behavior therapy (urotherapy) for 3 months, children were subsequently characterized according to the ICCS as non-responders, partial responders, or full responders. Those partial responders or non-responders received a patient ID and were randomized to four groups: Alarm Group (G1), Desmopressin Group - DDAVP (G2), Imipramine Group (G3) and Control (G4). All groups were monitored monthly, for a period of 6 months. After 6 months, the children were reevaluated for MNE. 93 patients were enrolled. Mean age was 10.96 years with a standard deviation of 2.28 years, 59,1% were male. All groups had improvement in the number of dry nights (Table). Taking in account success the population full responders and partial responders: Alarm Group (G1) achieve success in 100% of cases, Desmopressin Group - DDAVP (G2) in 63.6% of cases, Imipramine Group (G3) in 73.7% of cases (Table 3). No drugs side effects were observed in both groups (G2 and G3), there was no dropout in patients who used alarms. Our data suggests that the use of alarms is the most effective treatment of ENM with superior results when compared to imipramine and DDAVP. The small number of participants is a weakness of the study, as well as the lack of a voiding diary at the end of the study. All therapeutics options utilized in the treatment of MNE are safe, effective and has a low rate of abandonment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• PETCO 2 peak and VO 2peak were lower in chagas cardiomyopathy patients with adverse events. • PETCO 2 peak and VO 2peak are independent predictors of worse prognosis. • PETCO 2 peak and VO 2peak lower than 32 mmHg and 20 mL.kg.min identify worse prognosis. Functional impairment can be detected from the onset of heart disease in patients with Chagas cardiomyopathy (ChC) and the prognostic value of the end-tidal carbon dioxide at peak exercise (PETCO 2 peak) should be investigated. To verify the prognostic value of PETCO 2 peak in patients with ChC. Seventy-six patients with ChC (49.2 ± 9.8 years, NYHA I-III) were evaluated by echocardiography and Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing. Patients were followed up to four years and the end-point was defined as cardiovascular death, stroke, or cardiac transplantation. At the end of the follow-up period (29.0 ± 16.0 months), 16 patients (21%) had experienced adverse events. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve to identify the risk of adverse events by PETCO 2 peak in patients with ChC was 0.83 (95% CI: 0.69 to 0.97), and the value of 32 mmHg was the optimal cut point (70% of sensitivity and 85% of specificity). In the Kaplan-Meier diagram, there was a significant difference (p <0.001) between patients with reduced (≤ 32 mmHg) and preserved PETCO 2 peak (>32 mmHg). In the final Cox multivariate model, only reduced PETCO 2 peak (HR 4.435; 95% CI: 1.228 to 16.016, p = 0.023) and VO 2peak (HR 0.869; 95% CI: 0.778 to 0.971, p = 0.013) remained as independent predictors of poor outcome in ChC patients. Reduced PETCO 2 peak and VO2 peak demonstrated valuable prognostic value in patients with ChC. The cutoff points for both functional variables can be used during risk stratification and may help in the development of therapeutic strategies in ChC patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is challenging for appendicular lesions. We report the outcomes of ESD in this context. We collected data of ESD procedures for appendiceal neoplasia in a multicenter prospective registry. Main study endpoints were R0, en-bloc, and curative resection rates and adverse event rate. One hundred twelve patients were included, 47 (42%) with previous appendectomy. Fifty-six (50%) were Toyonaga type 3 lesions (15 [13.4%] postappendectomy). En-bloc and R0 resection rates were 86.6% and 80.4%, respectively, with no significant difference associated with different grades of appendiceal invasion (P =.9 and P =.4, respectively) or previous appendectomy (P =.3 for both). The curative resection rate was 78.6%. Additional surgery was performed in 16 cases (14.3%), including 10 (62.5%) Toyonaga type 3 lesions (P =.04). This included the treatment of 5 cases (4.5%) of delayed perforation and 1 acute appendicitis. ESD for appendicular lesions is a potentially safer and effective alternative to surgery for a significant proportion of patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An adult male free-living yellow armadillo (Euphractus sexcinctus) was found by hunters and referred for clinical evaluation because of a tumour-like lesion on the carapace. The animal was lethargic and weak with severe dehydration, enophthalmos and cachexia, and was euthanized because of its very poor clinical condition. Necropsy revealed a whitish, exophytic, irregular and moist mass (7 × 6.5 × 1.5 cm) in the caudal third of the carapace. On cut section, the mass was hard, compact, irregular and whitish. Histopathology revealed a densely cellular, expansive, poorly delimited neoplasm composed of malignant mesenchymal cells arranged in islands and cords, interspersed by numerous areas of irregularly mineralized osteoid matrix. Neoplastic cells were intensely immunolabelled for vimentin. The diagnosis of a high-grade osteosarcoma of osteoblastic subtype was based on the clinical, gross, histopathological and immunohistochemical findings. This first report of an osteosarcoma in an armadillo expands the list of armadillo diseases and will assist the management of these animals by veterinarians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organ transplantation provides both life-saving and life-enhancing function for patients suffering from end-stage organ failure. Transplantation has only been possible due to the advances in immunosuppression. The viability of a transplanted organ depends on modulation of the human immune system to avoid rejection in response to foreign antigens. Modern immunosuppression consists of multi-modal therapy (chemical drugs and biological agents) acting on different parts of the immune response. Three phases of immunosuppression can be recognized: induction, maintenance and withdrawal. All patients must continue to take at least some immunosuppression to prevent rejection. Developments in immunosuppressant regimens have dramatically improved transplant success rates and experience over the years has helped to understand the side-effects and long-term complications of immunosuppression. Research continues to identify both novel compounds and ways of optimizing the use of current drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The implant abutment connection interface has been considered one of the major factors affecting the outcome of implant therapy. However, drawbacks of traditional meta-analyses are the inability to compare more than 2 treatments at a time, which complicates the decision-making process for dental clinicians, and the lack of a network meta-analysis. The purpose of this network meta-analysis was to assess whether the implant abutment connection influences the outcome of implant-supported prostheses. An electronic search was undertaken to identify all randomized clinical trials comparing the effect of at least 2 different implant abutment connection designs published from 2009 up to May 2020. Outcome variables were implant survival rate, peri-implant marginal bone loss, and biologic and prosthetic complication rates at 12 months after prosthetic loading. Relevant information was extracted, and quality and risk of bias assessed. Pairwise meta-analyses and network meta-analyses based on a multivariate random-effects meta-regression were performed to assess the comparisons (α=.05 for all analyses). For peri-implant marginal bone loss and prosthetic complications, conical interfaces were determined to be the most effective, with significant differences when compared with external hexagonal connections (P =.011 and P =.038, respectively). No significant differences were found among the implant abutment connections in terms of survival and biologic complications (P >.05 in all direct, indirect, and mixed comparisons). After 1 year of loading, conical connections showed lower marginal bone loss and fewer prosthetic complications than external hexagonal connections. However, the implant abutment connection design had no influence on the implant survival and biologic complication rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Geoconservation measures in the River Tejo, the Portuguese reach of the Tagus, are compared with those in the Thames downstream of London (UK). Both are fluvio-estuarine reaches with staircases of Pleistocene depositional terraces, each with important sedimentary, palaeontological and archaeological records. In both rivers, conservation measures are in place that aim to protect these records, promote research and inform the public. Inevitably there are differences in approach. Whereas Thames Quaternary interests are protected by a network of British statutory site designations, outreach is to the fore in the Tejo. Contrasting examples are highlighted here. The Tejo has interpretative materials in local museums and detailed explanatory displays at the low-terrace archaeo-geological site of Foz do Enxarrique, near the border with Spain, and at other sites. The Thames, in contrast, has few examples of physical outreach provision and limited formal protection for Pleistocene archaeological material outside the geological network, although extensive informal protection is provided by interaction between local geological groups and county and local-authority administrations. There is also a considerable difference in the degree of threat, with the Tejo above Lisbon being a relatively undeveloped valley, albeit with sporadic quarrying for aggregate, whereas the Lower Thames is an established area for infrastructure development, lying to the east of London, close to the river crossing of the orbital motorway. The different climate in the two regions profoundly influences the longevity of exposures in Quaternary deposits, with significant implications for management strategies. The comparison exercise reveals that each region would benefit from greater development of approaches used more prominently in the other; outreach measures in the Portuguese style would greatly enhance some of the Thames sites, but formal designation of Tejo exposures could prevent damaging operations being undertaken by owners who lack knowledge of their value, as exemplified by a case study of sites at Alpiarça, ~ 130 km upstream from Lisbon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Mobility of youths with cerebral palsy alone did not explain community participation breadth. • Mobility affects breadth of community participation through individuals' autonomy. • Socioeconomic status is of particular importance for youths with limited mobility. • Clinicians should promote youths' autonomy, in addition to their mobility skills. To explore whether self-determination and family socioeconomic status (SES) mediate and/or moderate the relationship between mobility and community participation of adolescents and young adults with cerebral palsy (CP). Survey. Online platform. Of 55 eligible adolescents/young adults with CP, 50 agreed to participate and 2 were excluded. The final convenience sample included 48 individuals (N=48), aged 15-32 years, levels I-IV of the Gross Motor Function Classification System and I-II of the Communication Function Classification System. The Temple University Community Participation Measure documented the amount, breadth, and insufficiency/sufficiency ratios of participation across 26 community settings. The ARC Self-determination Scale and the Mobility Scale of the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory–Computer Adaptive Test (PEDI-CAT) measured individuals' self-determination (ie, autonomy, psychological empowerment, self-realization) and mobility skills, respectively. The Brazilian Economic Classification Criteria–2021 assessed family SES. Analyses of mediating/moderating effects revealed that the influence of individuals' mobility skills on their breadth of community participation was mediated by autonomy. Family SES moderated the indirect effect of mobility on community participation breadth through autonomy. When the model was adjusted for participants' age, individuals with higher SES reported greater breadth in community participation than those from moderate and lower SES for all mobility levels. However, the magnitude of the differences among individuals of different SES levels diminished as mobility increased. The mobility skills of youths with CP influence their community participation through autonomy. To foster greater engagement of these individuals in the community, rehabilitation professionals should focus not only on improvement of mobility skills but also on the promotion of self-determined behaviors, especially autonomy. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Regenerative endodontic procedures provide conditions for the continuity of apical formation and increase of the dentin wall thickness, being a useful technique to resume root development of necrotic teeth with incomplete apex. This study aimed to evaluate the coronal discoloration promoted by a new intracanal calcium silicate-based dressing and compare it with other intracanal dressings used in regenerative endodontic procedures. Sixty bovine incisors were prepared to simulate teeth with incomplete apexes and divided according to the intracanal dressing used: triple antibiotic paste—double antibiotic paste—DAP, calcium hydroxide associated with 2% chlorhexidine gel, calcium hydroxide associated with saline solution, and Bio-C Temp. As control, no dressing was performed. The intracanal dressings remained in the simulated root canal for 21 days. Luminosity (ΔL) and color difference (ΔE ab and ΔE 00) were evaluated using long-term (1 year) spectrophotometric analysis. The results were analyzed using the ANOVA test with Tukey post hoc with a significance of 5%. Triple antibiotic paste showed the highest values of ΔE ab and ΔE 00 and lowest values of ΔL (P <.05). Bio-C Temp showed higher ΔE ab than the other groups from 6 months (P <.05), higher ΔE 00 and lower ΔL after 1 year (P <.05). Bio-C Temp induced noticeable coronary discoloration after the 1-year analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Body composition (i.e., fat and lean mass profile) has been related to aerobic performance, an essential capacity for futsal athletes. The present study aimed to verify the relationship between total and regional body composition (percentage of fat and lean mass) with aerobic performance in elite futsal players. Male professional futsal athletes (n = 44) from two Brazilian National Futsal League teams and athletes representing the National team participated in this study. Body composition was evaluated using DXA (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) and aerobic fitness by ergospirometry. There was a negative (p < 0.05) correlation between maximum oxygen uptake and maximal velocity reached with total body (r = −0.53; r = −0.58), trunk (r = −0.52; r = −0.56) and lower-limb (r = −0.46; r = −0.55) fat mass percentage. Lower-limb lean mass percentage had a positive (p < 0.05) correlation with maximum oxygen uptake (r = 0.46) and maximal velocity (r = 0.55). In conclusion, total and regional body composition present a relationship with aerobic performance in professional futsal players. [Display omitted] • Body composition is related to aerobic fitness performance in futsal players. • Total body fat mass is negatively related to aerobic fitness and maximal velocity in futsal players. • Trunk fat mass is negatively related to aerobic fitness and maximal velocity in futsal players. • Lower-limb fat mass is negatively related to aerobic fitness performance in futsal players. • Lower-limb lean mass is positively related to aerobic fitness performance in futsal players. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major plague of humanity. People with TB (PWTB) are commonly anemic. Here, we assessed whether the severity of anemia in PWTB prior to anti-TB treatment (ATT) was a risk factor for an unfavorable outcome. Patients ≥ 18 years old with culture-confirmed drug-susceptible pulmonary TB enrolled between 2015 and 2019 in a multi-center Brazilian cohort were followed for up to 24 months and classified according to anemia severity (mild, moderate, and severe), based on hemoglobin levels. A multinomial logistic regression model was employed to assess whether anemia was associated with unfavorable outcome (death, failure, loss to follow-up, regimen modification or relapse), compared to treatment success (cure or treatment completion). Among 786 participants who met inclusion criteria, 441 (56 %) were anemic at baseline. Patients with moderate/severe anemia were more HIV-seropositive, as well as more symptomatic and had higher frequencies of unfavorable outcomes compared to the other groups. Moderate/severe anemia (adjusted OR [aOR]: 7.80, 95 %CI:1.34–45.4, p = 0.022) was associated with death independent of sex, age, BMI, HIV and glycemic status. Moderate/severe anemia prior to ATT was a significant risk factor for death. Such patients should be closely monitored given the high risk of unfavorable ATT outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Primary hyperhidrosis (PH) affects young patients and may cause emotional distress and a negative quality of life (QOL). We sought to evaluate the QOL of children and adolescents with PH treated by endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy. A study of 220 patients was performed, based on submitted QOL questionnaires from their first consultation. Patients were evaluated within 1 week and 24 months after surgery. Before endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy, the QOL in relation to PH was declared very poor by 141 patients, and poor by the remaining 79 (P =.552). Postoperative cure was reported in 100% of palmar and axillary PH cases, and in 91.7% of facial PH. After 24 months, the QOL was described as much better by 212 patients, a little better by 6 patients, and 2 patients reported no change. Convenience sampling was used and patients were taken from private practice only, raising the possibility of bias in gathering the data. Onset of PH symptoms was mainly before the age of 10 years and substantially affected daily activities. Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy cured PH and promoted significant improvement in the QOL of these young patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work we propose the use of path relinking within a hyper-heuristic framework to solve the Generalised Time-Dependent Asymmetric Traveling Salesman problem applied to Air Travel. We implemented several heuristic selection methods, such as Simple Random, Random Descent, Random Permutation and Reinforcement Learning. We were able to achieve very good solutions for 13 of the 14 instances from a well-known benchmark set, evidencing that the adequate use of a hyper-heuristic framework with path relinking can be very efficient in improving the final results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ventral hernia repair is one of the most common operations performed worldwide, and using mesh is standard of care to decrease recurrence. Biologic meshes are increasingly used to minimize complications associated with synthetic mesh, but with significantly higher cost and unclear efficacy. Until recently, most of the evidence supporting the use of biologic meshes was from retrospective cohorts with high heterogeneity and risk of bias. We aimed to report a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials comparing the outcomes of synthetic and biologic mesh in elective open ventral hernia repair. A literature search of PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases was performed to identify randomized controlled trials comparing biologic and synthetic mesh in elective open ventral hernia repairs. The postoperative outcomes were assessed by means of pooled analysis and meta-analysis. Statistical analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4. Heterogeneity was assessed with I2 statistics. A total of 1,090 studies were screened, and 22 were fully reviewed. Four randomized controlled trials and 632 patients were included in the meta-analysis. Fifty-eight percent of patients had contaminated wounds (Wound Classification II–IV). Hernia recurrence (odds ratio 2.75; 95% confidence interval 1.76–4.31; P <.00001; I2 = 0%) and surgical site infections (odds ratio 1.53; 95% confidence interval 1.02–2.29; P =.04; I2 = 0%) were significantly more common in patients with biologic mesh. The rates of seroma, hematoma, and mesh removal were similar in both groups. As compared to synthetic mesh, biologic meshes resulted in increased hernia recurrences and surgical site infections. Current evidence supports macroporous, uncoated synthetic mesh as the implant of choice for elective open ventral hernia repair, and its use should be considered even in contaminated cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Reducing the transmission from asymptomatic and presymptomatic patients is critical in controlling of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 circulation. • Screening and isolation of asymptomatic health care workers using RT-PCR significantly reduces hospital absenteeism. • The reduction of virus circulation showed also a trend toward of reduction in the transmission of the infection to hospitalized patients. Reducing the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 from asymptomatic and pre-symptomatic patients is critical in controlling the circulation of the virus. This study evaluated the prevalence of Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) positivity in serial tests in 429 asymptomatic health care workers (HCW) and its impact on absenteeism. HCW from a COVID-19 reference hospital were tested, screened, and placed on leave. A time-series segmented regression of weekly absenteeism rates was used, and cases of infection among hospitalized patients were analyzed. Viral gene sequencing and phylogenetic analysis were performed on samples from HCW who had a positive result. A significant decrease in absenteeism was detected 3–4 weeks after the intervention at a time of increased transmission within the city. The prevalence of RT-PCR positivity among asymptomatic professionals was 17.3%. Phylogenetic analyses (59 samples) detected nine clusters, two of them strongly suggestive of intrahospital transmission with strains (75% B.1.1.28) circulating in the region during this period. Testing and placing asymptomatic professionals on leave contributed to control strategy for COVID-19 transmission in the hospital environment, and in reducing positivity and absenteeism, which directly influences the quality of care and exposes professionals to an extra load of stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main purpose of this research is to reflect on the role of emotion on learning processes, specifically on reasoning, learning, and improving our ethics behavior. We consider ethics as knowledge and ethics behavior as a practice supported on this knowledge. We use a narrative approach and present some stories that intend to be metaphors helping situate and clarify the context of concepts addressed. We conclude that we need to count on emotion in our learning strategies and that extends to how and why students learn. We need to play with emotion if we want to touch student's mind sets, student's core beliefs, and strengthen student's commitment. To effectively learn and develop ethical behaviors we need to identify situations, we need to care on motivation and experimentation, in order to rationalize and internalize knowledge. Above all, we need to invest in our emotions [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study is to analyze the effect of project team trust in project manager on project success and team job satisfaction. The survey method was used to collect data from 101 project team professionals. Data analysis was performed using R software. The results reveal that team trust in a project manager positively influences project success as well as job satisfaction. Organizations can take project manager trustworthiness into account when recruiting and training project managers and throughout the project planning and execution life span. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Alto Douro Demarcated Region in Portugal is the oldest and most regulated wine-growing region in the world, formed by an ecosystem of unique value allowing the cultivation of vines on its characteristics terraces vineyards. The detection of vine rows in terrace vineyards constitutes an essential task regarding the achievement of important goals such as multi-temporal crop evaluation and production estimation. Despite the advances and research in this field, most studies are limited to flat vineyards with straight vine rows. In this study an exploratory approach in the precision agriculture for automatic detection of vine rows in terrace vineyards is presented with remote sensing techniques associated with artificial intelligence such as Machine Learning and Deep learning. At the current stage the preliminary results are encouraging for the detection of vine rows in straight and curved lines considering the complexity of the terrain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease affecting the joints. It has been suggested that obesity increases the likelihood of RA development lowers the chance to achieve low disease activity and disease remission. The purpose of the study was to analyze the nutritional status of a cohort of persons with RA and compare to cohorts of persons with other arthritis and without. We used the NHANES database from 2015 to 2018, assessing anthropometric data, body composition, micronutrients, bone metabolism, protein content and laboratory data from those participants; and to compared to others without arthritis or with other forms of arthritis. We included 19,225 participants, with an estimation of population size of 637,323,765 and female preponderance of 52% and an average age of 38 ± 0,4 yrs. RA had an incidence of 4.5% and other arthritis (OA) of 15%. There was a higher prevalence of overweight and obesity, central obesity and percentage of body fat in RA and OA. Obesity related conditions such as dyslipidemia, diabetes, and hypertension were more prevalent in those participants. Fasting glucose levels, oral glucose tolerance test at 2 h, insulin levels and HbA1c were all significantly higher in persons with RA and OA. The higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome together with the inflammatory state of RA, constitute important cardiovascular risk factors, which should be addressed aggressively preferably by primary prevention. • It has been suggested that obesity increases the likelihood of Rheumatoid Arthritis development lowers the chance to achieve low disease activity and disease remission. • Using NHANES database from 2015-2018, we identified a higher prevalence of overweight and obesity, central obesity, and percentage of body fat in Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis. • Dyslipidemia, hypertension, diabetes, and insulin resistance are higher in these patients. • The higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome together with the inflammatory state of RA, constitute important cardiovascular risk factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Entomopathogenic fungi, widely available biological agents used to control agricultural pests, are sporadically reported to cause focal or disseminated infection in reptiles and mammals, including humans. This study summarizes the clinical presentation, histopathological and molecular findings by panfungal polymerase chain reaction and sequencing of four cases of hypocrealean fungal infections in captive common green iguanas (Iguana, iguana). One case of granulomatous pneumonia, hepatitis and serositis was related to Metarhizium flavoviride complex infection. Two disseminated fungal infection cases, with scarce inflammatory cell infiltration, were caused by Beauveria bassiana while there was one case of multifocal granulomatous and necrotizing pneumonia by Purpureocillium spp. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of fatal mycosis infection due to entomopathogenic fungi in captive common green iguanas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Machining processes of Ni-based alloys typically lead to very high wear rates and significant heat generation, even when small material removal rates are considered. Despite the increasing usage of PCBN tools in the machining of Ni-based superalloys, further research is required in order to better understand the associated benefits. In this work, the machinability of Inconel 718 in two different delivered strength conditions has been evaluated using PCBN tools through instrumented turning operations. Tool-life has been explored and linked to cutting force evolution. Numerical simulation of the turning operations has revealed important towards tool wear modelling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Villitis of unknown etiology (VUE) is an inflammatory disease characterized by the infiltration of maternal CD8 +T cells into the placental villi. Although the pathogenesis of VUE is still debated, dysregulation of the immune system appears to be an important factor in the development of the disease. Interaction of maternal T cells with the fetal antigens seems to be the trigger for the VUE onset. In this context, graft vs host disease (GVHD) and allographic rejection seem to share similarities in the VUE immunopathological mechanism, especially those related to immunoregulation. In this review, we compared the immunological characteristics of VUE with allograft rejection, and GVHD favoring a better knowledge of VUE pathogenesis that may contribute to VUE therapeutics strategies in the future. • VUE may be T cell-mediated in a non-selfie response as GVHD and allograft rejection. • Immune checkpoint inhibitors may imuneregulate VUE, GVHD, and allograft rejection. • Immunomodulation may be a therapeutic option to manage VUE in the near future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of medical imaging for diagnosis, staging and follow-up in Oncology context is incredibly important, being the use of [18F]-FDG PET/CT particularly advantageous in specific contexts like the case of obese patients. However, imaging the latter can be challenging sometimes, since their own body size may affect overall image quality and adds technical difficulties for the operator(s) performing the examination. This research project was developed with the aim of analysing the current personal practices of Portuguese Nuclear Medicine Technologists (NMTs) in the adaptation of 18F-FDG PET/CT oncological protocols for obese patients and comparing the results with parameters referenced in literature. A non-experimental research study was conducted using a survey delivered online to NMTs through social media platforms (Facebook® and LinkedIn®) and by sending the link directly to contacts within the research team professional and personal networks. Answers from a total of 26 participants were obtained, with 88.5% of participants admitting modifying technical protocols in examinations for obese patients. Changes in PET protocols included an increase in the administered activity (60.9%), an increase in scan time per individual bed position (69.6%) and the use of Time-of-Flight (TOF) technology whenever available. Protocol changes in CT included increasing the mA (82.6%), raising the KVp (47.8%), the application of iterative reconstruction (69.6%) and the use of automatic exposure control (AEC) (52.2%). The remaining parameters (pitch, algorithm, slice thickness, display FOV, gantry rotation time and energy acceptance window) were claimed not to be modified by around 90% of professionals. Portuguese NMTs tend to change the [18F]-FDG PET/CT protocols for obese patients. However, while some of the parameters appear to be contradictory or redundant, others require further optimisation, especially in the CT component. Efforts should be made to optimize acquisition protocols used in [18F]-FDG PET/CT scans for obese patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study examined the peak physical and physiological (heart rate) performance intensities andassociated decrements in elite soccer referees during match play.Design: Longitudinal study.Methods: Physical performancevariables and heart rate were analyzed during 457 matches across two seasons. Differences between halves, and the rate ofdecline in peak performance intensities across moving average durations of 1-10 minutes were assessed using linear mixed models and power-law analysis, respectively.Results: Large significant differences were observed between halves for mean total distance, mean velocity, mean heart rate, and percentage of maximal heart rate (p ≤ 0.05; r = 0.51-0.64). Peak intensities (p ≤ 0.05; r = 0.15-0.17) and the rate of decline (p < 0.001; r = 0.17-0.37) were significantly higher in the 2nd half compared to the 1st half, for relative total distance, relative high-intensity running and mean velocity. The rate of decline was significantly greater in the 2nd half than the 1st half for relative distance covered by high-intensity acceleration (>2 m/s-2/min), deceleration (<-2 m/s-2/min), and relative mean heart rate (p < 0.001; r = 0.28-0.61). Elite soccer referees might have experienced transient fatigue during match play, as relative high-intensity running immediately following the most intense 5-minute period significantly declined by 61.2% ( p< 0.001; r = 0.94), and was 16.2% lower than the mean 5-minute period (p < 0.001; r = 0.34).Conclusions: Increased physical and physiological demands during match play, with associated declines in the second half and transient signs of fatigue throughout the match, supports the inclusion of high-intensity interval and endurance training programs to prepare soccer referees for the intensity demands and peak performance outcomes of match play. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To determine the best disocclusion guidance in occlusal splints (OSs) to manage and treat temporomandibular disorder (TMD) and sleep bruxism (SB). The research was conducted on 7 major electronic databases and 3 gray literature sources. We included randomized trials, nonrandomized clinical trials, and before-and-after studies. The risk of bias (RoB) was assessed by Joanna Briggs Institute of Critical Appraisal Tools. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach was used to grade the certainty of evidence. Qualitative synthesis included 16 surveys reporting data from 620 participants. Canine guidance (CG) was widely searched. Bilateral balanced occlusion (BBO) and CG significantly decreased pain levels compared with the placebo splint. Comparing between OS and absence of therapy, only CG was assessed and showed significant improvements on mouth opening, pain, sleep quality, and muscle activity. When compared different guide types among themselves, no significant improvement was founded in any evaluated outcome. Three studies presented high RoB, 7 presented moderate RoB, and 6 presented low RoB. It is suggested there is not enough evidence to support that there are any specific kind of guidance responsible for improving evaluated outcomes on TMD and SB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Prevalence of sarcopenia (PS) was 3 times higher in Parkinson disease (PD) patients. • PS was 4.32 times higher in PD patients among individuals ≥ 70 years. • PD patients <2.5 and >2.5 in the Hoehn and Yahr scale has the same PS. We meta-analysed the sarcopenia prevalence among patients with Parkinson´s disease (PD) in comparison to a control group and tested the effects of age, sex, sarcopenia assessments, and PD progression in the sarcopenia prevalence. The literature search was performed using five databases in March 2022. The prevalence of sarcopenia in patients with PD was 3 times higher than in the control group (OR 3.98). Subgroup analyses showed that among individuals aged ≥ 70 years the higher prevalence of sarcopenia in PD compared to controls (OR 5.32, P=0.08) tended to be higher (P=0.08) than the group < 70 years. Regarding PD progression, the prevalence of sarcopenia was not different between individuals scoring < 2.5 and ≥ 2.5 in the Hoehn and Yahr scale. Patients with PD have a higher probability of developing sarcopenia when compared with the control group and older PD patients trended to have even higher chance of sarcopenia than their older controls. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]