Modeling the current and projected distribution of Brazilian peppertree Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi (Anacardiaceae) in the Americas.

Global biodiversity is under substantial threat due to biological invasions, a problem exacerbated by climate change. Such invasions have detrimental effects on the environment, economy, and human health, resulting in significant financial burdens. Recently, understanding these challenges has become a highlighted priority within the scientific community. This study focuses on the evaluation of Schinus terebinthifolia, native to South America, and its invasive spread into North and Central America, which has resulted in wide distribution and considerable impact. The primary objectives of this study include analyzing the potential distribution of the species under current and future climate scenarios, identifying the areas where its climatic niche is changing. Data collection encompassed a vast dataset of over 30,000 occurrence records of this species, from the following databases: (1) The Global Biodiversity Information Facility provided 22,163 records (GBIF), (2) The virtual Herbarium Reflora contributed 1,438 records, and NeoTropTree made available 6,591 records. Following a rigorous filtering process, 992 occurrences were considered for modeling. In this process, we utilized climate data and climate projections, employing various algorithms, with an emphasis on the consensus model methodology. The research results reveal a clear trend of reduced habitat suitability for S. terebinthifolia, especially under scenarios of high global warming. This accentuates the urgency of implementing emission control measures and mitigation strategies. Additionally, the study underscores the crucial importance of continuous monitoring, as well as actions for controlling and restoring affected ecosystems. The significant role played by S. terebinthifolia in both its native and invaded areas highlights the need for comprehensive management approaches. In the face of climate change and biodiversity threats, this study provides insightful observations on the dynamics of biological invasions. Success in addressing these issues relies on close cooperation between the scientific community, policymakers, land managers, and local communities. This collaboration is essential for guiding and conducting conservation and biodiversity management efforts in an ever-evolving world.

Effect of dietary treatments on performance, oocysts shedding and lesion scores in broiler chickens experimentally challenged with Eimeria infection.

Although anticoccidials effectively control coccidiosis, a needed reduction in the reliance on antimicrobials in animal production leads to the exploration of alternative compounds. The present study aimed to test five different dietary treatments to counteract the negative impact of coccidiosis on broiler chickens' health and performance. 1-day-old male Ross 308 broilers (n = 960) were randomly assigned to one of eight treatments, with six cages per treatment (20 birds/cage). To the diet of the broiler chickens of treatments (Trt) 1-5, a synbiotic was added from d0-10. From d10-28, birds of Trt1 and Trt2 were fed synbiotics, whereas birds of Trt3 were fed diets with glutamine, and birds of Trt4 and Trt5 were fed diets with a combination of ß-glucans and betaine. From d28-35 onwards, birds of Trt1 were fed a diet with a synbiotic, whereas birds of Trt2-4 received diets with glutamine, and birds of Trt5 were fed a non-supplemented diet. Birds of the positive control group (PC; Trt6) were fed a standard diet supplemented with an anticoccidial (Decoquinate). The challenged negative control (NCchall; Trt7) and non-challenged negative control (NC) Trt8 were fed a standard diet without anticoccidial or other dietary treatment. At 7 days (d) of age, all birds were inoculated with 1 023, 115, and 512 sporulated oocysts of E. acervulina, E. maxima, and E. tenella, respectively, except for Trt8. Body weight gain (BWG), feed intake, and feed conversion ratio were assessed for each feeding phase (d0-10, d10-28 and d28-35) and overall experimental period (d0-35). Oocyst shedding, Eimeria lesion scores, cecal length, and relative weight were assessed at d13, d22, d28 and d35. Additionally, oocyst shedding was determined at d9 and d17. Litter quality was evaluated at d27 and d34, and footpad lesions at d34. During the starter (d0-10) and finisher (d28-35) periods, performance did not differ between the treatments. During the grower period (d10-28), Trt6 (PC) and Trt8 (NC) chickens had the highest BWG of all treatments (P < 0.001). Dietary treatment had no effect on litter quality and severity of footpad lesions. In the PC group (Trt6), low oocyst excretion and lesion scores were found. When comparing Trt1-5 with NCchall (Trt7), none of the treatments significantly reduced oocyst output or lesion scores. In conclusion, in this experiment, none of the dietary treatments performed similar or better compared to the PC group (Trt6) regarding performance or reducing Eimeria oocyst shedding or lesion scores.

The growth performance and parasite load of angelfish juveniles Pterophyllum scalare kept at different stocking densities in two rearing systems.

This study evaluated the growth performance and parasite load of angelfish juveniles Pterophyllum scalare kept at different stocking densities using two rearing systems. The experiment was conducted in a factorial design (4x2) with four stocking densities (0.1, 0.4, 0.7, and 1.0 g/L), two type of aquarium tanks (glass and ceramic aquariums), and four replicates. The experiment lasted 60 days using 148 juvenile fish (3.05 ± 0.09 g) randomly placed in 32 aquariums (50 L) equipped with filters and aeration. All fish received two meals a day ad libitum (8:00 and 16:00). Water quality parameters such as temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, and total ammonia were measured. At the end of the experiment, all fish were measured and weighed to determine growth performance and then subjected to parasitological analysis. The data were analyzed with a two-way ANOVA with post-hoc Tukey test (p<0.05). No effects on growth performance at different stocking densities were observed. However, there was an increase in Capillaria pterophylli infestation in the high stocking density within ceramic aquariums. Thus, this study recommends the use of 1.0 g/L for the intensive aquaculture system of freshwater angelfish, and applying cleaning management to avoid parasite infestation, particularly in ceramic aquariums.

Floral Morphometry and Sexual System Determination in Pink Pepper (Schinus terebinthifolia - Anacardiaceae).

The increasing global importance of pink peppertree (Schinus terebinthifolia, Anacardiaceae) as a high-value commercial crop and its potential for expansion in production demand appropriate management due to uncertainties regarding its sexual system. This study focused on evaluating the morphology of sterile and fertile floral whorls, as well as analyzing the sexual system of pink pepper in two populations in northeastern Brazil. The results revealed no significant differences in the morphological characteristics of the flowers between the studied areas, suggesting that the species possesses notable adaptability to environmental conditions. However, a significant difference in the proportion of staminate individuals was observed in both areas, representing over 88% and 72%, respectively. A correlation was observed between the size of the stamens and the presence of apparently atrophied pistils (r=0.275; df=178; p<0.001), along with the occurrence of fruits in these hermaphroditic plants. In this context, the species should be considered gynodioecious due to the presence of plants with hermaphroditic flowers and plants with pistillate flowers. However, further research is essential to elucidate the role of pollinators, especially bees and wasps, and to better understand the fruiting process in hermaphroditic flowers. These insights have the potential to significantly enhance management aiming for efficient fruit production, promoting its economic and ecological relevance.

Ultrasound education across European Federation of Radiographers Societies (EFRS) countries: Similarities and differences.

INTRODUCTION: Ultrasound education varies greatly across European healthcare systems. This paper focuses on ultrasound academic education as a part of wider suite of surveys on radiographers working in ultrasound. The aim was to investigate sonography educational levels, methods of training, course duration and other factors in European Federation of Radiographers Societies (EFRS) member countries. METHOD: In 2019 an online survey was sent to the 38 EFRS member societies to distribute to higher education institutions within their own country. The survey was in English and contained different types of questions such as closed questions, free text options, and scale responses, to investigate sonography education including academic course types and duration, curriculum content, learning and teaching methods. RESULTS: A total of 45 responses were received, showing wide variation in the duration of training between the respective countries. Academic level 7 (part-time) ultrasound education was most frequently reported (n = 13), followed by direct entry ultrasound courses (n = 9) and bachelor's degree programmes at EQF level 6 (n = 7). The duration of part-time courses ranged from nine months up to four years. CONCLUSION: Sonography training and education varies among EFRS member countries ranging from short focused courses to postgraduate awards. Few countries offer sonography education leading to an award. The majority of clinical teaching and learning takes place in the learner's workplace. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: High quality academic and clinical education for radiographers extending their role into ultrasound is important to ensure safe, effective sonography practice and good patient care.

Polymorphisms and haplotypes of TOLLIP and MUC5B are associated with susceptibility and survival in patients with fibrotic hypersensitivity pneumonitis.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) is an interstitial lung disease with diverse clinical features that can present a fibrotic phenotype similar to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) in genetically predisposed individuals. While several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been associated with IPF, the genetic factors contributing to fibrotic HP (fHP) remain poorly understood. This study investigated the association of MUC5B and TOLLIP variants with susceptibility, clinical presentation and survival in Portuguese patients with fHP. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A case-control study was undertaken with 97 fHP patients and 112 controls. Six SNPs residing in the MUC5B and TOLLIP genes and their haplotypes were analyzed. Associations with risk, survival, and clinical, radiographic, and pathological features of fHP were probed through comparisons among patients and controls. RESULTS: MUC5B rs35705950 and three neighboring TOLLIP variants (rs3750920, rs111521887, and rs5743894) were associated with increased susceptibility to fHP. Minor allele frequencies were greater among fHP patients than in controls (40.7% vs 12.1%, P<0.0001; 52.6% vs 40.2%, P = 0.011; 22.7% vs 13.4%, P = 0.013; and 23.2% vs 12.9%, P = 0.006, respectively). Haplotypes formed by these variants were also linked to fHP susceptibility. Moreover, carriers of a specific haplotype (G-T-G-C) had a significant decrease in survival (adjusted hazard ratio 6.92, 95% CI 1.73-27.64, P = 0.006). Additional associations were found between TOLLIP rs111521887 and rs5743894 variants and decreased lung function at baseline, and the MUC5B SNP and radiographic features, further highlighting the influence of genetic factors in fHP. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that TOLLIP and MUC5B variants and haplotypes may serve as valuable tools for risk assessment and prognosis in fibrotic hypersensitivity pneumonitis, potentially contributing to its patient stratification, and offer insights into the genetic factors influencing the clinical course of the condition.

Genetic diversity based on multivariate techniques in elephant grass genotypes for bioenergy.

The use of biomass for energy production constitutes a promising strategy that warrants the search for new sources of biomass. Elephant grass has been gaining notoriety due to its high dry matter yield and rapid growth. The present study was carried out to quantify the genetic divergence of nine elephant grass half-sib families in order to identify genotypes with greater genetic divergence and productive potential for hybridization, using the hierarchical clustering methodology based on principal components. Half-sib families were generated using genotypes from the Active Germplasm Bank of Elephant Grass. The experiment was laid out in a randomized-block design with nine half-sib families, three replicates, and eight plants per plot. A total of 216 genotypes of elephant grass were evaluated. Principal component (PC), biplot, and hierarchical clustering analyses for diversity estimation were conducted using R software. The first two PCs of biplot analysis accounted for 64% of the cumulative variation. Dry matter yield was the most important trait for genotype discrimination (0.89), followed by plant height (0.67) and stem diameter (0.61) in PC1. In this analysis, the distances between accessions were considered and there were no family links, which indicates the existence of wide variability within the evaluated families, since genotypes belonging to the same family were not grouped together, but rather distributed into different groups. Crosses between genotypes of group three and genotypes of groups one and two are recommended for the development of high-yielding genotypes when aiming at energy production.

Sonographers' perspectives on research - A worldwide online questionnaire study.

INTRODUCTION: Research has been performed by sonographers (also known as ultrasound reporting radiographers) for many years for improving diagnosis of disease, developing new imaging approaches, and enhancing patient outcomes. Despite this, sonographers' perspectives on research have not been well studied. To understand the views of sonographers is essential, as they have an important role in the successful implementation of research outcomes during their daily work. The study aimed to explore sonographers' perspectives on research. METHODS: This cross-sectional online questionnaire was developed, and pilot tested, before distribution on social media platforms by the research group to sonographers or reporting radiographers in ultrasound worldwide. The questionnaire included 21-items. The link was open for 8 weeks in the spring of 2023. A mix of closed, open and scale questions were used. Informed consent was mandatory, and information about the study and anonymity was presented. RESULTS: A total of 165 sonographers participated in the questionnaire of which 66.1 % were from Europe (n = 109), 6.1 % from North America (n = 10), 0.6 % from South America (n = 1), 2.4 % from Asia (n = 4), 13.3 % from Africa (n = 22) and 11.5 % from Oceania (n = 19). A total of 32 % of the participants had performed research. Also, 68.5 % would like to become more involved in research. CONCLUSION: Most sonographers work in large hospitals, and half of them have obtained academic level 7 education. A limited number of sonographers have published peer reviewed papers. Many sonographers expressed an interest in research. This suggests a potential for future development of the sonographers' role in research. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: The findings for this study provide insight that could be used to improve research practice for sonographers.

Occlusal Loading Effect on Stress Distribution of Endodontically Treated Teeth: Finite Element Analysis Study.

AIM: Evaluate the influence of occlusal loading on the stress distribution of endodontically treated teeth after root canal preparation with different file's sizes and tapers by means of finite element analysis. METHODOLOGY: Seven three-dimensional models of a single-rooted, single-canal lower second premolar were established, one healthy control and six endodontically treated and restored models. The shape of root canal preparations followed file configurations 30/.05, 30/.09, 35/.04, 35/.06, 40/.04, and 40/.06. Von- Mises equivalent stresses were calculated by applying 30 N, 90 N and 270 N loads to the buccal cusp tip, each one at 90º, 45º and 20º angles from the occlusal plane simulating occlusion, dental interference and laterality, respectively. RESULTS: 45º loading was more prone to formation of higher stress values. The simulation of occlusion and laterality resulted in maximum stress areas located at the inner side of the root curvature, while under occlusal interference they were on the lingual surface over the tooth's long axis. CONCLUSIONS: The angulation of occlusal loading and magnitude were determinants for stress distribution on dental structure. Both variations of size and taper were not determinants for the increase in the maximum stress areas.

Acute and subchronic effects of petroleum on the freshwater fish Hoplias aff. malabaricus

Abstract Petroleum water soluble fraction (WSF) impairs organisms, but damages may vary among cell and tissue levels. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the acute (24 h, 48 h, 72 h) and subchronic effects (36 days) of WSF (0%, 25% and 100%) in juveniles of the Neotropical top predator fish Hoplias aff. malabaricus. The effects of WSF were evaluated at a molecular level using the comet assay and micronucleus test for genome damage; and at a morphological level through histological identification of liver pathologic lesions. In both acute and subchronic exposure we found low levels of DNA damage ( 10% of comet tail) and non-significant frequency of micronucleus in WSF exposed fish. The most significant liver lesions in WSF exposed fish were fatty vacuolization, hypertrophy and focal necrosis. Since these tissue injuries were progressive and persistent, their irreversibility may negatively affect fish recruitment, even in a such resistant top predator.

Resumo A fração solúvel de petróleo (WSF) prejudica os organismos, porém os danos podem variar entre os níveis celular e tecidual. O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar o efeito agudo (24 h, 48 h e 72 h) e subcrônico (36 dias) da WSF (0%, 25% e 100%) em juvenis do peixe neotropical predador topo Hoplias aff. malabaricus. Os efeitos da WSF foram avaliados no nível molecular utilizando o ensaio do cometa e o teste do micronúcleo para o dano genômico e no nível morfológico através da identificação histológica de lesões patológicas no fígado. Em ambas exposições (aguda e subcrônica) encontramos baixos níveis de dano no DNA ( 10% de DNA na cauda do cometa) e frequência de micronúcleos não significativa em peixes expostos a WSF. As lesões mais significativas no fígado dos peixes expostos a WSF foram a vacuolização lipídica, hipertrofia e focos de necroses. Como estas lesões foram progressivas e persistentes, sua irreversibilidade pode afetar negativamente o recrutamento dos peixes, mesmo sendo um predador topo resistente.

Acute and subchronic effects of petroleum on the freshwater fish Hoplias aff. malabaricus / Efeitos agudo e subcrônico do petróleo no peixe de água doce Hoplias aff. malabaricus

Abstract Petroleum water soluble fraction (WSF) impairs organisms, but damages may vary among cell and tissue levels. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the acute (24 h, 48 h, 72 h) and subchronic effects (36 days) of WSF (0%, 25% and 100%) in juveniles of the Neotropical top predator fish Hoplias aff. malabaricus. The effects of WSF were evaluated at a molecular level using the comet assay and micronucleus test for genome damage; and at a morphological level through histological identification of liver pathologic lesions. In both acute and subchronic exposure we found low levels of DNA damage (< 10% of comet tail) and non-significant frequency of micronucleus in WSF exposed fish. The most significant liver lesions in WSF exposed fish were fatty vacuolization, hypertrophy and focal necrosis. Since these tissue injuries were progressive and persistent, their irreversibility may negatively affect fish recruitment, even in a such resistant top predator.

Resumo A fração solúvel de petróleo (WSF) prejudica os organismos, porém os danos podem variar entre os níveis celular e tecidual. O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar o efeito agudo (24 h, 48 h e 72 h) e subcrônico (36 dias) da WSF (0%, 25% e 100%) em juvenis do peixe neotropical predador topo Hoplias aff. malabaricus. Os efeitos da WSF foram avaliados no nível molecular utilizando o ensaio do cometa e o teste do micronúcleo para o dano genômico e no nível morfológico através da identificação histológica de lesões patológicas no fígado. Em ambas exposições (aguda e subcrônica) encontramos baixos níveis de dano no DNA (< 10% de DNA na cauda do cometa) e frequência de micronúcleos não significativa em peixes expostos a WSF. As lesões mais significativas no fígado dos peixes expostos a WSF foram a vacuolização lipídica, hipertrofia e focos de necroses. Como estas lesões foram progressivas e persistentes, sua irreversibilidade pode afetar negativamente o recrutamento dos peixes, mesmo sendo um predador topo resistente.

Understanding pharmaceutical exposure and the potential for effects in marine biota: A survey of bonefish (Albula vulpes) across the Caribbean Basin.

Most research on pharmaceutical presence in the environment to date has focused on smaller scale assessments of freshwater and riverine systems, relying mainly on assays of water samples, while studies in marine ecosystems and of exposed biota are sparse. This study investigated the pharmaceutical burden in bonefish (Albula vulpes), an important recreational and artisanal fishery, to quantify pharmaceutical exposure throughout the Caribbean Basin. We sampled 74 bonefish from five regions, and analyzed them for 102 pharmaceuticals. We assessed the influence of sampling region on the number of pharmaceuticals, pharmaceutical assemblage, and risk of pharmacological effects. To evaluate the risk of pharmacological effects at the scale of the individual, we proposed a metric based on the human therapeutic plasma concentration (HTPC), comparing measured concentrations to a threshold of 1/3 the HTPC for each pharmaceutical. Every bonefish had at least one pharmaceutical, with an average of 4.9 and a maximum of 16 pharmaceuticals in one individual. At least one pharmaceutical was detected in exceedance of the 1/3 HTPC threshold in 39% of bonefish, with an average of 0.6 and a maximum of 11 pharmaceuticals exceeding in a Key West individual. The number of pharmaceuticals (49 detected in total) differed across regions, but the risk of pharmacological effects did not (23 pharmaceuticals exceeded the 1/3 HTPC threshold). The most common pharmaceuticals were venlafaxine (43 bonefish), atenolol (36), naloxone (27), codeine (27), and trimethoprim (24). Findings suggest that pharmaceutical detections and concentration may be independent, emphasizing the need to monitor risk to biota regardless of exposure diversity, and to focus on risk quantified at the individual level. This study supports the widespread presence of pharmaceuticals in marine systems and shows the utility of applying the HTPC to assess the potential for pharmacological effects, and thus quantify impact of exposure at large spatial scales.

Gas exchange and osmotic adjustment in cotton cultivars subjected to severe salt stress.

Salinity is harmful to crops when the concentration of soluble salts overcomes the salinity threshold of the crop, causing osmotic stress and limitations in plant growth. In this scenario, adopting tolerant cultivars is the most adequate strategy to minimize agricultural losses. However, the inheritance of tolerance depends on the genotype. From this perspective, this study assessed the tolerance to severe salt stress in 11 cotton cultivars based on gas exchange parameters and the free proline content. The cultivars were grown in a greenhouse and subjected to 34 days of saline irrigation (10 dS m-1), starting 45 days after seedling emergence (B1 phase). Plant growth was monitored weekly until the end of the salt stress period. The treatments consisted of a combination of two factors: eleven cultivars associated with two electrical conductivity levels of irrigation water (ECw: 0.3 and 10.0 dS m-1). The experimental design was in randomized blocks in a 11 × 2 factorial arrangement with three replications (66 plots), with the experimental unit consisting of one plant per plot. Salinity impacted plant growth, being reflected on the gas exchange and free proline data of most cultivars. However, BRS 286, FMT 705, BRS 416, and BRS Acácia, and CNPA 7MH withstood the effects of stress and osmotically adjusted to the salt stress conditions, thus minimizing the damage to growth. Those cultivars are the most indicated for improvement programs aiming at tolerance to salt stress based on the results found in this research.

Simulating soil C dynamics under intensive agricultural systems and climate change scenarios in the Matopiba region, Brazil.

The recent agricultural expansion in the Matopiba region, Brazil's new agricultural frontier, has raised questions about the risk of increasing soil organic carbon (SOC) loss as large areas of native vegetation (NV; i.e., Cerrado biome) have been replaced by large-scale mechanized agriculture. Although sustainable managements, such as integrated crop-livestock (ICL) systems, are considered strategic to counterbalance the SOC loss associated with land-use change (LUC) while keeping food production, little is known about their long-term effects on SOC stocks in the Matopiba region. To this end, we used the DayCent model to simulate the effects of converting the management commonly used in this region, i.e., soybean-cotton rotation under no-tillage (NT), into ICL systems with distinct levels of intensification (e.g., crop rotations: soybean-pasture and soybean-pasture-cotton; soil and crop management: grass irrigation, scarification/harrowing, and length of grass cultivation) on long term SOC dynamics. Additionally, data from two projected climate scenarios: SSP2-4.5 [greenhouse gases emissions (GHG) will not change markedly over time and global temperature will increase by 2.0 °C by 2060] and SSP5-8.5 (marked changes in GHG emissions are expected to occur resulting in an increase of 2.4 and 4.4 °C in global temperature in the middle and at the end of the century) were included in our simulations to evaluate climate change effects on SOC dynamics in this region. Based on a 50-yr-time frame simulation, we observed that SOC stocks under ICL systems were, on average, 23% and 47% higher than in the NV (36.9 Mg ha-1) and soybean-cotton rotation under NT (30.9 Mg ha-1), respectively. Growing grasses interlaid with crops was crucial to increase SOC stocks even when disruptive soil practices were followed. Although the irrigation of grass resulted in an early increase of SOC stocks and a higher pasture stoking rate, it did not increase SOC stocks in the long term compared to non-irrigated treatments. The SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5 climate scenarios had little effects on SOC dynamics in the simulated ICL systems. However, additional SOC loss (∼0.065 Mg ha-1 yr-1) is predicted to occur if the current management is not improved. These findings can help guide management decisions for the Matopiba region, Brazil, to alleviate the anthropogenic pressure associated with agriculture development. More broadly, they confirm that crop-livestock integration in croplands is a successful strategy to regenerate SOC.

Patients' experiences of a suppoRted self-manAGeMent pAThway In breast Cancer (PRAGMATIC): quality of life and service use results.

PURPOSE: To describe trends and explore factors associated with quality of life (QoL) and psychological morbidity and assess breast cancer (BC) health service use over a 12-month period for patients joining the supported self-management (SSM)/patient-initiated follow-up (PIFU) pathway. METHODS: Participants completed questionnaires at baseline, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months that measured QoL (FACT-B, EQ 5D-5L), self-efficacy (GSE), psychological morbidity (GHQ-12), roles and responsibilities (PRRS) and service use (cost diary). RESULTS: 99/110 patients completed all timepoints; 32% (35/110) had received chemotherapy. The chemotherapy group had poorer QoL; FACT-B total score mean differences were 8.53 (95% CI: 3.42 to 13.64), 5.38 (95% CI: 0.17 to 10.58) and 8.00 (95% CI: 2.76 to 13.24) at 6, 9 and 12 months, respectively. The odds of psychological morbidity (GHQ12 >4) were 5.5-fold greater for those treated with chemotherapy. Financial and caring burdens (PRRS) were worse for this group (mean difference in change at 9 months 3.25 (95% CI: 0.42 to 6.07)). GSE and GHQ-12 scores impacted FACT-B total scores, indicating QoL decline for those with high baseline psychological morbidity. Chemotherapy patients or those with high psychological morbidity or were unable to carry out normal activities had the highest service costs. Over the 12 months, 68.2% participants phoned/emailed breast care nurses, and 53.3% visited a hospital breast clinician. CONCLUSION: The data suggest that chemotherapy patients and/or those with heightened psychological morbidity might benefit from closer monitoring and/or supportive interventions whilst on the SSM/PIFU pathway. Reduced access due to COVID-19 could have affected service use.

Identifying imprints of externally derived dust and halogens in the sedimentary record of an Iberian alpine lake for the past ∼13,500 years - Lake Peixão, Serra da Estrela (Central Portugal).

Iberian lacustrine sediments are a valuable archive to document environmental changes since the last glacial termination, seen as key for anticipating future climate/environmental changes and their far-reaching implications for generations to come. Herein, multi-proxy-based indicators of a mountain lake record from Serra da Estrela were used to reconstruct atmospheric (in)fluxes and associated climatic/environmental changes over the last ∼13.5 ka. Depositions of long-range transported dust (likely from the Sahara) and halogens (primarily derived from seawater) were higher for the pre-Holocene, particularly in the late Bølling-Allerød-Younger Dryas period, compared to the Holocene. This synchronous increase could be related to a recognized dust-laden atmosphere, along with the combined effect of (i) an earlier proposed effective transport of Sahara dust for higher latitudes during cold periods and (ii) the progressive Polar Front expansion southwards, with the amplification of halogen activation reactions in lower latitudes due to greater closeness to snow/sea ice (halide-laden) surfaces. Additionally, the orographic blocking of Serra da Estrela may have played a critical role in increasing precipitation of Atlantic origin at higher altitudes, with the presence of snow prompting physical and chemical processes involving halogen species. In the Late Holocene, the dust proxy records highlighted two periods of enhanced input to Lake Peixão, the first (∼3.5-2.7 ka BP) after the end of the last African Humid Period and the second, from the 19th century onwards, agreeing with the advent of commercial agriculture, and human contribution to land degradation and dust emission in the Sahara/Sahel region. The oceanic imprints throughout the Holocene matched well with North Atlantic rapid climatic changes that, in turn, coincided with ice-rafted debris or Bond events and other records of increased storminess for the European coasts. Positive parallel peaks in halogens were found in recent times, probably connected to fire extinction by halogenated alkanes and roadway de-icing.

The goby fish Sicydium spp. as valuable sentinel species towards the chemical stress in freshwater bodies of West Indies.

Implementation of the European Water Framework Directive in tropical areas such as the French West Indies (FWI) requires to select relevant aquatic sentinel species for investigating the ecological status of surface waters. The present work aimed to study the biological response of the widespread fish Sicydium spp. towards river chemical quality in Guadeloupe island through a set of proper biomarkers. During a 2-year survey, the hepatic EROD activity, the micronucleus formation and the level of primary DNA strand breaks in erythrocytes were measured respectively as an enzymatic biomarker of exposure and genotoxicity endpoints in fish living upstream and downstream of two chemically-contrasted rivers. Hepatic EROD activity was shown to be variable along the time but always significantly higher in fish from the most contaminated river (Rivière aux Herbes) compared to the low contaminated one (Grande Rivière de Vieux-Habitants). Fish size did not influence EROD activity. Female fish exhibited a lower EROD activity compared to males depending on the catching period. We observed significant temporal variation in micronucleus frequency and primary DNA damage level measured in fish erythrocytes that did not depend on the fish size. Micronucleus frequency and to a lesser extent DNA damage were significantly higher in fish from the Rivière aux Herbes compared to the Grande Rivière de Vieux-Habitants. Our results argue for the interest of using Sicydium spp. as sentinel species to assess river quality and chemical pressures in FWI.

Detection of enteric viruses and SARS-CoV-2 in beach sand.

Beach sand harbors a diverse group of microbial organisms that may be of public health concern. Nonetheless, little is known about the presence and distribution of viruses in beach sand. In this study, the first objective was to evaluate the presence of seven viruses (Aichi virus, enterovirus, hepatitis A virus, human adenovirus, norovirus, rotavirus, and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)) in sands collected at public beaches. The second objective was to assess the spatial distribution of enteric viruses in beach sand. To that end, 27 beach sand samples from different beaches in Portugal were collected between November 2018 and August 2020 and analyzed for the presence of viruses. At seven beaches, samples were collected in the supratidal and intertidal zones. Results show that viruses were detected in 89 % (24/27) of the sand samples. Aichi virus was the most prevalent (74 %). Noroviruses were present in 19 % of the samples (norovirus GI - 15 %, norovirus GII - 4 %). Human adenovirus and enterovirus were detected in 48 % and 22 % of the samples, respectively. Hepatitis A virus and rotavirus were not detected. Similarly, SARS-CoV-2 in beach sand collected during the initial stages of the pandemic was also not detected. The detection of three or more viruses occurred in 15 % of the samples. Concentrations of viruses were as high as 7.2 log copies (cp)/g of sand. Enteric viruses were found in higher prevalence in sand collected from the supratidal zone compared to the intertidal zone. Human adenovirus was detected in 43 % of the supratidal and 14 % in the intertidal samples and Aichi virus in 57 % and 86 % of the intertidal and supratidal areas, respectively. Our findings suggest that beach sand can be a reservoir of enteric viruses, suggesting that it might be a vehicle for disease transmission, particularly for children, the elderly, and immunocompromised users.

LDLR gene's promoter region hypermethylation in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia.

Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is characterized by high low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels and a high risk of early coronary heart disease. Structural alterations in the LDLR, APOB, and PCSK9 genes were not found in 20-40% of patients diagnosed using the Dutch Lipid Clinic Network (DCLN) criteria. We hypothesized that methylation in canonical genes could explain the origin of the phenotype in these patients. This study included 62 DNA samples from patients with a clinical diagnosis of FH according to the DCLN criteria, who previously tested negative for structural alterations in the canonical genes, and 47 DNA samples from patients with normal blood lipids (control group). All DNA samples were tested for methylation in the CpG islands of the three genes. The prevalence of FH relative to each gene was determined in both groups and the respective prevalence ratios (PRs) were calculated. The methylation analysis of APOB and PCSK9 was negative in both groups, showing no relationship between methylation in these genes and the FH phenotype. As the LDLR gene has two CpG islands, we analyzed each island separately. The analysis of LDLR-island1 showed PR = 0.982 (CI 0.33-2.95; χ2 = 0.001; p = 0.973), also suggesting no relationship between methylation and the FH phenotype. Analysis of LDLR-island2 showed a PR of 4.12 (CI 1.43-11.88; χ2 = 13,921; p = 0.00019), indicating a possible association between methylation on this island and the FH phenotype.