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An atomic-level understanding of radiation-induced damage in simple polymers like polyethylene is essential for determining how these chemical changes can alter the physical and mechanical properties of important technological materials such as plastics. Ensembles of quantum simulations of radiation damage in a polyethylene analog are performed using the Density Functional Tight Binding method to help bind its radiolysis and subsequent degradation as a function of radiation dose. Chemical degradation products are categorized with a graph theory approach, and occurrence rates of unsaturated carbon bond formation, crosslinking, cycle formation, chain scission reactions, and out-gassing products are computed. Statistical correlations between product pairs show significant correlations between chain scission reactions, unsaturated carbon bond formation, and out-gassing products, though these correlations decrease with increasing atom recoil energy. The results present relatively simple chemical descriptors as possible indications of network rearrangements in the middle range of excitation energies. Ultimately, the work provides a computational framework for determining the coupling between nonequilibrium chemistry in polymers and potential changes to macro-scale properties that can aid in the interpretation of future radiation damage experiments on plastic materials.

Nanoengineered metal@zeolite materials have recently emerged as a promising class of catalysts for several industrially relevant reactions. These materials, which consist of small transition metal nanoclusters confined within three-dimensional zeolite pores, are interesting because they show higher stability and better sintering resistance under reaction conditions. While several such hybrid catalysts have been reported experimentally, key questions such as the impact of the zeolite frameworks on the properties of the metal clusters are not well understood. To address such knowledge gaps, in this study, we report a robust and transferable machine learning-based potential (MLP) that is capable of describing the structure, stability, and dynamics of zeolite-confined gold nanoclusters. Specifically, we show that the resulting MLP maintains ab initio accuracy across a range of temperatures (300-1000 K) and can be used to investigate time scales (>10 ns), length scales (ca. 10,000 atoms), and phenomena (e.g., ensemble-averaged stability and diffusivity) that are typically inaccessible using density functional theory (DFT). Taken together, this study represents an important step in enabling the rational theory-guided design of metal@zeolite catalysts.

In the interstellar medium, diols and other prebiotic molecules adsorb onto icy mantles surrounding dust grains. Water in the ice may affect the reactivity and photoionization of these diols. Ethylene glycol (EG), 1,2-propylene glycol, and 1,3-propylene glycol clusters with water clusters were used as a proxy to study these interactions. The diol-water clusters were generated in a continuous supersonic molecular beam, photoionized by synchrotron-based vacuum ultraviolet light from the Advanced Light Source, and subsequently detected by reflectron time-of-flight mass spectrometry. The appearance energies for the detected clusters were determined from the mass spectra, collected at increasing photon energy. Clusters of both diol fragments and unfragmented diols with water were detected. The lowest energy geometry optimized conformers for the observed EG-water clusters and EG fragment-water clusters have been visualized using density functional theory (DFT), providing insight into hydrogen bonding networks and how these affect fragmentation and appearance energy. As the number of water molecules clustered around EG fragments (m/z 31 and 32) increased, the appearance energy for the cluster decreased, indicating a stabilization by water. This trend was supported by DFT calculations. Fragment clusters from 1,2-propylene glycol exhibited a similar trend, but with a smaller energy decrease, and no trend was observed from 1,3-propylene glycol. We discuss and suggest that the reactivity and photoionization of diols in the presence of water depend on the size of the diol, the location of the hydroxyl group, and the number of waters clustered around the diol.

ABSTRACT: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of early group housing on the performance, health, and behavior of dairy calves during the preweaning period using systematic and meta-analysis approaches. Peer-reviewed articles written in English that compared dairy calves individually and group-housed with performance, health, or behavior outcomes were collected from Web of Science, PubMed, and CABDirect databases. The resulting articles (n = 850) underwent a 4-step appraisal process following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses protocols, resulting in a final sample of 51 articles containing 85 studies. The weighted or standardized mean differences between individually housed and group-housed (pair or group with >2 calves) calves were analyzed for each variable using the DerSimonian and Laird methods. Heterogeneity between calf housing systems was evaluated by the χ2 test and I2 statistics. A meta-regression analysis was conducted to identify categorical covariate effects for variables with high heterogeneity. Most of the studies included in this review evaluated female calves (45.8%) weaned at 8 wk old (52.6%). Housing systems were mainly paired housing (55.3%), followed by groups of 3 to 6 calves (30.65) and groups of 7 to 15 calves (4.7%). We did not find studies with comparable outcomes for more robust health parameters (as occurrence of diseases), only blood parameters, that were not influenced by the housing system. However, weight gain and feed intake parameters were higher in group-housed calves. Through the meta-regression, we found that ADG was positively affected by the group housing in studies with calves housed in small pen areas (

Abstract Aims Transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (ATTR‐CM) may be an underestimated cause of heart failure among geriatric patients and represent a unique phenotype and prognostic profile. Methods and results This retrospective, observational, cohort study characterizes cardiac and extracardiac disorders at diagnosis and assesses prognosis among ATTR‐CM patients based on age (geriatric vs. non‐geriatric) and amyloidosis subtype (wild type, ATTRwt and hereditary, ATTRv). In total, 943 patients with ATTR‐CM were included, of which 306 had ATTRv and 637 had ATTRwt. Among these, 331 (35.1%) were non‐geriatric (

Background: 177-LuDOTATE is an effective but expensive treatment for neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). Reducing treatment-related costs, such as the number of images, could improve access to 177-LuDOTATE. We evaluated early radiological tumor progression and prognostic factors in patients with NETs treated with 177-LuDOTATE. Methods: We retrospectively included all patients with NETs who received at least one cycle of 177-LuDOTATE. The primary endpoint was the rate of early radiological progression between cycles 2 and 3 (in 10–16 weeks). Secondary endpoints were progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) according to prognostic factors (tumor grade, primary site, functioning syndrome, 177-LuDOTATE treatment line) in Cox proportional hazards models. Results: The median number of 177-LuDOTATE cycles was 3 (range 1–6) among 59 patients included. Ten (17%) patients had early progression. Among 14 patients who received ≤2 cycles of 177-LuDOTATE, ten (72%) stopped treatment due to disease progression, with five patients having a G2 (ki67: 5–25%) and 4, a G3 (ki67: 25–90%) NET. In the Cox multivariable analysis, higher grade (G2 or G3 vs G1) were significantly associated with inferior PFS and OS. The median PFS of G1, G2 and G3 NET patients were: 34.1, 11.7 and 6.1 months (P = 0.015), respectively. Conclusions: It is feasible to perform imaging tests after 177-LuDOTATE completion for patients with indolent NETs with the intent to avoid futile assessments. For patients with more aggressive diseases, such as G3 NETs and G2 tumors with high tumor burden, we advise to perform more frequent images during 177-LuDOTATE therapy.

ABSTRACT Spores of Bacillus subtilis are surrounded and protected by the coat and the crust, multi-layered structures mainly made of proteins and polysaccharides. These polysaccharides are covalently linked to some of the coat and crust proteins and influence some spore properties, such as surface adhesion and hydrophilicity. This study reports that a mutant strain lacking the spsA-L operon, encoding 11 enzymes involved in the synthesis of spore surface polysaccharides, produced spores exposing on their surface hydrophobic molecules that were responsible for the drastic reduction of hydrophilicity of the mutant spores. Biochemical and genetic data support the identification of the C35-terpenoid curcumene, a precursor of the spore-associated lipid sporulene, as the highly hydrophobic molecule present on the surface of mutant spores.IMPORTANCEBacterial spores are the most resistant cell forms on Earth. The metabolically quiescent spores withstand conditions that would be lethal for other cells, maintaining the capacity to sense the environment and respond to the presence of favorable conditions by germinating. Such remarkable resistance is also due to the complex layers that surround the spore cytoplasm and protect it against damaging factors. Altogether, the spore surface layers form a complex cell structure composed of proteins, polysaccharides, and, as highlighted by this study, also of lipids. Understanding the complexity of the spore surface and the specific molecules involved in its structure is an essential step for unraveling the mechanisms underlying the spore’s resistance to environmental assaults.

La inteligencia artificial se ha convertido en una parte integral de muchas aplicaciones y servicios que utilizamos a diario. Este artículo presenta el diseño de un modelo que utiliza tecnologías de visión artificial para detectar e identificar la concentración de personas y generar alertas según los valores, proporcionados por un algoritmo de clasificación específico para aglomeraciones. El proyecto está enfocado en la atención al público panameño. Teniendo en cuenta que, actualmente, las empresas de transporte no cuentan con herramientas que permitan el manejo de datos para obtener información sobre las condiciones de los pasajeros lo largo de las diferentes rutas. El objetivo principal es desarrollar un modelo que pueda detectar aglomeraciones en tiempo real y lograr proporcionarles información a los operadores de transporte sobre la cantidad de usuarios en los buses, y como resultado mejorar el proceso de toma de decisiones. Se utilizan librerías aplicadas a la visión artificial, con el fin de proponer una solución eficiente y rápida que, además permite una mejora continua, facilitando la gestión y la prevención de las aglomeraciones. Como resultado, el sistema propuesto detectó las aglomeraciones en un 84.04 %, demostrando la posibilidad de la optimización del flujo de pasajeros.

Background: We have previously suggested that concurrent use of capecitabine plus oxaliplatin (CAPOX) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) significantly increased the risk of severe diarrhea and/or enterocolitis. We conducted a multicenter larger study to validate this finding, adjusting for other risk factors. Patients and methods: This was a retrospective multicenter study of patients with colorectal cancer treated with at least one cycle of CAPOX. The primary endpoint was grade (G) ≥3 diarrhea and/or enterocolitis induced by CAPOX. Unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression models were used to evaluate risk factors for G ≥3 diarrhea and/or enterocolitis. P < 0.05 was deemed significant. Results: From April 2010 to December 2023, 362 patients were included. In univariate analyses, age ≥65 years, right-sided tumors, use of ARBs or angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi), age-adjusted Charlson Comorbidity Index, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)

The study of animal space use is fundamental to effective conservation and management of wildlife populations and habitats in a rapidly changing world, yet many species remain poorly described. Such is the case for the spatial ecology of the Vicuña-a medium-sized wild camelid that plays a critical role, both as a consumer and as prey, in the high Andean food web. We studied patterns of space use of 24 adult female vicuñas from April 2014 to February 2017 at the southern edge of its range. Vicuñas showed strong fidelity to their home range locations across the study period and shared large portions of their home ranges with vicuñas from other family groups. Vicuña home ranges in our study were considerably larger than previous estimates across the range of the species. Variation in environmental and terrain factors and the associated risk of predation affected vicuña diel migration distance but not home range size or overlap. Our study offers new ecological insights into vicuña space use that can inform conservation and management efforts of vicuñas and other social ungulates.

The alarmone (p)ppGpp serves as the signalling molecule for the bacterial universal stringent response and plays a crucial role in bacterial virulence, persistence, and stress adaptation. Consequently, there is a significant focus on developing new drugs that target and modulate the levels of (p)ppGpp as a potential strategy for controlling bacterial infections. However, despite the availability of various methods for detecting (p)ppGpp, a simple and straightforward detection method is needed. In this study, we demonstrated that malachite green, a well-established compound used for phosphate detection, can directly detect (p)ppGpp and its analogues esp., pGpp. By utilizing malachite green, we identified three new inhibitors of the hydrolase activity of SpoT, one of the two RelA-SpoT homolog (RSH) proteins responsible for making and hydrolyzing (p)ppGpp in Escherichia coli. These findings highlight the convenience and practicality of malachite green, which can be widely employed in high-throughput studies to investigate (pp)pGpp in vitro and discover novel regulators of RSH proteins.

ABSTRACT Importance The 3‐min step test is a simple option to monitor submaximal exercise capacity, although its use via remote video monitoring has not been investigated in children with cystic fibrosis (CF). Objective This study aimed to assess the feasibility and reproducibility of performing the 3‐min step test with remote supervision. Methods A cross‐sectional study including CF patients (6–18 years) from two CF services were performed. Demographic, anthropometric, clinical, and lung function data were collected and two 3‐min step tests were performed: (i) in‐person supervision, and (ii) remotely supervised by video monitoring. Before and after the tests, heart rate (HR), oxygen saturation (SpO2), and the Borg score for dyspnea and lower limb fatigue were monitored. Results Twenty‐three patients (10.7 ± 3.7 years) with a mean FEV1 of 89.5% ± 23.2% were included. There were no significant differences between tests, with mean differences (95% confidence intervals) in final HR of –3.3 (–8.9, 2.4), change in HR of –1.9 (–6.1, 2.1), final SpO2 of 0.3 (–0.4, 1.0), and final dyspnea of 0.1 (–0.8, 0.9). The intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.852 (final HR), 0.762 (final SpO2), and 0.775 (final lower limb fatigue). Significant and moderate correlations were found between tests for final HR (r = 0.75), change in HR (r = 0.61), and final SpO2 (r = 0.61). The Bland–Altman analysis showed a mean difference in final SpO2 between tests of 0.3% (limit of agreement –3.0%, 3.5%). Interpretation Physiological responses between tests were similar, indicating it was feasible to perform the 3‐min step test with remote supervision in CF children.

Energy transfer in small nano-sized systems can be very different from that in their macroscopic counterparts due to reduced dimensionality, interaction with surfaces, disorder, and large fluctuations. Those ingredients may induce non-diffusive heat transfer that requires to be taken into account on small scales. We provide an overview of the recent advances in this field from the points of view of nonequilibrium statistical mechanics and atomistic simulations. We summarize the underlying basic properties leading to violations of the standard diffusive picture of heat transport and its universal features, with some historical perspective. We complete this scenario by illustrating also the effects of long-range interaction and integrability on non-diffusive transport. Then we discuss how all of these features can be exploited for thermal management, rectification and to improve the efficiency of energy conversion. We conclude with a review on recent achievements in atomistic simulations of anomalous heat transport in single polymers, nanotubes and two-dimensional materials. A short account of the existing experimental literature is also given.

In this hypothesis article, the potential clinicopathological associations of Calcitonin Gene Related Peptide (CGRP) with the development of synuclein-associated neurodegenerative disorders (SAND) are discussed. The presence of α-syn and CGRP in the CNS and the ENS and the intricate role of CGRP and its related pathways in inflammation, apoptosis, metabolism, neuromodulation, and brain-gut communication are analyzed. Since this hypothesis is confirmed, modulating CGRP-potential related pathways may lead to novel disease-modifying therapies.

Introdução: A nitrofurantoína é frequentemente utilizada para profilaxia de infecções urinárias. Nesses casos, o uso contínuo e prolongado da droga expõe o paciente a variados efeitos adversos. Entre os mais comuns, destacam-se náuseas, êmeses, cefaleia e diarreia. Contudo, manifestações mais raras, tais quais fibrose pulmonar e lesão hepática induzida por drogas (DILI - do inglês, drug induced liver injury), são descritas na literatura. Há poucos relatos na literatura da associação concomitante de fibrose pulmonar e hepatite autoimune devido ao uso de nitrofurantoína. Objetivo: Relatar caso de fibrose pulmonar concomitante a DILI autoimune-like induzidas por uso de nitrofurantoína. Método: Relato de caso. Resultados: C.P.C., 62 anos, feminina, portadora de asma, hipotireoidismo e infecção urinária de repetição, em uso de nitrofurantoína profilática há 4 anos. Procurou atendimento devido a dispneia com piora progressiva nos últimos 30 dias, associada a astenia, fadiga e tosse não produtiva. Tomografia de tórax evidenciou alterações fibroatelectásicas e bronquiectasias difusas bilateralmente, com predomínio perihilar, associadas a extensas opacidades consolidativas em vidro fosco. Apresentava dao hepático com elevação de transaminase oxalacética 878 (VR 40) e transaminase pirúvica 2006 (VR 35). Realizadas sorologias, excluídas causas infecciosas. Solicitadas provas reumatológicas, com fator antinuclear (FAN) reagente, título 1/160, padrão nuclear pontilhado quasi-homogêneo (fenótipo autoimune-like). Evoluiu com melhora clínica e laboratorial após suspensão da Macrodantina e uso de corticoterapia sistêmica com metilprednisolona. Posteriormente, confirmada hipótese de doença intersticial pulmonar fibrosante por nitrofurantoína através do anatomopatológico. Conclusão: O presente trabalho relata um caso raro de ocorrência concomitante de dois efeitos adversos raros associados à nitrofurantoína, antimicrobiano amplamente utilizado na prática médica. O reconhecimento precoce de tais eventos é essencial para um correto manejo e, consequentemente, melhor prognóstico.

Introdução: A dengue é uma doença viral transmitida por artrópodes, cuja gravidade depende de inúmeros fatores, entre eles fatores relacionados ao hospedeiro. Infecções bacterianas durante o curso da dengue podem ocorrer, mas ainda não tem seu mecanismo totalmente elucidado. Bacteremias durante quadro de dengue são raras e associadas a mau prognóstico. Até o momento não há na literatura bacteremia por S aureus e N gonorrhoeae de paciente infectado por dengue. Objetivo: Relatar caso de vasculite séptica por S aureus e N gonorrhoeae em paciente infectado por dengue. Método: Relato de caso e revisão da literatura. Resultados: Paciente masculino 28 anos, previamente hígido, com múltiplas parceiras sexuais, com febre alta de início súbito, artralgia, cefaleia e mialgia, associado a lesões necróticas por todo corpo há 2 dias. Procurou atendimento no 3° dia de sintomas, com NS1 reagente. Como manteve febre e aumento das lesões por todo corpo após 15 dias, retorna para atendimento necessitando de internação. No exame físico apresentava lesões púrpuras e algumas necróticas, algumas com aspecto hemorrágico por todo corpo. Apresentava leucocitose 15 mil, PCR 7,20 mg/dL e VHS 102 mm, creatinina 1,30 mg/dL, ureia 30 mg/dL. Iniciado empiricamente ceftriaxone e teicoplanina. Realizou ecocardiograma transtorácico e transesofágico, tomografia de tórax e abdome normais. Dengue IgM reagente e sorologia para HIV não reagente. Hemoculturas com crescimento de Neisseria gonorrhoeae e S aureus (em 2 amostras) confirmado por método automatizado, provas manuais e MALDI-TOF. Anatomopatológico da pele com achados tardios de vasculite séptica em resolução. Paciente com resolução do quadro com uso de ceftriaxone por 14 dias e normalização das provas inflamatórias, e segue em investigação ambulatorial para imunodeficiências primárias. Conclusão: Relatamos caso de doença estafilocócica e gonocócica disseminada em paciente com dengue. Há relatos na literatura de doença gonocócica disseminada, principalmente associadas a deficiência de complemento, mas até o momento não há relatos de caso de bacteremia por S aureus e N gonorrhoeae simultaneamente em paciente com dengue. Ainda não está claro como a dengue pode predispor à superinfecção e à bacteremia. Diferentes mecanismos hipotéticos são a imunidade enfraquecida induzida, a grave neutropenia e a translocação bacteriana observada durante a doença no curso da doença.

Introdução: A varicela é uma doença viral contagiosa causada pelo vírus varicela zoster (VVZ), pertencente à família Herpesviridae e comumente se apresenta como uma manifestação cutânea autolimitada. Embora na maioria dos casos a doença segue um curso leve sem complicações, alguns pacientes podem desenvolver complicações extremamente raras, como o tromboembolismo pulmonar (TEP). Há poucos relatos na literatura de varicela associadas a fenômenos trombóticos, como o TEP. Os fatores causais ainda são pouco compreendidos. Objetivo: Relatar caso embolia pulmonar aguda após infecção por varicela. Método: Relato de caso. Resultados: M.F., 38 anos, masculino, tabagista, previamente hígido. Procurou atendimento devido à erupção cutânea papulovesicular pruriginosa, com polimorfismo regional, disseminada em todo corpo com 3 dias de evolução. Apresentava contato recente e prolongado com familiar internada por Herpes-Zóster. Paciente não soube informar varicela na infância e negava vacinação prévia. Procurou atendimento novamente após 11 dias com dor torácica ventilatório dependente e dispneia. Angiotomografia positiva para TEP. Sorologias para HIV, sífilis e hepatites B e C não reagentes. IgM e IgG para varicela reagentes. Realizados aciclovir e anticoagulação plena, evoluiu com resolução dos quadros. Conclusão: Relatos de complicações trombóticas devido ao VVZ não são comuns na literatura médica. Eles incluem principalmente casos de trombose no sistema nervoso central e sua minoria de embolia pulmonar. Apresentamos um interessante caso de infecção por VVZ complicada em paciente adulto imunocompetente, associada à embolia pulmonar após contato com familiar com Herpes-Zóster para chamar atenção que infecções auto limitadas podem levar a fenômenos trombóticos graves.

Introdução: Endoftalmite é uma infecção grave dos tecidos e/ou fluidos intraoculares. Majoritariamente, associa-se a mecanismos exógenos, como traumas, cirurgias ou inoculação direta. Vias endógenas são infrequentes. A Escherichia coli, um bacilo gram-negativo, raramente pode causar endoftalmite através de disseminação hematogênica. Objetivo: Relatar caso de paciente com endoftalmite por E coli. Método: Relato de caso. Resultados: J.C.L., feminino, 67 anos, portadora de diabetes mellitus e retinopatia diabética, sem cirurgias oculares prévias. Procurou atendimento por astenia, náuseas, calafrios e piora da acuidade visual. Na admissão apresentava hemograma com 19 mil leucócitos, PCR 41 mg/dL, creatinina 5,18 mg/dL, ureia 194 mg/dL, além do parcial de urina com 750.000 leucócitos e líquor normal. Iniciado ceftriaxone empírico por diagnóstico de pielonefrite. Paciente evoluiu pior com dor retro orbitária, cefaleia e anopsia 24 horas, necessitando de evisceração por endoftalmite no 7o dia de internação. Hemoculturas, urocultura e cultura de tecido positivas para E. coli multissensível. Apresentou piora da função renal com necessidade de diálise, além de quadro de trombose venosa profunda em membro inferior esquerdo. Complicou com pneumonia e necessidade de ampliar antibiótico para meropenem, completando 28 dias de esquema no total, com negativação das hemoculturas e resolução do quadro de insuficiência renal dialítica. Recebeu alta para acompanhamento ambulatorial e anticoagulação via oral. Conclusão: O presente caso destaca a importância da identificação precoce dos sinais e sintomas dessa infecção ocular para que o diagnóstico e tratamento possam ser prontamente iniciados. Existem poucos dados na literatura da prevalência de endoftalmite por E coli, e são escassos os relatos de casos evidenciando esse tipo de infecção. O diagnóstico requer um índice de suspeição elevado quando observado envolvimento ocular em um paciente com bacteremia, sendo que a intervenção precoce, possivelmente, produz melhores resultados.

Introdução: A ocorrência de casos novos de agravo pode representar uma ameaça aos estabelecimentos de saúde, exigindo que medidas sejam tomadas para determinar que tipos de respostas e ações de controle e prevenção serão mais assertivas. Um centro de reprodução assistida (CRA) de um hospital especializado de grande porte optou por interromper temporariamente suas atividades por notar no microscópio, presença de partículas móveis concomitantemente em todas as placas de cultivo embrionário (PCE), sugestivas de contaminação. Contaminações em PCEs podem ser por patógenos do sêmen, líquido folicular e menos frequentemente por agentes do meio ambiente ou trazidos pelos profissionais. Objetivo: Descrever a ocorrência de um pseudo surto em um CRA. Método: Após ser notificado pela alta direção, o Serviço de controle de infecção hospitalar (SCIH) realizou visita técnica seguindo roteiro de inspeção da Anvisa, a estrutura e os equipamentos encontravam-se em conformidade. Também foram avaliados presença de pressão positiva da sala e do fluxo laminar, qualidade do ar no ambiente e nas capelas, e se as culturas de superfície de trabalho e das incubadoras tinham sido realizadas e encontravam-se dentro dos limites estabelecidos. Resultados: Foram feitos testes com outras marcas, lotes de meio e insumos que mantiveram a presença das estruturas. PCE, insumos e meios de cultivo foram encaminhados para exame de cultura para bactérias aeróbias e anaeróbias, micobactérias e fungos, além de exame de metagenômica (método de DNA alto desempenho da região V3/V5 dos genes 16S rRNA e da região espaçadora ribossomal ITS1 do gene ITS), todos com resultados negativos. Acionado o fabricante dos meios de cultura, estes realizaram provas bioquímicas, constatando que as partículas tratavam-se de precipitações de características não habituais da albumina, utilizadas como fonte proteica do meio. Constatou-se um desvio de performance descartando a contaminação laboratorial, sendo feita uma notificação de tecnovigilância referente ao meio de cultivo. Conclusão: Na literatura há poucos relatos de contaminação externa de laboratórios de reprodução assistida, sendo escassas as orientações e condutas padrão. O processo de investigação deste pseudo surto muito contribuiu para o amadurecimento de todas as equipes envolvidas ao permitir a revisão e aprimoramento dos processos.

Background Gongolaria barbata is a canopy-forming brown macroalga that thrives in the intertidal and subtidal habitats of the warm-temperate Mediterranean Sea, which is particularly exposed to environmental changes due to its peculiar geographical location and exposure to both global and local stressors. Testing whether this species is featured by specific functional, eco-physiological and biochemical traits allowing an efficient use of habitat resources and adaptation to environmental stress, and whether this potential might change with population growth, is essential for predicting the performance of the algae under different environmental abiotic variables (e.g., temperature, nutrient availability, light) and biotic interactions (such as grazing). Methods Young (juveniles) and adult thalli of G. barbata were sampled in the winter season from the Venice Lagoon, Italy, featured by high environmental changes (temperature, salinity) and analyzed for thallus dry matter content (TDMC), photosynthetic activity, photosynthetic pigment and protein content, and antioxidant capacity to assess if thallus age may be considered a significant driver in determining the ecological responses of this species to environmental changes. Results Our results showed that TDMC was higher in adults than juveniles. At the functional level, rapid light curves indicated an elevated photosynthetic efficiency in juveniles compared to adults highlighted by the higher quantum yield of PSII electron transport, electron transport rate, and Rubisco content observed in juveniles. On the contrary, adults exhibited a higher non-photochemical quenching and total pigment concentration. No difference in maximum PSII photochemical efficiency and D1 protein content between the two thalli groups was found. Along with better photosynthesis, juveniles also displayed a higher amount of total polyphenols, flavonoids, and tannins, and a stronger antioxidant capacity compared to adults. Conclusions Our findings revealed significant differences in the eco-physiological characteristics of G. barbata at different growth stages. It was observed that young thalli, allocate more energy to photosynthesis and chemical defenses by increasing the production of antioxidant compounds, such as polyphenols, flavonoids, and tannins. With growth, thalli likely adopt a more conservative strategy, reducing photosynthesis and promoting structural biomass accumulation to mitigate the potential risks associated with prolonged exposure to environmental stressors, such as the wavy way. Although our study focused on a single phase of G. barbata life cycle under winter settings, it offers preliminary insights into this species eco-physiological traits and auto-ecology. Future research could explore the potential implications of these findings, evaluating the species’ resilience to environmental changes at the population level.