Psychosocial Training Program for Lifeguards: A Pilot Study.

Research has highlighted the need for training lifeguards in psychosocial skills. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the effectiveness of a short 10-h training program encompassing dimensions associated with emotional management, focus of attention, interpersonal relationships, and lifeguard behavior, and its effects on their psychosocial skills. A total of 64 lifeguards with experience ranging from 1 to 25 years (M = 5.93, SD = 6.07), randomly divided into experimental and control groups, participated in this study. The d2 Test of Attention, the Social Intelligence Test of O'Sullivan and Guilford, and the MSCEIT Emotional Intelligence Test were used to assess psychosocial skills. A multivariate analysis of variance for repeated measures (2 × 3 (Group × Time) MANOVA) was performed to analyze the effects of the training program on psychosocial skills. The results revealed that the experimental group showed statistically significant improvements in focus of attention and emotional intelligence compared to the control group. However, it is worth noting that no statistically significant group interactions were observed for measures of social intelligence. Taken together, these results seem to highlight the importance of including psychosocial content in the general training of lifeguards.

Gabapentin-Induced Cutaneous Leukocytoclastic Vasculitis: A Case Report.

Leukocytoclastic vasculitis (LCV) is a type of small vessel vasculitis, characterized by a perivascular neutrophilic inflammatory infiltrate with fibrinoid necrosis and fragmentation of nuclei ("leukocytoclasia"). Although up to half of the cases of LCV are idiopathic, infections and drugs are the most common secondary triggers for this condition. We present the case of an 88-year-old woman who developed an erythematous maculopapular rash on both thighs three days after starting gabapentin for neuropathic leg pain, without other associated symptoms. Skin biopsy was compatible with cutaneous vasculitis with a leukocytoclastic pattern. The skin lesions resolved within about 10 days after discontinuing gabapentin, supporting the diagnosis. To our knowledge, there are only four published cases of LCV secondary to gabapentin. This case highlights the importance of being alert for diagnosing drug-related cutaneous manifestations, even if the drug is used in our daily practice and vasculitis is not a common side effect, since discontinuing the suspected agent is crucial to resolve skin lesions and to avoid more serious complications.

Characterization of urban sources of antibiotics and antibiotic-resistance genes in a Dutch sewer catchment.

A one year study was conducted in the city of Nijmegen, The Netherlands, to characterize various urban sources of antibiotics and antibiotic resistant genes (ARGs) in wastewater within a single sewer catchment. Prevalence of ermB, tet(W), sul1, sul2, intl1, and 16S rRNA gene was determined at 10 locations within the city. Sampling locations included a nursing home, a student residence, a hospital and an industrial area, among others. Wastewater concentrations of 23 antibiotics were measured using passive sampling. Additionally, excreted loads of 22 antibiotics were estimated based on ambulatory prescription and clinical usage data. Genes sul1 and intl1 were most abundant across most locations. Ciprofloxacin and amoxicillin together contributed over 92 % of the total estimated antibiotic selective pressure at all sampling points. The present study highlights the prominent role that hospitals can have in the prevalence and proliferation of ARGs in urban wastewater. Furthermore, results suggest that even short-term changes in the therapeutic regimen prescribed in hospitals may translate into shifting ARG abundance patterns in hospital wastewater. The methods applied present an opportunity to identify emission hotspots and prioritize intervention options to limit ARG spread from urban wastewater to the environment.

A Ku-Band GaN-on-Si MMIC Power Amplifier with an Asymmetrical Output Combiner.

In this paper, a microwave monolithic integrated circuit (MMIC) high-power amplifier (HPA) for Ku-band active radar applications based on gallium nitride on silicon (GaN-on-Si) is presented. The design is based on a three-stage architecture and was implemented using the D01GH technology provided by OMMIC foundry. Details on the architecture definition and design process to maximize delivered power are provided along with stability and thermal analyses. To optimize the amplifier performance, an asymmetry was included at the output combiner. Experimental results show that the HPA achieves a 39.5 dBm pulsed-mode output power, a peak linear gain of 23 dB, a drain efficiency of 27%, and good input/output matching in the 16-19 GHz frequency range. The chip area is 5 × 3.5 mm2 and for the measurements was mounted on a custom-made module. These results demonstrate that GaN-on-Si-based Solid-State Power Amplifiers (SSPAs) can be used for the implementation of Ku-band active radars.

A 17.8-20.2 GHz Compact Vector-Sum Phase Shifter in 130 nm SiGe BiCMOS Technology for LEO Gateways Receivers.

This paper presents a novel and compact vector modulator (VM) architecture implemented in 130 nm SiGe BiCMOS technology. The design is suitable for use in receive phased arrays for the gateways of major low Earth orbit (LEO) constellations that operate in the 17.8 to 20.2 GHz frequency range. The proposed architecture uses four variable gain amplifiers (VGA) that are active at any given time and are switched to generate the four quadrants. Compared to conventional architectures, this structure is more compact and produces double the output amplitude. The design offers 6-bit phase control for 360°, and the total root mean square (RMS) phase and gain errors are 2.36° and 1.46 dB, respectively. The design occupies an area of 1309.4 µm × 1783.8 µm (including pads).

Efectos de la edad relativa en selecciones femeninas de Colombia: caso juegos bolivarianos 2022 / Relative age effects in Colombian women's teams: 2022 bolivarian games case / Efeitos da idade relativa nas equipes femininas colombianas: caso dos jogos bolivarianos 2022

Los efectos relativos de la edad (RAE) se refieren a aquellas (des)ventajas y resultados que proceden fundamentalmente de una interacción entre la fecha de nacimiento y las fechas utilizadas para organizar logísticamente a los participantes. Los RAE prevalecen constantemente en contextos deportivos femeninos, con un 25 % más de participantes relativamente mayores (Q1) que participantes relativamente más jóvenes (Q4). Nuestro objetivo fue identificar los RAE en las selecciones Colombia femeninas participantes en los últimos juegos Bolivarianos [JB] (Organización Deportiva Bolivariana [ODEBO], 2022). Se analizaron un total n = 87 fechas de nacimiento, utilizando la prueba estadística de chi-cuadrada. El análisis nos permitió establecer que no existen los RAE en las selecciones femeninas participantes en los JB (X2 = 12,2; p = 0,836). Estos hallazgos son importantes para el contexto del deporte femenino colombiano y pueden ser tenidos en cuenta por organizaciones, clubes deportivos, así como en lineamientos para la identificación y selección de talentos deportivos.

Relative Age Effects (RAE) refer to those (dis)advantages and outcomes that stem primarily from an interaction between the date of birth and the dates used to logistically organize the participants. RAE is consistently prevalent in female sports contexts, with 25% more relatively older participants (Q1) than relatively younger participants (Q4). Our objective was to identify the RAE in the Colombian women's teams participating in the last Bolivarian Games (JB) (ODEBO, 2022). A total of n = 87 dates of birth were analyzed using the chi-square statistical test. The analysis allowed us to establish that there are no RAE in the female teams participating in JB (X2 = 12,2; p = 0,836). These findings are important in the context of Colombian women's sports and can be considered by organizations, and sports clubs, as well as in guidelines for the identification and Selection of sports talents.

Os Efeitos da Idade Relativa (RAE) referem-se àquelas (des)vantagens e resultados que decorrem principalmente de uma interação entre a data de nascimento e as datas utilizadas para organizar logisticamente os participantes. O EIR é consistentemente prevalente em contextos esportivos femininos, com 25% mais participantes relativamente mais velhos (Q1) do que participantes relativamente mais jovens (Q4). Nosso objetivo foi identificar o RAE nas equipes femininas colombianas participantes dos últimos Jogos Bolivarianos (JB) (ODEBO, 2022). Um total de n = 87 datas de nascimento foram analisadas pelo teste estatístico do qui-quadrado. A análise permitiu estabelecer que não há EIR nas equipes femininas participantes do JB (X2 = 12,2; p = 0,836). Esses achados são importantes para o contexto do esporte feminino colombiano e podem ser levados em consideração pelas organizações e clubes esportivos, bem como nas diretrizes para a identificação e seleção de talentos esportivos.

Relationship between Objective and Subjective Fatigue Monitoring Tests in Professional Soccer.

Studying fatigue is challenging because it is influenced by physiological, psychological, and sociological states. Fatigue can be assessed objectively or subjectively, but the literature has difficulty understanding how an analytical test relates to a response via a questionnaire. Thus, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationships between objective fatigue variables (Squat Jump (SJ) and Countermovement Jump (CMJ)) measured on day-2 to the game and subjective fatigue (Rating Perceived Exertion (RPE) measured on day-3 to the game and Hooper Index (HI) measured on day-2). The sample comprised 32 professional football players from the First Portuguese League aged 25.86 ± 3.15 years. The Spearman correlations and regression analyses were used to study the relationships between the variables. The results showed statistically significant (p < 0.05) but small correlations (0.113−0.172) between several objective metrics and the subjective metrics evaluated. In addition, we found two weak models with statistical significance (p < 0.05) between the dependent objective variables (contact time, height, and elasticity index) and the HI (R2 = 3.7%) and RPE (R2 = 1.6%). Also, nine statistically significant (p < 0.05) but weak models were observed between the subjective dependent variables (HI and RPE) and contact time (R2 = 1.8−2.7%), flight time (R2 = 1.1−1.9%), height (R2 = 1.2−2.3%), power (R2 = 1.4%), pace (R2 = 1.2−2.1%), and elasticity index (R2 = 1.6%). In conclusion, objective and subjective fatigue-monitoring tests in professional soccer do not measure identical but rather complementary aspects of fatigue, and therefore, both need to be considered to gain a holistic perspective.

Oral Branched-Chain Amino Acids Supplementation in Athletes: A Systematic Review.

Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) are oxidized in the muscle and result in stimulating anabolic signals-which in return may optimize performance, body composition and recovery. Meanwhile, among athletes, the evidence about BCAA supplementation is not clear. The aim of this study was to review the effects of BCAAs in athletic populations. The research was conducted in three databases: Web of Science (all databases), PubMed and Scopus. The inclusion criteria involved participants classified both as athletes and people who train regularly, and who were orally supplemented with BCAAs. The risk of bias was individually assessed for each study using the revised Cochrane risk of bias tool for randomized trials (RoB 2.0). From the 2298 records found, 24 studies met the inclusion criteria. Although BCAAs tended to activate anabolic signals, the benefits on performance and body composition were negligible. On the other hand, studies that included resistance participants showed that BCAAs attenuated muscle soreness after exercise, while in endurance sports the findings were inconsistent. The protocols of BCAA supplements differed considerably between studies. Moreover, most of the studies did not report the total protein intake across the day and, consequently, the benefits of BCAAs should be interpreted with caution.

Melody valve-in-valve implantation in the tricuspid position through a Fontan conduit fenestration.

Patients with single right ventricle and tricuspid regurgitation have increased morbidity and mortality rates. The outcomes of surgical tricuspid valve repair and replacement are dismal. Although some centers prefer valve replacement with a bioprosthetic valve in the tricuspid position for the pediatric population, these valves have limited longevity and will eventually need to be replaced. Unfortunately, single ventricle patients are fragile and unlikely to tolerate a second replacement. Percutaneous valve-in-valve (ViV) implantation is an acceptable alternative with low morbidity and mortality. Studies have also shown acceptable short- and mid-term outcomes. We report a case of Melody ViV placement in the tricuspid position in a patient with hypoplastic left heart syndrome through the fenestration of a Fontan conduit.

Influence of Surface Roughness on the Dynamics and Crystallization of Vapor-Deposited Thin Films.

The substrate roughness is a very important parameter that can influence the properties of supported thin films. In this work, we investigate the effect of surface roughness on the properties of a vapor-deposited glass (celecoxib, CXB) both in its bulk and in confined states. Using dielectric spectroscopy, we provide experimental evidence depicting a profound influence of surface roughness on the α-relaxation dynamics and the isothermal crystallization of this vapor-deposited glass. Besides, we have verified the influence of film confinement on varying values of surface roughnesses as well. At a fixed surface roughness value, the confinement could alter both the dynamics and crystallization of vapor-deposited CXB.

Lobectomia total como tratamento de hemangiossarcoma hepático em um cão - relato de caso / Total lobectomy as treatment of hepatic hemangiosarcoma in a dog - case report / Lobectomía total como tratamiento de hemangiosarcoma hepático en un perro - reporte de caso

O hemangiossarcoma é uma neoplasia mesenquimal maligna agressiva com elevada taxa de morbidade e de mortalidade em cães e gatos; que se desenvolve mais frequentemente em baço, fígado, coração, ossos além de poder manifestar metástases regionais. O presente relato tem por objetivo descrever um caso de um canino diagnosticado com hemangiossarcoma hepático em lobo caudado submetido a uma lobectomia total. A técnica cirúrgica consistiu na utilização da sutura de guilhotina modificada na base do lobo acometido utilizando fio de polidioxanona e, com o auxílio de um bisturi elétrico unipolar, e respeitando o distanciamento de 0,5 cm da sutura, foi realizada a lobectomia. Após a remoção do lobo, foi fixada uma esponja hemostática de colágeno na região da incisão como forma de auxílio no controle hemorrágico. Foi indicado também a realização de tratamento quimioterápico adjuvante, entretanto o tutor do animal optou pela não realização da mesma. Ainda assim, o paciente do presente relato obteve uma boa resposta ao procedimento, e o tutor ficou muito satisfeito, relatando que houve uma grande melhora na qualidade de vida do animal e que ele não sentia mais dor, voltando a ter o seu comportamento habitual.(AU)

Hemangiosarcoma is an aggressive malignant mesenchymal neoplasm with a high rate of morbidity and mortality in dogs and cats; which develops more frequently in the spleen, liver, heart, bones, in addition to being able to manifest regional metastases. The present report aims to describe a case of a canine diagnosed with hepatic hemangiosarcoma in the caudate lobe submitted to a total lobectomy. The surgical technique consisted of using a modified guillotine suture at the base of the affected lobe using polydioxanone thread and, with the aid of a unipolar electric scalpel, and respecting the distance of 0.5 cm from the suture, lobectomy was performed. After removing the lobe, a hemostatic collagen sponge was fixed in the region of the incision as an aid in hemorrhagic control. Adjuvant chemotherapy treatment was also indicated, however the animal's tutor chose not to perform it. Even so, the patient in the present report had a good response to the procedure, and the tutor was very satisfied, reporting that there was a great improvement in the animal's quality of life and that he no longer felt pain, returning to his usual behavior.(AU)

El hemangiosarcoma es una neoplasia mesenquimatosa maligna agresiva con una alta tasa de morbilidad y mortalidad en perros y gatos; la cual se desarrolla con mayor frecuencia en bazo, hígado, corazón, huesos, además de poder manifestar metástasis regionales. El presente reporte tiene como objetivo describir un caso de un canino con diagnóstico de hemangiosarcoma hepático en el lóbulo caudado sometido a una lobectomía total. La técnica quirúrgica consistió en utilizar una sutura de guillotina modificada en la base del lóbulo afectado con hilo de polidioxanona y, con la ayuda de un bisturí eléctrico unipolar, y respetando la distancia de 0,5 cm de la sutura, se realizó la lobectomía. Después de retirar el lóbulo, se fijó una esponja hemostática de colágeno en la región de la incisión como ayuda para el control hemorrágico. También se indicó tratamiento de quimioterapia adyuvante, sin embargo el tutor del animal optó por no realizarlo. Aun así, el paciente del presente reporte tuvo una buena respuesta al procedimiento, y el tutor quedó muy satisfecho, informando que hubo una gran mejoría en la calidad de vida del animal y que ya no sintió dolor, volviendo a su comportamiento habitual.(AU)

International controlled study of revascularization and outcomes following COVID-positive mechanical thrombectomy.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Previous studies suggest that mechanisms and outcomes in patients with COVID-19-associated stroke differ from those in patients with non-COVID-19-associated strokes, but there is limited comparative evidence focusing on these populations. The aim of this study, therefore, was to determine if a significant association exists between COVID-19 status with revascularization and functional outcomes following thrombectomy for large vessel occlusion (LVO), after adjustment for potential confounding factors. METHODS: A cross-sectional, international multicenter retrospective study was conducted in consecutively admitted COVID-19 patients with concomitant acute LVO, compared to a control group without COVID-19. Data collected included age, gender, comorbidities, clinical characteristics, details of the involved vessels, procedural technique, and various outcomes. A multivariable-adjusted analysis was conducted. RESULTS: In this cohort of 697 patients with acute LVO, 302 had COVID-19 while 395 patients did not. There was a significant difference (p < 0.001) in the mean age (in years) and gender of patients, with younger patients and more males in the COVID-19 group. In terms of favorable revascularization (modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction [mTICI] grade 3), COVID-19 was associated with lower odds of complete revascularization (odds ratio 0.33, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.23-0.48; p < 0.001), which persisted on multivariable modeling with adjustment for other predictors (adjusted odds ratio 0.30, 95% CI 0.12-0.77; p = 0.012). Moreover, endovascular complications, in-hospital mortality, and length of hospital stay were significantly higher among COVID-19 patients (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: COVID-19 was an independent predictor of incomplete revascularization and poor functional outcome in patients with stroke due to LVO. Furthermore, COVID-19 patients with LVO were more often younger and had higher morbidity/mortality rates.

Vapor-Deposited Thin Films: Studying Crystallization and α-relaxation Dynamics of the Molecular Drug Celecoxib.

Crystallization is one of the major challenges in using glassy solids for technological applications. Considering pharmaceutical drugs, maintaining a stable amorphous form is highly desirable for improved solubility. Glasses prepared by the physical vapor deposition technique got attention because they possess very high stability, taking thousands of years for an ordinary glass to achieve. In this work, we have investigated the effect of reducing film thickness on the α-relaxation dynamics and crystallization tendency of vapor-deposited films of celecoxib (CXB), a pharmaceutical substance. We have scrutinized its crystallization behavior above and below the glass-transition temperature (Tg). Even though vapor deposition of CXB cannot inhibit crystallization completely, we found a significant decrease in the crystallization rate with decreasing film thickness. Finally, we have observed striking differences in relaxation dynamics of vapor-deposited thin films above the Tg compared to spin-coated counterparts of the same thickness.

Assessment of larval quality of two bivalve species, Crassostrea angulata and Chamelea gallina, exposed and cryopreserved with different cryoprotectant solutions.

Marine bivalves are valuable resources, however, some shellfish populations are endangered due to factors such as anthropogenic pressure, pathologies or lack of reproduction synchrony. Portuguese oyster (Crassostrea angulata) and striped venus clam (Chamelea gallina) have high socio-economic value and their endangered natural populations require rehabilitation. Cryopreservation is a valuable method for the preservation and management of genetic resources for aquaculture and restocking. Larvae cryopreservation is particularly valuable since diploid organisms are obtained upon thawing. The objective of this work was the establishment of C. angulata and C. gallina D-larvae cryopreservation through the selection of permeant cryoprotectant in the freezing solution, namely ethylene glycol (EG) and dimethyl sulfoxide (Me2SO). Cryoprotectants exposure showed that, in C. angulata, Me2SO promoted significantly higher incidence of abnormalities and enhanced glutathione reductase activity when compared to control (larvae without cryoprotectant exposure) or even to EG treatment. However, for both species, EG significantly reduced D-larvae average path velocity (VAP). In C. angulata post-thaw D-larvae, EG treatment promoted significantly lower motility and velocity when compared to control and Me2SO treatment. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity showed a reduction in C. angulata post-thaw D-larvae when compared to control, which was compensated by the enhancement of glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activity. In C. gallina post-thaw D-larvae, only motility, velocity and SOD activity were significantly lower than control. Therefore, the best treatment to cryopreserve C. angulata D-larvae was EG while for C. gallina Me2SO produced better results. This work established for the first time D-larvae cryopreservation protocols for C. angulata and C. gallina.

Characteristics of a COVID-19 Cohort With Large Vessel Occlusion: A Multicenter International Study.

BACKGROUND: The mechanisms and outcomes in coronavirus disease (COVID-19)-associated stroke are unique from those of non-COVID-19 stroke. OBJECTIVE: To describe the efficacy and outcomes of acute revascularization of large vessel occlusion (LVO) in the setting of COVID-19 in an international cohort. METHODS: We conducted an international multicenter retrospective study of consecutively admitted patients with COVID-19 with concomitant acute LVO across 50 comprehensive stroke centers. Our control group constituted historical controls of patients presenting with LVO and receiving a mechanical thrombectomy between January 2018 and December 2020. RESULTS: The total cohort was 575 patients with acute LVO; 194 patients had COVID-19 while 381 patients did not. Patients in the COVID-19 group were younger (62.5 vs 71.2; P < .001) and lacked vascular risk factors (49, 25.3% vs 54, 14.2%; P = .001). Modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction 3 revascularization was less common in the COVID-19 group (74, 39.2% vs 252, 67.2%; P < .001). Poor functional outcome at discharge (defined as modified Ranklin Scale 3-6) was more common in the COVID-19 group (150, 79.8% vs 132, 66.7%; P = .004). COVID-19 was independently associated with a lower likelihood of achieving modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction 3 (odds ratio [OR]: 0.4, 95% CI: 0.2-0.7; P < .001) and unfavorable outcomes (OR: 2.5, 95% CI: 1.4-4.5; P = .002). CONCLUSION: COVID-19 was an independent predictor of incomplete revascularization and poor outcomes in patients with stroke due to LVO. Patients with COVID-19 with LVO were younger, had fewer cerebrovascular risk factors, and suffered from higher morbidity/mortality rates.

Human health risk assessment of pharmaceuticals in the European Vecht River.

Active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) can reach surface waters used for drinking water extraction and recreational activities, such as swimming and fishing. The aim of the present study was to systematically assess the lifetime human health risks posed by 15 individual APIs and their mixtures occurring in the German-Dutch transboundary Vecht River. An exposure model was developed and used to assess the combined risks of oral and dermal exposure under a variety of exposure conditions. A total of 4500 API uptake values and 165 lifetime risk values were estimated for 15 and 11 APIs, respectively. Overall, the lifetime human health risks posed by the APIs and their mixtures based on modeling results were deemed acceptable under typical exposure conditions. Under very extreme environmental conditions and human behavior, API mixture risks were of potential concern while the risks of individual APIs were negligible, with a few exceptions. The antibiotic doxycycline and analgesic phenazone showed the highest and lowest risks, respectively. The study did not evaluate the potential risks caused by metabolite compounds. Recommendations for water managers are provided to help improve the accuracy and utility of human health risk assessments of pharmaceuticals. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2022;18:1639-1654. © 2022 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC).

Acute ischaemic stroke associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection in North America.

BACKGROUND: To analyse the clinical characteristics of COVID-19 with acute ischaemic stroke (AIS) and identify factors predicting functional outcome. METHODS: Multicentre retrospective cohort study of COVID-19 patients with AIS who presented to 30 stroke centres in the USA and Canada between 14 March and 30 August 2020. The primary endpoint was poor functional outcome, defined as a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) of 5 or 6 at discharge. Secondary endpoints include favourable outcome (mRS ≤2) and mortality at discharge, ordinal mRS (shift analysis), symptomatic intracranial haemorrhage (sICH) and occurrence of in-hospital complications. RESULTS: A total of 216 COVID-19 patients with AIS were included. 68.1% (147/216) were older than 60 years, while 31.9% (69/216) were younger. Median [IQR] National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) at presentation was 12.5 (15.8), and 44.2% (87/197) presented with large vessel occlusion (LVO). Approximately 51.3% (98/191) of the patients had poor outcomes with an observed mortality rate of 39.1% (81/207). Age >60 years (aOR: 5.11, 95% CI 2.08 to 12.56, p<0.001), diabetes mellitus (aOR: 2.66, 95% CI 1.16 to 6.09, p=0.021), higher NIHSS at admission (aOR: 1.08, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.14, p=0.006), LVO (aOR: 2.45, 95% CI 1.04 to 5.78, p=0.042), and higher NLR level (aOR: 1.06, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.11, p=0.028) were significantly associated with poor functional outcome. CONCLUSION: There is relationship between COVID-19-associated AIS and severe disability or death. We identified several factors which predict worse outcomes, and these outcomes were more frequent compared to global averages. We found that elevated neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, rather than D-Dimer, predicted both morbidity and mortality.

Ecological Risk Assessment of Pharmaceuticals in the Transboundary Vecht River (Germany and The Netherlands).

Millions of people rely on active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) to prevent and cure a wide variety of illnesses in humans and animals, which has led to a steadily increasing consumption of APIs across the globe and concurrent releases of APIs into the environment. In the environment, APIs can have a detrimental impact on wildlife, particularly aquatic wildlife. Therefore, it is essential to assess their potential adverse effects to aquatic ecosystems. The European Water Framework Directive sets out that risk assessment should be performed at the catchment level, crossing borders where needed. The present study defines ecological risk profiles for surface water concentrations of 8 APIs (carbamazepine, ciprofloxacin, cyclophosphamide, diclofenac, erythromycin, 17α-ethinylestradiol, metformin, and metoprolol) in the Vecht River, a transboundary river that crosses several German and Dutch regions. Ultimately, 3 main goals were achieved: 1) the geo-referenced estimation of API concentrations in surface water using the geography-referenced regional exposure assessment tool for European rivers; 2) the derivation of new predicted-no-effect concentrations for 7 of the studied APIs, of which 3 were lower than previously derived values; and 3) the creation of detailed spatially explicit ecological risk profiles of APIs under 2 distinct water flow scenarios. Under average flow conditions, carbamazepine, diclofenac, and 17α-ethinylestradiol were systematically estimated to surpass safe ecological concentration thresholds in at least 68% of the catchment's water volume. This increases to 98% under dry summer conditions. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:648-662. © 2021 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.

Effect of Trehalose and Sucrose in Post-thaw Quality of Crassostrea angulata Sperm.

Sperm cryopreservation can be a helpful tool in reproductive management and preservation of biodiversity. However, the freezing methodologies lead to some damage in structure and function of cells that may compromise post-thaw sperm activity. Cryoprotectant supplementation with sugars proved to be a successful strategy to reduce cryodamage in sperm of several species, once allowing to stabilize the plasma membrane constituents. Therefore, this study intends to understand the effects of sugars in the plasma membrane, DNA integrity, and oxidative response during Portuguese oyster sperm cryopreservation. Three cryoprotectants solutions with an initial concentration of 20% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and 20% DMSO complemented with 0.9 M trehalose or sucrose in artificial seawater were employed. Sperm samples of mature males were individually collected and diluted 1:10 (v/v) in artificial seawater followed by addition of cryoprotectants [1:1 (v/v)]. Thereafter, sperm was loaded into 0.5 ml straws, maintained at 4°C for 10 min, frozen in a programmable biofreezer at -6°C/min from 0 to -70°C, and stored in liquid nitrogen. Samples were thawed in a 37°C bath for 10 s. Several techniques were performed to evaluate post-thaw quality. Sperm motility and DNA integrity were analyzed by using computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) software and comet assay. Flow cytometry was employed to determine membrane and acrosome integrity and to detect intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and apoptosis activity. Lipid peroxidation was determined by malondialdehyde (MDA) detection by using spectrophotometry. Sperm antioxidant capacity was evaluated through glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, and superoxide dismutase. Motility was not affected by the extenders containing sugars; these compounds did not reduce the DNA damage. However, both the trehalose and sucrose protected plasma membrane of cells by increasing cell viability and significantly reducing MDA content. The same finding was observed for the ROS, where live cells registered significantly lower levels of ROS in samples cryopreserved with sugars. The activity of antioxidant enzymes was higher in treatments supplemented with sugars, although not significant. In conclusion, the addition of sugars seems to play an important role in protecting the Crassostrea angulata sperm membrane during cryopreservation, showing potential to improve the post-thaw sperm quality and protect the cells from cryoinjuries.

2D and 3D numerical models to evaluate trabecular bone damage.

The comprehension of trabecular bone damage processes could be a crucial hint for understanding how bone damage starts and propagates. Currently, different approaches to bone damage identification could be followed. Clinical approaches start from dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) technique that can evaluate bone mineral density (BMD), an indirect indicator of fracture risk. DXA is, in fact, a two-dimensional technology, and BMD alone is not able to predict the effective risk of fractures. First attempts in overcoming this issue have been performed with finite element (FE) methods, combined with the use of three-dimensional high-resolution micro-computed tomographic images. The purpose of this work is to evaluate damage initiation and propagation in trabecular vertebral porcine samples using 2D linear-elastic FE models from DXA images and 3D linear FE models from micro-CT images. Results show that computed values of strains with 2D and 3D approaches (e.g., the minimum principal strain) are of the same order of magnitude. 2D DXA-based models still remain a powerful tool for a preliminary screening of trabecular regions that are prone to fracture, while from 3D micro-CT-based models, it is possible to reach details that permit the localization of the most strained trabecula.