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This paper explores the most effective learning strategies for pharmaceutical companies within their knowledge environment.

• Climate change will decrease water availability in the Mediterranean. • Adaptation strategies should be co-designed by experts and stakeholders. • Hydrological modelling can quantify the effectiveness of adaptation options. • Dynamic Adaptive Policy Pathways integrate expert and stakeholder knowledge. • Stakeholders in the Algarve chose small and incremental measures over large ones. Irrigation is essential for a large part of Mediterranean agricultural systems, but scarce resources may cause conflicts between agricultural and domestic uses. These conflicts might be exacerbated by climate change, which could bring a drier climate and thus increase irrigation water demands while lowering supplies. These issues were addressed when designing a climate change adaptation plan for water resources in the Algarve region (southern Portugal), which was co-created between hydrologists and local stakeholders and policy-makers, by using the Dynamic Adaptive Policy Pathways (DAPP) approach to synthetize and communicate the results from hydrological modelling of future scenarios. The evolution of water availability and irrigation demands for key water assets in Algarve (southern Portugal) were simulated until 2100 for climate scenarios RCP4.5 and RCP8.5, using a modified version of Thornthwaite-Mather. The results show an increase in water stress, mainly in the RCP8.5 scenario. The results and need for adaptation were discussed with local and regional decision-makers and other stakeholders, and a set of adaptation measures was agreed upon. The discussed adaptation measures were then modelled and integrated the design of tailor-made DAPP. Finally, decision-makers and stakeholders were presented with DAPP and selected the most suitable and political reliable adaptation pathway that tackles projected climate change impacts in water resources until the end of the 21 st century. Stakeholders showed a strong preference for incremental and distributed small-scale measures, including the promotion of water use efficiency and landscape water retention, to large-scale measures such as wastewater recycling or new dams. A decrease in irrigation water use for agriculture was not considered socially desirable. Desalination was considered too costly for irrigation in the short term but kept in reserve in case other measures fail to keep water supplies at an acceptable level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Weathering and operational conditions, as known, have significant impact on typical constituent materials which are used for many construction applications. Among others, structural glass solutions can suffer for these effects in terms of major modification of material properties of interlayers, bonds, connections, gaskets and polymeric components in general. In this paper, the attention is given to the effects of repeated low-amplitude impacts and short-term temperature gradients for the characterization of load-bearing capacity in monolithic glass elements retrofitted by safety films. Especially for existing glass systems which are made of monolithic glass with limited strength and resistance capacity against ordinary and accidental mechanical loads, safety films are commercially available for retrofit interventions. They are primarily expected to keep together glass fragments in case of breakage, and thus minimize possible injuries. Besides, after first fracture, the so obtained glass-film composite elements have uncertain residual mechanical capacity against ordinary loads, given that it mostly depends on thin films composed of Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)-layers and pressure sensitive adhesives (PSAs). To this aim, a set of experiments (for a total of 950 configurations) is carried out in laboratory conditions (30 °C) on small-scale samples of fractured annealed monolithic glass elements bonded by commercial safety films, under repeated low-amplitude impacts / vibrations (S1-TR series), or additionally subjected to preliminary short-term thermal gradients (S2-TC1 series cooled at +5 °C and S3-TC2 series at −20 °C). Localized impacts are quantified in acceleration peaks in the range of 2 ÷ 14 m/s2 and rotations at supports in the order of 15 ÷ 20°. The interpretation of dynamic experimental results is carried out in terms of post-fracture vibration frequency (based on classical operational modal analysis techniques) and used, with the support of simplified analytical models or Finite Element (FE) numerical simulations, to characterize the response of cracked glass-film samples. Most importantly, the vibration frequency decrease is used to quantify their residual load-bearing capacity under unfavourable conditions, and to quantify the post-critical benefit of thin bonding safety films under unfavourable conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considered ecologically generalist, Didelphis albiventris is reported as reservoir for different species of parasites, especially Trypanosoma cruzi. However, the knowledge about the influence of T. cruzi on hematological parameters of free-living opossum remains scarce. The present study aimed to evaluate the influence of T. cruzi on hematological parameters of white-ear opossums (D. albiventris) from Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. The blood samples and biometric data were collected from 40 opossums captured by Tomahawk and Sherman traps in six urban forest fragments located in the city. The health of these animals was inferred, mainly, by means of blood parameters (PCV, RBC, WBC, MCV and WBC differential). Molecular detection of T. cruzi infection was performed by nested polymerase chain reaction (nPCR), using 18S and 24Sα rDNA region as target. Paired-t-test and simple linear regression were used for statistical analysis. No significant difference was observed between the averages of hematological variables in relation to gender and body condition. The molecular diagnosis showed that 32.5% (13/40) of the opossums were infected by T. cruzi , which presented lymphocytosis (3.4 ± 1.5) and eosinophilia (0.09 ± 0.13). Path analysis showed that T. cruzi infection resulted in increased numbers of lymphocytes and indirectly decreased the body condition of opossums. Moreover T. cruzi infection resulted in a direct effect on decrease of MCV. Overall, our results suggest that T. cruzi infection may represent a risk to health of opossums since the lymphocytosis may cause a secondary damage on body condition of infected animals. Image 1 • Trypanosoma cruzi infection may pose a risk to health of opossums. • Lymphocytosis may cause a secondary damage on body condition of infected animals. • D. albiventris is an important host of T. cruzi in the Campo Grande city. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Analyze the return to sports rate and timing after conservative and surgical treatment in athletes with spondylolysis. Comprehensive search using Pubmed, Cochrane Library and SPORTDiscus databases to identify English language studies that assessed the return to sports after conservative or surgical treatment of symptomatic spondylolysis in athletes. The main outcome of interest was the return to sports rate and timing, as well as, the follow-up clinical and functional outcomes. A total of 14 trials (592 participants) were included. Eight and seven studies reported the outcomes of conservative and surgical approach, respectively. A total of 92% (n = 492) and 88% (n = 100) of athletes return to sports at any level, and 89% (n = 185) and 81% (n = 103) returned to their pre-injury level of sports for conservative and surgical approaches, respectively. The time to return to sports was 4.6 and 6.8 months for conservative and surgical approaches, respectively. Conservative management (bracing, sports modification and physiotherapy) of athletes with spondylolysis show excellent return to sports rates at any level and at the pre-injury level at a mean of 4.6 months. Those who fail the conservative treatment can be successfully managed with surgical treatment with a high rate of return to sports at 6.8 months. Level IV, Systematic review of level IV studies • Conservative management (bracing, sports modification and physiotherapy) of athletes with spondylolysis show excellent return to sports rates at any level and at the pre-injury level at a mean of 4.6 months. • Those who fail the conservative treatment ca be successfully managed with surgical treatment with a high rate of return to sports at 6.8 months. • Conservative management as first line approach and if injury aggravates or symptoms persist, surgical treatment should be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Brazilian Pantanal is the world´s largest wetland ecosystem, where cattle's ranching is the most important economic activity. The objective of this study was to compile some epidemiological features on equine piroplasmids from the Nhecolândia sub-region of Pantanal wetland through the evaluation of the patterns of T. equi and B. caballi infections in different groups of horses; identification of the tick species that infest horses; and to study phylogenetic relationships among Theileria equi 18S rRNA gene sequences. During October 2015, blood and serum samples were collected from 170 horses in four different categories. Ticks, after identification, had their hemolymph and eggs examined for the presence of piroplasmid sporokinets. Also we searched parasites in the peripheral blood smears of the investigated horses. The number of red blood cells (RBCs) and the packed cell volume (PCV) ​​were determined to test for anemia in the infected animals, and exposure to B. caballi and T. equi was evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. "Catch all primers" based on 18S rRNA gene were used in polymerase chain reactions (PCR) to detect equine piroplasmids, followed by three nested PCRs for the phylogenetic analysis. The serological results showed that 61.8% and 52.9% of the horses sampled were exposed to T. equi and B. caballi , respectively. Piroplasmid DNA was detected in 43.5% of the horses analyzed. Our sequencing revealed 98–100% identity with some sequences previously published in GenBank for T. equi , and microheterogeneity among others. We found that 51.2% of the animals sampled were infested with Dermacentor nitens , Amblyomma sculptum , and Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus, singly or co-infested. Since positive and negative animals presented similar RBC and PCV values, and no sporokinets were found on blood smears, hemolymph and eggs of the ticks collected, we suggest that infected equines can act as asymptomatic carriers for piroplasmosis in the studied region. Our results together showed the enzootic characteristic of equine piroplasmids in Pantanal region highlighting the importance of using different methods for detection these parasites. Moreover, breeding mares and foals should be monitored since they displayed the greatest occurrences for molecular test (59.0% and 86.1% respectively) and tick infestations (87.2% and 63.9% respectively). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Domestic dogs are considered reservoirs hosts for several vector-borne parasites. This study aimed to evaluate the role of domestic dogs as hosts for Trypanosoma cruzi , Trypanosoma evansi and Leishmania spp. in single and co-infections in the Urucum settlement, near the Brazil-Bolivian border. Additionally, we evaluated the involvement of wild mammals' in the maintenance of these parasites in the study area. Blood samples of dogs (n = 62) and six species of wild mammals (n = 36) were collected in July and August of 2015. The infections were assessed using parasitological, serological and molecular tests. Clinical examination of dogs was performed and their feeding habits were noted. Overall, 87% (54/62) of sampled dogs were positive for at least one trypanosomatid species, in single (n = 9) and co-infections (n = 45). We found that 76% of dogs were positive for T. cruzi , four of them displayed high parasitemias demonstrated by hemoculture, including one strain types TcI, two TcIII and one TcIII/TcV. Around 73% (45/62) of dogs were positive to T. evansi , three with high parasitemias as seen by positive microhematocrit centrifuge technique. Of dogs sampled, 50% (31/62) were positive for Leishmania spp. by PCR or serology. We found a positive influence of (i) T. evansi on mucous pallor, (ii) co-infection by T. cruzi and Leishmania with onychogryphosis, and (iii) all parasites to skin lesions of sampled dogs. Finally, feeding on wild mammals had a positive influence in the Leishmania spp. infection in dogs. We found that 28% (5/18) coati Nasua nasua was co-infected for all three trypanosamatids, demonstrating that it might play a key role in maintenance of these parasites. Our results showed the importance of Urucum region as a hotspot for T. cruzi , T. evansi and Leishmania spp. and demonstrated that dogs can be considered as incidental hosts. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • Observation of high occurrence of dogs co-infected by trypanosomatids. • Dogs infected by TcI, TcIII and TcIII/TcV. • Nasua nasua is a key species in the sylvatic cycles of trypanosomatids. • Direct effect of trypanosomatids' infection in clinical signs of dogs. • Dogs as sentinels to human infection in the Brazil-Bolivian border. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Europe’s climate change vulnerability pushes for initiatives such as the European Adaptation Strategy and the associated Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy. What are the triggers and barriers, for which sectors and for which risks and how is adaptation funded? This paper examines 147 Local Adaptation Strategies in Europe. Key triggers were incentives via research projects, implementation of EU policies and the increasing frequency of extreme climate events. Insufficient resources, capacity, political commitment and uncertainty were the main barriers. Prioritized sectors reflected the main local vulnerabilities - flood protection and water management, built environment and urban planning. Differing patterns of adaptation planning and adaptive capacity were identified among different regions in Europe. Large municipalities generally fund adaptation locally, whereas international and national funding appears to be more important for adaptation in less urban or densely populated territories. The database of LAS described in the present study can be expanded and used to increase the understanding of and promotion of local adaptation action in Europe and beyond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coastline retreat is an evident sign of the vulnerability of low-lying sandy coasts to erosion and sea level rise (SLR). Sand nourishments are commonly used to maintain foreshores, beaches, and dunes to preserve their role in flood protection, beach recreation and biodiversity. The feasibility of sand nourishments for long-term maintenance of large-scale coastal systems is hard to determine with detailed numerical morphological models. This study presents a method using a sand nourishment impact model (Ntool) that accounts for repeated sand nourishments over time as well as erosion and SLR impacts on the shoreline position. In Ntool the redistribution of sediment alongshore is based on detailed simulations of the current situation of waves (Delft3D-WAVE) and shoreline development (UNIBEST-CL+). Two sand nourishment strategies for the period 2010–2100 were evaluated and compared for the ca. 100 km long sandy shores of the Dutch coast (the Netherlands) and the Aveiro coast (Portugal): i) the hold-the-line strategy, in which coastline retreat is directly restored by means of local sand nourishments and ii) the sand balance strategy, in which sand nourishments are applied each five years at high-value locations with volumes equal to the sand deficiencies due to sea level rise plus other known structural sediment losses in a particular sediment cell. Regionalised SLR projections of up to 0.5, 0.7 and 1.9 m by 2100 were taken into account. Results show that sand nourishments remain a cost-effective method of flood protection for the Dutch coast and are feasible for the centuries to come, even under the high-end SLR scenario, because large sand resources are available in the North Sea. For the Aveiro coast, large-scale sand nourishments might be feasible in combination with a policy of managed retreat for low-value areas to avoid expensive locked-in situations. The sand balance strategy is considered the most practical and has the advantage of economy of scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Resumo Objetivo Avaliou‐se a incidência de curarização residual pós‐operatória (CRPO) na sala de recuperação pós‐anestésica (SRPA) após emprego de protocolo e ausência de aceleromiografia (AMG) intraoperatória. Métodos Ensaio clínico, aleatório, com 122 pacientes, distribuídas em dois grupos: protocolo e controle. Protocolo: dose inicial e adicionais de rocurônio foram de 0,6 mg.kg −1 e 10 mg, respectivamente; evitou‐se o uso de rocurônio nos 45 minutos finais; reversão do bloqueio com neostigmina (50 μg.kg −1 ); tempo ≥ 15 minutos entre reversão e extubação. Controle: doses inicial e adicional de rocurônio, reversão do bloqueio, dose de neostigmina e momento da extubação decididos pelo anestesiologista. Foi usada AMG na SRPA e considerado CRPO razão T4/T1 < 1,0. Resultados A incidência de CRPO foi menor no grupo protocolo em relação ao controle (25% vs . 45,2%; p = 0,02). No grupo controle, a dose total de rocurônio foi maior em pacientes com CRPO em relação àqueles sem CRPO (0,43 vs . 0,35 mg.kg −1 .h −1 ; p = 0,03) e o intervalo entre a última administração de rocurônio e a neostigmina foi menor (75,0 vs . 101,0 min; p < 0,01). No grupo protocolo não houve diferença dos parâmetros analisados (com CRPO vs . sem CRPO). Considerando toda a população de estudo e a presença ou não de CRPO, a dose total de rocurônio foi maior em pacientes com CRPO (0,42 vs . 0,31 mg.kg −1 .h −1 ; p = 0,01), enquanto o intervalo entre a última administração de rocurônio e a neostigmina foi menor (72,5 vs . 99,0 min; p ≤ 0,01). Conclusão A sistematização proposta reduziu a incidência de CRPO na SRPA na ausência de AMG intraoperatória. Objective Evaluate the incidence of postoperative residual curarization (PORC) in the post‐anesthesia care unit (PACU) after the use of protocol and absence of intraoperative acceleromyography (AMG). Methods Randomized clinical trial with 122 patients allocated into two groups (protocol and control). Protocol group received initial and additional doses of rocuronium (0.6 mg.kg −1 and 10 mg, respectively); the use of rocuronium was avoided in the final 45 minutes; blockade reversal with neostigmine (50 μg.kg −1 ); time ≥ 15 minutes between reversion and extubation. Control: initial and additional doses of rocuronium, blockade reversal, neostigmine dose, and extubation time, all at the discretion of the anesthesiologist. AMG was used in the PACU and PORC considered at T4/T1 ratio < 1.0. Results The incidence of PORC was lower in protocol group than in control group (25% vs. 45.2%, p = 0.02). In control group, total dose of rocuronium was higher in patients with PORC than without PORC (0.43 vs. 0.35 mg.kg −1 .h −1 , p = 0.03) and the time interval between the last administration of rocuronium and neostigmine was lower (75.0 vs. 101.0 min, p < 0.01). In protocol group, there was no difference regarding the analyzed parameters (with PORC vs. without PORC). Considering the entire study population and the presence or absence of PORC, total dose of rocuronium was higher in patients with PORC (0.42 vs. 0.31 mg.kg −1 .h −1 , p = 0.01), while the time interval between the last administration of rocuronium and neostigmine was lower (72.5 vs. 99.0 min, p ≤ 0.01). Conclusion The proposed systematization reduced PORC incidence in PACU in the absence of intraoperative AMG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cyanobacteria have promising potential as sustainable cell factories. However, one challenge that is still largely unreported in scaling-up cyanobacteria bioproduction is phenotypic instability, where the emergence and selection of nonproducing cells leading to loss in production has longer evolutionary timescales to take place in industrial-scale bioreactors. Quantifying phenotypic instability early on in strain development allows researchers to make informed decisions on whether to proceed with scalable designs, or if present, devise countermeasures to reduce instability. One particularly effective strategy to mitigate instability is the use of genome-scale metabolic models to design growth-coupled production strains. In silico studies have predicted that creating certain cofactor imbalances or removing recycling reactions in cyanobacteria can be exploited to stably produce a wide variety of metabolites. [Display omitted] ● Phenotypic instability of production hosts can be a major challenge in biotechnology. ● Quantifying phenotypic instability helps decide on whether to proceed with up-scaling. ● Imposed cofactor imbalances can be exploited to stabilize compound production. ● Reutilization reactions can stabilize production particularly in photoautotrophs. ● Several computational tools are available to design stable production strains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an empirical model to predict attenuation in forest environments considering parameters related to vegetation. Typically, environmental parameters are only included in theoretical models, but they are more difficult to apply. The developed model uses tree density, average tree canopy diameter and foliage density as input parameters. The foliage density is very difficult to determine since it depends on the characteristics of trees. A simple metric of this parameter was obtained by measuring the background light silhouetted by the canopy. The model was developed with measurements obtained in different forest environments for two frequencies within the UHF band (Ultra High Frequency). A procedure was also applied to extend the operating frequency range of the model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is an exploratory study on the dynamic response of a building model equipped with multiple curved-surface sliders. By using, as benchmarks, numerical models of non-isolated and conventional base-isolated systems, it is possible to show the optimized acceleration response of a building with distributed isolation, for a wider frequency input range of the dynamic loading. A set of experimental tests on a 3D printed small-scale prototype also allows to demonstrate the good dynamic performance of the proposed system, providing a consistent background into new developments of this isolation technology. • A new modular building concept is presented, provided with an inter-story isolation system. • A 3D printed prototype is analyzed, with building blocks that can slide between each other. • The system exhibits a good performance for a wide range of input frequencies. • A FE model is validated, paving the way to subsequent parametric studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Visual perception enables robots to perceive the environment. Visual data is processed using computer vision algorithms that are usually time-expensive and require powerful devices to process the visual data in real-time, which is unfeasible for open-field robots with limited energy. This work benchmarks the performance of different heterogeneous platforms for object detection in real-time. This research benchmarks three architectures: embedded GPU—Graphical Processing Units (such as NVIDIA Jetson Nano 2 GB and 4 GB, and NVIDIA Jetson TX2), TPU—Tensor Processing Unit (such as Coral Dev Board TPU), and DPU—Deep Learning Processor Unit (such as in AMD/Xilinx ZCU104 Development Board, and AMD/Xilinx Kria KV260 Starter Kit). The authors used the RetinaNet ResNet-50 fine-tuned using the natural VineSet dataset. After the trained model was converted and compiled for target-specific hardware formats to improve the execution efficiency. The platforms were assessed in terms of performance of the evaluation metrics and efficiency (time of inference). Graphical Processing Units (GPUs) were the slowest devices, running at 3 FPS to 5 FPS, and Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) were the fastest devices, running at 14 FPS to 25 FPS. The efficiency of the Tensor Processing Unit (TPU) is irrelevant and similar to NVIDIA Jetson TX2. TPU and GPU are the most power-efficient, consuming about 5 W. The performance differences, in the evaluation metrics, across devices are irrelevant and have an F1 of about 70 % and mean Average Precision (mAP) of about 60 %. [Display omitted] • RetinaNet ResNet50 and SSD ResNet50 can be successfully executed in embedded GPUs, TPUs, and FPGAs. • FPGAs are the fastest devices for executing deep learning models and ANNs. • TPUs are the most power-efficient devices for embedded applications. • GPUs offer a good balance between implementation and deployment of ANNs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we investigate the optimal operating conditions of electrostatically-actuated MEMS oscillators in terms of frequency stability. Through a simple model, the influence of the fluctuation of several design parameters (e.g. feedback phase, feedback amplitude, bias voltage) on oscillator performance is studied. It is shown that, in the nonlinear regime, the excitation waveform (e.g. square, sinusoid, impulsive, etc.) plays a critical role on the long-term frequency stability of electrostatic MEMS oscillators, as opposed to the well-known but idealized case of a Duffing oscillator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growth rate and physiology of photoautotrophic bacteria are dependent on the incident light color and intensity. Here we report a widely applicable and straightforward method for light-limited batch cultivation of phototrophic bacteria at different, yet constant, growth rates. We illustrate its usage with Synechocystis sp. PCC6803, a model cyanobacterium used as a chassis for sustainable cell-factories and capable of turning CO 2 into commodity products. The cultivation method we developed resembles a ‘photonfluxostat’. It enables the setting of the growth rate of phototrophs during batch cultivation by adjustment of the illumination intensity (‘photon dosing’). Using this method to study the growth-rate response of Synechocystis , we found that while the cell volume increased, the chlorophyll a content and the PSI/PSII ratio decreased, as growth rate increased. This method allows for a quantitative and controlled study of the light-dependent physiology of phototropic bacteria, a highly relevant group of bacteria for modern biotechnology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

White-eared opossums (Didelphis albiventris) are well adapted to anthropized areas. The increased contact with domestic animals and humans mediates the transmission of arthropod-borne pathogens. Despite the worldwide occurrence of tick-borne Anaplasmataceae and Hepatozoidae species in a variety of vertebrates, few studies reported serological evidence or molecular detection of theses agentes in marsupials. Up to now, while Ehrlichia/Anaplasma spp. have only been detected in marsupials from Brazil, Hepatozoon spp. have been reported in marsupials from Chile, Australia and Brazil. The present work aimed to investigate, using molecular techniques and blood smear analysis, the presence of Ehrlichia spp., Anaplasma spp., and Hepatozoon sp. in the blood and ticks collected from D. albiventris in urban forest fragments from midwestern Brazil. Between May and December 2017, 43 D. albiventris (27 males and 16 females) were captured for blood and tick collection in the city of Campo Grande, state of Mato Grosso do Sul, midwestern Brazil. Ticks (46 Amblyomma dubitatum nymphs and 24 Amblyomma spp. larvae) were collected from 14 out 43 (32.5%) of the white-eared opossums. Panoptic-stained blood smears were performed using peripheral blood (tail tip) of the captured opossums. DNA extracted from blood and tick samples were subjected to PCR/qPCR assays for Anaplasmataceae agents (rrs, gltA, groEL, sodB, and dsb genes, and 23S-5S intergenic region) and Hepatozoon spp. (18S rRNA gene), followed by Sanger sequencing, BLASTn and phylogenetic analyses. An inclusion resembling Ehrlichia morulae was found in a white-eared opossum's monocyte from a blood smear stained with Panoptic. Five (11.63% [5/43]) white-eared opossums' blood samples and 7 (25% [7/28]) tick samples (2 pools of Amblyomma spp. larvae and 5 pools of A. dubitatum nymphs) were positive for Anaplasmataceae via a PCR assay targeting the conserved rrs gene. Phylogenetic analysis based on the rrs gene positioned three sequences obtained from opossums and ticks together as a subclade within the Ehrlichia canis clade. However, all samples were negative in a qPCR assay specific for E. canis based on the dsb gene. Phylogenetic analyses positioned the gltA and 23S-5S ITS sequences obtained from opossums' blood samples in a separate clade from the other validated Ehrlichia species. One (2.3% [1/43]) opossum blood sample was positive for the 18S rRNA gene of Hepatozoon sp. The phylogenetic analysis positioned the Hepatozoon sp. sequence obtained from a D. albiventris specimen in a clade with a sequence previously detected in a black storm petrel (Oceanodroma melania) from Mexico. All the other sequences of Hepatozoon sp. previously detected in marsupials from Brazil were positioned in a separated clade. The present work showed the occurrence of putative novel genotypes of Ehrlichia sp. and Hepatozoon sp. in white-eared opossums and associated A. dubitatum ticks from midwestern Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several novel compounds with 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium cations (alkyl = butyl and octyl) and first row transition metal-substituted Keggin polyoxoanions were synthesised, having the general formula (cation) m [PW 11 O 39 M(H 2 O)]· x H 2 O or (cation) m −1 H[PW 11 O 39 M(H 2 O)]· x H 2 O, M = Co, Fe, Mn and m = anion charge. All compounds were characterized by spectroscopic and analytical techniques. These studies indicated that both the polyoxometalates and the cations are present in the solids without major alterations. Cyclic voltammetry studies were performed for compounds with 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium. Disregarding the loss of crystallization or coordinated water, the compounds were found to be stable up to near 300 °C. The onset of the decomposition of the organic cations, as determined by thermogravimetry, occurred in the 300–350 °C range. The metal-substituted polyoxoanions are stable up to around 300 °C, but after this temperature the anions transform into the parent [PW 12 O 40 ] 3− anion, with loss of the substituting metal. Final decomposition to a mixture of oxides occurred only above 600 °C. It was also possible to obtain the crystalline compounds Na 2 K(Bmim) 2 [PW 11 O 39 Co(H 2 O)]·7.5H 2 O and Na(Bmim) 4 [PW 11 O 39 Co(H 2 O)]·2H 2 O and determine their structures by single crystal X-ray diffraction. Compounds with substituted imidazolium cations and metal-substituted polyoxometalates are expected to present a set of properties that make them interesting in many fields, like catalysis. This study aimed at contributing to the understanding the effect of altering the substituting metal and the counter-cation in the properties of this type of compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • We review the evolution of emission scenarios 1990–2022 via 280 emission scenario critiques & responses. • Critiques comprise four key categories: assumptions and ranges (scenario substance), methods and user relevance. • Critiques became increasingly influential since 2000, enhancing scenarios and their credibility. • The intergovernmental exclusion of mitigation scenarios 1992–2010 compromised scientific credibility. • IPCC critique disappeared after 2011, while convergence & probability discussions decreased. Long-term global emission scenarios enable the analysis of future climate change, impacts, and response strategies by providing insight into possible future developments and linking these different climate research elements. Such scenarios play a crucial role in the climate change literature informing the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's (IPCC) Assessment Reports (ARs) and support policymakers. This article reviews the evolution of emission scenarios, since 1990, by focusing on scenario critiques and responses as published in the literature. We focus on the issues raised in the critiques and the possible impact on scenario development. The critique (280) focuses on four areas: 1) key scenario assumptions (40%), 2) the emissions range covered by the scenarios and missing scenarios (25%), 3) methodological issues (24%), and 4) the policy relevance and handling of uncertainty (11%). Scenario critiques have become increasingly influential since 2000. Some areas of critique have decreased or become less prominent (probability, development process, convergence assumptions, and economic metrics). Other areas have become more dominant over time (e.g., policy relevance & implications of scenarios, transparency, Negative Emissions Technologies (NETs) assumptions, missing scenarios). Several changes have been made in developing scenarios and their content that respond to the critique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Resumo Justificativa e objetivos Os efeitos dos anestésicos locais na junção neuromuscular e sua influência no bloqueio produzido por bloqueadores neuromusculares não‐despolarizantes é ainda alvo de pouca investigação, no entanto esta interação tem sido descrita em trabalhos experimentais e em humanos. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar in vitro, a interação da ropivacaína com o pancurônio, a influência na transmissão e bloqueio neuromuscular e a efetividade da neostigmina e 4‐aminopiridina na reversão do bloqueio. Método Ratos foram distribuídos em grupos (n = 5) de acordo com o fármaco estudado: ropivacaína (5 μg mL −1 ); pancurônio (2 μg mL −1 ); ropivacaína + pancurônio. A neostigmina e a 4‐aminopiridina foram usadas nas concentrações de 2 μg mL −1 e 20 μg.mL –1 , respectivamente. Avaliou‐se: 1) efeitos da ropivacaína sobre o potencial de membrana e potenciais de placa terminal em miniatura; 2) a amplitude das respostas do diafragma antes e 60 minutos após a adição da ropivacaína; o grau de bloqueio neuromuscular com o pancurônio e com a associação pancurônio ‐ ropivacaína; 3) a efetividade da neostigmina e 4‐aminopiridina na reversão do bloqueio neuromuscular. Resultados A ropivacaína não alterou a amplitude das respostas musculares, os potenciais de membrana, mas diminuiu a frequência e a amplitude dos potenciais de placa terminal em miniatura. O bloqueio produzido pelo pancurônio foi potencializado pela ropivacaína, e parcial e totalmente revertido pela neostigmina e 4‐aminopiridina, respectivamente. Conclusões A ropivacaína potencializou o bloqueio neuromuscular produzido pelo pancurônio. O antagonismo completo com a 4‐aminopiridina sugere ação pré‐sináptica da ropivacaína. Background and objectives The local anesthetic effects on neuromuscular junction and its influence on blockade produced by nondepolarizing neuromuscular blockers are still under‐investigated; however, this interaction has been described in experimental studies and in humans. The aim of this study was to evaluate in vitro the interaction between ropivacaine and pancuronium, the influence on transmission and neuromuscular blockade, and the effectiveness of neostigmine and 4‐aminopyridine to reverse the blockade. Methods Rats were divided into groups (n = 5) according to the study drug: ropivacaine (5 μg mL −1 ); pancuronium (2 μg.mL –1 ); ropivacaine + pancuronium. Neostigmine and 4‐aminopyridine were used at concentrations of 2 μg mL −1 and 20 μg mL −1 , respectively. The effects of ropivacaine on membrane potential and miniature end‐plate potential, the amplitude of diaphragm responses before and 60 minutes after the addition of ropivacaine (degree of neuromuscular blockade with pancuronium and with the association of pancuronium‐ropivacaine), and the effectiveness of neostigmine and 4‐aminopyridine on neuromuscular block reversal were evaluated. Results Ropivacaine did not alter the amplitude of muscle response (the membrane potential), but decreased the frequency and amplitude of the miniature end‐plate potential. Pancuronium blockade was potentiated by ropivacaine, and partially and fully reversed by neostigmine and 4‐aminopyridine, respectively. Conclusions Ropivacaine increased the neuromuscular block produced by pancuronium. The complete antagonism with 4‐aminopyridine suggests presynaptic action of ropivacaine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Angiosarcoma is a very rare entity of soft tissue neoplasm with an aggressive and destructive biological behavior. Thyroid angiosarcoma is usually reported in Alpine regions, with only exceptionally rare cases arising in non-mountainous areas. In the Alpine regions it constitutes 2–10% of all malignant thyroid tumors. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We report a case of a thyroid non-Alpine angiosarcoma in a 71-year-old female with a 10 years old multinodular goiter. The cervical mass underwent rapid growth in the last year, and she was referred for surgical treatment. A 15cm mass was found on the right side of the neck invading adjacent tissues and displacing the trachea without obvious invasion of this organ. Fine needle aspiration cytology showed “carcinoma”. Lung metastasis were present. Although difficult, total thyroidectomy was possible with resection of an esophageal implant. Post-operatively, she had respiratory failure that eventually recovered, but, on 39th post-operative day, she died of violent hemoptysis, probably due to invasion by mediastinal metastasis. DISCUSSION: A clear distinction between angiosarcoma and anaplastic carcinoma of the thyroid is considerably difficult, despite treatments and prognosis are practically the same. However, in recent years, a thyroid malignancy exhibiting phenotypical features of endothelial differentiation was described. Keratin positivity cannot be reported as necessarily indicative of epithelial differentiation. CONCLUSION: Optimal treatment for thyroid angiosarcoma remains unclear, not only because the prognosis is poor, despite multimodal therapeutic efforts, but also because it is a very rare entity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We review the uses and limitations of modelling approaches that are in use in the field of Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB). We describe recent developments in model construction and computational methods, starting from application of such models to monocultures. However, since most applications in food biotechnology involve complex nutrient environments and mixed cultures, we extend the scope to discuss developments in modelling such complex systems. With metagenomics and meta-functional genomics data becoming available, the developments in genome-scale community models are discussed. We conclude that exploratory tools are available and useful, but truly predictive mechanistic models will remain a major challenge in the field. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this paper we aim to discuss how Portuguese prisoners know and what they feel about surveillance mechanisms related to the inclusion and deletion of the DNA profiles of convicted criminals in the national forensic database. Through a set of interviews with individuals currently imprisoned we focus on the ways this group perceives forensic DNA technologies. While the institutional and political discourses maintain that the restricted use and application of DNA profiles within the national forensic database protects individuals’ rights, the prisoners claim that police misuse of such technologies potentially makes it difficult to escape from surveillance and acts as a mean of reinforcing the stigma of delinquency. The prisoners also argue that additional intensive and extensive use of surveillance devices might be more protective of their own individual rights and might possibly increase potential for exoneration. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper analyses the impact of the 2003 European heatwave on excessive human mortality in Portugal, a country that presents a relatively high level of exposure to heatwave events. A total of 2399 excessive deaths are estimated in continental Portugal, which implies an increase of 58% over the expected deaths. When these values are split by gender, it is seen that women increase (79%), was considerably higher than that recorded for men (41%). The increment of mortality due to this heatwave was detected for all the 18 districts of the country, but its magnitude was significantly higher in the inner districts close to the Spanish border. When we split by gender all districts reveal significant mortality increments for women, while the impact in men''s excess deaths is not significant over 3 districts. Several temperature derived indices were used and evaluated in their capacity to explain, at the regional level, the excessive mortality (ratio between observed and expected deaths) by gender. It is shown that the best relationship is found for the total exceedance of extreme days, an index combining the length of the heatwave and its intensity. Both variables hold a linear relationship with r =0.79 for women and a poorer adjustment (r =0.50) for men. Additionally, availability of mortality data split by age also allowed obtaining detailed information on the structure of the population in risk, namely by showing that statistically significant increments are concentrated in the last three age classes (45–64, 65–74 and 75 or more). The use of air conditioning systems in some Portuguese hospitals had a major impact on the decrease (up to 40%) in excessive mortality values. A finer approach is relevant for prevention strategies, since it allows to identify better the target population of any preventive strategy regional and national authorities may be interested to implement. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Adaptation Pathways is a decision support tool designed to create adaptation policies under different climate change scenarios. This tool has been used successfully in several sectors and contexts such as coastal and river adaptation, urban heat waves, floods and rural livelihoods but its use in natural resource management, has faced several challenges and limitations. In the sector of agroforestry its use has seldom been done or documented and one of the reasons for this may due to some of its specific challenges. In this study, these challenges were addressed when using the Adaptation Pathways for the adaptation planning of three case studies in the semi-arid Alentejo region, a Mediterranean dryland of southern Portugal. This tool was integrated in a participatory approach combined with the Scenario Workshop method, to plan the adaptation of the agriculture and forestry sector of one municipality (Mértola) and two agroforestry farms (221 ha and 1000 ha). The methodology included, for each case study, 20 interviews, two workshops, literature review, expert analysis and the use of indicators of efficacy of adaptation measures, to define tipping points. The adaptation process and the resulting adaptation plans were evaluated by questionnaire and expert review. This combination of methods has supported the choice of effective adaptation measures for the case studies and when combined with several adaptation pathways and a landscape approach it supported the creation of integrated climate change adaptation plans that are now in implementation. We discuss how this combination of methods deals with limitation to Adaptation Pathways identified in the literature, conclude that the method was able to create adaptation plans that are now under implementation and present avenues for future research. • There is a growing need for climate adaptation planning and decision making support tools. • Participatory adaptation planning in the field of agroforestry has rarely been done or documented. • Adaptation Pathways approach was successfully used in three case studies. • Limitations of Adaptation Pathways were addressed and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing safe autonomous robotic applications for outdoor agricultural environments is a research field that still presents many challenges. Simultaneous Localization and Mapping can be crucial to endow the robot to localize itself with accuracy and, consequently, perform tasks such as crop monitoring and harvesting autonomously. In these environments, the robotic localization and mapping systems usually benefit from the high density of visual features. When using filter-based solutions to localize the robot, such an environment usually uses a high number of particles to perform accurately. These two facts can lead to computationally expensive localization algorithms that are intended to perform in real-time. This work proposes a refinement step to a standard high-dimensional filter-based localization solution through the novelty of downsampling the filter using an online clustering algorithm and applying a scan-match procedure to each cluster. Thus, this approach allows scan-matchers without high computational cost, even in high dimensional filters. Experiments using real data in an agricultural environment show that this approach improves the Particle Filter performance estimating the robot pose. Additionally, results show that this approach can build a precise 3D reconstruction of agricultural environments using visual scans , i.e., 3D scans with RGB information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• It is essential to reassess the relevance of emissions scenarios with with long-term developments regularly. • 'IPCC scenarios' did not systematically over-/underestimate historical global emissions. • Historical global emissions followed a medium–high emissions pathway well within scenarios ranges. • Most scenarios overestimated OECD but underestimated non-OECD CO 2 and GDP growth. • Adjusting SSP-BL "non-biomass renewables" & "nuclear" may be relevant for future updates. • We find six overall periods of fast/slow CO 2 growth (1960-2020), highlighting differences between long- vs. short-term evaluations. Long-term emissions scenarios have served as the primary basis for assessing future climate change and response strategies. Therefore, it is important to regularly reassess the relevance of emissions scenarios in light of changing global circumstances and compare them with long-term developments to determine if they are still plausible, considering the newest insights. Four scenario series, SA90, IS92, SRES, and RCP/SSP, were central in the scenario-based literature informing the five Assessment Reports of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and the sixth assessment cycle. Here we analyze the historical trends of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from fossil fuel combustion and industry and emissions drivers between 1960 and 2017. We then compare the emission scenario series with historical trends for the period 1990–2017/2018. The results show that historical trends are quite consistent with medium scenarios in each series. As a result, they can be regarded as valid inputs for past and future analyses of climate change and impacts. Global CO2 emissions 1960–2018 (and 1990–2018) comprised six (and three) overall subperiods of emissions growth significantly higher and lower than average. Historically, CO2 emissions (in absolute numbers and growth rate) are tightly coupled with primary energy and indirectly with GDP. Global emissions generally followed a medium-high pathway, captured by "middle-of-the-road" scenario narratives in the earlier series, and by combinations of "global-sustainability" and "middle-of-the-road" narratives in the most recent series (SRES and SSP-baselines). Historical non-OECD trends were best captured by "rapid-growth" and "regional-competition" scenarios, while OECD trends were close to regional-sustainability and global-sustainability scenarios. Areas where the emissions scenarios captured the historical trends less well, are renewable and nuclear primary energy supply. The fact that the actual historical development is consistent with rapid-growth narratives in the non-OECD regions might have important implications for future greenhouse gas emissions and associated climatic change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Citric acid (CA) and chondroitin sulfate (CSA) combine to form self-standing films. • Citric acid (CA) and Chondroitin sulfate (CSA) combine to form self-standing films. • CA acts as proton donor and cross-linker, and can influence sample's morphology. • High ionic conductivity was observed for optimized CA:CSA film. • CA:CSA electrolyte films are interesting for applications in solid state chemistry. Novel electrolytes composed of chondroitin sulfate A (CSA) and citric acid (CA) have been prepared using a clean, safe, and fast route. These electrolytes exhibit different physical-chemical properties, depending on the amount of CA. For X > 82.3%, where X is the mass ratio, in %, of CA/(CA + CSA), whitish polycrystalline powders result. Lower amounts of CA leads to the production of translucent, amorphous films, sticky for X = 75.6 and 82.0, brittle for X < 43.6 and crack-free, self-standing for 43.6 < X < 75.6%. The results obtained provide evidence that, at low pH, strong hydrogen bonding interactions take place between the anionic sulfonic and carboxylic groups of CSA and CA. CA exerts a key role, acting as a cross-linker and proton source, while simultaneously influencing sample morphology. At room temperature the highest ionic conductivity is achieved at X = 60.8%. A significant enhancement of the ionic conductivity of this sample occurs with the increase of relative humidity (RH) (from 3.1 × 10−7 to 3.7 × 10−2 S cm−1 30% for RH = 30 and ~100%, respectively). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trypanosoma species circulate in a complex reservoir system including different host species in the Pantanal. Highlight, the N. nasua due to high parasitemias for T. cruzi, T. evansi and T. rangeli and your great abundance. • N. nasua is the key species maintaining different species of Trypanosoma in the Pantanal. • High parasitemias for T. cruzi (TcI) in N. nasua , T. tetradactyla and T. sordida. • First report of Panstrongylus geniculatus in the Pantanal. • First study that found different Trypanosoma spp. in different hosts at the same time. Distinct species of Trypanosoma have been documented sharing the same hosts in different environments in intricate transmission networks. Knowing this, this study investigated the role of different hosts in the transmission cycles of Trypanosoma species in the Pantanal biome. The mammals were sampled from November 2015 to October 2016. We sampled a total of 272 wild mammals from 27 species belonging to six orders and 15 families, and three species of triatomines (n = 7). We found high parasitemias by Hemoculture test for Trypanosoma cruzi (TcI), Trypanosoma rangeli , Trypanosoma cruzi marinkellei and Trypanosoma dionisii, and high parasitemias by Microhematocrit Centrifuge Technique for Trypanosoma evansi. The carnivore Nasua nasua is a key host in the transmission cycles since it displayed high parasitemias for T. cruzi , T. evansi and T. rangeli. This is the first report of high parasitemias in Tamandua tetradactyla and cryptic infection in Dasypus novemcinctus by T. cruzi ; cryptic infection by T. evansi in Eira barbara , Euphractus sexcinctus and Dasyprocta azarae. The collection of Panstrongylus geniculatus increased the geographic distribution of this vector species in the South America. Our results indicate that Trypanosoma species circulate in a complex reservoir system including different host species with different infective competences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper is to propose a recommendation system that considers user's functionality levels regarding physical or psychological limitations. This paper describes a set of models and algorithms used under a tourism recommendation system based in users and points-of-interest (POI) profiles. Also, this proposal considers a different manner to classify POI including their accessibility levels, mapped with similar physical and psychological issues. In this study, based on the Design Science Research methodology, an architecture is proposed and a touristic recommendation system prototype where users are modelled with new types of information in addition to traditional approaches such as their levels of functionality regarding a set of physical and intellectual issues, is also presented. POIs are also modelled with the same information structure and maintain knowledge on their limitations against some health conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction The scaphoid is the most frequently fractured carpal bone. Most of its surface is covered by articular cartilage, which limits the space for the entrance of nutritious vessels. This leads to a precarious irrigation, especially at its proximal pole. A fracture further impairs bloodflow, which may lead to delayed union, nonunion, or even avascular necrosis of the proximal fragment. The proximal scaphoid hemiarthroplasty is one of the techniques available to treat the scaphoid proximal pole osteonecrosis. This part of the bone is substituted by a pyrocarbon implant that aims to maintain proximal carpal row kinematics and prevent carpal collapse, minimizing the risk for symptomatic osteoarthrosis. The goal of our study was to evaluate the long-term results of proximal scaphoid hemiarthroplasty for posttraumatic avascular necrosis of the scaphoid's proximal pole. Materials and methods Twelve patients who underwent this procedure were identified, and the average follow-up time was 6.5 years (range 5–8 years). All patients were male, with a mean age of 39 years (ranging from 28 to 55). In 8 patients the non-dominant limb was the one affected. The procedure was carried out through a dorsal approach and all patients were subjected to the same rehabilitation protocol. Functional results were determined using the QuickDASH and Mayo Wrist Score. Results There were no immediate postoperative complications such as infection or dislocation of the implant. All patients presented with peri-implant osteolysis at follow-up. None of the patients was forced to abandon their previous professional activity, even though 50% required some type of adaptation necessary at their workplace. The average functional capacity was, according to the Mayo Wrist Score, of 67.5 points (range 50–80), corresponding to a “Satisfactory” degree of function. From the application of the QuickDASH resulted an average disability of 25 (range 3–47.7). Discussion All patients mentioned as having the biggest disability with working with, or carrying, heavy objects. The results of this series are in line with previously published studies about this technique. Conclusion Hemiarthroplasty with a pyrocarbon implant is a safe technique for the treatment of post-fracture avascular necrosis of the scaphoid pole. This technique allowed for a satisfactory functional result at a mean follow-up of 6.5 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction The scaphoid has a very tenuous blood supply that limits its capacity to recover from injury. A fracture of the scaphoid therefore presents an important risk of delayed union, pseudarthrosis and avascular necrosis. The fact that this type of fracture is many times missed on the first observation further increases the risk of pseudarthrosis. The use of pedicle grafts has the ability to fill the nonunion defect with new bone, bringing new osteoblasts and blood supply to the injury site. In 2006, Sotereanos described a capsular-based vascularized distal radius graft for the treatment of scaphoid pseudarthrosis that was readily available, close to the pseudarthrosis, required minimal rotation and did not need the dissection of a pedicle. The goal of our study was to evaluate the long-term results of the treatment of pseudarthrosis of the scaphoid using a capsular-based vascularized distal radius graft (as described by Sotereanos et al., 2006). Materials and methods Ten patients who underwent this procedure were identified, and the average follow-up time was 4,5 years (range 2–6 years). All but one patient were male, with an average age of 30 years (range 18–45). In 8 patients the non-dominant limb was the one affected. A dorsal approach was used, and the technique was according to Sotereanos et al., 2006. Results There were no postoperative complications such as infection or hardware migration. Of the 10 patients, 8 evolved to union, as determined by x ray and clinical examination. None of the patients was forced to abandon their professional activity after surgery, even though 25% required some type of adaptation necessary at their workplace. The average functional capacity was, according to the Mayo Wrist Score, of 82 points (range 65–90), corresponding to a “Good” function. The average disability according to the QuickDASH was 12.6 (range 0–45.5). The two patients with persistent symptomatic nonunions declined further surgical treatment and presented with the worst outcomes. All patients had decreased ROM after surgery. Discussion The union rate after surgery in this series is in line with previously published studies about this technique. No other published studies present long-term functional studies with this technique. Conclusion This technique is safe, easy and reliable for the treatment of scaphoid nonunions. Patients presented a good functional result at a mean follow-up of 4.5 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glass has been overwhelmingly used for windows and facades in modern constructions, for many practical reasons, including thermal, energy, light and aesthetics. Nevertheless, due to the relatively low tensile strength and mostly brittle behaviour of glass, compared to other traditional materials, as well as to a multitude of interacting structural and non-structural components, windows/facades are one of the most fragile and vulnerable components of buildings, being representative of the physical line of separation between interior and exterior spaces. As such, multidisciplinary approaches, as well as specific fail-safe design criteria and analysis methods are required, especially under extreme loading conditions, so that casualties and injuries in the event of failure could be avoided and appropriate safety levels could be guaranteed. In this context, this paper presents a review of the state of art on analysis and design methods in use for glass facades, with careful consideration for extreme loading configurations, including natural events, such as seismic events, extreme wind or other climatic exposures, and man-made threats, i.e. blast loads and fire. Major results of available experimental outcomes, current issues and trends are also reported, summarising still open challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cyanobacterial thylakoid membranes are known to host photosynthetic and respiratory complexes. This hampers a straight forward interpretation of the highly dynamic fluorescence originating from photosynthetic units. The present study focuses on dark-to-light transitions in whole cells of a PSI-deficient mutant of the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803. The time-dependent cellular fluorescence spectrum has been measured, while having previously exposed the cells to different conditions that affect respiratory activity. The analysis method used allows the detected signal to be decomposed in a few components that are then assigned to functional emitting species. Additionally, we have worked out a minimal mathematical model consisting of sensible postulated species to interpret the recorded data. We conclude that the following two functional complexes play a major role: a phycobilisome antenna complex coupled to a PSII dimer with either two or no closed reaction centers. Crucially, we present evidence for an additional species capable of strongly quenching fluorescence, whose formation requires the presence of oxygen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The gold standard for sepsis diagnosis in burn patient still relies on microbiological cultures, which take 48-72h to provide results, delaying the start of antimicrobial therapy. Thus, biomarkers allowing an earlier sepsis diagnosis in burn patients are needed.Methods: This retrospective observational study included 150 burn patients with total burned surface area ≥15%. Clinical diagnosis of sepsis among these patients was done according to the American Burn Association criteria. Biomarker (procalcitonin, white blood cells and platelet countings, prothrombinemia, D-dimers, C-reactive protein, blood lactate and temperature) values were available for 48 patients without sepsis (2767 timepoints) and 102 patients with sepsis (652 timepoints). Quantitative variables were compared with Mann-Whitney tests and qualitative variables were compared with Pearson chi-square test. Effect size was measured by the probability of superiority. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves evaluate capacity for sepsis diagnosis. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values were calculated for some cut-off values, including the best cut-off defined by the maximum of Youden index.Results: Statistically significant differences between the groups of septic and non-septic patients, with medium to large effect size, were detected for all the biomarkers considered, except temperature. PCT was the biomarker with the largest AUC and effect size (AUC=0.71). Analysis of the PCT ROC curve showed that 0.5ng/mL cut-off presented highest sensitivity and lowest specificity, whereas 1.5ng/mL cut-off was associated with lowest sensitivity and highest specificity.Conclusion: Procalcitonin showed to be the best of the biomarkers studied for an early diagnosis of sepsis. Its use should be considered in antimicrobial stewardship programs in Burn Units. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]