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An overview of the main problems in collection, storage, processing and analysis of data obtained by camera traps is conducted. Basing on reviewed national papers related to this theme, the conclusion is drawn that there is need for a detailed description of methodological approaches and tools for data processing in national studies. The most common software among foreign researchers for camera trap data processing in biodiversity studies and conservation projects is presented. An overview of thematic software such as Photospread, Aardwolf, CameraTrapManager, MapView, CameraBase and DeskTEAM is provided. Advantages and disadvantages, as well as working methods are detailed in the study. The principles of image metadata storage, methods of extraction and processing are considered. Comparative analysis of the different software and approaches to use camera traps as a method of zoological research are provided. General recommendations regarding their use in protected areas are provided, illustrated by studies conducted in the Central Forest Reserve. The key characteristics of software for camera traps that should be considered when choosing a specific solution are identified. Primary characteristics are the ability to import all image metadata, quick and easy tagging, export to the majority of formats. Wishes to improve and discuss methodological approaches among national researchers are expressed. Despite a large variety of available technical means, the need to develop national software for working with camera trap data is separately noted. All listed software items are provided with download hyperlinks, and user's manual hyperlinks.

Abstract Background Non-invasive and high-throughput monitoring of drought in plants from its initiation to visible symptoms is essential to quest drought tolerant varieties. Among the existing methods, chlorophyll a fluorescence (ChlF) imaging has the potential to probe systematic changes in photosynthetic reactions; however, prerequisite of dark-adaptation limits its use for high-throughput screening. Results To improve the throughput monitoring of plants, we have exploited their light-adaptive strategy, and investigated possibilities of measuring ChlF transients under low ambient irradiance. We found that the ChlF transients and associated parameters of two contrasting Arabidopsis thaliana accessions, Rsch and Co, give almost similar information, when measured either after ~20 min dark-adaptation or in the presence of half of the adaptive growth-irradiance. The fluorescence parameters, effective quantum yield of PSII photochemistry (ΦPSII) and fluorescence decrease ratio (R FD) resulting from this approach enabled us to differentiate accessions that is often not possible by well-established dark-adapted fluorescence parameter maximum quantum efficiency of PSII photochemistry (F V/F M). Further, we screened ChlF transients in rosettes of well-watered and drought-stressed six A. thaliana accessions, under half of the adaptive growth-irradiance, without any prior dark-adaptation. Relative water content (RWC) in leaves was also assayed and compared to the ChlF parameters. As expected, the RWC was significantly different in drought-stressed from that in well-watered plants in all the six investigated accessions on day-10 of induced drought; the maximum reduction in the RWC was obtained for Rsch (16%), whereas the minimum reduction was for Co (~7%). Drought induced changes were reflected in several features of ChlF transients; combinatorial images obtained from pattern recognition algorithms, trained on pixels of image sequence, improved the contrast among drought-stressed accessions, and the derived images were well-correlated with their RWC. Conclusions We demonstrate here that ChlF transients and associated parameters measured even in the presence of low ambient irradiance preserved its features comparable to that of measured after dark-adaptation and discriminated the accessions having differential geographical origin; further, in combination with combinatorial image analysis tools, these data may be readily employed for early sensing and mapping effects of drought on plant’s physiology via easy and fully non-invasive means.

Key points of using non-invasive methods for evaluating myocardial ischemia (exercise electrocardiogram, stress echocardiography, single photon emission computed tomography and myocardial perfusion imaging with stress-test) in clinical practice to determine the functional significance of intermediate coronary artery stenoses (50-70% of the vascular lumen) are discussed in the review.

Background As a landscape architect and a major seed disperser, the lowland tapir (Tapirus terrestris) is an important indicator of the ecological health of certain habitats. Therefore, reliable data regarding tapir populations are fundamental in understanding ecosystem dynamics, including those associated with the Atlantic Forest in Brazil. Currently, many population monitoring studies use invasive tagging with radio or satellite/Global Positioning System (GPS) collars. These techniques can be costly and unreliable, and the immobilization required carries physiological risks that are undesirable particularly for threatened and elusive species such as the lowland tapir. Methods We collected data from one of the last regions with a viable population of lowland tapir in the south-eastern Atlantic Forest, Brazil, using a new non-invasive method for identifying species, the footprint identification technique (FIT). Results We identified the minimum number of tapirs in the study area and, in addition, we observed that they have overlapping ranges. Four hundred and forty footprints from 46 trails collected from six locations in the study area in a landscape known to contain tapir were analyzed, and 29 individuals were identified from these footprints. Discussion We demonstrate a practical application of FIT for lowland tapir censusing. Our study shows that FIT is an effective method for the identification of individuals of a threatened species, even when they lack visible natural markings on their bodies. FIT offers several benefits over other methods, especially for tapir management. As a non-invasive method, it can be used to census or monitor species, giving rapid feedback to managers of protected areas.

The parasites of the genus Spirometra belong to one of the twelve genera of the family Diphyllobothriidae, with several species of zoonotic importance whose definitive hosts are carnivorous mammals. In Argentina, few reports have described these parasites in wild carnivores. Morphological studies of the adult stage obtained from necropsy allow the distinction between Diphyllobothrium and Spirometra. A less invasive method of identification is the analysis of the parasite eggs; however, the morphometric similarities between close genera and species and alterations in egg preservation affect the identification. In Argentina, molecular tools have been used as a non-invasive and accurate method to increase the information about Spirometra and to improve its identification. In the present study, DNA was extracted from Spirometra eggs from Pampas foxes and a 450-bp fragment of the mitochondrial cytochrome C oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) gene was sequenced. The sequence obtained, which is the first Spirometra DNA sequence from Argentina, was deposited at GenBank. Comparison by BLASTN analysis between the sequence obtained and the sequences from GenBank showed 93 % identity with S. proliferum and 89% with S. erinaceieuropaei.

Since the first evidence demonstrating the dramatically high incidence of H. pylori infection and the subsequent medical challenges it incurs, health management of H. pylori infection has been a high priority for health authorities worldwide. Despite a decreasing rate of infection in western countries, prevalence of H. pylori infection in developing and in some industrial countries is still very high. Whereas treatment and vaccination against H. pylori is a contemporary issue in medical communities, selective treatment and prior high-throughput screening of the subject population is a major concern of health organizations. So far, diagnostic tests are either elaborative and require relatively advanced medical care infrastructure or they do not fulfill the criteria recommended by the Maastricht IV/Florence consensus report. In this review, in light of recent scientific studies, we highlight current and possible future approaches for the diagnosis of H. pylori. We point out that novel non-invasive tests may not only cover the requirements of gold standard methods in H. pylori detection but also offer the potential for risk stratification of infection in a high throughput manner.

The Earth's biodiversity is currently experiencing immense pressure from habitat loss, overexploitation, global climate change, and invasive species, which escalate the global extinction crisis. Comprehensive knowledge of the extent and impact of biodiversity loss is therefore critical for determining species vulnerability and prioritizing conservation goals. An integral part of wildlife conservation research and management is nowadays genetic sampling. Animal DNA has been traditionally obtained invasively, from blood or other tissues, however public concerns over animal welfare require that animals are affected as little as possible during research. One of the ways to minimize the impact on wildlife animal welfare is to use noninvasive genetic sampling. Even though non-invasive genetic sampling techniques have been developed for many animal species, it is not clear how often they are being implemented. Here, I present an overview of recently published articles on genetics in amphibians, birds, carnivores, molluscs and rodents, for which I examined whether they used a lethal, invasive or non-invasive DNA sampling technique. Disappointingly, only 22% of the identified relevant studies implemented the available non-invasive genetic sampling method. I conclude highlighting the need for better implementation of non-invasive DNA collection methods in wildlife research through raising awareness, increasing financial support, and introducing more stringent criteria for obtaining research permits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: Non-invasive fibrosis assessment has been highly recommended in many liver diseases. However, comparative diagnostic accuracy of laboratory markers, ultrasound and magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) for fibrosis in autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) patients has not been established.Methods: Medline, Embase and Cochrane Library were searched. Primary outcome was significant fibrosis (SF), advanced fibrosis (AF) and cirrhosis, defined as Metavir stage F ≥ 2, F ≥ 3 and F = 4 according to liver biopsy. Hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) model was used to evaluate diagnostic accuracy of non-invasive methods. Summary area under ROC (AUROC) and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation system was used to assess quality of evidence.Results: Overall, 16 studies with 861 patients were included, comparing aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index (APRI), fibrosis-4 index (FIB-4), aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase ratio, transient elastography (TE), acoustic radiation force impulse, shear wave elastography and MRE versus liver biopsy. Among all non-invasive markers, TE had good performance for fibrosis staging. Summary AUROCs and DORs of TE were 0.90 (95% CI 0.87, 0.92) and 23.7, 0.91 (95% CI 0.89, 0.93) and 31.6, 0.89 (95% CI 0.86, 0.92) and 80.5 for staging SF, AF and cirrhosis, whereas APRI and FIB-4 showed poor performance for detecting AF (DOR, 4.6 and 4.7) and cirrhosis (DOR, 5.5 and 12.9).Conclusions: TE performs well to stage liver fibrosis in patients with AIH, compared with other laboratory non-invasive indexes. Nevertheless, diagnostic accuracy of APRI and FIB-4 is poor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was conducted to identify and select potato genotypes with high demand to abiotic stress. Field experiments were carried out in the year 2018 at the National Institute of Research and Development for Potato and Sugar Beet Brasov, Romania. SPAD values, as indicators of chlorophyll content from leaves are of particular importance in comparing the vegetation status of the plants. NDVI provides a estimation of the health of vegetation and represent a tool to monitor the changes during the growing season and remains the most well known and used index to detect green plants canopia using multispectral data. Close correlations were found, statistical provided between SPAD, NDVI and plant measurements carried out in the context of the two dynamics and to the final production. The average level of production of tested genotypes was of 47.8 t/ha. It has been influenced by the climatic and soil specific conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Three indirect non-invasive methods are applied to detect the onset of fouling. • Two of the three methods can effectively detect the onset of fouling in a LAMEE. • The slope method is the most sensitive of the three methods. • A high moisture transfer rate through a membrane accelerates the initiation of fouling. • Fouling is detected earlier in the membrane with lower vapor diffusion resistance. Abstract Liquid-to-air membrane energy exchangers (LAMEEs) use semi-permeable membranes and are designed to transfer heat and moisture between air and liquid streams in heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems. However, crystallization fouling in membranes is possible in practical HVAC applications, and this may lead to severe degradation in the performance of LAMEEs. The main aim of this paper is to apply three indirect non-invasive methods to detect the onset of crystallization fouling in a LAMEE. The methods are used to detect fouling by analyzing experimental measurements of moisture flux and moisture transfer resistance. The experimental tests involve dehydrating varying concentrations of MgCl 2 (aq) desiccant solutions using two types of membrane with different vapor diffusion resistances (VDRs). The results confirm that two of the three methods can effectively detect the onset of crystallization fouling in the LAMEE. Thus, the methods can be used for online monitoring of operating LAMEEs in order to timely identify the initiation of fouling. The results also show that the membrane with a lower VDR produces a higher moisture flux which leads to a higher degree of fouling than the membrane with higher VDR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the complex and multiform panorama of the Asian heritage, Tibetan Buddhist sacred texts are tangible evidence of an ancient religious tradition. The historical value and fragility of these unique and priceless works of art, together with an increased awareness of the importance of preserving our cultural heritage, has prompted the use of non-invasive analytical techniques to the study of these ancient religious items. In particular, the present work aims to characterize inks and pigments of two ancient Tibetan manuscripts part of the collection of the Museum of Natural History, Department of Anthropology, in Florence (IT). A combination of portable microphotography, X-ray fluorescence (XRF), and UV-Vis-NIR fiber optic reflectance spectroscopy (FORS) was used for in situ investigation of all the most significant painted area appearing in the manuscripts. Information about the preparatory substrate, the pigments, and the metal inks were gained. A step forward a better understanding of the working methods applied by the artists was made, thus contributing significantly towards the planning of the most appropriate conservation-restoration procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sampling wild animal populations using non-invasive techniques is advised when dealing with threatened species. Hair samples provide ecological information like species and individual identification. However, hair trapping is scarcely used in otters, due to their aquatic habits. Most studies are with captive individuals, so there is the need to test non-invasive hair trapping methods in otters in the wild. The aim of this study was to develop a simple and cost-effective method to collect hair from otter species in a non-invasive way. The study was carried out in the Paranapanema River, São Paulo State, Brazil, with the Neotropical otter (Lontra longicaudis Olfers, 1818), a protected species. Hair traps (wooden sticks and tree roots with adhesive tape or wax bands) were set during six nights on river banks, otter trails and scent-marking sites. Traps were baited with otter fresh spraints from other river locations. From the 23 traps, 10 (43.7%) were successful in collecting otter hairs, mostly guard-hair. The sticks were much more efficient than the roots at capturing otter hair (70.6.% vs. 0%) as well as adhesive tape when compared to wax (71.4% vs. 0%). Method simplicity and efficiency suggest that it can be a cost-effective way for collecting otter hairs without the need for capturing individuals. This method can be used for: assessment of local otter distribution; collecting otter hair samples for sex and individual identification (by molecular analysis), trophic ecology (by isotopic analyses), ecotoxicology (by contamination analysis) or behaviour ecology (by hormonal and stress levels analysis). More trapping campaigns should be implemented to further test the method's efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study in which two historic violins Vesuvio c.1727 made by Antonio Stradivari and Carlo IX c.1566 made by Andrea Amati were analysed by non-invasive methods with the aim to check the suitability of these methods by different analytical techniques. It included monitoring of optical and physical/chemical properties like analysis of UltraViolet-induced fluorescence images, comparison of histograms, Colorimetric analysis and continous monitoring of microclimate parameters.

Background: Development of oesophageal varices is a major complication that may occur in up to 90% of cirrhotic patients. The endoscopic screening is an invasive procedure. This is why the selection of patients with large oesophageal varices at high risk for bleeding has become an issue of growing importance. In this respect, several clinical, biochemical, ultrasonographic and elastrogarphic (transient elastography-TE) methods have been proposed (and some of them validated) as noninvasive alternatives to endoscopy. Objectives: It was to evaluate transient elastography by fibroscan in the prediction and determination of the grade of esophageal varices in cirrhotic patients due to chronic hepatitis c virus (HCV) infection with or without bilharziasis. Patients and Methods: Sixty Egyptian patients with body mass index (BMI) <35, no history of: upper gastrointestinal tract (GIT) bleeding, hepatocellular carcinoma, moderate and tense ascites or any other cause of liver cirrhosis. The patients were divided into two groups: Group I included thirty patients with liver cirrhosis due to HCV infection only. Group II included thirty patients with liver cirrhosis due to HCV infection associated with bilharziasis. The patients were subjected to: 1) Thorough history taking. 2) Detailed clinical examination. 3) Laboratory tests. 4) Abdominal ultrasound. 5) Rectal snip for diagnosis of bilharziasis. 6) Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. 7) fibroscan. Results: Regarding fibroscan in both groups, the mean values of fibroscan were lower in patients without esophageal varices than patients with esophageal varices or with large esophageal varices with statistically high significant differences (p<0.01). Regarding fibroscan in group I, the mean values of fibroscan were lower in patients without esophageal varices than patients with small esophageal varices with statistically high significant differences (p<0.01). But in group II, the mean values of fibroscan were lower in patients without esophageal varices than patients with small esophageal varices with statistically non significant differences (p > 0.05). In both groups, the mean values of fibroscan were lower in patients with small esophageal varices than patients with large esophageal varices with statistically non significant differences (p > 0.05). Conclusion: fibroscan is valuable in predicting the presence of esophageal varices and large esophageal varices in patients with post HCV liver cirrhosis with or without bilharziasis but couldnot predict the grade of esophageal varices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Barreiro is an urban county located in the Lisbon metropolitan area (Portugal) with several hazardous industrial facilities. This area shows a moderate seismicity, but due to its geotectonic location, it has been subject in the past to earthquakes responsible for high social and economic losses. Earthquakes that occurred in 1531 (Mw ≈ 6.6), 1755 (M ≥ 8) and 1909 (Mw ≈ 6) are examples of destructive events that hit Barreiro. In this study, we present an analysis of ambient vibration measurements together with local geology and geotechnical properties of the shallower units. Horizontal‐to‐vertical spectral ratio (H/V) computed from ambient vibrations, shear wave velocity profiles, and VS30 value distributions were compared with the geological and geotechnical properties of the shallower units, looking for potential site effects. Geotechnical characterisation was based on the analysis of 289 logs and 1109 Standard Penetration Tests. A total of 214 refraction microtremor measurements were performed, obtaining VS profiles and VS30 values for 34 different sites. The results from ambient vibration records carried out at 136 sites (Vicêncio, Teves‐Costa and Sá Caetano) were also used. Spatial distributions of VS profiles, VS30 values, the thickness of the shallow formations, the number of blows from Standard Penetration Tests (NSPT values), and H/V peak frequencies are presented and discussed. Correlations between these parameters were established. Three areas prone to seismic amplification, for frequencies between 2.5 Hz to 8 Hz, were identified. Ground classification was performed according to Eurocode 8 using the estimated values. The results will be made available to the Barreiro municipality for support of land and emergency planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A liquid-to-air membrane energy exchanger (LAMEE) is a new development for air-conditioning that facilitates the exchange of heat and moisture between air and liquid streams, through a semi-permeable membrane. However, fouling may occur in the membrane and severely lower the performance of a LAMEE. The primary aim of this study is to develop a test facility and use non-invasive methods to detect crystallization fouling in membranes. The fouling detection methods, which consist of an uncertainty analysis and a statistical test, are applied to confirm or reject the occurrence of fouling in a LAMEE for several tests in which MgCl 2 (aq) desiccant solution is dehydrated for approximately 12 h. The results indicate that crystallization fouling can be detected in a LAMEE with the methods presented. Crystallization fouling was found to reduce the rate of moisture transfer through the membrane by up to 60%. Furthermore, a major contribution of this paper is that reducing the rate of moisture transfer through a membrane can delay crystallization fouling in a LAMEE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: As a landscape architect and a major seed disperser, the lowland tapir (Tapirus terrestris) is an important indicator of the ecological health of certain habitats. Therefore, reliable data regarding tapir populations are fundamental in understanding ecosystem dynamics, including those associated with the Atlantic Forest in Brazil. Currently, many population monitoring studies use invasive tagging with radio or satellite/Global Positioning System (GPS) collars. These techniques can be costly and unreliable, and the immobilization required carries physiological risks that are undesirable particularly for threatened and elusive species such as the lowland tapir. Methods: We collected data from one of the last regions with a viable population of lowland tapir in the south-eastern Atlantic Forest, Brazil, using a new non-invasive method for identifying species, the footprint identification technique (FIT). Results: We identified the minimum number of tapirs in the study area and, in addition, we observed that they have overlapping ranges. Four hundred and forty footprints from 46 trails collected from six locations in the study area in a landscape known to contain tapir were analyzed, and 29 individuals were identified from these footprints. Discussion: We demonstrate a practical application of FIT for lowland tapir censusing. Our study shows that FIT is an effective method for the identification of individuals of a threatened species, even when they lack visible natural markings on their bodies. FIT offers several benefits over other methods, especially for tapir management. As a non-invasive method, it can be used to census or monitor species, giving rapid feedback to managers of protected areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to produce and characterize an oil in water (O/W) nanoemulsion containing Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill hydroglycolic extract, as well as evaluate its preliminary and accelerated thermal stability and moisturizing efficacy. The formulations containing 0.5% of xanthan gum (FX) and 0.5% of xanthan gum and 1% of Opuntia ficus-indica Mill extract (FXE) were white, homogeneous and fluid in aspect. Both formulations were stable during preliminary and accelerated stability tests. FX and FXE presented a pH compatible to skin pH (4.5–6.0); droplet size varying from 92.2 to 233.6 nm; a polydispersion index (PDI) around 0.200 and a zeta potential from −26.71 to −47.01 mV. FXE was able to increase the water content of the stratum corneum for 5 h after application on the forearm. The O/W nanoemulsions containing 1% of Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill extract presented suitable stability for at least for 60 days. Besides, this formulation was able to increase the water content of stratum corneum, showing its moisturizing efficacy.

Abstract The pampas deer (Ozotoceros bezoarticus) is close to being classified as ‘globally threatened’, with the largest population occurring in the Brazilian Pantanal. Since capture is stressful to these animals, non-invasive sampling methods such as the use of feces can provide reliable sources of DNA. The aim of this study was to use fecal samples to evaluate the genetic variability of the Brazilian Pantanal population of pampas deer. Six heterologous microsatellite markers were used to screen 142 stool specimens. Seventy-four deer were identified, of which 50 adults were used to determine the genetic characteristics of the population. The Pantanal population showed high genetic diversity (mean number of alleles per locus = 11.5, expected heterozygosity = 0.75). This is the first investigation to characterize a South American deer species using fecal DNA and demonstrates the usefulness and efficiency of this approach, as well as the feasibility of obtaining information that could not have been easily obtained by traditional DNA sampling. Our findings suggest that management strategies for this species may be much more effective if applied now when the population still shows high genetic variability.

Objective:Detecting significant fibrosis and cirrhosis remains important in treatment and follow-up of patients with chronic hepatitis C Infection (CHC). The aim of this study was to assess the ability of PRO-C3 to identify significant fibrosis (Ishak score ≥3) and cirrhosis (Ishak score ≥5) both as a single test and as a part of algorithms. Materials and methods:PRO-C3 was assessed in baseline samples from the NORDynamIC trial. 270 patients were stratified into groups according to baseline biopsy. Baseline APRI, FIB-4 and GUCI scores were available for comparison in 232 patients. Results:PRO-C3 increased with Ishak scores (p = .001). Area under the curve (AUC) for significant fibrosis was 0.75 (95% CI 0.68–0.81) and 0.76 (95% CI 0.68–0.84) for cirrhosis. FIB-4, APRI and GUCI had similar AUCs. In a PRO-C3 algorithm including age, platelet count, body mass index (BMI) and international normalised ratio (INR), the diagnostic efficacy improved to 0.85 (CI 0.80–0.89) and 0.90 (IQR 0.84–0.96) for significant fibrosis and cirrhosis, respectively. Conclusions:In our study, PRO-C3 was an independent predictor of fibrosis stage, and may play an important role in managing CHC patients. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The age interval of 18-35 brings together a lot of patients with morpho-functional particularities which decisively influence the therapeutic approach in the field of partial edentation, aspect which includes the correlation of these parameters with the general condition. The aim of this study quantifies the contribution of the non invasive and minimally invasive methods of paraclinical evaluation corroborated with the clinical aspects, a particularly important element being represented by the inter-relation between the general condition – oral pathology. The study group was represented by patients with ages between 18 and 35 years, diagnosed with partial edentation, with various problems of the general condition. The non-invasive therapy and the minimally invasive therapy of diagnostic govern the territory of the adolescent stomatology, determining statistically significant correlations between the general condition reflected in the thermographic trajectories and the oral pathology supported by the classic paraclinical examinations in dental medicine.

Background: Liver cirrhosis is the fourth cause of death in adults in Western countries, with complications of portal hypertension being responsible for most casualties. In order to reduce mortality, development of accurate diagnostic methods for early diagnosis, effective etiologic treatment, improved pharmacological therapy for portal hypertension, and effective therapies for end-stage liver failure are required.Discussion: Early detection of cirrhosis and portal hypertension is now possible using simple non-invasive methods, leading to the advancement of individualized risk stratification in clinical practice. Despite previous assumptions, cirrhosis can regress if its etiologic cause is effectively removed. Nevertheless, while this is now possible for cirrhosis caused by chronic hepatitis C, the incidence of cirrhosis due to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis has increased dramatically and effective therapies are not yet available. New drugs acting on the dynamic component of hepatic vascular resistance are being studied and will likely improve the future management of portal hypertension.Conclusion: Cirrhosis is now seen as a dynamic disease able to progress and regress between the compensated and decompensated stages. This opinion article aims to provide the author's personal view of the current major advances and challenges in this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carnivores are one of the taxa most affected by habitat fragmentation and human persecution; as a result, most carnivore species are declining; for this reason monitoring changes in carnivore population is paramount to plan effective conservation programs. Despite being one of the most threatened habitat, arid environment are often neglected and the carnivore species living in this environment are generally poorly studied. We conducted a pilot study to survey the carnivore guild in the St Katherine Protectorate, the largest Egyptian national park and a hotspot for biodiversity and conservation in an arid environments. Three species were detected using both camera trapping and morphological identification of scats: Red fox, Striped hyena and Arabian wolf, while through genetic analysis we were able to confirm the presence of Blandford fox as well. Arabian wolf appeared to be the most elusive and rarer species and should be a conservation priority. We also provide guidelines for a monitoring program: we estimated that a survey period of 8–10 weeks would be enough to detect foxes and hyenas with a 95% probability, but it would take at least 26 weeks to detect the presence of wolves. This is the first comprehensive carnivore survey in South Sinai and provides an important baseline for future studies in this unique hyper-arid environment at the conjunction between the African and Eurasian continents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and rationale. Many different non-invasive methods have been studied with the purpose of staging liver fibrosis. The objective of this study was verifying if transient elastography is superior to aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index for staging fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis C. Material and methods. A systematic review with meta-analysis of studies which evaluated both non-invasive tests and used biopsy as the reference standard was performed. A random-effects model was used, anticipating heterogeneity among studies. Diagnostic odds ratio was the main effect measure, and summary receiver operating characteristic curves were created. A sensitivity analysis was planned, in which the meta-analysis would be repeated excluding each study at a time. Results. Eight studies were included in the meta-analysis. Regarding the prediction of significant fibrosis, transient elastography and aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index had diagnostic odds ratios of 11.70 (95% confidence interval = 7.13-19.21) and 8.56 (95% confidence interval = 4.90-14.94) respectively. Concerning the prediction of cirrhosis, transient elastography and aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index had diagnostic odds ratios of 66.49 (95% confidence interval = 23.71- 186.48) and 7.47 (95% confidence interval = 4.88-11.43) respectively. Conclusion. In conclusion, there was no evidence of significant superiority of transient elastography over aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index regarding the prediction of significant fibrosis, but the former proved to be better than the latter concerning prediction of cirrhosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bank vole is a commonly used model species in behavioral and ecophysiological studies. Thus, presenting a validated method for noninvasive monitoring of corticosterone and testosterone secretion is of high relevance. Here, we evaluated the effect of time of day and an ACTH challenge test on measured fecal corticosterone (FCM) and testosterone (FTM) metabolites in both sexes. Furthermore, we performed radiometabolism experiments for both steroids and sexes to study metabolism and excretion of 3 H-corticosterone and 3 H-testosterone. FCM and FTM were analysed with a 5α-pregnane-3β,11β,21-triol-20-one enzyme immunoassay (EIA) and a testosterone (measuring 17β-hydroxyandrostanes) EIA, respectively. Males had significantly higher FCM levels than females and their main excretion route was via the feces (∼72%), whereas females excreted nearly equal portions in both feces and urine. For testosterone the main excretion route was via the feces in both sexes (∼80%). The time course of excretion was similar in both sexes, but for the first time a significant difference between injected steroids was found: Corticosterone was excreted faster than testosterone, both in urine (median of peak levels: 4 h vs 6 h) and feces (6 h vs 8 h). Several metabolites were present in the feces and the tested EIAs reacted with some of them. Time of day had a significant effect on measured fecal steroid metabolites. As expected, males had significantly higher FTM levels than females. ACTH administration significantly increased FCM values; peaks were observed 4–8 h after injection. In conclusion, both tested EIAs proved suited for a noninvasive measurement of glucocorticoids and androgens in bank voles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Liver stiffness measured by transient elastgraphy correlates with Hepatic vein pressure gradient, liver Stiffness value of 21 kpa predicts significant portal hypertension. Aim is to predict esophageal varices presence by fibroscan and possible grading by degree of liver stiffness in HCV related cirrhotic patients. Material and Methods: Thirty two HCV related cirrhotic patients were recruited, age > 18 years, BMI< 35, no history of: upper GI bleeding, hepatocellular carcinoma, abdominal collaterals, ascites. Patients underwent clinical examination, laboratory investigations, abdominal ultrasonography, upper endoscopy and fibroscan. They divided into (Group I= no varices, Group II =small varices (Grade 1 & 2), Group III = large varices (Grade 3 & 4). Results: Age is higher in Group III than I & II (55+6.6 vs 49.5+4.7 & 48.9+4.7, p-value 0.04) respectively, Groups were gender & BMI matched, fibroscan values in Group I vs II & III were 27 Vs 49.4, p value 0.01, cutoff 29.7 Kpa (sensitivity 95% & specificity 67%) while its value in Group II vs III were 38.4 vs 60.4, p value 0.002, cutoff 38.2 Kpa (sensitivity 100% & specificity77.3%). Platelet count, splenic size, platelet count/splenic size in Group I vs II & III were 107.166 vs 72.900, 13.8 vs 15.4, 803.6 vs 478, p value 0.01, 0.008, 0.005, cutoff 80.000, 14.5, 545, sensitivity & specificity (85%&75%, 75%&75%, 85%&84%) respectively. On multivariate analysis fibroscan (OR 1.113; p=0.005) & platelet count/splenic size (OR 0.995; p=0.012) were positive predictors of esophageal varices presence. Conclusion: Fibroscan is a good non-invasive method to predict esophageal varices presence & possible grading with high sensitivity.

Background Providing the context for the evolution of life-history traits, habitat features constrain successful ecological and physiological strategies. In vertebrates, a key response to life’s challenges is the activation of the Stress (HPA) and Gonadal (HPG) axes. Much of the interest in stress ecology is motivated by the desire to understand the physiological mechanisms in which the environment affects fitness. As reported in the literature, several intrinsic and extrinsic factors affect variability in hormone levels. In both social and non-social animals, the frequency and type of interaction with conspecifics, as well as the status in social species, can affect HPA axis activity, resulting in changes in the reproductive success of animals. We predicted that a social environment can affect both guanaco axes by increasing the secretion of testosterone (T) and Glucocorticoid (GCs) in response to individual social interactions and the energetic demands of breeding. Assuming that prolonged elevated levels of GCs over time can be harmful to individuals, it is predicted that the HPA axis suppresses the HPG axis and causes T levels to decrease, as GCs increase. Methods All of the data for individuals were collected by non-invasive methods (fecal samples) to address hormonal activities. This is a novel approach in physiological ecology because feces are easily obtained through non-invasive sampling in animal populations. Results As expected, there was a marked adrenal (p-value = .3.4e−12) and gonadal (p-value = 0.002656) response due to seasonal variation in Lama guanicoe. No significant differences were found in fecal GCs metabolites between males/females*season for the entire study period (p-value = 0.2839). Despite the seasonal activity variation in the hormonal profiles, our results show a positive correlation (p-value = 1.952e−11, COR = 0.50) between the adrenal and gonadal system. The marked endocrine (r2 = 0.806) and gonad (r2 = 0.7231) response due to seasonal variation in male guanaco individuals highlights the individual’s energetic demands according to life-history strategies. This is a remarkable result because no inhibition was found between the axes as theory suggests. Finally, the dataset was used to build a reactive scope model for guanacos. Discussion Guanacos cope with the trade-off between sociability and reproductive benefits and costs, by regulating their GCs and T levels on a seasonal basis, suggesting an adaptive role of both axes to different habitat pressures. The results presented here highlight the functional role of stress and gonad axes on a critical phase of a male mammal’s life—the mating period—when all of the resources are at the disposal of the male and must be used to maximize the chances for reproductive success.

The age interval of 18-35 brings together a lot of patients with morpho-functional particularities which decisively influence the therapeutic approach in the field of partial edentation, aspect which includes the correlation of these parameters with the general condition. The aim of this study quantifies the contribution of the non invasive and minimally invasive methods of paraclinical evaluation corroborated with the clinical aspects, a particularly important element being represented by the inter-relation between the general condition – oral pathology. The study group was represented by patients with ages between 18 and 35 years, diagnosed with partial edentation, with various problems of the general condition. The non-invasive therapy and the minimally invasive therapy of diagnostic govern the territory of the adolescent stomatology, determining statistically significant correlations between the general condition reflected in the thermographic trajectories and the oral pathology supported by the classic paraclinical examinations in dental medicine.

Anthropogenic climate change threatens water storage and supply in the periglacial critical zone. Rock glaciers are widely distributed alpine aquifers with slower response to temperature increases, that provide the summer water flow of many alpine streams. Knowing the extent and makeup of rock glaciers is necessary to evaluate their potential for water supply. We used non-invasive methods, integrating geological, geomorphological, meteorological, and geophysical information to characterize the internal structure and hydrology of the Upper Camp Bird rock glacier (UCBRG) located on level 3 of Camp Bird Mine in Ouray, Colorado, and assessed the applicability of two electromagnetic induction systems in this highly heterogeneous landform with a history of anthropogenic activity. The time-domain (G-TEM™) system achieved deep subsurface penetration (~100 m) and realistic modeling of the internal structure of the UCBRG: a shell of volcanic rock fragments (<3 m thick; 1–100 Ohm-m), a meltwater component (102–103 Ohm-m), located between 50 and 100 m near the toe (subpermafrost flow), and 1–30 m in the soundings farthest from the toe (suprapermafrost flow within the active layer), and a frozen component (permafrost 50–80 m thick; 103–106 Ohm-m). The frequency-domain system, however, was highly susceptible to local environmental conditions, including anthropogenic objects (i.e., mine carts, lamp posts, tunnel tracks, etc.) and was unable to resolve UCBRG's internal makeup. The non-invasive methodology and general conceptual framework presented here can be used to characterize other alpine aquifers, contributing to the quantification of global water resources, and highlighting the importance of preserving rock glaciers as storage for critical water supply in the future. • We use non-invasive methods including electromagnetic induction (EM) to determine the internal structure of a rock glacier • We assess the applicability of two controlled-source EM systems (TDEM and FDEM) on a highly heterogeneous landform • The TDEM system is adequate to map the distribution of the electrical resistivity at depth (up to 100 m) • The principles are not satisfied to compute the apparent conductivity from FDEM data [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article aims is to discuss basic issues related to the use of scanning technology, especially laser scanning in the measurement, inventory and diagnostics of wooden vernacular architecture. The article focuses on the following issues: (1) scan of the historic wooden architecture as part of the process of digitization (3D microscopy, scanning arms, structural scan, terrestrial laser scanning ); (2) the challenges and problems; (3) recommendations and guidance in inventory operations using modern measurement technologies.

Background: Non-invasive and high-throughput monitoring of drought in plants from its initiation to visible symptoms is essential to quest drought tolerant varieties. Among the existing methods, chlorophyll a fluorescence (ChlF) imaging has the potential to probe systematic changes in photosynthetic reactions; however, prerequisite of darkadaptation limits its use for high-throughput screening. Results: To improve the throughput monitoring of plants, we have exploited their light-adaptive strategy, and investigated possibilities of measuring ChlF transients under low ambient irradiance. We found that the ChlF transients and associated parameters of two contrasting Arabidopsis thaliana accessions, Rsch and Co, give almost similar information, when measured either after ~20 min dark-adaptation or in the presence of half of the adaptive growth-irradiance. The fluorescence parameters, effective quantum yield of PSII photochemistry (ΦPSII) and fluorescence decrease ratio (RFD) resulting from this approach enabled us to differentiate accessions that is often not possible by well-established darkadapted fluorescence parameter maximum quantum efficiency of PSII photochemistry (FV/FM). Further, we screened ChlF transients in rosettes of well-watered and drought-stressed six A. thaliana accessions, under half of the adaptive growth-irradiance, without any prior dark-adaptation. Relative water content (RWC) in leaves was also assayed and compared to the ChlF parameters. As expected, the RWC was significantly different in drought-stressed from that in well-watered plants in all the six investigated accessions on day-10 of induced drought; the maximum reduction in the RWC was obtained for Rsch (16%), whereas the minimum reduction was for Co (~7%). Drought induced changes were reflected in several features of ChlF transients; combinatorial images obtained from pattern recognition algorithms, trained on pixels of image sequence, improved the contrast among drought-stressed accessions, and the derived images were well-correlated with their RWC. Conclusions: We demonstrate here that ChlF transients and associated parameters measured even in the presence of low ambient irradiance preserved its features comparable to that of measured after dark-adaptation and discriminated the accessions having differential geographical origin; further, in combination with combinatorial image analysis tools, these data may be readily employed for early sensing and mapping effects of drought on plant's physiology via easy and fully non-invasive means. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The smoking habit is accompanied by an acute inflammatory response which follows tissue injury. It would be desirable to find a non-invasive inflammatory marker that would simplify the task of studying and monitoring smokers more simply and allow us to identify populations at risk of contracting Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Today's expectations regarding research focus on issues ranging from inflammatory markers to those of exhaled breath temperature (EBT) are considerable. That said, although the EBT has been largely studied in asthma and COPD, there have not been any studies thus far that have analysed the effect of cigarette smoking on the EBT.  Bearing this in mind, in this longitudinal study we aim to analyse the EBT in current smokers, monitor the effects both of cigarette smoking on EBT and of what happens after smoking cessation. Twenty-five (25) smokers (59.5 ± 3.1 yrs, 12 M) who participated in a multi-disciplinary smoking cessation programme and 25 healthy never-smokers (58.7 ± 2.9, 13 M) underwent EBT measurement. EBT values were higher in smokers before smoking (T0) than in never-smokers [34.6 (34.2–35) vs 33.2 (32.4–33.7)°C,p< 0.001. The smokers repeated measurement 5 minutes after smoking a cigarette (T1) and 2 hours after (T2). They repeated EBC measurement after 1 week (T3) and then after 3 months (T4) from smoking cessation. EBT is higher in smokers compared to controls. EBT increases after cigarette smoking and progressively decreases with the increase of time from when the last cigarette was smoked.  Thus, we can conclude that EBT is increased in smokers and also sensitive to the acute effect of cigarette smoke. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The effectiveness of five polymeric materials for the long-term conservation and restoration of rubber artworks was evaluated by accelerated photo-oxidative degradation studies. Two different ethylene vinyl-acetate resins, generally used in industry and uncommon in conservation field, a new water-based polyurethane, and two ethylene butyl-acrylate resins were assessed for the consolidation of rubber. By monitoring their degradation along time with LED imaging coupled to statistics and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), the polymeric materials with the best properties that ensure the protection and security of the artwork were identified. The degradation was performed in solar box simulating the light exposure in a museum, under controlled temperature at no more than 35 °C in order to exclude the thermal effects that could influence the ageing of polymers. The mechanical stress of the treated samples was also investigated. The spectroscopic analyses, the chromatic changes study, and the mechanical degradation were used as indicators of the consolidant stability, allowing the evaluation of the materials selected for the consolidation and conservation of rubber. The ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers resulted the most stable and suitable for the conservation of rubber artworks. Lastly, the conservation treatment identified in this research was employed for the restoration of the contemporary artwork 'Presagi di Birnam' made with bicycle inner tubes by the artist Carol Rama. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work presents the results of an application of optical coherence tomography (OCT) to examine a 13th century Byzantine reliquary of unparalleled artistic and historical value. The aim of this work, performed at the initial stage, before the restoration, was focused on the resolution of cleaning procedures regarding both the thick, old varnish and the gold leaf details finely applied on the painted parts of the artwork by means of an integrated approach of non-invasive and invasive analyses and diagnostics. The results allow definition of the thickness of the varnishes, their inner morphology and establishes the presence (or absence) of secondary layers of gold leaf upon the original ones. Knowledge of varnish thickness and in-depth localisation of the secondary gold leaf allowed the restoration procedure of cleaning and thinning of the altered varnish to be performed safely and effectively in order to recover the wonderful pristine sight of a precious and ancient byzantine work of art. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: insulin resistance (IR) promotes the progression of fibrosis and diminishes response to treatment in patients with hepatitis C. Recently, Sydney's index (includes IR) has been proposed as a non-invasive method for the prediction of fibrosis. Objective: to assess the usefulness of Sydney's index for the prediction of advanced fibrosis (F3-F4) or absence of significant fibrosis (F0-F1) in patients with chronic hepatitis C. Patients and methods: we included 131 patients suffering from chronic hepatitis C. Mean age was 40 ± 11, 78 men and 53 women. Fibrosis stage was (F0-F1) 69 patients, F2: 40, and advanced (F3-F4) in 22 patients. We measured baseline AST, ALT, GGT, platelet, cholesterol, alcohol, and IR (HOMA - IR) levels. Sydney, Forns' and APRI indexes were calculated. Results: the area under the curve for the diagnosis of absence of significant fibrosis in each method was: Sydney: 0.80, Forns: 0.71, APRI: 0.70; p = ns. Moreover, the diagnostic capacity of advanced fibrosis was: Sydney: 0.88, Forns: 0.83, APRI: 0.82; p = ns. The predictive negative value of significant fibrosis was 74, 72, and 67%, respectively. Due to the presence of intermediate values, the indexes were not applicable to 36, 44 and 43% of patients respectively. Conclusions: the incorporation of insulin resistance among biochemical non-invasive methods slightly improves the yield of other indexes. Nevertheless, results are suboptimal, and more than one third of patients might not be correctly classified.Introducción: la resistencia a la insulina (RI) promueve la progresión de la fibrosis y disminuye la respuesta al tratamiento en pacientes con hepatitis C. Recientemente, se ha propuesto el índice de Sidney como método no invasivo de predicción de la fibrosis que incluye la RI. Objetivo: valorar la utilidad del índice de Sidney en la predicción de fibrosis avanzada (F3-F4) o ausencia de fibrosis significativa (F0-F1) en pacientes con hepatitis C. Pacientes y métodos: incluimos 131 pacientes con hepatitis crónica C. Edad media 40 ± 11 años, 78 hombres y 53 mujeres. Estadio de fibrosis leve (F0-F1) 69 pacientes, F2: 40 y avanzado (F3-F4) en 22 pacientes. Determinamos los niveles basales de AST, ALT, GGT, plaquetas, colesterol, alcohol y RI (HOMA-IR). Calculamos el índice de Sidney, de Forns y APRI. Resultados: el área bajo la curva de la capacidad diagnóstica de ausencia de fibrosis significativa de cada método fue Sidney: 0,80, Forns: 0,71 y APRI: 0,70; p = ns, así también, la capacidad diagnóstica de presencia de fibrosis avanzada fue Sidney: 0,88, Forns: 0,83 y APRI: 0,82; p = ns. El valor predictivo negativo de fibrosis significativa fue del 74, 72 y 67% respectivamente. Debido a la presencia de valores intermedios los índices no fueron aplicables al 36, 44 y 43% respectivamente. Conclusiones: la inclusión de la resistencia a la insulina en la predicción de fibrosis avanzada o exclusión de fibrosis significativa mejora ligeramente el rendimiento de otros índices. No obstante, los resultados son subóptimos y más de un tercio de los pacientes no podrían ser clasificados correctamente.