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Microalgae are multi-purpose microbial agents due to their capability to efficiently sequester carbon dioxide and produce valuable biomass such as protein and single-cell oils. Formulation and tuning of microalgae kinetics models can significantly contribute to the successful design and operation of microalgae reactors. This work aimed to demonstrate the capability of self-organizing map (SOM) algorithm to elucidate the patterns of parameter rankings in microalgae models subject to stochastic variations of input forcing functions–bioprocess influent component concentration levels. These stochastic variations were implemented on a modeled chemostat with a deterministic microalgae kinetic model consists of ten time-dependent variables and eighteen model parameters. The methodology consists of two major stages: (1) global sensitivity analysis (GSA) on the importance of model parameters with stochastic sampling of bioreactor influent component concentrations, and (2) training of self-organizing maps on the datasets of model parameter rankings derived from the GSA indices. Results reveal that functional principal components analysis can project at least 99% of the time-dependent dynamic patterns of the model variables on B-splines basis functions. The component planes for hexagonal lattice SOMs reveal that the sensitivity rankings some parameters in the algae model tested can be stable over a wide range of variations in the levels of influent component concentrations. Therefore, SOM can be used to reveal the trends in multi-dimensional data arrays arising from the implementation of GSA of kinetic models under stochastic perturbation of input forcing functions.

Abstract Cereus jamacaru is a cactus distributed in Northeastern Brazil, with high symbolic value to this region. However, the interaction, behavior and the role of pollinators remains poorly understood. Here, we investigate the reproductive biology, addressing the ecological significance of floral attributes, including details about floral signaling. The study was carried at three areas of the Caatinga, in 2015, 2017 and 2021. We analyzed the floral morphometry, volume and concentration of the nectar, and characterized the colour and scent of flowers. Additionally, we described the pollinator behavior and performed controlled pollination experiments. The ‘Mandacaru’ is self-incompatible, has nocturnal anthesis and the nectar is accumulated as droplets in a long hypanthial tube. The flowers have a reflective pattern with a dark outer surface and a white inner surface. (E)-nerolidol is the major component (87.4%) of its floral perfume. We registered the sphingid moth Cocytius antaeus visiting the flowers. The floral attributes, attractants and rewards drives to a sphingophily, and the pollination treatments showed the dependence to fruit set by C. antaeus, the pollinator registered. In this case, if the apparent lack of pollinator diversity encompasses its entire range, the loss of the hawkmoth could severely impact the reproductive success of the cactus.

Background and Objectives. A relatively small number of studies have investigated the characteristics, comorbidities and laboratory measures associated with prognosis in patients with COVID-19, admitted to Internal Medicine Units (IMU) in Italy. Therefore, we performed a retrospective multicentre study to identify baseline features, predisposing to severe disease and poor outcomes, in adult individuals with SARS-CoV-2 infection, hospitalized in 5 IMUs in the Emilia-Romagna region (Italy). Materials and Methods. We included 129 consecutive patients (male 75, median age 68 years) from 1st March 2020 to 31st October 2021. Patients’ baseline characteristics, comorbidities, laboratory measures, and outcomes were collected. Results. At admission, the factors significantly associated with a higher risk of in-hospital mortality included: age (median 68 vs. 83 years in survived vs. dead patients, P=0.000), diabetes [Odds Ratio (OR) 4.00, P=0.016], chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (OR 4.60, P=0.022), cancer (OR 5.81, P=0.021), acute- (OR 9.88, P=0.000) and chronic-renal failure (OR 6.76, P=0.004). During the study period, 16 individuals died (12.4%), all over 70 years old. In deceased vs. non-deceased patients were detected: i) more elevated white blood cells and neutrophils-counts and lower lymphocytes count; ii) higher levels of total/direct bilirubin, creatinine, C-reactive-protein, lactate-dehydrogenase, ferritin, but only a slight Interleukin-6 increase; iii) a trend of lower vitamin D values. Conclusions. We proposed a new I index, a modified form of the Age-Adjusted Charlson Comorbidity Index, by considering pO2/FiO2 ratio, to better characterize the severity of COVID-19. Furthermore, we critically discuss our results with the current assumption which considers COVID-19 as a pathological condition associated with cytokine storm.

ABSTRACT The present survey of leaf-blade trichomes of Mendoncia used SEM and light microscopy to investigate the diversity of trichome types in Neotropical and Paleotropical species of the genus. The eglandular trichomes are filiform, uniseriate, with asymmetric epidermal cells arranged radially around the trichome, these epidermal cells may be short or elongated, oriented in two groups. These cells, when elongated, are covered with epicuticular wax, forming smooth thick plates. African species have dendritic but not stellate trichomes. Character states such as number and length of basal cells were shown to overlap within the same species and therefore their use in isolation is not recommended for subgeneric classification of Mendoncia. Neotropical Mendoncia trichomes with well-developed epidermal cells arranged radially around the trichome appear to be unique to this group, without parallel in other plant families.

Quality control in pharmaceutical manufacturing necessitates rigorous testing and approval, adhering to Current Good Manufacturing Practices before commercialization. The production of solid drugs presents significant industrial challenges regarding uniformity, homogeneity, and consistency. Traditional quality guidelines rely on classical analytical methods such as liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. However, the emergence of Process Analytical Technology introduced non-destructive, rapid, and cost-effective methods like UV-Visible Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy. The present study aimed to develop a chemometric method for quantifying Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) in Neo Nisidine®, a solid mixture drug, using spectrophotometric data. The Net Analyte Signal (NAS) method, combined with standard additions, allowed the creation of a pseudo-univariate standard addition model, overcoming some challenges in solid-phase analysis. Successful quantifications of APIs in ideal laboratory samples and real pharmaceutical tablets were obtained. NAS-based chemometric models showed high precision and reliability, whose results were validated by comparisons with HPLC ones. The study revealed that solid-phase spectrophotometric analyses can be considered a valid alternative to API analyses. Solid-phase analysis offers non-destructive, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly benefits, enabling its integration into pharmaceutical production to improve quality control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adhesive formulations derived from sustainable feedstocks, like waste-activated sludge and biosolids from wastewater treatment plants, are developed due to protein-based adhesives receiving attention for their low-cost, resourcefulness, and minimal ecological footprint. The protein composition and associated dynamic changes of the adhesive formulations were studied via gel permeation chromatography, which detailed a molecular size distribution of 8.72 × 105 g/mol for the adhesive formulation and 6.89 × 103 g/mol for the dewatered biosolid base fraction, which confirms the formation of multiple protein functional groups combining to form the larger adhesive molecules. Further analysis determined the types of proteins present in the dewatered biosolids as glutelin, prolamin, globulin, and albumin proteins, with the glutelin proteins as the most prevalent, as thus likely responsible for adhesive formation. The rheological properties of the novel protein adhesive were also studied to interpret the structure of the adhesives, which detailed the findings of viscoelastic properties and flow behaviors of each adhesive in relation to the wastewater treatment plant sample location, which yielded higher flow points, storage moduli, and loss moduli for the dewatered biosolids in comparison to the waste-activated sludge and biosolid adhesives, which correlates with the higher solids content of the dewatered biosolids and potentially cell rupturing when exposed to filtration stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Historically, there has been little success with the captive breeding of American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) for both commercial and conservative purposes. This study, conducted at Golden Ranch in Gheens, LA, between 2016 and 2022, utilized a newly formulated commercial feed and practical dietary supplementation (crawfish waste products) to enhance egg production, fertility, and hatch rates. The primary focus of this study was to compare the outcome of this captive breeding program at Golden Ranch with a program conducted at Rockefeller Refuge (RR) between 1979 and 1984. Notable success was achieved in terms of reproductive performance in comparison to the captive breeding program conducted at Rockefeller Refuge. In this study, 16.1 hatchlings were produced per nest on Golden Ranch from captive breeders. Additionally, when wild nests from Golden Ranch were incubated in the same controlled environmental chambers, they produced an average of 16.3 hatchlings per nest. This comparison emphasizes the similarity in egg production between captive-bred A. mississippiensis and their wild counterparts. The findings of this study suggest that a closed farming system for A. mississippiensis can be established by employing captive breeders derived from artificially incubated wild eggs. Furthermore, American alligators raised in controlled environmental chambers during their initial three years of life demonstrated adaptability to captive conditions and tolerated stocking rates associated with farming conditions and served as breeding stock.

This paper concerns an in-depth analysis of an exceptional incursion of mineral dust over southern Europe in late March 2020 (27–30 March 2020). This event was associated with an anomalous circulation pattern leading to several days of PM10 (particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter less than 10 µm) exceedances in connection with a dust source located in central Asia; this is a rare source of dust for Europe, which is more frequently affected by dust outbreaks from the Sahara Desert. The synoptic meteorological configuration was analyzed in detail, and the aerosol evolution during the transit of the dust plume over northern Italy was assessed at high time resolution by means of optical particle counting at three stations, namely Bologna, Trieste, and Mt. Cimone, allowing for the revelation of the transport timing among the three locations. Back-trajectory analyses supported by Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS) maps allowed for the location of the mineral dust source area in the Aralkum region. Therefore, the event was analyzed by observing the particle number size distribution with the support of chemical composition analysis. It is shown that the PM10 exceedance recorded is associated with a large fraction of coarse particles, which is in agreement with mineral dust properties. Both the in situ number size distribution and the vertical distribution of the dust plume were cross-checked using lidar ceilometer and aerosol optical depth (AOD) data from two nearby stations and showed that the dust plume (in contrast to those originating from the Sahara Desert) traveled close to the ground (up to a height of about 2 km). The limited mixing layer height caused by high concentrations of absorbing and scattering aerosols caused the mixing of mineral dust with other locally produced ambient aerosols, thereby potentially increasing its morbidity effects.

COVID-19, the disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, is highly contagious. The persistence of the virus after infected individuals die remains unclear. This article reports the findings taken from postmortem nasopharyngeal swabs performed to investigate the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in the corpses transferred to the Genoa District Mortuary from the outset of the Italian lockdown (March 9) to the end of the first emergency phase (July 13). One hundred and eighty swabs were carried out: 13 corpses resulted positive for the virus, with the diagnosis being reached only after death. Seven were male and 6 female with an average age of 73.5 years old. The most frequent comorbidities recorded were arterial hypertension, diabetes, Alzheimer's, and pulmonary disease. In two cases, the swab tested positive at a distance of 125 h and 165 h from actual death. The nasopharyngeal swab results a useful way to screen corpses for COVID-19 and to handle bodies in Legal Medicine Centers where safe autoptic rooms are not available. Swabs are also a means of safeguarding forensic pathologists, identifying the presence of breeding grounds in the community and providing information for the Public Prosecutor's Office in legal cases. They are able to produce reliable results up to at least 7 days following death, provided that the corpse is correctly preserved.

Introduction Treatment of non‐acute subdural hematoma (NASDH) remains challenging due to recurrence ranging from 2–37%. Middle meningeal artery embolization (MMAe) has emerged as a minimally invasive procedure uniquely poised to improve outcomes in NASDH. The goal of this study is to evaluate the clinical and radiographic characteristics of patients undergoing MMAe for NASDH, and how outcomes for MMAe differ when utilized upfront, prophylactically, or as a salvage modality after surgical evacuation. Furthermore, we investigated how independent patient risk factors, such as oncologic history and anticoagulant/antiplatelet (ACAP) medication use, may impact MMAe and NASDH outcomes. Methods This prospective study followed patients undergoing MMAe for NASDH from 2016–2021. All patients were diagnosed with a NASDH on non‐contrast CT imaging and underwent MMAe by the lead neurosurgeon. The primary outcome was NASDH recurrence post‐MMAe requiring surgical evacuation, repeat MMAe, or both within the one‐year follow up period. Additional radiographic outcomes included reduction of hematoma width and midline shift at longest follow‐up. Subgroup analyses stratified outcomes by MMAe indication: upfront (previously untreated and nonoperative NASDH), prophylactic (MMAe 1–5 days after surgical evacuation), or salvage (individuals with radiographic and clinical NASDH recurrence). Outcomes among oncologic, coagulopathic, and ACAP patients were also assessed. The modified Rankin scale (mRS) quantified post‐MMAe clinical outcomes. Results A total of 236 NASDH patients underwent 294 MMAe. Of these, 115 (48.7%), 92 (39.0%), and 29 (12.3%) patients received upfront, prophylactic, and salvage MMAe, respectively. Upfront MMAe was performed more frequently than prophylactic and salvage for patients with co‐existing malignancy (29.6%, 12.0%, 20.7%; P < 0.01) and coagulopathy (17.4%, 4.3%, 10.3%; P = 0.01). Prophylactic MMAe was more commonly performed for subacute SDH compared with upfront or salvage (15.2%, 2.6%, 0%; P < 0.001); no differences in utilization were seen for chronic or acute on chronic SDH. Sixteen (5.4%) patients presented with hematoma recurrence after MMAe requiring repeat intervention, of which 5 (1.7%) received a craniotomy, 7 (2.4%) received repeat MMAe, and 4 (1.3%) underwent both MMAe and surgical evacuation. Risk of overall NASDH recurrence requiring re‐intervention did not differ among prophylactic, upfront, and salvage groups (6.5%, 7.0%, 6.9%; P > 0.99). Clinical outcomes did not differ between MMAe indications at longest follow‐up. Within the prophylactic group, radiographic and clinical outcomes were similar between MMAe paired with twist‐drill craniostomy or with craniotomy. Subgroup analysis revealed MMAe also effectively decreased NASDH recurrence in ACAP, oncologic, and coagulopathic patients. However, patients with both an oncologic history and concurrent ACAP use less frequently achieved improved clinical status at follow‐up compared with those harboring ACAP/coagulopathic history alone, oncologic history alone, or neither (31.4%, 45.9%, 50.0%, 57.3%; P = 0.049). Conclusions MMAe is emerging as a viable treatment for curtailing recurrence and improving NASDH outcomes, with similar clinical outcomes when performed prophylactically, upfront, or as salvage treatment. NASDH patients presenting with an oncologic history and concurrent ACAP use may be less likely to achieve improved clinical status after MMAe.

ABSTRACT The Cerrado represents the largest extension of savanna in South America. It occupies large stretches of central Brazil, being fragmented towards the Northeast, Southeast, and South regions of the country. Examples of disjunct patches of vegetation with savanna physiognomy within the Caatinga can be found in the Chapada Diamantina, the Chapada do Araripe, in small areas of southern Ceará State, and also in the coastal plains. This study recorded the floristic composition of four savannas within the Caatinga in northern Ceará State and evaluated the floristic relationships between these and other savannas, Cerrado and Caatinga sites. Periodic floristic collections recorded 247 species distributed among 162 genera and 55 families. Fifty-seven percent of the recorded species were of herbaceous or sub-shrubby habit, while the majority of the flora was of the therophytic life-form. Biogeographic analyses revealed that the study sites differ from typical Cerrado in flora and life-form spectra and have closer floristic relationships with Caatinga vegetation. The presence of floristic elements from the Cerrado, together with species from the Caatinga, in the study sites allows us to conclude that these savanna enclaves in the Caatinga are composed of a mixed flora with typical elements of these two Brazilian biomes.

Abstract The canga of the Serra dos Carajás, in Eastern Amazon, is home to a unique open plant community, harboring several endemic and rare species. Although a complete flora survey has been recently published, scarce to no genetic information is available for most plant species of the ironstone outcrops of the Serra dos Carajás. In this scenario, DNA barcoding appears as a fast and effective approach to assess the genetic diversity of the Serra dos Carajás flora, considering the growing need for robust biodiversity conservation planning in such an area with industrial mining activities. Thus, after testing eight different DNA barcode markers (matK, rbcL, rpoB, rpoC1, atpF‐atpH, psbK‐psbI, trnH‐psbA, and ITS2), we chose rbcL and ITS2 as the most suitable markers for a broad application in the regional flora. Here we describe DNA barcodes for 1,130 specimens of 538 species, 323 genera, and 115 families of vascular plants from a highly diverse flora in the Amazon basin, with a total of 344 species being barcoded for the first time. In addition, we assessed the potential of using DNA metabarcoding of bulk samples for surveying plant diversity in the canga. Upon achieving the first comprehensive DNA barcoding effort directed to a complete flora in the Brazilian Amazon, we discuss the relevance of our results to guide future conservation measures in the Serra dos Carajás.

Consalvo Mattia,1,2 Livio Luongo,3,4 Massimo Innamorato,5 Luca Melis,6 Michele Sofia,7 Lucia Zappi,8 Filomena Puntillo9,10 1Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Faculty of Pharmacy and Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Rome, Italy; 2Anesthesia, Intensive Care and Pain Unit, ICOT-Polo Pontino, Latina, Italy; 3Department of Experimental Medicine, Division of Pharmacology, University of Campania “L. Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy; 4NEUROMED, Pozzilli, Italy; 5Pain Therapy Unit, AUSL Romagna, S.M.Croci Hospital Ravenna, Ravenna, Italy; 6Poliste, Cagliari, Italy; 7Department of Palliative Care and Pain Therapy, ASST Rodhense, Garbagnate Milanese, Itlay; 8UOC Antalgic Therapy, Emergency and Acceptance Department, San Martino Polyclinic Hospital, Genoa, Italy; 9Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, “Aldo Moro” University of Bari, Bari, 70124, Italy; 10Anesthesia, Intensive Care and Pain Unit, Policlinico Hospital of Bari, Bari, 70124, ItalyCorrespondence: Consalvo MattiaDepartment of Medical and Surgical Science, University Sapienza, Corso della Repubblica, 79, Latina, 04100, ItalyTel +39 0773 6511Email consalvo.mattia@uniroma1.itPurpose: The aim of the present work was to evaluate the knowledge and prescriptive habits of clinicians involved in the management of chronic non cancer pain (CNCP), with a special focus on the use of opioids.Methods: A Delphi method was used. A Board of specialists elaborated and discussed a series of statements, based on available literature and personal clinical expertise, about particularly controversial topics on pain pathophysiology and treatment. A Panel of experts in the field of pain management, selected by the Board, was invited to vote the proposed statements, indicating the level of agreement on a 5-point Likert scale (1: strongly disagree; 2: disagree; 3: partially agree; 4: agree; 5: strongly agree). The threshold for consensus was set at minimum 66.6% of the number of respondents with a level of agreement ≥ 4 (Agree or Strongly agree).Results: The Board included 5 pain therapists, 1 pharmacologist and 1 methodology expert and drew up a total of 36 statements (for a total of 40 requested answers)”. A total of 100 clinicians were included in the Expert Panel. Respondents were 89 (89%). Consensus was achieved for 32 out of 40 answers. Most of the lack of consensus was recorded for statements regarding opioids use, and resulted from a low level of agreement (3 on the Likert scale), suggesting a neutral position deriving from a lack of knowledge rather than a strong contrary opinion.Conclusion: Most of the proposed items reached consensus, suggesting a generally homogeneous approach to CNCP management. However, the lack of consensus recorded for several items regarding opioid use confirms the need to fill important gaps in the knowledge of available agents. A clear explanation of the peculiar pharmacological properties of drugs associated with potential clinical advantages (such as buprenorphine) will help optimize pain treatment in both primary care and hospital settings and improving pain control in CNCP patients.Keywords: pain, chronic, non-oncological, strong opioids, buprenorphine, Delphi survey

BackgroundClear health disparities have emerged in the rates of COVID-19 exposure, hospitalization, and death among Black, Hispanic, and American Indian (BHAI) individuals, relative to non-Hispanic White (NHW) individuals. BHAI populations have been disproportionately affected by lower behavioral health access and heightened negative mental health outcomes during the pandemic. ObjectiveThis project directly addresses health disparities in access to behavioral health care during the COVID-19 pandemic among BHAI populations via an adaptation of the established, initially validated, low-cost, mobile app Easing Anxiety Sensitivity for Everyone (EASE) among individuals with symptoms of elevated anxiety or depression or both. MethodsThe EASE trial is a 2-arm, prospective, randomized, blinded-assessor study with intention-to-treat analysis. Participants (N=800; n=200, 25%, Black; n=200, 25%, Hispanic; n=200, 25%, American Indian; and n=200, 25%, NHW) are randomized to receive either EASE or an active comparison condition for anxiety and depression. Participants compete an online prescreener, an enrollment call to provide informed consent, a baseline survey, a 6-month intervention period, and 3- and 6-month postbaseline assessments. Select participants also complete a 3- and 6-month postbaseline qualitative interview via phone or an online platform (eg, Zoom). Participants complete 2 scheduled daily ecological momentary assessments (EMAs) during the 6-month study period. These twice-daily EMAs guide a just-in-time approach to immediate, personalized behavioral health care. ResultsOutcomes include reductions in anxiety and depressive symptoms and functional impairment at 3 and 6 months postrandomization. We also will examine putative mechanisms (eg, anxiety sensitivity [AS] and COVID-19–specific stress and fear) of the intervention effects. Further, as treatment effects may differ across sociocultural factors, perceived discrimination, social support, and socioeconomic status (SES) will be evaluated as potential moderators of treatment effects on the primary outcomes. Process evaluation using data collected during the study, as well as individual interviews with participants, will complement quantitative data. ConclusionsData from this efficacy trial will determine whether EASE successfully improves symptoms of anxiety and depression and whether these improvements outperform an active comparison control app. If successful, findings from this study have the potential to decrease anxiety and depression symptoms among vulnerable populations determined to be most at risk of exacerbated, long-lasting negative health sequelae. Data from this study may be used to support an implementation and dissemination trial of EASE within real-world behavioral health and social service settings. Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT05074693; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05074693 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)DERR1-10.2196/40713

The instructional process at most engineering courses often diverges from real situations, as the learning process moves from the simplest to the most complex problems. In undergraduate mechanical engineering courses, calculation of the operating parameters in a simple branch pumping system operating in transient regime, is a typical example of the gap between the classroom and the field. In the present work, an instructional toolbox is developed to implement a pre-existing analytic solution for this problem, together with a new semi-analytic solution. Those solutions differ by the fact that the former considers the friction factor f to be constant and the last one does not. The use of the toolbox in different applications of academic/industrial interest showed excellent results which is indicative of better knowledge transfer and offers opportunities for discussion and collaboration between students.

An authenticity study on Italian grape marc spirit was carried out by gas chromatography (GC) and chemometrics. A grape marc spirit produced in Italy takes the particular name of “grappa”, a product which has peculiar tradition and production in its country of origin. Therefore, the evaluation of its authenticity plays an important role for its consumption in Italy, as well as for its exportation all around the world. For the present work, 123 samples of grappa and several kinds of spirits were analyzed in their alcohol content by electronic densimetry, and in their volatile fraction by gas-chromatography with a flame-ionization detector. Part of these samples (94) was employed as a training set to compute a chemometric model (by linear discriminant analysis, LDA) and the other part (29 samples) was used as a test set to validate it. Finally, two grappa samples seized from the market by the Italian Customs and Monopolies Agency and considered suspicious due to their aroma reported as non-compliant were projected onto the LDA model to evaluate the compliance with the “grappa” class. A further one-class classification method by principal component analysis (PCA) was carried out to evaluate the compliance with other classes. Results showed that the suspicious samples were not recognized as belonging to any of the analyzed spirit classes, confirming the starting hypothesis that they could be grappa samples adulterated in some way.

Abstract Preserving culture heritage cellulose acetate-based historical films is a challenge due to the long-term instability of these complex materials and a lack of prediction models that can guide conservation strategies for each particular film. In this work, a cellulose acetate degradation model is proposed as the basis for the selection of appropriate strategies for storage and conservation for each specimen, considering its specific information. Due to the formulation complexity and diversity of cellulose acetate-based films produced over the decades, we hereby propose a hybrid modeling approach to describe the films degradation process. The problem is addressed by a hybrid model that uses as a backbone a first-principles based model to describe the degradation kinetics of the pure cellulose diacetate polymer. The mechanistic model was successfully adapted to fit experimental data from accelerated aging of plasticized films. The hybrid model considers then the specificity of each historical film via the development of two chemometric models. These models resource on gas release data, namely acetic acid, and descriptors of the films (manufacturing date, AD-strip value and film type) to assess the current polymer degradation state and estimate the increase in the degradation rate. These estimations are then conjugated with storage conditions (e.g., temperature and relative humidity, presence of adsorbent in the film’s box) and used to feed the mechanistic model to provide the required time degradation simulations. The developed chemometric models provided predictions with accuracy more than 87%. We have found that the storage archive as well as the manufacturing company are not determining factors for conservation but rather the manufacturing date, off gas data as well as the film type. In summary, this hybrid modeling was able to develop a practical tool for conservators to assess films conservation state and to design storage and conservation policies that are best suited for each cultural heritage film.

Inselbergs are azonal formations found scattered in different biomes globally. The first floristic list focusing on an inselberg in the Brazilian Amazon is presented here. We aimed to investigate floristic and phylogenetic connections among Neotropical inselbergs and analyze whether environmental variables act as a filter of plant lineages. We used a database compiled from 50 sites spanning three main Neotropical biomes (Amazon, 11 sites, Atlantic Forest, 14 sites, and Caatinga, 25 sites) comprising 2270 Angiosperm species. Our data highlight the vastly different inselberg flora found in each biome. The inselberg floras of the Atlantic Forest and Caatinga show closer phylogenetic ties than those seen in the other biome pairs. The phylogenetic lineages found in all three biomes are also strongly divergent, even within plant families. The dissimilarity between biomes suggests that distinct biogeographical histories might have unfolded even under comparable environmental filtering. Our data suggest that the inselberg flora is more related to the biome where it is located than to other factors, even when the microclimatic conditions in the outcrops differ strongly from those of the surrounding matrix. Relative to the other biomes, the flora of the Caatinga inselbergs has the highest level of species turnover. There is a possibility that plants colonized these rather distant inselbergs even when they were found under very different climatic conditions than those in the Amazonian and Atlantic Forest biomes. It is worth noting that none of the studied inselbergs found in the Caatinga biome is protected. In view of the uniqueness and drought-resilient lineages present in each group of inselbergs, along with their vulnerability to destruction or disturbance and their strong connection with water availability, we stress the need to protect this ecosystem not only to conserve plants potentially useful for ecological restoration but also to preserve the balance of this ecosystem and its connections.

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate dental impression accuracy of one-step and two-step techniques compared to a modified two-step technique. Methods: Four impression techniques were compared: (1) a one-step double mix (DM) technique, (2) a cut-out (CO) technique, in which space relief was created using a blade and a laboratory bur, (3) a membrane (ME) technique, in which space relief was created by placing a PVC membrane on top of the putty material during the primary impression, and (4) a wiggling motion (WI) technique, in which PVC membrane was placed and additional wiggling movements were performed during the first 20 s when the primary impression was seated upon the master model (MM). Impressions were poured with type IV stone. Casts were scanned with a laboratory scanner and measurements were made for each cast using three-dimensional analysis software. Results: All groups presented differences compared to MM group, in at least one intra-abutment distance. Groups DM and ME presented the most significant differences, in three and two distances, respectively, whereas CO and WI presented one significant different distance compared to MM. There were no differences between MM and the four techniques for inter-abutment distances. Conclusions: WI yielded similar results with CO technique. Both performed better than the other groups.

A phylogenetic study of Uebelmannia investigates the relationships of a newly discovered taxon in this enigmatic, early‐diverging genus that is sister to all the other c. 460 species of tribe Cereeae. Here we present a coalescent‐based phylogenetic tree inferred with nuclear genes captured by the Cactaceae591 probe set encompassing all Uebelmannia species. The new taxon U. nuda is sister to U. pectinifera, while U. gummifera and U. buiningii form another pair of closely related species. The unusual characteristics of the new cactus (semi‐subterranean/geophytic habit, turbinate stem, naked areoles) distinguish it from all other Uebelmannia species. The definition of the relationships within this early‐derived genus endemic to the campo rupestre of Minas Gerais State became more evident, and this new find adds to the importance of this biogeographic province for the evolution of tribe Cereeae. The new species is described, and a preliminary conservation assessment is presented. Additionally, a key for all taxa of the genus is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spontaneous spinal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks are uncommon but can be neurologically debilitating. When initial treatments fail, definitive repair or closure of the leak is indicated. Depending upon the type of leak present, innovative strategies for their treatment have been developed. Among them are open surgical techniques using a transdural approach for the closure of ventral CSF leaks, minimally invasive tubular techniques for the reduction and repair of lateral meningeal diverticula, and endovascular embolization of CSF-venous fistulas. Illustrative cases demonstrating the indications for and implementation of these techniques are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Head and neck paragangliomas (HNPs) have been associated with gene mutations in the succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) complex, but the clinical significance remains unclear. We sought to explore the demographics, clinical characteristics, treatment methods, and outcomes of SDH‐mutated HNPs. Methods: Databases were systematically searched. Pooled event ratio and relative 95% confidence intervals were calculated for dichotomous outcomes. Meta‐regression was performed. Cochran's Q test and I2 test assessed heterogeneity. Funnel plot and Egger's regression test assessed publication bias. Results: Forty‐two studies with 8849 patients were included. Meta‐regression revealed a significant correlation between multifocality and SDHD mutations (0.03 ± 0.006, p < 0.0001) and between distant metastases and SDHB mutations (0.06 ± 0.023, p = 0.008). There was no correlation between sex, age, tumor size, or familial occurrences and SDH‐related mutations. Conclusion: Multifocality of HNPs correlates with the SDHD mutational subtype, and metastases correlate with the SDHB subtype. Knowledge of HNP phenotypes associated with SDH‐related mutations has the potential to influence the management approach to such HNPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]