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Abstract Plastic pollution is a significant environmental challenge of contemporary age. Polystyrene (PS), among the most commonly used plastic polymers worldwide, is highly durable and difficult to degrade. Despite various disposal strategies, PS continues to impact biodiversity, human health, and ecosystems. Recently, the scientific community has focused on the potential role of microorganisms for plastic biodegradation, particularly those from the gut of plastivorous insects. In a previous study, three bacterial strains, each representing a distinct taxonomic group (Klebsiella, Pseudomonas, and Stenotrophomonas), were isolated from Alphitobius diaperinus larvae after rearing on a PS diet and enriched in a medium with PS as the sole carbon source. The Stenotrophomonas sp. strain, here identified as S. indicatrix, showed the greatest potential for PS degradation. The present study investigates the genetic profile of the newly isolated S. indicatrix strain DAI2m/c through genome sequencing, to identify enzyme-encoding genes involved in the intracellular metabolic pathways responsible for the biodegradation of the styrene monomer. Our findings indicate that the genome of S. indicatrix strain DAI2m/c encodes all enzymes required for one of the two recognized styrene degradation pathways, suggesting its ability to convert styrene into byproducts that are then utilized for cellular energy production.

The complete mitochondrial genome of the shining leaf chafer Mimela junii was sequenced and is herein described. The mitogenome consists of a circular molecule of 16,805 bp, with an overall AT content of 75.7%. It encodes for 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNA genes (tRNAs), two ribosomal RNA genes (rRNAs) and contains a non-coding Control Region (CR) characterized by the presence of tandem repeats. The gene order corresponds to the ancestral Pancrustacea model and mitogenome characteristics are congruous with those of hexapods. In the phylogenetic analysis, M. junii is nested within a paraphyletic Anomala with high support, and is herein associated with Anomala corpulenta with medium/low support.

Myrmeleontidae are conspicuous insects with moderate species diversity, which are reasonably well studied in Europe. However, dedicated samplings in the Mediterranean region carried out in the last years suggest that the state of knowledge of the representatives of this family occurring in outhern Europe is far from ideal. Over 40 species of antlions and owlflies are reported from Italy, of which a few are only known from the islands of the Sicilian Channel.Solter liber Navás, 1912 is reported for the first time in Italy, based on specimens collected in Pantelleria Island in 2022 and 2023.

Abstract The electric dipoles of proteins in a biolayer determine their dielectric properties through the polarization density P. Hence, its reproducibility is crucial for applications, particularly in bioelectronics. Biolayers encompassing capturing antibodies covalently bound at a biosensing interface are generally preferred for their assumed higher stability. However, surface physisorption is shown to offer advantages like easily scalable fabrication processes and high stability. The present study investigates the effects of electric‐field (EF)‐cycling of anti‐Immunoglobulin M (anti‐IgM) biolayers physisorbed on Au. The impact of EF‐cycling on the dielectric, optical, and mechanical properties of anti‐IgM biolayer is investigated. A reduction of the dispersion (standard deviation over a set of 31 samples) of the measured P values is observed, while the set median stays almost constant. Hence, physisorption combined with EF cycling, results in a biolayer with highly reproducible bioelectronic properties. Additionally, the study provides important insights into the mechanisms of dielectric rearrangement of dipole moments in capturing biolayers after EF‐cycling. Notably, EF‐cycling acts as an annealing process, driving the proteins in the biolayer into a statistically more probable and stable conformational state. Understanding these phenomena enhances the knowledge of the properties of physisorbed biolayers and can inform design strategies for bioelectronic devices.

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A presente pesquisa apresenta como objetivo analisar, à luz da inovação pedagógica, o que a literatura científica nacional apresenta sobre o ensino de Física na Educação Superior. Como questão de pesquisa, tem-se: como o ensino de Física na Educação Superior se apresenta na literatura científica nacional? Optou-se por uma pesquisa bibliográfica e exploratória, obedecendo os passos procedimentais da revisão sistemática de literatura. Utilizou-se três indexadores de pesquisas científicas: SciELO, Catálogo de Teses e Dissertações da CAPES e Portal OasisBR. Foram considerados artigos científicos, monografias, dissertações e teses. A partir da leitura dos resumos de cada estudo, selecionou-se aqueles que contemplavam os critérios de inclusão e exclusão; assim, 20 estudos foram selecionados e criaram-se três categorias temáticas oportunizadas pelos assuntos em semelhança. Os resultados trazem a perspectiva inovadora em diferentes vieses, contemplando um Ensino de Física visto de diferentes cenários: utilizando metodologias ativas; a busca pela superação dos índices evasivos; e o papel fundamental das aulas experimentais.

Introdução: O politrauma é uma doença importante no Brasil e mundo. O tratamento desses pacientes melhorou ao longo dos anos, com consequente aumento da sobrevida. Entretanto, o número de intervenções, tratamentos e dias em unidade de terapia intensiva (UTI), somados ao mecanismo e gravidade do trauma, podem se relacionar ao aumento de infecções relacionadas à assistência à saúde. Existem poucas informações e evidências sobre infecções bacterianas e resistência antimicrobiana em pacientes civis, não veteranos ou não combatentes de guerra, vítimas de trauma. Objetivo: Identificar os fatores de risco para infecções e colonização por bacilos gram negativos multi-drogarresistentes (BGN MDR) em pacientes internados em uma UTI de referência para trauma. Método: Durante 12 meses, os pacientes admitidos na UTI foram incluídos em uma coorte prospectiva. O paciente foi classificado como infectado por BGN MDR caso houvesse sido isolados BGN resistentes a carpabenêmicos (Enterobacterales, Acinetobacter baumannii ou Pseudomonas aeruginosa) em culturas de sítios estéreis, ou caso tivesse cultura positiva acompanhada de critérios clínicos para infecção. Dados demográficos, clínicos e referentes ao trauma foram comparados entre os pacientes com e sem infecção. Foi adotado nível de significância estatística p < 0.05. Para delinear os fatores de risco, lançou-se mão de regressão logística simples e múltipla. Resultados: Dos 308 pacientes, 158 (51%) eram politraumatizados e 23 (7.5%) tiveram infecção por BGN MDR (dos quais, 56.5% sofreram politrauma). O trauma não foi um fator de risco para infecção por BGN MDR (8.2% em politrauma vs. 6.7% não politrauma, p = 0.6), mas o tempo de internação foi (OR 1.05; IC 95% 1.03 - 1.07, p < 0.001). Colonização por BGN MDR ocorreu em 51 pacientes (17%) e os fatores de risco associados foram traumatismo cranioencefálico (OR 2.56; IC 95% 1.21 - 5.52, p = 0.014), uso de cateter venoso central (OR 2.83; IC 95% 1.32 - 6.50, p = 0.01) e uso de antibióticos nos últimos três meses (OR 4.49; IC 95% 1.49 - 13.19, p = 0.006). Conclusão: O trauma sozinho não foi diretamente causa de infecção por MDR, somente o tempo de internação; embora para a colonização, TCE e os fatores relacionados à internação, comorbidades do paciente e suporte de vida avançado estiveram relacionados a desfechos desfavoráveis.

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer is the third most common type of cancer in Brazil, despite the availability of screening methods that reduce its risk. Colonoscopy is the only screening method that also allows therapeutic procedures. The proper screening through colonoscopy is linked to the quality of the exam, which can be evaluated according to quality criteria recommended by various institutions. Among the factors, the most used is the Adenoma Detection Rate, which should be at least 25% for general population. AIMS: To evaluate the quality of the screening colonoscopies performed in a quarternary private Brazilian hospital. METHODS: This is a retrospective study evaluating the quality indicators of colonoscopies performed at a private center since its inauguration. Only asymptomatic patients aged over 45 years who underwent screening colonoscopy were included. The primary outcome was the Adenoma Detection Rate, and secondary outcomes included polyps detection rate and safety profile. Subanalyses evaluated the correlation of endoscopic findings with gender and age and the evolution of detection rates over the years. RESULTS: A total of 2,144 patients were include with a mean age of 60.54 years-old. Polyps were diagnosed in 68.6% of the procedures. Adenoma detection rate was 46.8%, with an increasing rate over the years, mainly in males. A low rate of adverse events was reported in 0.23% of the cases, with no need for surgical intervention and no deaths. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that high quality screening colonoscopy is possible when performed by experienced endoscopists and trained nurses, under an adequate infrastructure.

Resumo Este artigo analisa uma proposta específica de supervisão do processo democrático por cortes constitucionais denominada teoria da competição política. Argumentamos que a teoria oferece insights metodológicos que podem orientar as cortes, inclusive o Supremo Tribunal Federal (STF), na abordagem e resolução de disputas relacionadas à constitucionalidade de regras eleitorais que estruturam o processo democrático. Oferecemos uma releitura da decisão do STF na ADI n. 4.650, sugerindo que uma preocupação estrutural com a preservação da competição política orientou, ainda que de forma nem sempre articulada, as posições das correntes majoritária e minoritária a respeito da constitucionalidade das doações eleitorais por pessoas jurídicas. De acordo com essa releitura, existiriam boas razões para que doações desse tipo não fossem consideradas uma prática anticompetitiva extrema que justifique sua proibição pela via judicial.

A substantial amount of evidence suggests that students, particularly those from economically disadvantaged households, experience summer reading loss. Available evidence suggests this is due to a lack of participation in literacy-focused activities and access to books during the summer break from school. The current study investigated whether participation in Children's Defense Fund's Freedom Schools, a free, six-week, literacy-focused, culturally relevant summer camp, may help prevent summer reading loss. The sample consisted of 125 students who participated in three sites of the summer camp and completed pre- and post-test reading assessments. The results of this study suggest that the literacy-focused summer camp provides students with an academically enriching opportunity that may help prevent summer reading loss, particularly for students in Grades 3-5, who experienced small gains on average in vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension. Recommendations are provided regarding how the program can be modified to maximize potential benefits related to participation.

This study explored how a culturally relevant summer reading program may empower young Black students through social action and opportunities for reading engagement, thus supporting their reading motivation. The North Florida Freedom Schools (NFFS) was designed to realize social justice by providing free educational opportunities, especially for underserved children. Within this context, we explored the students' autonomous reading motivation and relevant variables to explain how the summer programming may support their motivation to read. In this mixed-methods study, we found that students' autonomous motivation to read was positively related to their self-efficacy, autonomy, relatedness, and controlled motivation to read. Building positive social relationships and supporting autonomy were important factors in explaining students' high autonomous motivation in NFFS. Moreover, students reported that participation in NFFS inspired them to effectively engage in reading activities and believe in the value of social action (i.e., how people could contribute to making a better community).

This work examines the environmental impact of low-carbon concrete that incorporates supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs). After reviewing near-zero carbon SCMs and low-carbon concrete, a life cycle assessment (LCA) was undertaken for concrete mix designs with normal-to-high compressive strengths, incorporating limestone and fly ash as cement replacements. The analysis includes relevant region-specific life cycle inventory parameters for raw materials, energy production, and transportation. A comparative assessment between embodied carbon emissions and the material mechanical performance is then made. The results of this paper indicate that incorporating limestone and fly ash in concrete can reduce carbon emissions, yet at a proportional decrease in mechanical properties compared to conventional cement concrete. The combination of cement and fly ash produced, on average, a higher strength concrete by 20.5% and lower CO2-eq values by 21.1% when compared to limestone cement blends. The CO2-eq emissions associated with transportation of the main constituents for concrete production were on average below 4% of the total CO2-eq per mix. In addition to eco-mechanical quantitative assessments, the study offers insights and recommendations for the development of concrete materials considering global resource availability of near-zero carbon concrete constituents.

The paper starts with the trajectory of ancient graffiti study since the 19th century. This study was well inserted in the scholarly context, paying particular attention to the differences of language use in relation to standard learned Latin (or Greek). In the 20th century, beyond scholarship, there was an overwhelming normative and historical perception that graffiti represented most of all unlearned people, those who were unable to have access to learned culture. This improved the knowledge about graffiti, but it continued to focus on distance from the rule. In the late 20th century there was a growing critical approach, considering that graffiti may produce evidence about people's daily lives. In this context, the edge has been able to produce a plethora of innovative interpretation. Brazil produced a critical approach, centring on a couple of subjects: popular culture and female agency. Popular culture means highlighting the originality of ordinary people culture. Then, within this approach, female agency. The authors then discuss some graffiti, enabling to discuss popular culture and female agency. The paper concludes by stressing how graffiti may be a way of promoting life, fostering living together, against hatred and destruction.

Background: Cell-based therapies for drug-resistant epilepsy using induced pluripotent stem cell-derived inhibitory interneurons are now in early-phase clinical trials, building on findings from trials in Parkinson’s disease (PD) and Huntington’s disease (HD). Graft rejection and the need for immunosuppressive therapy post-transplantation pose potential barriers to more epilepsy patients becoming potential candidates for inhibitory interneurons transplantation surgery. Objectives: The present literature review weighs the evidence for and against human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-mediated graft rejection in PD and HD and examines the potential advantages and drawbacks to five broad approaches to cell-based therapies, including autologous cell culture and transplantation, in vivo reprogramming of glial cells using viral vectors, allogeneic transplantation using off-the-shelf cell lines, transplantation using inhibitory interneurons cultured from HLA-matched cell lines, and the use of hypoimmunogenic-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived inhibitory interneurons. The impact of surgical technique and associated needle trauma on graft rejection is also discussed. Methods: Non-systematic literature review. Results: While cell-based therapies have enjoyed early successes in treating a host of central nervous system disorders, the immunologic reaction against surgical procedures and implanted materials has remained a major obstacle. Conclusions: Adapting cell-based therapies using iPSC-derived inhibitory interneurons for epilepsy surgery will similarly require surmounting the challenge of immunogenicity.

Recently, liquidity issues in financial markets and portfolio asset management have attracted much attention among investors and scholars, fuelling a stream of research devoted to exploring the role of liquidity in investment decisions. In this paper, we aim to investigate the effects of introducing liquidity in portfolio optimization problems. For this purpose, first we consider three volume-based liquidity measures proposed in the literature and we build a new one particularly suited to portfolio optimization. Secondly, we formulate an extended version of the Markowitz portfolio selection problem, named mean–variance–liquidity, wherein the goal is to minimize the portfolio variance subject to the usual constraint on the expected portfolio return and an additional constraint on the portfolio liquidity. Thirdly, we consider a sensitivity analysis, with the aim to assess the trade-offs between liquidity and return, on the one hand, and between liquidity and risk, on the other hand. In the second part of the paper, the portfolio optimization framework is applied to a dataset of US ETFs comprising both standard and alternative, often illiquid, investments. The analysis is carried out with all the liquidity measures considered, allowing us to shed light on the relationships among risk, return and liquidity. Finally, we study the effects of the introduction of a Bitcoin ETF, as an asset with an extremely high expected return and risk.