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The calculation of the relative bioavailability (RBV) of rumen-protected AA supplements using the plasma free AA dose-response technique currently relies on blood samples obtained 2, 4, 6, and 8 h after the 0500 h feeding during the last 3 d of each period in Latin square experiments with cows fed every 8 h (0500, 1300, and 2100 h). The objective of this study was to determine if this current blood sampling protocol captures the changes that may occur in plasma Met concentrations within a 24-h day to adequately determine the RBV of Met from Smartamine M (SM). Five multiparous lactating Holstein cows were used in a 5 × 5 Latin square design with 7-d periods. Treatments were (1) control (abomasal infusion of tap water), (2) 12 g/d of abomasally infused dl-Met, (3) 24 g/d of abomasally infused dl-Met, (4) 15 g/d of fed Met (20 g/d of SM), and (5) 30 g/d of fed Met (40 g/d of SM). Blood samples were collected via jugular catheters every 2 h after the 0500 h feeding starting on d 5 and ending on d 7 of each period. Plasma Met analysis was conducted using gas chromatography after chloroformate derivatization. Plasma Met concentration was averaged across days for 2–8 h after the 0500 h feeding, 2–8 h after the 1300 h feeding, 2–8 h after the 2100 h feeding, and 2–24 h after the 0500 h feeding. In addition, plasma Met concentration was regressed on 0, 12, and 24 g of infused dl-Met and 0, 15, and 30 g of fed Met. The calculated RBV of Met from SM averaged 83.8%, 83.6%, 87.4%, and 83.0% for the 2–8 h, 10–16 h, 18–24 h, and 2–24 h sampling periods, respectively. The similarity in the estimations of RBV for the 2–8 h and 2–24 h sampling periods indicates that our original blood sampling protocol seems reliable for determining the RBV of ruminally protected Met products.

Abstract Previous studies have shown that the zinc-responsive MRI probe, GdL1, can distinguish healthy versus malignant prostate tissues based upon differences in zinc content and secretion. In this study, mice were fed chow containing low, normal, or high zinc content for 3 weeks before imaging glucose stimulated zinc secretion (GSZS) by MRI. The distribution of zinc in prostate tissue in these three groups was imaged by synchrotron radiation X-ray fluorescence (SR-XRF). A zinc deficiency caused systemic and organ-level dysregulation, weight loss, and altered zinc bioavailability. Zinc efflux from the prostate increased in parallel to dietary zinc in healthy mice but not in TRAMP mice, consistent with a lowered capacity to store dietary zinc in malignant cells. This differential zinc efflux suggests that a dietary supplement of zinc prior to a GSZS study may enhance image contrast between healthy and malignant prostate tissue, thereby improving the accuracy of prostate cancer detection in man.

Abstract Simulating entire wind farms with an actuator line model requires significant computational effort, especially if one is interested in wake dynamics and wants to resolve the tip vortices. A need to explore unconventional approaches for this kind of simulation emerges. In this work, the actuator line method is implemented within a lattice‐Boltzmann flow solver, combined with a sliding mesh approach. Lattice‐Boltzmann solvers have advantages in terms of performance and low dissipation, while the sliding mesh allows for local refinement of the blade and tip vortices. This methodology is validated on a well‐documented case, the NREL Phase VI rotor, and the local refinement is demonstrated on the NREL 5 MW rotor. Results show good agreement with reference Navier–Stokes simulations. Advantages and limitations of the sliding mesh approach are identified.

Abstract Biological soil covers (BSCs) play a pivotal role in ecosystem functioning by enhancing soil stability, mediating nutrient cycling, and influencing soil hydrology. Recognized as ecosystem engineers, they can physically modify, maintain, or create habitats, facilitating plant community development. Through these intricate interactions, BSCs contribute significantly to ecological processes, highlighting their importance in the overall health and functionality of the ecosystems of the Iberian Peninsula. Here we present the results obtained from the contributions of the citizen scientists uploaded from November 2019 to January 2021 with eBryoSoil, an app that allows citizens to participate in mapping the BSC communities across the Iberian Peninsula. Here, we emphasize the importance of habitats and consequently, their interaction with climatic variables for the persistence of BSCs (lichens and bryophytes). Conservation efforts targeted at preserving diverse habitats are essential to ensure the continued presence of lichen and bryophyte communities. Despite challenges posed by the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak, this citizen science project demonstrated success in utilizing a specifically tailored app to gather valuable information on BSC communities, providing insights into their vulnerability to climate change. This program serves as an illustrative example of how citizen science can effectively identify and study vulnerable habitats, offering a blueprint for future studies focused on understudied organisms.

Ultrasmall nanoparticles (usNPs) have emerged as promising theranostic tools in cancer nanomedicine. With sizes comparable to globular proteins, usNPs exhibit unique physicochemical properties and physiological behavior distinct from larger particles, including lack of protein corona formation, efficient renal clearance, and reduced recognition and sequestration by the reticuloendothelial system. In cancer treatment, usNPs demonstrate favorable tumor penetration and intratumoral diffusion. Active targeting strategies, incorporating ligands for specific tumor receptor binding, serve to further enhance usNP tumor selectivity and therapeutic performance. Numerous preclinical studies have already demonstrated the potential of actively targeted usNPs, revealing increased tumor accumulation and retention compared to non-targeted counterparts. In this review, we explore actively targeted inorganic usNPs, highlighting their biological properties and behavior, along with applications in both preclinical and clinical settings.

Abstract The recent adoption of deep learning-based models for the processing and coding of multimedia signals has brought noticeable gains in performance, which have established deep learning-based solutions as the uncontested state-of-the-art both for computer vision tasks, targeting machine consumption, as well as, more recently, coding applications, targeting human visualization. Traditionally, applications requiring both coding and computer vision processing require first decoding the bitstream and then applying the computer vision methods to the decompressed multimedia signals. However, the adoption of deep learning-based solutions enables the use of compressed domain computer vision processing, with gains in performance and computational complexity over the decompressed domain approach. For point clouds (PCs), these gains have been demonstrated in the single available compressed domain computer vision processing solution, named Compressed Domain PC Classifier, which processes JPEG Pleno PC coding (PCC) compressed streams using a PC classifier largely compatible with the state-of-the-art spatial domain PointGrid classifier. However, the available Compressed Domain PC Classifier presents strong limitations by imposing a single, specific input size which is associated to specific JPEG Pleno PCC configurations; this limits the compression performance as these configurations are not ideal for all PCs due to their different characteristics, notably density. To overcome these limitations, this paper proposes the first Adaptive Compressed Domain PC Classifier solution which includes a novel adaptive bridge model that allows to process the JPEG Pleno PCC encoded bit streams using different coding configurations, now maximizing the compression efficiency. Experimental results show that the novel Adaptive Compressed Domain PC Classifier allows JPEG PCC to achieve better compression performance by not imposing a single, specific coding configuration for all PCs, regardless of its different characteristics. Moreover, the added adaptability power can achieve slightly better PC classification performance than the previous Compressed Domain PC Classifier and largely better PC classification performance (and lower number of weights) than the PointGrid PC classifier working in the decompressed domain.

Abstract Phase transitions are typically quantified using order parameters, such as crystal lattice distances and radial distribution functions, which can identify subtle changes in crystalline materials or high‐contrast phases with large structural differences. However, the identification of phases with high complexity, multiscale organization and of complex patterns during the structural fluctuations preceding phase transitions, which are essential for understanding the system pathways between phases, is challenging for those traditional analyses. Here, it is shown that for two model systems— thermotropic liquid crystals and a lyotropic water/surfactant mixtures—graph theoretical (GT) descriptors can successfully identify complex phases combining molecular and nanoscale levels of organization that are hard to characterize with traditional methodologies. Furthermore, the GT descriptors also reveal the pathways between the different phases. Specifically, centrality parameters and node‐based fractal dimension quantify the system behavior preceding the transitions, capturing fluctuation‐induced breakup of aggregates and their long‐range cooperative interactions. GT parameterization can be generalized for a wide range of chemical systems and be instrumental for the growth mechanisms of complex nanostructures.

Abstract In the Neotropical Region, Phlugidini is the most diverse tribe of Meconematinae, with 62 valid species in 10 genera, six of them recorded from Brazil. Brachyphlugis gen. nov. is described herein based on two new species, Brachyphlugis longicercalis sp. nov. (type species) and Brachyphlugis curvata sp. nov., collected in Parque Nacional do Itatiaia and Reserva Biológica do Tinguá, both in the Atlantic Forest of Rio de Janeiro State. The new genus is most similar to Neophlugis, but it can be distinguished from the latter and other neotropical Phlugidini by the following combination of characteristics: (1) mandibles symmetrical; (2) tegmen extending beyond metanotum; (3) pronotal disk posterior margin convex; (4) tenth tergite strongly projected and downcurved; (5) male cercus pronounced with a larger base and acuminate apex; (6) paraproct modified with developed spine; (7) male subgenital plate with two distolateral projections connected to a pair of styles; and (8) female subgenital plate wider than long, posterior margin with two projections. An up-to-date key to neotropical Phlugidini genera is also provided.

We explore the principles, implementation details, and performance characteristics of a lensless multi-spectral digital holographic sensor and demonstrate its potential for quality assurance in semiconductor manufacturing. The method is based on capturing multi-spectral digital holograms, which are subsequently utilized to evaluate the shape of a reflective test object. It allows for a compact setup satisfying high demands regarding robustness against mechanical vibrations and thus overcomes limitations associated with conventional optical inspection setups associated with lens-based white light interferometry. Additionally, the tunable laser source enhances the versatility of the system and enables adaptation to various sample characteristics. Experimental results based on a wafer test specimen demonstrate the effectiveness of the method. The axial resolution of the sensor is ±2.5 nm, corresponding to 1σ.

Scorpions are an important predator group in the habitats where they live, due to their voracity. However, their predatory habits are not well recorded, particularly in Amazonian species. Here we report four intraspecific predation events involving Tityus metuendus Pocock, 1987. In all cases, larger individuals acted as predators of smaller ones. These are the first reports of cannibalism involving scorpions in the Brazilian Amazon. Our findings are important to allow a better understanding of intraspecific interactions in tropical scorpion assemblages.

Abstract Background Germline mutations of E-cadherin contribute to hereditary diffuse gastric cancer (HDGC) and congenital malformations, such as oral facial clefts (OFC). However, the molecular mechanisms through which E-cadherin loss-of-function triggers distinct clinical outcomes remain unknown. We postulate that E-cadherin-mediated disorders result from abnormal interactions with the extracellular matrix and consequent aberrant intracellular signalling, affecting the coordination of cell migration. Methods Herein, we developed in vivo and in vitro models of E-cadherin mutants associated with either OFC or HDGC. Using a Drosophila approach, we addressed the impact of the different variants in cell morphology and migration ability. By combining gap closure migration assays and time-lapse microscopy, we further investigated the migration pattern of cells expressing OFC or HDGC variants. The adhesion profile of the variants was evaluated using high-throughput ECM arrays, whereas RNA sequencing technology was explored for identification of genes involved in aberrant cell motility. Results We have demonstrated that cells expressing OFC variants exhibit an excessive motility performance and irregular leading edges, which prevent the coordinated movement of the epithelial monolayer. Importantly, we found that OFC variants promote cell adhesion to a wider variety of extracellular matrices than HDGC variants, suggesting higher plasticity in response to different microenvironments. We unveiled a distinct transcriptomic profile in the OFC setting and pinpointed REG1A as a putative regulator of this outcome. Consistent with this, specific RNAi-mediated inhibition of REG1A shifted the migration pattern of OFC expressing cells, leading to slower wound closure with coordinated leading edges. Conclusions We provide evidence that E-cadherin variants associated with OFC activate aberrant signalling pathways that support dynamic rearrangements of cells towards improved adaptability to the microenvironment. This proficiency results in abnormal tissue shaping and movement, possibly underlying the development of orofacial malformations. Graphical Abstract

It is expected that two-dimensional (2D) metal nitrides (MNs) consisting of the 13th group elements of the periodic table and nitrogen, namely aluminium nitride (AlN), gallium nitride (GaN), indium nitride (InN) and thallium nitride (TlN), have enhanced physical and mechanical properties due to the honeycomb, graphene-like atomic arrangement characteristic of these compounds. The basis for the correct design and improved performance of nanodevices and complex structures based on 2D MNs from the 13th group is an understanding of the mechanical response of their components. In this context, a comparative study to determine the elastic properties of metal nitride nanosheets was carried out making use of the nanoscale continuum modelling (or molecular structural mechanics) method. The differences in the elastic properties (surface shear and Young’s moduli and Poisson’s ratio) found for the 2D 13th group MNs are attributed to the bond length of the respective hexagonal lattice of their diatomic nanostructure. The outcomes obtained contribute to a benchmark in the evaluation of the mechanical properties of AlN, GaN, InN and TlN monolayers using analytical and numerical approaches.

Fluorescence spectroscopy is an extremely sensitive analytical technique that has been widely used to elucidate problems that require low detection limits. Although fluorescence spectroscopy is widespread in industry and academia, there is a lack of teaching materials demonstrating its basic principles, as well as the influence of instrumental parameters involved in the technique, which limit its correct use and the full potential of it. For this reason, this work aims to explore the principles of fluorescence spectroscopy and correlate them in function of different instrumental variables to carry out a fluorescence experiment. The spectrofluorometer parameters such as the excitation wavelength, excitation and emission slits, step, integration time, detection geometry as well as concentration of the samples were varied to illustrate how the best resulting spectra can be registered free of artifacts. To do so, two organic dyes with structured vibronic bands (pyrene) and another with unstructured bands (rhodamine 6G) were used. Another study carried out involved the use of 3D spectra, excitation/emission spectra, of cadmium telluride (CdTe) quantum dots. In this case, it was possible to show the excitation spectrum of nanomaterials, collecting emissions at different wavelengths, as well as analyzing the particle size distribution.

Summary: The extracellular superoxide dismutases (ecSODs) secreted by Microplitis bicoloratus reduce the reactive oxygen species (ROS) stimulated by the Microplitis bicoloratus bracovirus. Here, we demonstrate that the bacterial transferase hexapeptide (hexapep) motif and bacterial-immunoglobulin-like (BIg-like) domain of ecSODs bind to the cell membrane and transiently open hemichannels, facilitating ROS reductions. RNAi-mediated ecSOD silencing in vivo elevated ROS in host hemocytes, impairing parasitoid larva development. In vitro, the ecSOD-monopolymer needed to be membrane bound to open hemichannels. Furthermore, the hexapep motif in the beta-sandwich of ecSOD49 and ecSOD58, and BIg-like domain in the signal peptides of ecSOD67 were required for cell membrane binding. Hexapep motif and BIg-like domain deletions induced ecSODs loss of adhesion and ROS reduction failure. The hexapep motif and BIg-like domain mediated ecSOD binding via upregulating innexins and stabilizing the opened hemichannels. Our findings reveal a mechanism through which ecSOD reduces ROS, which may aid in developing anti-redox therapy.

Abstract Immune checkpoint inhibitors have revolutionized cancer therapy, yet the efficacy of these treatments is often limited by the heterogeneous and hypoxic tumor microenvironment (TME) of solid tumors. In the TME, programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression on cancer cells is mainly regulated by Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), which induces T cell exhaustion and enables tumor immune evasion. In this study, we demonstrate that acidosis, a common characteristic of solid tumors, significantly increases IFN-γ-induced PD-L1 expression on aggressive cancer cells, thus promoting immune escape. Using preclinical models, we found that acidosis enhances the genomic expression and phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1), and the translation of STAT1 mRNA by eukaryotic initiation factor 4F (elF4F), resulting in an increased PD-L1 expression. We observed this effect in murine and human anti-PD-L1-responsive tumor cell lines, but not in anti-PD-L1-nonresponsive tumor cell lines. In vivo studies fully validated our in vitro findings and revealed that neutralizing the acidic extracellular tumor pH by sodium bicarbonate treatment suppresses IFN-γ-induced PD-L1 expression and promotes immune cell infiltration in responsive tumors and thus reduces tumor growth. However, this effect was not observed in anti-PD-L1-nonresponsive tumors. In vivo experiments in tumor-bearing IFN-γ−/− mice validated the dependency on immune cell-derived IFN-γ for acidosis-mediated cancer cell PD-L1 induction and tumor immune escape. Thus, acidosis and IFN-γ-induced elevation of PD-L1 expression on cancer cells represent a previously unknown immune escape mechanism that may serve as a novel biomarker for anti-PD-L1/PD-1 treatment response. These findings have important implications for the development of new strategies to enhance the efficacy of immunotherapy in cancer patients.

Abstract Objective Tuberculosis (TB) is a leading cause of death globally, with approximately 1.5 million deaths in 2020. TB often coexists with chronic communicable and non-communicable diseases, but data to determine the extent of comorbid diseases are limited. In this study, we aimed to assess the prevalence of TB multimorbidity and its risk factors in a tertiary hospital in Sierra Leone. This is a cross-sectional study of 240 adults with microbiologically-confirmed TB at Connaught Hospital in Freetown, between March and May 2022. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with TB multimorbidity. Results The mean age of the patients was 37 years. More than two-thirds were males and about the same number had two or more chronic diseases. The most common were hypertension (47.9%) and diabetes (24.2%). Patients under 35 years of age were less likely to have TB multimorbidity (

Using emergetic indicators to evaluate complex processes such as the de-pollution of urban rivers aims to contribute to better use and preservation of the resources, besides the valuation of ecosystem services provided by the water body. Within this context, we conducted a bibliometric and systematic review that shows the lack of emergetic indicators in urban river de-pollution. Thus, this work aims to propose an emergetic assessment procedure to evaluate the de-pollution process of urban rivers that allows technicians, academics, and revitalization process managers of urban rivers to improve the monitoring and decision-making directly related to the process, concluding that an emergetic assessment procedure contributes to theory to create new scientific analyses applied to urban revitalization and nature preservation processes. The emergetic assessment procedure contributes to society by improving the disposal of public resources and the effective maintenance of urban rivers that provide ecosystem services to all stakeholders (residents, grantors, and sanitation companies). In practice, the use of the emergetic assessment contributes to the monitoring from the first stages of the clean-up process, demonstrating the sustainability of the process for the adequacy of resources and maintenance of the water body that shall be cleaned. HIGHLIGHTS Emergetic assessment in urban river de-pollution.; Emergetic assessment to reduce environmental impact in the water.; Emergetic assessment and indicators to improve sustainability.; Indicators to improve the sustainability of the urban streams and rivers.;

Engineered nanoparticles (NPs) have the potential to revolutionize disease diagnostics and treatment. However, NP interactions with proteins in biological fluids complicate their in vivo control. These interactions often lead to the formation of protein coronas around the NP surface, shaping NP fate and behavior within biological systems. To harness the full potential of NPs in biomedical applications, it is therefore essential to gain a comprehensive understanding of their interactions with proteins. Within this context, it must be recognized that traditional equilibrium-based descriptions of NP–protein interactions, which encompass parameters like equilibrium binding affinity and corona composition, do not provide sufficient detail to predict NP behavior in vivo. This limitation arises because the open in vivo system is a nonequilibrium state characterized by constantly changing concentrations and dynamic regulation of biological processes. In light of these considerations, this review explores the kinetics and timescales of NP–protein interactions, discussing their relevance, fundamental concepts, measurement techniques, typical ranges of association and dissociation rate constants, and dynamics of protein corona formation and dissociation. The review concludes by outlining potential areas for further research and development in this field.

Abstract Gut microbiome disruptions may lead to adverse effects on wildlife fitness and viability, thus maintaining host microbiota biodiversity needs to become an integral part of wildlife conservation. The highly-endangered callitrichid golden lion tamarin (GLT-Leontopithecus rosalia) is a rare conservation success, but allochthonous callitrichid marmosets (Callithrix) serve as principle ecological GLT threats. However, incorporation of microbiome approaches to GLT conservation is impeded by limited gut microbiome studies of Brazilian primates. Here, we carried out analysis of gut metagenomic pools from 114 individuals of wild and captive GLTs and marmosets. More specifically, we analyzed the bacterial component of ultra filtered samples originally collected as part of a virome profiling study. The major findings of this study are consistent with previous studies in showing that Bifidobacterium, a bacterial species important for the metabolism of tree gums consumed by callitrichids, is an important component of the callitrichid gut microbiome - although GTLs and marmosets were enriched for different species of Bifidobacterium. Additionally, the composition of GLT and marmoset gut microbiota is sensitive to host environmental factors. Overall, our data expand baseline gut microbiome data for callitrichids to allow for the development of new tools to improve their management and conservation.

Summary: Persistent liver injury triggers a fibrogenic program that causes pathologic remodeling of the hepatic microenvironment (i.e., liver fibrosis) and portal hypertension. The dynamics of gene regulation during liver disease progression and early regression remain understudied. Here, we generated hepatic transcriptome profiles in two well-established liver disease models at peak fibrosis and during spontaneous regression after the removal of the inducing agents. We linked the dynamics of key disease readouts, such as portal pressure, collagen area, and transaminase levels, to differentially expressed genes, enabling the identification of transcriptomic signatures of progressive vs. regressive liver fibrosis and portal hypertension. These candidate biomarkers (e.g., Tcf4, Mmp7, Trem2, Spp1, Scube1, Islr) were validated in RNA sequencing datasets of patients with cirrhosis and portal hypertension, and those cured from hepatitis C infection. Finally, deconvolution identified major cell types and suggested an association of macrophage and portal hepatocyte signatures with portal hypertension and fibrosis area.

Game development studios deal with numerous challenges to achieve the publication of games that are acclaimed by the public. The difficulties range from a simple choice of color for a particular object within the game to mechanics and narratives. In this way, user experience (UX) techniques provide a better perception of the player’s experience. UX techniques are consolidated in the context of software engineering industries and literature. However, few works in the literature (which will be presented in this work) address this knowledge and treat digital games as a specific type of software. In this sense, we aim to explore and present innovative approaches and best techniques adopted by game development studios to integrate UX into their processes. The research included the participation of 41 digital game development studios from all regions of Brazil, of which 31 were interviewed and 10 chose to participate via questionnaire. The analysis revealed that many participants work in small companies (up to five employees) and apply UX techniques intuitively without formal knowledge and justification for using them. Furthermore, we noticed that many studios are unclear about their techniques and confuse them with game design. However, most understand that UX is fundamental for designing a successful game with community support and buy-in. In addition, most of the justifications for not using UX techniques converged on a lack of knowledge. Finally, we developed a visual scheme to assist studios and future research, capable of consolidating the information extracted from participants about the UX techniques adopted, the benefits and challenges of applying them to the development process, the justifications for not adopting UX techniques (when not adopted), the test instruments implemented, and the UX dimensions evaluated by them.

Functional traits are powerful tools for distinguishing between plants with different resource acquisition strategies. Fast-growing plants normally dominate resource-rich habitats and present trait values associated with high productivity, such as high specific leaf area (SLA), short leaf lifespan, and rapid leaf elongation rate (LER). In contrast, slow-growing species have a higher leaf weight ratio (LWR), leaf lifespan (LLS), and phyllochron, which are useful traits for survival in stressful and unfertile environments, but are normally thought to be incompatible with high productivity, even under fertile conditions. We tested the hypothesis that slow-growing forage grasses have demographic parameters (tiller population density and canopy density) that offset their slow individual traits, making them as productive as fast-growing species when grown in fertile soil. Species with contrasting growth strategies (Arrhenatherum elatius L. and Festuca arundinacea Schreb cv. Quantum II, fast and slow-growing species, respectively) were cultivated in 45 m2 field plots and subjected to the same cutting regime and nitrogen supply level. Functional traits and canopy attributes were continuously measured during 8 growing cycles after the establishment of the swards. A. elatius had higher SLA, LER, leaf senescence, and leaf appearance rates, whereas F. arundinacea had higher LLS and LWR values. Conversely, there were no differences in relative growth rate or forage accumulation. F. arundinacea was able to offset their plant functional traits, typically associated with slow-growing grasses, with some demographic parameter like higher tiller population density, allowing it to be as productive as the fast-growing A. elatius when both were grown in fertile soil. Therefore, we suggest cautionary use of traditional plant functional traits to explain and predict the annual productivity of slow-growing grasses.

ABSTRACT The seed deterioration process during storage is inevitable, but it can be slowed down using packaging that reduces the influence of the external environment on stored corn seeds. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the physiological quality of corn seeds stored in different packages and subjected to storage conditions in the central region of Brazil. Thirty-seven corn genotypes were analyzed in three storage environments: multiwall paper, 10 °C temperature, and 40% relative air humidity; multiwall paper under uncontrolled conditions; and hermetic packaging under uncontrolled conditions. The results of germination, water content, electrical conductivity, accelerated aging, soilless cold test, and field emergence test were used. Physiological quality assessments indicated that storage under conditions of 10 °C temperature and 40% relative air humidity is more efficient in preserving corn seeds' physiological quality than packaging in an uncontrolled environment.

Abstract In critical patients, abdominal perfusion pressure (APP) has been shown to correlate with outcome. However, data from cirrhotic patients is scarce. We aimed to characterize APP in critically ill cirrhotic patients, analyze the prevalence and risk factors of abdominal hypoperfusion (AhP) and outcomes. A prospective cohort study in a general ICU specialized in liver disease at a tertiary hospital center recruited consecutive cirrhotic patients between October 2016 and December 2021. The study included 101 patients, with a mean age of 57.2 (± 10.4) years and a female gender proportion of 23.5%. The most frequent etiology of cirrhosis was alcohol (51.0%), and the precipitant event was infection (37.3%). ACLF grade (1–3) distribution was 8.9%, 26.7% and 52.5%, respectively. A total of 1274 measurements presented a mean APP of 63 (± 15) mmHg. Baseline AhP prevalence was 47%, independently associated with paracentesis (aOR 4.81, CI 95% 1.46–15.8, p = 0.01) and ACLF grade (aOR 2.41, CI 95% 1.20–4.85, p = 0.01). Similarly, AhP during the first week (64%) had baseline ACLF grade (aOR 2.09, CI 95% 1.29–3.39, p = 0.003) as a risk factor. Independent risk factors for 28-day mortality were bilirubin (aOR 1.10, CI 95% 1.04–1.16, p

Scorpions and assassin bugs are arthropod predators that may impact in trophic chain, coexisting in similar microhabitats and exhibiting antagonistic interactions. This study reports the first case of predation of the scorpion Physoctonus debilis by the assassin bug Microtomus tibialis in a Brazilian Seasonal Dry Tropical Forest biome. During a nocturnal collection, an adult individual of M. tibialis was observed, with the head and body facing downwards, while holding a female of P. debilis, with the aid of the mouthparts under the vegetation. Reports like these are important to understand the evolutionary dynamics and natural history of predators that cohabit in the same microhabitat.

Automotive industries require constant technological development and the capacity to adapt to market needs. Hence, component suppliers must be able to adapt to persistent trend changes and technical improvements, acting in response to customers’ expectations and developing their manufacturing methods to be as flexible as possible. Concepts such as layout flexibility, management of industrial facilities, and building information modeling (BIM) are becoming ever more addressed within the automotive industry in order to envision and select the necessary information exchanges. Given this question and based on the gap in the literature regarding this subject, this work proposes a solution, developing a novel tool that allows the monitoring and assignment of newer/relocated equipment to the switchboards within a given industrial plant. The solution intends to increase the flexibility of production lines through the assessment, analysis, improvement, and reorganization of the electrical load distribution to develop projects accurately implying layout changes. The tool is validated with an automotive manufacturer. With the implementation of this open-source tool, a detailed electrical flow management system is accomplished, and it has proven successful and essential in raising levels of organizational flexibility. This has guaranteed the company’s competitiveness with effective integrated administration methods and tools, such as a much easier study upon inserting new/relocated equipment without production line breaks.

This study investigates the sensitivity of the square cup forming process. It analyses how the uncertainties in the material properties, friction and process conditions affect the results of the square cup, such as equivalent plastic strain, geometry change, thickness reduction, punch force and springback. The cup flange and the die curvature region are identified as highly affected areas, while the cup bottom is least affected by the uncertainties. Two sensitivity analysis techniques, PAWN and Sobol indices, are compared. In particular, the study shows that PAWN indices require a significantly smaller number of simulations than Sobol indices, making them a more efficient choice for sensitivity analysis. While both PAWN and Sobol indices generally give comparable results, discrepancies arise in the analysis of springback, where PAWN indices show superior accuracy, particularly when dealing with multimodal distributions. This observation highlights the importance of selecting the appropriate sensitivity analysis method based on the nature of the data being analysed. These results provide insights for optimizing stamping processes to reduce production time and costs.

Injection moulds are crucial to produce plastic and lightweight metal components. One primary associated challenge is that these may suffer from different types of failures, such as wear and/or cracking, due to the extreme temperatures (T), thermal cycles, and pressures involved in the production process. According to the intended geometry and respective needs, mould manufacturing can be performed with conventional or non-conventional processes. This work focuses on three foremost alloys: AMPCO® (CuBe alloy), INVAR-36® (Fe-Ni alloys, Fe-Ni36), and heat-treated (HT) steels. An insight into the manufacturing processes’ limitations of these kinds of materials will be made, and solutions for more effective machining will be presented by reviewing other published works from the last decade. The main objective is to provide a concise and comprehensive review of the most recent investigations of these alloys’ manufacturing processes and present the machinability challenges from other authors, discovering the prospects for future work and contributing to the endeavours of the injection mould industry. This review highlighted the imperative for more extensive research and development in targeted domains.

Abstract A complete genome of the first anellovirus infecting the wild felid Leopardus pardalis (ocelot) and a partial genome were assembled and annotated through high-throughput sequencing protocols followed by Sanger sequencing validation. The full-length virus obtained comprises 2,003 bp, while the partial genome comprises 1,224 bp. Phylogenetic analysis grouped these two sequences in two distinct clusters related to previously described Felidae anelloviruses. The ORF1 of the partial genome was identified as a new species provisionally called Torque teno ocelot virus, with 53.6% identity with its sister lineage. The complete genome was inferred as a new representative of the Torque teno felid virus 3 species, with 73.28% identity to the closest reference. This study expands known virus diversity and the host span of anelloviruses.

ABSTRACT: We report a case of a free-ranging five-month wildcat with bilateral hind limbs paralysis since birth due to a segmental lumbar spinal cord aplasia. The species confirmation of the southern tiger cat (Leopardus guttulus) was determined by genetic sequencing. This southern tiger cat native to Brazil had autophagy in both pelvic limbs during the initial phase of hospitalization, followed by a right tibial fracture with bone exposition. Euthanasia was chosen due to animal welfare and submitted for postmortem examination. Grossly, there was an 8.5cm in-length segmental interruption of the spinal cord between the third and fifth lumbar vertebrae, with a lack of spinal cord tissue and collapsed associated dura mater. Microscopically, the representative sections of the L3 to L5 spinal cord had only .an irregular trace of gray matter adhered to the meninges (lumbar spinal cord aplasia) In the region of L6, a focally extensive, cystic, and well-defined tubular cavitation was noted dorsally to the central canal, replacing and compressing the adjacent nervous tissue (syringomyelia). Metagenomics examination did not detect any virus responsible for the presented spinal cord malformations. This seems to be the first description of segmental spinal cord aplasia reported in a wild feline.

Abstract Background Cellular entry of SARS-CoV-2 has been shown to rely on angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors, whose expression in the testis is among the highest in the body. Additionally, the risk of mortality seems higher among male COVID-19 patients, and though much has been published since the first cases of COVID-19, there remain unanswered questions regarding SARS-CoV-2 impact on testes and potential consequences for reproductive health. We investigated testicular alterations in non-vaccinated deceased COVID-19-patients, the precise location of the virus, its replicative activity, and the immune, vascular, and molecular fluctuations involved in the pathogenesis. Results We found that SARS-CoV-2 testicular tropism is higher than previously thought and that reliable viral detection in the testis requires sensitive nanosensors or RT-qPCR using a specific methodology. Through an in vitro experiment exposing VERO cells to testicular macerates, we observed viral content in all samples, and the subgenomic RNA’s presence reinforced the replicative activity of SARS-CoV-2 in testes of the severe COVID-19 patients. The cellular structures and viral particles, observed by transmission electron microscopy, indicated that macrophages and spermatogonial cells are the main SARS-CoV-2 lodging sites, where new virions form inside the endoplasmic reticulum Golgi intermediate complex. Moreover, we showed infiltrative infected monocytes migrating into the testicular parenchyma. SARS-CoV-2 maintains its replicative and infective abilities long after the patient’s infection. Further, we demonstrated high levels of angiotensin II and activated immune cells in the testes of deceased patients. The infected testes show thickening of the tunica propria, germ cell apoptosis, Sertoli cell barrier loss, evident hemorrhage, angiogenesis, Leydig cell inhibition, inflammation, and fibrosis. Conclusions Our findings indicate that high angiotensin II levels and activation of mast cells and macrophages may be critical for testicular pathogenesis. Importantly, our findings suggest that patients who become critically ill may exhibit severe alterations and harbor the active virus in the testes.

Situated at the intersection of technology and medicine, the Internet of Things (IoT) holds the promise of addressing some of healthcare's most pressing challenges, from medical error, to chronic drug shortages, to overburdened hospital systems, to dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. However, despite considerable recent technological advances, the pace of successful implementation of promising IoT healthcare initiatives has been slow. To inspire more productive collaboration, we present here a simple—but surprisingly underrated—problem-oriented approach to developing healthcare technologies. To further assist in this effort, we reviewed the various commercial, regulatory, social/cultural, and technological factors in the development of the IoT. We propose that fog computing—a technological paradigm wherein the burden of computing is shifted from a centralized cloud server closer to the data source—offers the greatest promise for building a robust and scalable healthcare IoT ecosystem. To this end, we explore the key enabling technologies that underpin the fog architecture, from the sensing layer all the way up to the cloud. It is our hope that ongoing advances in sensing, communications, cryptography, storage, machine learning, and artificial intelligence will be leveraged in meaningful ways to generate unprecedented medical intelligence and thus drive improvements in the health of many people.

Abstract Background In certain clinical situations, root canal treatment in teeth with apical periodontitis is performed in multiple visits, with the use of intracanal dressing between visits, aiming to reduce microorganisms and their by-products of the root canal system prior to filling. However, in recent years, discussions have been growing about the real need for the use of intracanal dressing in these cases. The use of ultrasonic activation of the auxiliary chemical substance has increased the potential for decontamination promoted during the chemomechanical preparation of the root canal. Thus, this study is designed to explore whether the use of intracanal dressing between visits during endodontic treatment favors periradicular repair in teeth with apical periodontitis. Methods This is a randomized, prospective, double-blinded, controlled clinical trial designed to evaluate 3 distinct clinical approaches used during endodontic therapy: group 1—root canal treatment in a single visit (RCT-SV); group 2—root canal treatment in two visits with intracanal dressing (RCT-TVWD); and group 3—root canal treatment in two visits without intracanal dressing (RCT-TVWOD). A total of 150 adult patients aged 18 to 60, with at least one tooth diagnosed with asymptomatic apical periodontitis and periradicular lesion (confirmed with a cone beam computed tomography (CBCT)), will be randomized and will undergo one of the types of clinical approaches during endodontic therapy. Patients’ postoperative pain levels will also be recorded in periods of 24, 48, and 72 h and 7 days. Subsequently, clinical findings and long-term follow-up evaluations, with periradicular repair, will be performed at 6 and 12 months by intraoral periapical radiograph (IOPAR) and CBCT at the 24-month follow-up. Discussion This study will evaluate the periradicular repair of mandibular molar teeth with apical periodontitis, providing information about the efficacy, benefits, and safety of performing the endodontic treatment in a single and two visits, with and without the use of calcium hydroxide dressing. All endodontic therapy procedures will be performed under a dental operating microscope and using ultrasonic activation of auxiliary chemical substances. These results may contribute to changes in the clinical approaches adopted during endodontic therapy of teeth with apical periodontitis and reveal the potential of complementary approaches that aim to enhance the decontamination of the root canal system during the preparation stage. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05256667. Registered on 24 February 2022

Abstract Spatial omics technologies enable a deeper understanding of cellular organizations and interactions within a tissue of interest. These assays can identify specific compartments or regions in a tissue with differential transcript or protein abundance, delineate their interactions, and complement other methods in defining cellular phenotypes. A variety of spatial methodologies are being developed and commercialized; however, these techniques differ in spatial resolution, multiplexing capability, scale/throughput, and coverage. Here, we review the current and prospective landscape of single cell to subcellular resolution spatial omics technologies and analysis tools to provide a comprehensive picture for both research and clinical applications.

The partial information decomposition (PID) framework is concerned with decomposing the information that a set of (two or more) random variables (the sources) has about another variable (the target) into three types of information: unique, redundant, and synergistic. Classical information theory alone does not provide a unique way to decompose information in this manner and additional assumptions have to be made. One often overlooked way to achieve this decomposition is using a so-called measure of union information—which quantifies the information that is present in at least one of the sources—from which a synergy measure stems. In this paper, we introduce a new measure of union information based on adopting a communication channel perspective, compare it with existing measures, and study some of its properties. We also include a comprehensive critical review of characterizations of union information and synergy measures that have been proposed in the literature.

Machining INCONEL® presents significant challenges in predicting its behaviour, and a comprehensive experimental assessment of its machinability is costly and unsustainable. Design of Experiments (DOE) can be conducted non-destructively through Finite Element Analysis (FEA). However, it is crucial to ascertain whether numerical and constitutive models can accurately predict INCONEL® machining. Therefore, a comprehensive review of FEA machining strategies is presented to systematically summarise and analyse the advancements in INCONEL® milling, turning, and drilling simulations through FEA from 2013 to 2023. Additionally, non-conventional manufacturing simulations are addressed. This review highlights the most recent modelling digital solutions, prospects, and limitations that researchers have proposed when tackling INCONEL® FEA machining. The genesis of this paper is owed to articles and books from diverse sources. Conducting simulations of INCONEL® machining through FEA can significantly enhance experimental analyses with the proper choice of damage and failure criteria. This approach not only enables a more precise calibration of parameters but also improves temperature (T) prediction during the machining process, accurate Tool Wear (TW) quantity and typology forecasts, and accurate surface quality assessment by evaluating Surface Roughness (SR) and the surface stress state. Additionally, it aids in making informed choices regarding the potential use of tool coatings.

An identification strategy based on a machine learning approach is proposed to identify the constitutive parameters of metal sheets. The main novelty lies in the use of Gaussian Process Regression with the objective of identifying the constitutive parameters of metal sheets from the biaxial tensile test results on a cruciform specimen. The metamodel is intended to identify the constitutive parameters of the work hardening law and yield criterion. The metamodel used as input data the forces along both arms of the cruciform specimen and the strains measured for a given set of points. The identification strategy was tested for a wide range of virtual materials, and it was concluded that the strategy is able to identify the constitutive parameter with a relative error below to 1%. Afterwards, an uncertainty analysis is conducted by introducing noise to the force and strain measurements. The optimal strategy is able to identify the constitutive parameters with errors inferior to 6% in the description of the hardening, anisotropy coefficients and yield stresses in the presence of noise. The study emphasizes that the main strength of the proposed strategy relies on the judicious selection of critical areas for strain measurement, thereby increasing the accuracy and reliability of the identification process.

Climate change is one of the biggest threats to global food security, with observed impacts already affecting agriculture. This study aims to systematize and analyze the observed biophysical impacts and their evolution in agriculture in Brazil. For this, we carry out a systematic literature review that includes 1844 articles in the first stage, and 53 articles with synthesized information retrieved. Temperature and precipitation are the most studied climate variables when considering observed climate impact on food production, with corn, soybeans, and sugarcane as the major crops assessed. We also identify regional patterns of both positive and negative trends due to climate change: 67% of assessed studies report negative impacts, 15% both negative and positive, 11% neutral relationships and only 7% reveal positive effects. The diversity in scope and methodological approaches across studies presents a challenge, as only a fraction sufficiently contextualizes baseline conditions, not allowing for a comprehensive understanding of impact attribution. Nonetheless, the literature spotlights productivity declines in cassava, cocoa, rice and wheat. As for corn, soybeans, and sugarcane studies reveal both positive and negative impacts, depending on baseline premises. The call for more transparent and comprehensive studies is urgent, especially to encompass a broader range of food crops, particularly in family farming systems and across diverse regional scales. Such studies are imperative for advancing evidence-based climate-resilient strategies in agriculture aiming to map and prevent negative impacts, while promoting positive outcomes in food production.

Abstract Background Homelessness has been associated with multiple detrimental health outcomes across observational studies. However, relatively few randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have been conducted on people who experience homelessness (PEH). Thus, this umbrella review ranked the credibility of evidence derived from systematic reviews (SRs) and meta-analyses (MAs) of observational studies investigating the associations between homelessness and any health outcome as well as RCTs targeting health needs in this population. Methods Several databases were systematically searched from inception through April 28, 2021. Any SR and/or MA reporting quantitative data and providing a control group were eligible for inclusion. The credibility of the evidence derived from observational studies was appraised by considering the significance level of the association and the largest study, the degree of heterogeneity, the presence of small-study effects as well as excess significance bias. The credibility of evidence was then ranked in five classes. For SRs and/or MAs of RCTs, we considered the level of significance and whether the prediction interval crossed the null. The AMSTAR-2 and AMSTAR-plus instruments were adopted to further assess the methodological quality of SRs and/or MAs. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) was employed to further appraise the methodological quality of prospective cohort studies only; a sensitivity analysis limited to higher quality studies was conducted. Results Out of 1549 references, 8 MAs and 2 SRs were included. Among those considering observational studies, 23 unique associations were appraised. Twelve of them were statistically significant at the p≤0.005 level. Included cases had worst health-related outcomes than controls, but only two associations reached a priori-defined criteria for convincing (class I) evidence namely hospitalization due to any cause among PEH diagnosed with HIV infection, and the occurrence of falls within the past year among PEH. According to the AMSTAR-2 instrument, the methodological quality of all included SRs and/or MAs was “critically low.” Interventional studies were scant. Conclusion While homelessness has been repeatedly associated with detrimental health outcomes, only two associations met the criteria for convincing evidence. Furthermore, few RCTs were appraised by SRs and/or MAs. Our umbrella review also highlights the need to standardize definitions of homelessness to be incorporated by forthcoming studies to improve the external validity of the findings in this vulnerable population.

SUMMARY Maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY) is a heterogeneous group of monogenic forms of diabetes mellitus with distinct clinical features. Clinical dermatological phenotypes in MODY patients are very rare in literature. This report describes a patient with HNF1A-MODY presenting with necrobiosis lipoidica (NL) and granuloma annulare (GA). A 39-year-old asymptomatic woman, with atypical diabetes diagnosed at age 17, has a confirmed HNF1A mutation on exon 2 (c.392G>A, p.R131Q), classified as Pathogenic by the ACMG guidelines. She has reasonable metabolic control using oral anti-diabetic medications and has no chronic diabetic complications. Clinical and histologic diagnoses of both NL and GA were made. We discuss these conditions and their association with MODY.

Toxoplasmosis is an important zoonotic disease caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii and is especially fatal for neotropical primates. In Brazil, the Ministry of Health is responsible for national epizootic surveillance, but some diseases are still neglected. Here, we present an integrated investigation of an outbreak that occurred during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic among eleven neotropical primates housed at a primatology center in Brazil. After presenting non-specific clinical signs, all animals died within four days. A wide range of pathogens were evaluated, and we successfully identified T. gondii as the causative agent within four days after necropsies. The liver was the most affected organ, presenting hemorrhage and hepatocellular necrosis. Tachyzoites and bradyzoite cysts were observed in histological examinations and immunohistochemistry in different organs; in addition, parasitic DNA was detected through PCR in blood samples from all specimens evaluated. A high prevalence of Escherichia coli was also observed, indicating sepsis. This case highlights some of the obstacles faced by the current Brazilian surveillance system. A diagnosis was obtained through the integrated action of researchers since investigation for toxoplasmosis is currently absent in national guidelines. An interdisciplinary investigation could be a possible model for future epizootic investigations in animals.

With a view to maintaining the competitiveness required by the market, the automotive industry strongly encourages its suppliers to develop new production methods and technologies capable of reducing the costs of produced products, ensuring the necessary quality, and increasing flexibility, with a view to responding more easily to the customization of the products that the market increasingly demands. The main goal of this work was to increase the flexibility and productivity of equipment capable of producing the first subset that constitutes the product commonly known as the Bowden cable. To this end, the design science research methodology was used, which was understood as the most effective in describing scientific work related to the improvement of existing systems. Bowden cables are cables that activate various devices in the car, such as opening doors, moving window glasses, and adjusting some car seats, among others. The work consisted of integrating several operations usually carried out for the manufacture of the referred subset, reducing logistics operations and manual work, increasing operator safety, and increasing the production rate and flexibility of the equipment, by reducing the setup time. For this purpose, new mechanical concepts were developed, and automation was applied, which resulted in a completely new concept, able to fulfill all the objectives initially set. It should be noted here that the new equipment allowed a production rate of 1140 p/h, when the initial objective was 1100 p/h; it requires an investment of only around EUR 55,000 (easy return on investment), occupies only 11.6 m2, and has reinforced safety systems to avoid workers’ injuries, an aspect that is very important in this type of equipment, where operators deal with cutting systems and high temperatures. The dissemination of this concept could help other researchers to easily find solutions to certain problems that they face in the development of modern equipment. The main contributions of this paper are the novel concepts created to overcome some process difficulties, which can be used for a wide range of other processing situations with similar difficulties. The solutions proposed allow a decrease in the cycle time, present high flexibility, save workshop space, and are affordable in terms of global cost.

Hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) nanosheets are attractive materials for various applications that require efficient heat transfer, surface adsorption capability, biocompatibility, and flexibility, such as optoelectronics and power electronics devices, nanoelectromechanical systems, and aerospace industry. Knowledge of the mechanical behavior of boron nitride nanosheets is necessary to achieve accurate design and optimal performance of h-BN-based nanodevices and nanosystems. In this context, the Young’s and shear moduli and Poisson’s ratio of square and rectangular boron nitride nanosheets were evaluated using the nanoscale continuum modeling approach, also known as molecular structural mechanics. The latter allows robust and rapid assessment of the elastic constants of nanostructures with graphene-like lattices. To date, there is a lack of systematic research regarding the influence of input parameters for numerical simulation, loading conditions, size, and aspect ratio on the elastic properties of the h-BN nanosheets. The current study contributes to filling this gap. The results allow, on the one hand, to point out the input parameters that lead to better agreement with those available in the literature. On the other hand, the Young’s and shear moduli, and Poisson’s ratio calculated in the present work contribute to a benchmark for the evaluation of elastic constants of h-BN nanosheets using theoretical methods.

Next-generation sequencing (NGS) is an indispensable tool in antibody discovery projects. However, the limits on NGS read length make it difficult to reconstruct full antibody sequences from the sequencing runs, especially if the six CDRs are randomized. To overcome that, we took advantage of Illumina’s cluster mapping capabilities to pair non-overlapping reads and reconstruct full Fab sequences with accurate VL:VH pairings. The method relies on in silico cluster coordinate information, and not on extensive in vitro manipulation, making the protocol easily deployable and less prone to PCR-derived errors. This work maintains the throughput necessary for antibody discovery campaigns, and a high degree of fidelity, which potentiates not only phage-display and synthetic library-based discovery methods, but also the NGS-driven analysis of naïve and immune libraries.

Abstract Rapid progress on wearable bioelectronics holds the promise for remote patient monitoring. However, there are concerns related with the use of batteries, including the need for frequent charging, user safety, and environmental pollution. The development of rapidly deployable battery‐free patches that harvest their energy from external sources is highly desired. Here, untethered battery‐free patches through far‐field energy harvesting are demonstrated. Taking advantage of a stretchable biphasic liquid metal‐based ink and digital fabrication techniques, that is, direct printing, and laser patterning, tailor‐made customized antennas are fabricated over various substrates, including polydimethylsiloxane, Kapton, and wound‐dressing medical‐grade adhesives. Folded dipole and planar inverted‐F antennas (PIFA) are evaluated and they are optimized for an over‐the‐body scenario. Compared to previous works that only show communication of data at

Adaptation to heat stress through the use of air conditioners has received increasing attention. Here the authors show that income and humidity adjusted temperature are common determinants for adopting air conditioning, but their relative contribution varies in relation to household characteristics.

Grigorios Korosoglou,1,2 Sorin Giusca,1,2 Florian André,3,4 Fabian aus dem Siepen,3,4 Peter Nunninger,5 Arnt V Kristen,3,6 Norbert Frey3,4 1GRN Hospital Weinheim, Department of Cardiology, Vascular Medicine and Pneumology, Weinheim, Germany; 2Cardiac Imaging Center Weinheim, Hector Foundation, Weinheim, Germany; 3Department of Cardiology, Pneumology and Angiology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; 4German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; 5Radiology and Nuclear Medicine Weinheim, Weinheim, Germany; 6Cardiovascular Center Darmstadt, Darmstadt, GermanyCorrespondence: Grigorios KorosoglouGRN Hospital Weinheim, Department of Cardiology & Vascular Medicine, Roentgenstrasse 1, Weinheim, D-69469, GermanyTel +49 6201 89 2142Fax +49 6201 89 2507Email gkorosoglou@hotmail.comAbstract: Among non-ischemic cardiomyopathies, cardiac amyloidosis is one of the most common, being caused by extracellular depositions of amyloid fibrils in the myocardium. Two main forms of cardiac amyloidosis are known so far, including 1) light-chain (AL) amyloidosis caused by monoclonal production of light-chains, and 2) transthyretin (ATTR) amyloidosis, caused by dissociation of the transthyretin tetramer into monomers. Both AL and ATTR amyloidosis are progressive diseases with median survival from diagnosis of less than 6 months and 3 to 5 years, respectively, if untreated. In this regard, death occurs in most patients due to cardiac causes, mainly congestive heart failure, which can be prevented due to the presence of effective, life-saving treatment regimens. Therefore, early diagnosis of cardiac amyloidosis is crucial more than ever. However, diagnosis of cardiac amyloidosis may be challenging due to variable clinical manifestations and the perceived rarity of the disease. In this regard, clinical and laboratory reg flags are available, which may help clinicians to raise suspicion of cardiac amyloidosis. In addition, advances in cardiovascular imaging have already revealed a higher prevalence of cardiac amyloidosis in specific populations, so that the diagnosis especially of ATTR amyloidosis has experienced a > 30-fold increase during the past ten years. The goal of our review article is to summarize these findings and provide a practical approach for clinicians on how to use cardiovascular imaging techniques, such as echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance, bone scintigraphy and, if required, organ biopsy within predefined diagnostic algorithms for the diagnostic work-up of patients with suspected cardiac amyloidosis. In addition, two clinical cases and practical tips are provided in this context.Keywords: cardiac amyloidosis, ATTR amyloidosis, AL amyloidosis, echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance, bone scintigraphy, myocardial biopsy, specific therapy