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Abstract: Although many green corn producers manage their agricultural properties informally, the production of this vegetable is socioeconomically relevant to the Brazilian Northeast. This work aims to estimate and analyze the production costs, profitability and return of green corn in different cultivation systems, in the Coastal Tablelands of Sergipano. For this purpose, data were collected from the 16th to the 18th year of cultivation of a long-term experiment, in a strip experimental design, where each strip corresponds to the soil management system (conventional cultivation (CC), no-tillage (PD)) and minimum cultivation (CM)), and four previous crops (Beans Caupí, Crotalária, Guandu and Milheto) were randomized to corn. Production costs, Gross revenue, Operating profit, Profitability index and Leveling point were determined. Greater productivity and Gross revenue were observed in the PD, and greater disbursements in the CC (R$ 8,184.59). PD had highest operating profit and profitability ratio, where Guandu/PD had the best performance (R$ 8,847.18 and 52.02% respectively). Guandu/CC presented negative operating profit and profitability index, characterizing itself as a non-viable alternative for the farmer. The identification and analysis of production costs is an important tool, as it enables the identification of more profitable crops, being the PD the most recommended.

Abstract Investigating the impact of ecological factors on sex‐ and age‐specific vital rates is essential to understand animal population dynamics and detect the potential for interactions between sympatric species. We used block count data and autoregressive linear models to investigate variation in birth rate, kid survival, female survival, and male survival in a population of Alpine chamois Rupicapra rupicapra rupicapra monitored over 27 years within the Stelvio National Park, Central Italian Alps, as function of climatic variables, density dependence, and interspecific competition with red deer Cervus elaphus. We also used path analysis to assess the indirect effect of deer abundance on chamois growth rate mediated by each demographic parameter. Based on previous findings, we predicted that birth rate at [t] would negatively relate to red deer abundance at year [t − 1]; survival rates between [t] and [t + 1] would negatively relate to red deer abundance at year [t − 1] and to the interactive effect of winter precipitation at [t + 1] and chamois density at [t]. Our results showed that birth rate was positively related to spring–summer precipitation in the previous year, but this effect was hampered by increasing red deer abundance. Kid and female survival rates were negatively related to the combined effect of chamois abundance and winter precipitation. Male and female survival rates were negatively related to lagged red deer abundance. The path analysis supported a negative indirect effect of red deer abundance on chamois growth rate mediated by birth rate and female survival. Our results suggest that chamois population dynamics was largely explained by the synergistic effect of density dependence and winter harshness, as well as by interspecific competition with red deer, whose effects were seemingly stronger on the kid–female segment of the population.

In this article we seek to understand the musical dynamics of the city of Rio Grande (Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil) at the beginning of the twentieth century through the artistic trajectory of Hermínio de Moraes (1883-1935). Composer, conductor, music teacher, and instrumentalist, Hermínio de Moraes is an example of one who moves within different musical domains; and it is through his memory and cultural mediation that we are able to provide a glimpse into the musical life of the city of Rio Grande. This study ensues from a research review of the newspaper archives of the Biblioteca Rio-Grandense [Rio Grande Library] and documents from the Arquivo Público e Histórico [Public and Historical Archives] of the city of Rio Grande. We explored authors Angela de Castro Gomes and Patricia Santos Hansen (2016), who address the principles of cultural mediation practices developed by historical figures identified as intellectuals.

Objective: To analyze the antibiotic prescription rate in low-risk patients evaluated at a telemedicine program that adopts antibiotic stewardship protocols. Methods: Adult patients who accessed a single direct-to-consumer telemedicine center (Jan/2019–Feb/2020) were retrospectively enrolled. Diseases amenable to antimicrobial treatment were classified under five diagnostic groups: upper respiratory tract infection (URI), acute pharyngotonsillitis (PT), acute sinusitis (AS), urinary tract infection (UTI), and acute diarrhea (AD). Physicians were trained on and advised to strictly follow the current guideline recommendations supported by institutional antibiotic stewardship protocols, readily available online during consultations. We analyzed the antibiotic prescription rate among patients, referral rate, and antibiotic class through descriptive statistics. Results: A total of 2328 patients were included in the study. A total of 2085 (89·6%) patients were discharged with usual recommendations, medication (if needed), and instructions about red flags, while 243 (10·4%) were referred to a face-to-face consultation. Among the discharged patients, the antibiotic prescription rates by the diagnostic group were URI — 2·5%, PT — 35·0%, AS — 51·8%, UTI — 91.6%, and AD — 1·6%. In most cases, prescribed antibiotics were in line with institutional stewardship protocols. Conclusions: Low prescription rate of antibiotics can be achieved using antibiotic stewardship protocols at direct-to-consumer telemedicine consultations, showing high adherence to international guidelines. These results reinforce telemedicine as a cost-effective and safe strategy for the initial assessment of acute non-urgent symptoms.

The optimal treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) remains unsettled. The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of catheter ablation (CA) and medical therapy compared to medical therapy alone in patients with AF and HFrEF. We performed a systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing CA with guideline-directed medical therapy for AF in patients with HFrEF (left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF] ≤ 40%). We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane for eligible trials. A random effects model was used to calculate the risk ratios (RRs) and mean differences (MDs), with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Six RCTs comprising 1055 patients were included, of whom 530 (50.2%) were randomized to CA. Compared with medical therapy, CA was associated with a significant reduction in heart failure (HF) hospitalization (RR 0.57; 95% CI 0.45–0.72; P <.01), cardiovascular mortality (RR 0.46; 95% CI 0.31–0.70; P <.01), all-cause mortality (RR 0.53; 95% CI 0.36–0.78; P <.01), and AF burden (MD –29.8%; 95% CI –43.73% to –15.90%; P <.01). Also, there was a significant improvement in LVEF (MD 3.8%; 95% CI 1.6%–6.0%; P <.01) and quality of life (Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire; MD –4.92 points; 95% CI –8.61 to –1.22 points; P <.01) in the ablation group. In this meta-analysis of RCTs of patients with AF and HFrEF, CA was associated with a reduction in HF hospitalization, cardiovascular mortality, and all-cause mortality as well as a significant improvement in LVEF and quality of life. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emilio Pedrotti,1 Erika Bonacci,1 Arianna De Rossi,1 Jacopo Bonetto,1 Chiara Chierego,1 Adriano Fasolo,1,2 Alessandra De Gregorio,3 Giorgio Marchini1 1Ophthalmic Unit, Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Policlinico G.B. Rossi, Verona, 37134, Italy; 2Research Unit, The Veneto Eye Bank Foundation, Venezia, 30174, Italy; 3Ophthalmic Unit, San Bassiano Hospital, Bassano Del Grappa, 36061, Vicenza, ItalyCorrespondence: Adriano FasoloThe Veneto Eye Bank Foundation, c/o Pad. G. Rama, via Paccagnella 11, Venice, 30174, ItalyTel +390419656400Fax +390419656401Email adriano.fasolo@yahoo.itPurpose: To determine whether type 1 big-bubble (BB) formation is influenced by the sequence of incisions created with the Victus femtosecond laser (FSL) enabled with software version 3.4 (SV 3.4) during deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK).Materials and Methods: Consecutive FSL-assisted DALK BB procedures were performed on 20 human donor corneas: 10 shaped by tunnel incision followed by lamellar incision (tunnel-lamellar group, TL) and 10 in the reverse order (lamellar-tunnel group, LT). The BB type was assessed by evaluating dynamic air movement during air inflation; bubble diameter and floor thickness were measured by anterior segment optical coherence tomography.Results: Overall, a type 1 BB formed in 85% of eyes: 100% in the TL group and 70% in the LT group. In the LT group, a type 2 BB formed in 2 corneas and one cornea was perforated during cannula insertion. Type 1 BB was achieved after one attempt in 90% of eyes in the TL group and in 57% in the LT group.Conclusion: Shaping the tunnel before rather than after lamellar incision may be more effective for obtaining a type 1 BB by air injection.Keywords: deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty, femtosecond laser, big bubble, intrastromal incision, lamellar incision

Being an entrepreneur does not just mean having your own business, entrepreneurship is linked to individual actions and capabilities, that is, having entrepreneurial characteristics is being able to create, modulate and sustain innovative ideas globally. To assist entrepreneurial activities in the agrarian sciences, this work developed a portable application, accessible and usable by academics of agrarian sciences, professionals in related areas and rural producers in order to provide educational guidance in sustainable entrepreneurship, thus becoming a tool directed to entrepreneurial education. The application was developed in the Kotlin language, in the Android Studio 3.4.1 programming environment and Android operating system. The application development process included: (1) selection of the educational content transfer strategy; (2) involvement of users participating in the program; (3) participation of specialized consultants; (4) creation and conversion of content in an Android smartphone application; and (5) usability tests of the prototype version of the application during an extension program. The proposed objective was achieved, as the authors were able to successfully develop a tool for educational support for the teaching of entrepreneurship which is already registered with the National Institute of Industrial Property INPI, number BR 51 2019 002657 8, and is available for use mobile.

Congenital Clubfoot (CCF) treatment involves a surgical procedure on the Achilles tendon most of the time, i.e. tenotomy or, in selected cases, Z-plasty lengthening. Many authors have studied the outcomes of Achilles tenotomy, describing complete clinical and ultrasound tendon fibers integrity restoration 3-6 weeks after surgery. Nevertheless, little is known about the mechanical properties of the operated tendon. Recently, cases of subcutaneous rupture of the Achilles tendon have been described in adolescents who practiced sports and who had undergone Achilles tenotomy for congenital clubfoot in childhood. Authors report two cases of atraumatic Achilles tendon injury (subcutaneous rupture and intratendinous ossification) in adult patients who had been treated for congenital clubfoot in childhood. In both cases, no causes determining the injury were identified; in the medical history there was a Z-plasty lengthening of the Achilles tendon, performed within the first year of life, which could be considered a predisposing factor. The usefulness of long-term monitoring of patients treated for CCF with surgical procedures on the Achilles tendon is therefore hypothesized, in order to promptly identify by symptoms, clinical pictures and ultrasound criteria, tendon suffering that may predispose subcutaneous rupture.

Abstract An adequate amount of soil organic matter is considered essential for long-term sustainable agriculture, ensuring good productivity. Therefore, the present study quantified carbon and nitrogen stocks and microbiological activity in soil of three different areas: Forest-pasture System, Pasture System and preserved Caatinga - used as a reference of the experiment - located in a semi-arid region, in Watershed of Pajeú River, state of Pernambuco, Brazil. Eight trenches were opened in each system to collect soil samples at depths of 0 - 10, 20 - 30 and 50 - 60 cm, for chemical and microbiological analysis. In general, attributes of soil showed better results of land use in the following order: preserved Caatinga - Forest-pasture System - Pasture System.

ABSTRACT Objective To analyze telemedicine diagnostic accuracy in patients with respiratory infections during COVID-19 pandemic compared to face-to-face evaluation in the emergency department. Methods Randomized, unicentric study between September 2020 and November 2020 in patients with any respiratory symptom (exclusion criteria: age >65 years, chronic heart or lung diseases, immunosuppressed). Patients were randomized 1:1 for brief telemedicine followed by face-to-face consultation or direct face-to-face evaluation. The primary endpoint was the International Classification of Diseases code. The secondary analysis comprised length of stay, diagnostic test ordering, medical prescription, and proposed destination. Results Ninety-eight patients were enrolled. The mean age was 36.3±9.7 years old, 57.1% were women, and 81.6% had diagnostic test ordered. Mean grouped by International Classification of Diseases code for upper respiratory tract infection, pharyngotonsillitis, and sinusitis showed no difference between study groups or secondary endpoints. The Telemedicine Group was representative of the population usually evaluated in this center. In the Telemedicine Group (n=48), 18.7% patients would be referred for evaluation at the emergency department. The distribution of diagnoses by telemedicine was 67.4% for upper respiratory tract infection, 2.3% for pharyngotonsillitis, and 0% for sinusitis, being statistically similar to the subsequent face-to-face assessment, respectively: 72.1%, 11.6% and 7% (Kappa 0.386 [95%CI: 0.112-0.66]; p=0.536). Telemedicine ordered COVID-19 molecular (RT-PCR) tests in 76.5% versus 79.4% in face-to-face evaluation (Kappa 0.715 [95%CI: 0.413-1]; p>0.999). Conclusion Diagnostic telemedicine consultation of low-risk patients with acute respiratory symptoms is not inferior to face-to-face evaluation at emergency department. Telemedicine is to be reinforced in the health care system as a strategy for the initial assessment of acute patients. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04806477

Abstract Food neophobia, i.e., the aversion to novel foods, and olfaction are both factors strongly affecting food choices. Mounting evidence suggests a higher arousal towards food as a key factor underlying the reluctance to eat what is unfamiliar to us. As the role of olfaction behind this phenomenon is poorly understood, we explored the associations between food neophobia and trait anxiety, olfactory functions (odor threshold, discrimination and identification) and retronasal aroma release from a reference food in a healthy cohort of 83 adult volunteers. We grouped participants in Low-Neophobics or neophilics (n = 35), Medium-Neophobics (n = 32) and High-Neophobics (n = 16) according to the widely recognized Food Neophobia Scale. Participants with higher neophobic tendencies were found to have marginally higher trait anxiety levels than neophilics (p = 0.10). A lower global olfactory functioning and odor discrimination abilities characterized High-Neophobics, while Medium-Neophobics showed a higher odor sensitiveness than Low-Neophobics. Lastly, High-Neophobics showed a lower extent of retronasal aroma release, likely due to a shorter duration of oral processing and higher anxiety-related physiological responses (such as breathing rate). In summary, this study supports the assumption that the conflicting relationship that neophobics have with food may be led by higher levels of arousal toward foods, rather than different chemosensory functions.

ABSTRACT. Schizophrenia and common mental disorders are noteworthy social and economic concern worldwide. Epidemiologic studies on the impact of specific mental disorders in emerging countries are scarce. Objectives: We aimed to characterize the demographic, social, and economic burden of schizophrenia and common mental disorders patients in the health system in Brazil. Methods: Data on these conditions in Brazil between 2008 and 2019 were collected through the website of the Departamento de Informática do Sistema Único de Saúde (Information Technology Department of the Unified Health System - DATASUS) maintained by the Brazilian Ministry of Health. Mean annual hospital admissions were 154,009.67, and cumulative incidence of 77.44 admissions per 100,000 inhabitants. Results: Average annual hospital expenses were US$ 67,216,056.04, with an average admission cost of US$ 432.58. The most affected age groups were older adults albeit younger individuals showed a trend towards increase of occurrences in recent years. There were a higher number of admissions in men compared to women. Conclusions: We consider the results obtained important to assist in evaluating and guiding public policies regarding the prevention and treatment in health systems.

Abstract Introduction Childhood trauma has been suggested to be involved in susceptibility to bipolar disorder (BP). However, it remains unclear whether the occurrence of childhood trauma is differently distributed in subthreshold bipolar disorder (SBP). Objective To assess childhood trauma in young adults with SBP, as compared to young adults with BP and population controls (PC). Method This was a cross-sectional, population-based study. The Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) was used to define the groups with BP (subjects with a lifetime or current manic episode or lifetime or current hypomania with a history of a depressive episode), SBP (subjects with a history of hypomanic episode without lifetime or current depressive episode), and subjects without mood disorders (PC). Childhood trauma was assessed using de Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ). We investigated differences regarding childhood trauma across the three groups (BP, SBP and PC). Result Except for sexual abuse, all subtypes of childhood trauma remained associated with the BP group as compared to PC. Additionally, when we compared SBP and BP, significant differences were found only for emotional abuse. No significant differences were found in relation to childhood trauma between the SBP and PC groups after adjusting for confounding factors. Conclusion These findings suggest that investigating childhood trauma, with a particular focus on emotional abuse, could be considered a preventive measure and potentially improve the prognosis.

We emphasize that, the search for methodologies that are suitable for teaching that enables the intellectual and citizen education of students becomes increasingly strong and emerging. In this perspective, the different Trends in Mathematics Education can make a decisive contribution and, in the specific case of the Modelling in Mathematical Education and Mathematical Investigation in the Classroom trends, we observe converging aspects. In this regard, we reflect, in this article, about the possibilities of Mathematical Modelling as an investigative methodology in Mathematics classes, as well as about what may favor or hinder this methodology’s implementation in the classroom and about the importance of oral communication between the participants of the interactions, in the validation phase, particularly.

The main goal of this study was to evaluate the level of engagement and workaholism and its correlations with personal resources, job resources and job demands in Human Resources professionals. In this study, 440 HR professionals participated, being 80% women from Brazil’s five region. The findings suggest that HR professionals show an average level of engagement with the work they do, which is compatible with self-esteem, optimism, self-efficacy and hope. Besides, they also show an average level of workaholism, which demonstrates that excessive and compulsive work is something real in their everyday routine. People over 40 years old showing a lower average level of engagement, which was unexpected since this age group is supposed to be solid careers. Moreover, a positive and weak correlation with workaholism was found, which suggests the influence of excessive and compulsive work at the way energy is activated. Suggestions are presented for further studies in the area.

In order to review and complete our knowledge of the typology and synecology of the aspen communities from the central-southern Apennines, ten original relevés were performed on the Gargano plateau and a set of 35 relevés assigned to four community types (HP: Holco mollis-Populetum tremulae; MP: Melico uniflorae-Populetum tremulae; FP: Fraxino orni-Populetum tremulae; GP: Geranio versicoloris-Populetum tremulae) were assembled from literature. These relevés along with several environmental variables either measured or estimated were involved in cluster and ordination analyses. The relevés from Gargano formed a distinctive cluster and were assigned to a new community type (SP: Stellario holosteae-Populetum tremulae ass. nova), which can be considered an Adriatic synvicariant of HP that is distributed in similar habitats (doline bottoms) but on the Tyrrhenian escarpment. At low levels of floristic similarity, the grouping of relevés in two clusters induces a sharp separation between the aspen communities distributed in the central Apennines (MP and FP) and those from the southern Apennines (SP, HP and GP), which is mainly due to compositional differences in the regional species pool. The ordination scores of relevés were best related to terrain slope, soil nitrogen, elevation, air temperature, light availability and, to a lesser extent, to soil moisture and reaction. Unlike MP and GP that appear the most mesophilous, the FP stands display a slightly more xerophilous and acidophilous character induced by the steeper slopes on which they occur. The HP habitat is the driest and lightest very likely because of the open overlying canopy, in contrast to MP stands featuring a high shrub cover. The highest occurrence of nitrophilous species was observed in SP and MP. The management of these pioneer woods should be aimed at conservation, as they play an important role in the recovery of forest herb diversity along the ecological succession towards hardwood forests.

Lithic technology is an uncommon research tool for investigating the Neolithic lithic industries of northern Italy. In fact, our knowledge about the lithic industries of this period is mainly related to typological descriptions. The technological study of these fittings found in the Lugo di Grezzana (VR) site highlights the usefulness of this approach and provides evidence to detect technical skills and socio-economic relationships among the early Neolithic groups.

En este artículo se presenta a los pueblos originarios y sus lógicas de acción como parte del conjunto de actores que configuran e influyen en el proceso de urbanización en la periferia metropolitana del Valle de México. Ellos son quienes han poblado tradicionalmente estos espacios y han utilizado los recursos básicos del territorio para su asentamiento, empleo y subsistencia. Lo anterior les otorgó históricamente cierto margen de autoridad y control sobre dichos recursos, situación que ha ido cambiando e incluso perdiéndose con el tiempo, dados los procesos de poblamiento y transformación de su entorno inmediato, y la consecuente intervención de otros actores, con quienes hoy disputan estos recursos, especialmente el suelo urbanizable y el agua, elementos indispensables para la urbanización.

Abstract Alternaria alternata causes leaf spot and black rot diseases in leaves and grapes of grapevines, respectively, and leads to huge economic losses in table grapes production. As natural antifungal agents, essential oils (EOs), which are generally recognized as safe substances, shows strong antifungal activity against fungal phytopathogens. The aim of this study was to determine the chemical composition of Eucalyptus staigeriana EO and its in vitro and in vivo effects against A. alternata. The major compounds of E. staigeriana EO were citral (34.32%, of which 21.83% geranial and 12.49% neral), limonene (20.60%) and 1,8-cineole (12.33%). E. staigeriana EO exhibited the highest inhibitory activity on mycelial growth and conidial germination at 1 µL mL-1. Moreover, the EO was able to reduce the incidence and severity of leaf spot disease in leaves and black rot disease in table grapes caused by A. alternata. These results represent a possible alternative to reduce the use of synthetic molecules for the control of diseases in postharvest of table grapes and in vineyard.

Objective: To investigate the association between child’s daytime caring person and risk for higher early childhood caries (ECC) experience. Material and Methods: The sample consisted of all clinical records (census) of children (0-3 years old) attended in a public dental clinic, which contained information about caries experience and child’s daytime caring person (mother, grandmother or others). Caries experience was dichotomized as dmft ≤ 2 or dmft >2. Data were analyzed by the chi-square (α = 0.05). Binary logistic regression models were built. Results: From a total of 310 children, 19% of children had the grandmother as daytime caring person. There was no association between child’s daytime caring person and caries experience (p=0.32). Logistic regression analysis showed that low daytime caregiver schooling (OR: 5.76 95%CI 1.18-28.18; p=0.02) and child’s age (OR: 1.14 95% CI 1.09-1.19; p=0.00) were risk factors, and breastfeeding duration (> 9 months – OR: 0.38 95% CI 0.21-0.68; p=0.00), no nocturnal feeding (OR: 0.50 95% CI 0.27-0.91; p=0.02), and absence of sugar consumption between main meals (OR: 0.50 95% CI 0.28- 0.89; p=0.02) were protection factors for ECC. Conclusion: A higher caries experience in early childhood is not associated to child’s daytime caring person. On the other hand, the higher caries experience is associated with low caregiver schooling and older children.

ObjectiveTo relate preevacuation platelet count and leukogram findings, especially neutrophil/lymphocyte ratios (NLR) and platelet/lymphocyte ratios with the occurrence of gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN) after complete hydatidiform mole (CHM) among Brazilian women.MethodsRetrospective cohort study of patients with CHM followed at Rio de Janeiro Federal University, from January/2015-December/2020. Before molar evacuation, all patients underwent a medical evaluation, complete blood count and hCG measurement, in addition to other routine preoperative tests. The primary outcome was the occurrence of postmolar GTN.ResultsFrom 827 cases of CHM treated initially at the Reference Center, 696 (84.15%) had spontaneous remission and 131 (15.85%) developed postmolar GTN. Using optimal cut-offs from receiver operating characteristic curves and multivariable logistic regression adjusted for the possible confounding variables of age and preevacuation hCG level (already known to be associated with the development of GTN) we found that ≥2 medical complications at presentation (aOR: 1.96, CI 95%: 1.29-2.98, pConclusionAlthough blood count is a widely available test, being a low-cost test and mandatory before molar evacuation, and prognostic for outcome in other neoplasms, its findings were not able to predict the occurrence of GTN after CHM. In contrast, the occurrence of medical complications at presentation and higher preevacuation hCG levels were significantly associated with postmolar GTN and may be useful to guide individualized clinical decisions in post-molar follow-up and treatment of these patients.

Microfibers, whether synthetic or natural, have increased dramatically in the environment, becoming the most common type of particles in the ocean, and exposing aquatic organisms to multiple negative impacts. Using an approach combining morphology (scanning electron microscopy-SEM) and molecular taxonomy (High-Throughput DNA Sequencing- HTS), we investigated the bacterial composition from floating microfibers (MFs) collected in the northwestern Mediterranean Sea. The average number of bacteria in 100 μm2 on the surface of a fiber is 8 ± 5.9 cells; by extrapolating it to a whole fiber, this represents 2663 ± 1981 bacteria/fiber. Attached bacterial communities were dominated by Alteromonadales, Rhodobacterales, and Vibrionales, including the potentially human/animal pathogen Vibrio parahaemolyticus. This study reveals a high rate of bacterial colonization on MFs, and shows that these particles can host numerous bacterial species, including putative pathogens. Even if we cannot confirm its pathogenicity based only on the taxonomy, this is the first description of such pathogenic Vibrio living attached to MFs in the Mediterranean Sea. The identification of MFs colonizers is valuable in assessing health risks, as their presence can be a threat to bathing and seafood consumption. Considering that MFs can serve as vector for potentially pathogenic microorganisms and other pollutants throughout the ocean, this type of pollution can have both ecological and economic consequences.

Introduction Real-world data on COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness are needed to validate evidence from randomized clinical trials. Accordingly, this study aims to evaluate, in a real-world setting in Brazil, the effectiveness of Pfizer-BioNTech BNT162b2 against symptomatic COVID-19 and COVID-19-related complications across diverse populations. Materials and methods A test-negative case-control study with follow-up of cases is currently being conducted in Toledo, a city in southern Brazil, following a mass COVID-19 vaccination campaign with BNT162b2. The study is being conducted among patients aged 12 years or older seeking care in the public health system with acute respiratory symptoms and tested for SARS-CoV-2 on reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Cases are RT-PCR positive and controls RT-PCR negative. Test-positive cases are prospectively followed through structured telephone interviews performed at 15 days post-enrollment, and at 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months. Baseline demographic, clinical, and vaccination data are being collected by means of structured interviews and medical registry records reviews at the time of enrollment. All RT-PCR-positive samples are screened for mutations to identify SARS-CoV-2 variants. Ethics and dissemination The study protocol has been approved by the research ethics committee of all participant sites. Study findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations. Trail registration Clinicatrials.gov:NCT05052307.

Ocean Sampling Day was initiated by the EU-funded Micro B3 (Marine Microbial Biodiversity, Bioinformatics, Biotechnology) project to obtain a snapshot of the marine microbial biodiversity and function of the world's oceans. It is a simultaneous global mega-sequencing campaign aiming to generate the largest standardized microbial data set in a single day. This will be achievable only through the coordinated efforts of an Ocean Sampling Day Consortium, supportive partnerships and networks between sites. This commentary outlines the establishment, function and aims of the Consortium and describes our vision for a sustainable study of marine microbial communities and their embedded functional traits.

Floppy eyelid syndrome (FES) is a frequent eyelid disorder characterized by eyelid laxity that determines a spontaneous eyelid eversion during sleep associated with chronic papillary conjunctivitis and systemic diseases. FES is an under-diagnosed syndrome for the inaccuracy of definition and the lack of diagnostic criteria. Eyelid laxity can result from a number of involutional, local, and systemic diseases. Thus, it is pivotal to use the right terminology. When the increased distractibility of the upper or lower eyelid is an isolated condition, it is defined as ‘lax eyelid condition’ (LAC). When laxity is associated with ocular surface disorder such as papillary conjunctivitis and dry eyes, it can be referred to as ‘lax eyelid syndrome’ (LES). However, FES is characterized by the finding of a very loose upper eyelid which everts very easily and papillary tarsal conjunctivitis affecting a specific population of patients, typically male, of middle age and overweight. Obesity in middle-aged male is also recognized as the strongest risk factor in obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome, (OSAHS). FES has been reported as the most frequent ocular disorder associated with OSAHS. Patients with FES often complain of non-pathognomonic ocular signs and symptoms such as pain, foreign body sensation, redness, photophobia, and lacrimation. Due to these clinical features, FES is often misdiagnosed while an early recognition might be important to avoid its chronic, distressing course and the associated morbidities. This review provides an updated overview on FES by describing the epidemiology, proposed pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, related ocular, and systemic diseases, and treatment options.

Recent events related to the measures taken to control the spread of the Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) reduced human mobility (i.e. anthropause), potentially opening connectivity opportunities for wildlife populations. In the Italian Alps, brown bears have recovered after reintroduction within a complex anthropogenic matrix, but failed to establish a metapopulation due to reduced connectivity and human disturbance (i.e. infrastructure, land use, and human mobility). Previous work from Peters et al. (2015, Biol. Cons. 186, 123–133) predicted the main corridors and suitable hot spots for road network crossing for this population across all major roads and settlement zones, to link most suitable habitats. Bears used the identified hot spots for road network crossing over the years, but major barriers such as main motor roads were not overcome, possibly due to functional anthropogenic disturbance, specifically human mobility. By analyzing 404 bear occurrences reported to local authorities (as bear-related complaints) collected between 2016 and 2020 (March 9th - May 18th), hence including the COVID-19 related lockdown, we tested the effect of human presence on brown bears' use of space and hot spots for road network crossing. Animals occupied human-dominated spaces and approached hot spots for crossing at a higher rate during the lockdown than in previous years, suggesting that connectivity temporarily increased with reduced human mobility for this population. As a result of their increased use of hot spots, bears expanded their use of suitable areas beyond the population core area. Movement of animals across structural barriers such as roads and human settlements may therefore occur in absence of active disturbance. We also showed the value of predictive models to identify hot spots for animal barrier crossing, the knowledge of which is critical when implementing management solutions to enhance connectivity. Understanding the factors that influence immigration and emigration across metapopulations of large mammals, particularly carnivores that may compete indirectly with humans for space or directly as super-predators, is critical to ensure the long-term viability of conservation efforts for their persistence. We argue that dynamic factors such as human mobility may play a larger role than previously recognized.

Summary: Brain organoids are in vitro three-dimensional (3D) self-organized neural structures, which can enable disease modeling and drug screening. However, their use for standardized large-scale drug screening studies is limited by their high batch-to-batch variability, long differentiation time (10–20 weeks), and high production costs. This is particularly relevant when brain organoids are obtained from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Here, we developed, for the first time, a highly standardized, reproducible, and fast (5 weeks) murine brain organoid model starting from embryonic neural stem cells. We obtained brain organoids, which progressively differentiated and self-organized into 3D networks of functional neurons with dorsal forebrain phenotype. Furthermore, by adding the morphogen WNT3a, we generated brain organoids with specific hippocampal region identity. Overall, our results showed the establishment of a fast, robust and reproducible murine 3D in vitro brain model that may represent a useful tool for high-throughput drug screening and disease modeling.

Purpose: To evaluate the efficiency of femtosecond laser (FSL) incision of rehydrated human donor corneas after air-drying and its effects on corneal structure.Methods: We compared the rehydrated and fresh-preserved corneas by microscopy following Victus-Tecnolas FSL treatment for straight-edge anterior lamellar keratoplasty (ALK). The corneas were dehydrated at room temperature under a laminar-flow hood.Results: To obtain the horizontal cut in rehydrated corneas, we increased the FSL pulse energy to 1.2 μJ from 0.80 μJ applied for the fresh corneas and obtained a clear-cut separation of the lamellar lenticule cap from the corneal bed. Light microscopy showed regular arrangement of stromal collagen lamellae, with spaces in between the fibers in the corneal stroma in the fresh and the rehydrated corneas, but the uppermost epithelial layers in the rehydrated corneas were lost. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed no signs of thermal or mechanical damage to the corneal structure. The epithelial basal membrane and Bowman's layer maintained their integrity. The epithelial basal layer and cells were separated by large spaces due to junction alteration in the rehydrated corneas. There were gaps between the lamellar layers in the stroma, especially in the rehydrated corneas. Keratocytes displayed normal structure in the fresh corneas but were devoid of microorganules in the rehydrated corneas. Minor irregularities were observed in the vertical incision and the horizontal stroma appeared smooth on scanning electron microscopy.Conclusion: The corneal stroma of rehydrated corneas maintained morphology and integrity, while corneal cellular components were generally altered. When corneas are intended for FSL-assisted ALK, effective stromal bed incision is best achieved at a laser power higher than that currently adopted for fresh corneas.

Downy mildew (Plasmopara viticola) is the primary disease in viticulture worldwide, and your control requires synthetic fungicides applications to avoid quality and yield loss in the grapevines. However, alternatives to reduce synthetic fungicides are needed to ensure the consumer’s health and the environment. Essential oils (EOs) are amongst the most promising natural plant protection alternatives because of their antifungal properties on several crop diseases. The present study objective was to determine the effect of Eucalyptus staigeriana EO in vitro and in vivo against P. viticola. The EO exhibited the highest activity in vitro, inhibiting 90% of the incidence and severity of disease caused by P. viticola in leaves of grapevines in the greenhouse. In the field (in vivo), treatment with EO could not control the disease; however, treatment with EO in consortium with conventional treatment reduced approximately 50% of the incidence and more than 90% of the severity of downy mildew disease in leaves, decreasing the application of synthetic fungicides by 50%.

We conducted a survey on the Alpine fauna of one of the largest Natural Park of the Italian Alps (Stelvio National Park) in the framework of a broad ecological monitoring of Alpine biodiversity. A two-years standardized sampling employing pitfall traps along a 1200 m altitudinal gradient led to the discovery of two interesting inquiline social parasite ants of the genus Myrmica: M. myrmicoxena Forel, 1895 and M. microrubra Seifert, 1993. Myrmica myrmicoxena, which is classified as Vulnerable according to the IUCN Red List, was so far known from only three sites across a narrow geographic range between Italy and Switzerland. Our data support the previous hypothesis over its ecology and host association. Myrmica microrubra is considered an incipient species of high evolutionary interest, sometimes regarded as an intraspecific form of M. rubra. While having a wide distribution in Europe, its presence in Italy was hitherto known only from a single site, and our record extends its altitudinal distribution limit in Europe upwards by about 600 m.

Objective: To compare the root canal preparation of primary teeth with reciprocating and rotary NiTi instruments. Material and Methods: Electronic databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, TRIP, Lilacs, Embase, and Scopus) were systematically searched until October 2020. In vitro studies comparing the cleaning ability, debris extrusion, file deformation, or working time of rotary and reciprocating NiTi instruments in primary teeth were evaluated. Two reviewers independently selected the studies, extracted the data, and assessed the risk of bias. Meta-analyses were conducted using a random-effects model to calculate pooled mean differences between reciprocating and rotary NiTi instruments considering the outcomes: working time (minutes) and debris extrusion (milligrams). Statistical analyses were performed using RevMan 5.3 at a significance level of 5%. Results: From 4,417 potentially relevant studies, 10 were included in the systematic review, and 8 considered in the meta-analyses. There was no significant difference between reciprocating and rotary NiTi instruments considering debris extrusion [3 data sets; effect size: -0.11 (-0.25–0.04); p=0.15] and working time [6 data sets; effect size: -0.37 (-0.98–0.24); p=0.24]. The heterogeneity found was moderate to high. The risk of bias was low in most studies (50.0% of all items across studies). Conclusion: There is no scientific evidence showing superiority of reciprocating or rotary NiTi instruments used for root canal preparation in primary teeth.

Sharing space with large carnivores on a human-dominated continent like Europe results in multiple conflictful interactions with human interests, of which depredation on livestock is the most widespread. We conducted an analysis of the impact by all four European large carnivores on sheep farming in 10 European countries, during the period 2010–2015. We ran a hierarchical Simultaneous Autoregressive model, to assess the influence of several ecological factors on the reported depredation levels. About 35,000 (SD = 4110) sheep kills were compensated in the ten countries as caused by large carnivores annually, representing 0.5% of the total sheep stock. Of them, 45% were recognized as killed by wolves, 24% by wolverines, 19% by lynx and 12% by bears. We found a positive relationship between wolf distribution and the number of compensated sheep, but not for the other three species. Depredation levels were lower in the areas where large carnivore presence has been continuous compared to areas where they disappeared and returned in the last 50 years. Our study shows that a few large carnivores can produce high damage, when the contribution of environmental, social, and economic systems predisposes for it, whereas large populations can produce a limited impact when the same components of the system reduce the probability that depredations occur. Time of coexistence plays in favour of a progressive reduction in the associated costs, provided that the responsible agencies focus their attention both on compensation and co-adaptation.

Assessing the behavioural responses of floating wolves to human presence is crucial for investigating the chance of wolf populations expanding into urbanised landscapes. We studied the movement ecology of three rehabilitated wolves in a highly human-dominated landscape (Po Plain, Italy) to explore wolf’s plasticity amid widespread human pressure. To reach this aim, we estimated individual 95% utilisation distributions (UD) after the release and inspected both 95% UDs and net squared displacements to identify individual movement patterns; tested for differences in movement patterns during day and night; and analysed the selection of resting sites during dispersal movement in a highly human-altered environment. Both the 95% UDs and step lengths were smaller for wolves settling in suitable areas than for those settling in more urbanised areas. All wolves exhibited strong temporal segregation with humans during all movement phases, particularly while dispersing across highly urbanised areas. Main roads and proximity to built-up areas were shown to limit wolves’ dispersal, whereas small-wooded patches that provide shelter during rest facilitated long-distance movements. This study provides important insights into wolf movement and settling in urban and peri-urban areas, providing critical knowledge to promote human–carnivore coexistence.

Objective: A prospective longitudinal cohort study on the impact of anthropometric measures on the sexual function and continence recovery in patients treated with laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP) is presented. Material and methods: Anthropometric measures, International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) and International Prostatic Symptoms Score questionnaires, were collected before surgery and at the end of follow-up period. All patients were assigned into the following groups: A) non-obese; B) non-obese with central adiposity; C) obese without central adiposity; D) obese with central adiposity. Urinary and sexual functions were the outcome measures. Results: At the end of follow-up, in 29 patients with visceral adiposity (VA) the median IIEF-5 was 14 (IQR 7-18) while in 49 non-VA patients (62.8%) was 22 (IQR 17-24) (p < 0.001). Twenty-three patients (79.3%) with VA reported complete continence, while 6 (20.7%) used ≥ 2 pads per day. Forty-eight patients (97.9%) without VA reported complete continence. VA was confirmed as a strong independent predictor for worse continence (HR 3.67; 2.75-4.51 CI95% p = 0.003) and sexual function recovery (HR: 4.51; 3.09-5.63 CI95% p < 0.001). Conclusion: We truly believe obese with visceral adiposity patients with prostate cancer should receive detailed preoperative counseling before surgery, including higher risk of suboptimal functional outcomes.