Image analysis for bright-field HER2 in situ hybridization: validation for clinical use.

The aim of the present study was to develop and validate a quantitative image analysis (IA) algorithm to aid pathologists in assessing bright-field HER2 in situ hybridization (ISH) tests in solid cancers. A cohort of 80 sequential cases (40 HER2-negative and 40 HER2-positive) were evaluated for HER2 gene amplification with bright-field ISH. We developed an IA algorithm using the ISH Module from HALO software to automatically quantify HER2 and CEP17 copy numbers per cell as well as the HER2/CEP17 ratio. We observed a high correlation of HER2/CEP17 ratio, an average of HER2 and CEP17 copy number per cell between visual and IA quantification (Pearson's correlation coefficient of 0.842, 0.916, and 0.765, respectively). IA was able to count from 124 cells to 47,044 cells (median of 5565 cells). The margin of error for the visual quantification of the HER2/CEP17 ratio and of the average of HER2 copy number per cell decreased from a median of 0.23 to 0.02 and from a median of 0.49 to 0.04, respectively, in IA. Curve estimation regression models showed that a minimum of 469 or 953 invasive cancer cells per case is needed to reach an average margin of error below 0.1 for the HER2/CEP17 ratio or for the average of HER2 copy number per cell, respectively. Lastly, on average, a case took 212.1 s to execute the IA, which means that it evaluates about 130 cells/s and requires 6.7 s/mm2. The concordance of the IA software with the visual scoring was 95%, with a sensitivity of 90% and a specificity of 100%. All four discordant cases were able to achieve concordant results after the region of interest adjustment. In conclusion, this validation study underscores the usefulness of IA in HER2 ISH testing, displaying excellent concordance with visual scoring and significantly reducing margins of error.

New and emerging oral therapies for psoriasis.

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease affecting 2-3% of the global population. Traditional systemic treatments, such as methotrexate, cyclosporine, acitretin and fumaric acid esters, have limited efficacy and are associated with significant adverse effects, necessitating regular monitoring and posing risks of long-term toxicity. Recent advancements have introduced biologic drugs that offer improved efficacy and safety profiles. However, their high cost and the inconvenience of parenteral administration limit their accessibility. Consequently, there is a growing interest in developing new, targeted oral therapies. Small molecules, such as phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitors (e.g. apremilast) and TYK2 inhibitor (e.g. deucravacitinib), have shown promising results with favourable safety profiles. Additionally, other novel oral agents targeting specific pathways, including IL-17, IL-23, TNF, S1PR1 and A3AR, are under investigation. These treatments aim to combine the efficacy of biologics with the convenience and accessibility of oral administration, addressing the limitations of current therapies. This narrative review synthesizes the emerging oral therapeutic agents for psoriasis, focusing on their mechanisms of action, stages of development and clinical trial results.

Rare earth elements and warming: Implications for adult mussel health and sperm quality.

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of europium (Eu) exposure (10 µg/L), warming (a 4 °C increase), and their combination on Mytilus galloprovincialis. Biochemical and histopathological changes in adult mussels were evaluated after a 28-day exposure period. Additionally, biochemical and physiological alterations in sperm were measured following a 30-min exposure period. The overall responses to each treatment were assessed using the Integrated Biological Response index version 2 (IBRv2). In adult mussels, warming elevated metabolism and activated glutathione S-transferases (GSTs), leading to redox imbalance and cellular damage. Europium exposure alone slightly enhanced metabolism and GSTs activity, resulting in cellular damage and histopathological injuries in digestive tubules. The combined exposure to Eu and warming was the most detrimental treatment for adults, as indicated by the highest IBRv2 value. This treatment slightly increased metabolism and uniquely elevated the activity of antioxidant enzymes, as well as GSTs and carboxylesterases. Despite these responses, they were inadequate to prevent redox imbalance, cellular damage, and histopathological injuries in digestive tubules and gills. Regarding sperm, warming reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production but raised lipid peroxidation levels. Sperm exposed to this treatment also increased their oxygen consumption and exhibited reduced velocity. The IBRv2 indicated that Eu was the most harmful treatment for sperm, significantly increasing ROS production and notably decreasing sperm velocity. When combined with warming, Eu elevated superoxide anion (O2-) production, lowered sperm velocity, and increased oxygen consumption. This study underscores the importance of investigating the effects of rare earth elements and their interaction with climate change-related factors.

Effect of processing and formulation factors on Catalase activity in tablets.

The manufacturing of tablets containing biologics exposes the biologics to thermal and shear stresses, which are likely to induce structural changes (e.g., aggregation and denaturation), leading to the loss of their activity. Saccharides often act as stabilizers of proteins in formulations, yet their stabilizing ability throughout solid oral dosage processing, such as tableting, has been barely studied. This work aimed to investigate the effects of formulation and process (tableting and spray-drying) variables on catalase tablets containing dextran, mannitol, and trehalose as potential stabilizers. Non-spray-dried and spray-dried formulations were prepared and tableted (100, 200, and 400 MPa). The enzymatic activity, number of aggregates, reflecting protein aggregation and structure modifications were studied. A principal component analysis was performed to reveal underlying correlations. It was found that tableting and spray-drying had a notable negative effect on the activity and number of aggregates formed in catalase formulations. Overall, dextran and mannitol failed to preserve the catalase activity in any unit operation studied. On the other hand, trehalose was found to preserve the activity during spray-drying but not necessarily during tableting. The study demonstrated that formulation and process variables must be considered and optimized together to preserve the characteristics of catalase throughout processing.

Which dimensions of nature contact in Urban Green Spaces most significantly contribute to mental wellbeing? A multidimensional analysis in Brazilian metropolitan cities.

BACKGROUND: Urban environments pose challenges to mental health, an issue that Urban Green Spaces (UGS) can potentially mitigate. While the benefits of nature contact for mental wellbeing are recognized, a multidimensional analysis remains unexplored. PURPOSE: This study aims to fill this gap by examining the association between nature contact within UGS and mental health. It underscores the importance of considering multiple dimensions of nature engagement-such as naturalness, intensity, duration, frequency, and infrastructure-in enhancing psychological wellbeing. METHOD: A comprehensive analysis, including canonical correlation, multivariate analyses of variance, and Fisher discriminant analysis, was applied to survey data from several Brazilian metropolitan cities to assess how different aspects of nature contact influence mental health. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Findings reveal association between these dimensions and mental wellbeing indicators, highlighting the importance of a multidimensional perspective. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Results advocate for incorporating diverse aspects of nature contact in UGS design and policy-making to enhance urban dwellers' mental health. FUTURE DIRECTIONS: Further research should focus on longitudinal studies and explore the mediating effects of socio-demographic factors. Additionally, expanding research to include other developing countries will provide valuable comparative insights.

Retreatment and Anti-tuberculosis Therapy Outcomes in Brazil Between 2015 and 2022: A Nationwide Study.

Background: Adherence to anti-tuberculosis treatment (ATT) in Brazil remains a challenge in achieving the goals set by the World Health Organization (WHO). Patients who are lost to follow-up during treatment pose a significant public health problem. This study aimed to investigate the factors associated with unfavorable ATT outcomes among those undergoing retreatment in Brazil. Methods: We conducted an observational study of patients aged ≥18 years with tuberculosis (TB) reported to the Brazilian National Notifiable Disease Information System between 2015 and 2022. Clinical and epidemiologic variables were compared between the study groups (new cases and retreatment). Regression models identified variables associated with unfavorable outcomes. Results: Among 743 823 reported TB cases in the study period, 555 632 cases were eligible, consisting of 462 061 new cases and 93 571 undergoing retreatments (44 642 recurrent and 48 929 retreatments after loss to follow-up [RLTFU]). RLTFU (odds ratio [OR], 3.96 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 3.83-4.1]) was a significant risk factor for any type of unfavorable ATT. Furthermore, RLTFU (OR, 4.93 [95% CI, 4.76-5.11]) was the main risk factor for subsequent LTFU. For death, aside from advanced age, living with HIV (OR, 6.28 [95% CI, 6.03-6.54]) was the top risk factor. Conclusions: Retreatment is a substantial risk factor for unfavorable ATT outcomes, especially after LTFU. The rates of treatment success in RLTFU are distant from the WHO End TB Strategy targets throughout Brazil. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to improve treatment adherence and outcomes in persons who experience RLTFU.

Removal of Rare Earth Elements from complex mixtures by using manganese ferrite nanoparticles: Optimization through surface response methodology.

The crucial role of Rare Earth Elements (REEs) in the development of hi-tech in addition to their limited availability have urged countries to develop sustainable alternatives to their conventional primary sources (ore mining). Sorption technologies using magnetic materials such as spinel ferrite nanoparticles provide efficient removal of REEs from contaminated solutions and ease of separation through application of an external magnetic field. However, there is still limited knowledge available regarding the optimal operational conditions in which to use these materials, especially in complex aqueous mixtures with different REEs. In this study, we have used Surface Response Methodology (SRM) applied to MnFe2O4 nanosorbents to identify their ideal sorption conditions of pH (4-8), REEs concentration (1-5 µM) and sorbent mass (20-180 mg L-1) in a mixture of nine REEs in water samples of distinct salinity (NaCl: 0-30 g L-1). Our results indicated that high pH favored REEs sorption because of the material's surface charge, which promoted interactions with REEs ions at pH 6-8. Yttrium was the least removed element, but total removal was achieved for lowest REEs concentration using 151 mg L-1 of sorbent. High removals were also obtained for the concentration of 5 µM (100 % removal, except for Y and La). Salinity did not impair sorption significantly (<10 %), which was owed to the high sorbent mass used in those assays. An increase in sorbent mass and initial REEs concentration also promoted faster kinetics. The spinel type MnFe2O4 nanoparticles showed great promise in a realistic application, which is the next proposed step in this line of research.

How does the age of control individuals hinder the identification of target genes for Huntington's disease?

Several studies have compared the transcriptome across various brain regions in Huntington's disease (HD) gene-positive and neurologically normal individuals to identify potential differentially expressed genes (DEGs) that could be pharmaceutical or prognostic targets for HD. Despite adhering to technical recommendations for optimal RNA-Seq analysis, none of the genes identified as upregulated in these studies have yet demonstrated success as prognostic or therapeutic targets for HD. Earlier studies included samples from neurologically normal individuals older than the HD gene-positive group. Considering the gradual transcriptional changes induced by aging in the brain, we posited that utilizing samples from older controls could result in the misidentification of DEGs. To validate our hypothesis, we reanalyzed 146 samples from this study, accessible on the SRA database, and employed Propensity Score Matching (PSM) to create a "virtual" control group with a statistically comparable age distribution to the HD gene-positive group. Our study underscores the adverse impact of using neurologically normal individuals over 75 as controls in gene differential expression analysis, resulting in false positives and negatives. We conclusively demonstrate that using such old controls leads to the misidentification of DEGs, detrimentally affecting the discovery of potential pharmaceutical and prognostic markers. This underscores the pivotal role of considering the age of control samples in RNA-Seq analysis and emphasizes its inclusion in evaluating best practices for such investigations. Although our primary focus is HD, our findings suggest that judiciously selecting age-appropriate control samples can significantly improve best practices in differential expression analysis.

Optimizing the Recovery of Rare Earth Elements from Spent Fluorescent Lamps by Living Ulva sp.

Given the significant industrial applications of rare earth elements (REEs), supply chain constraints, and negative environmental impacts associated with their extraction, finding alternative sources has become a critical challenge. Previously, we highlighted the potential of living Ulva sp. in the removal and pre-concentration of Y from a solution obtained by sequential acid leaching of spent fluorescent lamps (SFLs). Here, we extended that study to other REEs extracted from SFLs and evaluated the effect of pH (4.5-9.0), light exposure (absence, natural and supplemented with artificial light), and Hg (presence and absence). The results showed small differences in the removal of Y (23-30%) and other REEs at the different pH values, opening the scope of the methodology. However, Ulva sp. relative growth rate (RGR) was negatively affected in the higher acidity condition, without any visible signs of decay. In the absence of light, the RGR also decreased, which was accompanied by a halving of the removal efficiency compared to that with artificial light supplementation (40% for Y). Although Hg had minimal influence on the removal and concentration of REEs by Ulva sp., its presence in the enriched biomass is undesirable. Therefore, this contaminant was selectively removed from the solution using Fe3O4@SiO2/SiDTC nanoparticles before contact with the macroalgae (70% removal in 30 min; 99% in 72 h). In addition to easy solubilization, macroalgae enriched with REEs have a simpler composition compared to SFLs. Calcination of the biomass allowed the REEs to be further concentrated, with concentrations (130 mg/g for Y) up to 240 times higher than in typical apatite ore. This highlights enriched biomass as a sustainable alternative to traditional mining for obtaining these critical raw materials.

Ethnomedicinal Usage, Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Potential of Solanum surattense Burm. f.

Solanum surattense Burm. f. is a significant member of the Solanaceae family, and the Solanum genus is renowned for its traditional medicinal uses and bioactive potential. This systematic review adheres to PRISMA methodology, analyzing scientific publications between 1753 and 2023 from B-on, Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, and Web of Science, aiming to provide comprehensive and updated information on the distribution, ethnomedicinal uses, chemical constituents, and pharmacological activities of S. surattense, highlighting its potential as a source of herbal drugs. Ethnomedicinally, this species is important to treat skin diseases, piles complications, and toothache. The fruit was found to be the most used part of this plant (25%), together with the whole plant (22%) used to treat different ailments, and its decoction was found to be the most preferable mode of herbal drug preparation. A total of 338 metabolites of various chemical classes were isolated from S. surattense, including 137 (40.53%) terpenoids, 56 (16.56%) phenol derivatives, and 52 (15.38%) lipids. Mixtures of different parts of this plant in water-ethanol have shown in vitro and/or in vivo antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-tumoral, hepatoprotective, and larvicidal activities. Among the metabolites, 51 were identified and biologically tested, presenting antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antitumoral as the most reported activities. Clinical trials in humans made with the whole plant extract showed its efficacy as an anti-asthmatic agent. Mostly steroidal alkaloids and triterpenoids, such as solamargine, solanidine, solasodine, solasonine, tomatidine, xanthosaponin A-B, dioscin, lupeol, and stigmasterol are biologically the most active metabolites with high potency that reflects the new and high potential of this species as a novel source of herbal medicines. More experimental studies and a deeper understanding of this plant must be conducted to ensure its use as a source of raw materials for pharmaceutical use.

Nodal Yield in Level II-IV Neck Dissections in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

OBJECTIVES: The main objective of this study is to analyze factors associated with nodal yield in level II-IV selective neck dissections (NDs) and the secondary objective is to assess its impact on overall and disease-free survival. METHODS: Observational retrospective study including adult patients submitted to level II-IV ND from January 2015 to December 2021 in the otorhinolaryngology department of a tertiary hospital center. RESULTS: A total of 44 patients and 78 level II-IV NDs (34 bilateral and 10 unilateral) were included. The median age at diagnosis was 60 (22-74) years, and 93.2% of the patients were male. A lower nodal yield was significantly associated with previous radiotherapy (p = 0.042) and extranodal invasion (p < 0.001) and was non-significantly associated with older age (p = 0.065). Furthermore, on a Cox analysis adjusted to the cN status and age, the nodal yield was not associated with five-year disease-free survival (HR = 0.986; 95% CI = 0.922-1.054; p = 0.681) nor with five-year overall survival (HR = 1.006; 95% CI = 0.925-1.095; p = 0.888). CONCLUSION: A reduced nodal yield in level II-IV NDs was significantly associated with previous radiotherapy and extranodal extension and non-significantly associated with age. There was no association between the nodal yield and five-year overall survival or disease-free survival.

Recognizing Patterns of Nature Contact Associated with Well-Being: An Exploratory Cluster Analysis.

Statement of Problem: Progressive urbanization has reduced human interactions with nature, raising concerns about its impact on mental well-being. Previous research has often focused on specific aspects of nature contact, neglecting its multifaceted dimensions and their effects on mental health, particularly in developing countries. Research Gap: There is a scarcity of studies exploring the comprehensive dimensions of nature contact, such as frequency, duration, intensity, and space naturalness, and their correlation with mental well-being in developing countries' urban settings. Purpose: This study aims to identify patterns of nature contact related to mental well-being in metropolitan areas of Brazil using exploratory cluster analysis, bridging the existing knowledge gap and informing targeted interventions to enhance mental health through nature contact. Method: An online survey collected data from 2136 participants in Brazil's metropolitan areas, focusing on their nature interaction patterns and mental health status using the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21), hierarchical clustering with p-values via multiscale bootstrap resampling, and analysis of variance. Results and Conclusions: Three distinct groups were identified, showing varied patterns of nature contact and demographic profiles. Greater and more frequent nature contact was associated with lower levels of depression, anxiety, and stress. These findings suggest a beneficial relationship between nature contact and mental well-being. Practical Implications: The results underline the importance of urban planning and public health policies that facilitate access to natural spaces, highlighting socioeconomic factors as significant barriers to this access. Future Directions: Further research should explore causal relationships and consider the specific realities and challenges faced by residents of developing nations.

Zirconia Dental Implants Surface Electric Stimulation Impact on Staphylococcus aureus.

Tooth loss during the lifetime of an individual is common. A strategy to treat partial or complete edentulous patients is the placement of dental implants. However, dental implants are subject to bacterial colonization and biofilm formation, which cause an infection named peri-implantitis. The existing long-term treatments for peri-implantitis are generally inefficient. Thus, an electrical circuit was produced with zirconia (Zr) samples using a hot-pressing technique to impregnate silver (Ag) through channels and holes to create a path by LASER texturing. The obtained specimens were characterized according to vitro cytotoxicity, to ensure ZrAg non-toxicity. Furthermore, samples were inoculated with Staphylococcus aureus using 6.5 mA of alternating current (AC). The current was delivered using a potentiostat and the influence on the bacterial concentration was assessed. Using AC, the specimens displayed no bacterial adhesion (Log 7 reduction). The in vitro results presented in this study suggest that this kind of treatment can be an alternative and promising strategy to treat and overcome bacterial adhesion around dental implants that can evolve to biofilm.

Impact of Xpert MTB/RIF implementation in tuberculosis case detection and control in Brazil: a nationwide intervention time-series analysis (2011-2022).

Background: Since 2014, Brazil has gradually implemented the Xpert MTB/RIF (Xpert) test to enhance early tuberculosis (TB) and drug-resistant (DR-TB) detection and control, yet its nationwide impact remains underexplored. Our study conducts an intervention time-series analysis (ITSA) to evaluate how the Xpert's implementation has improved TB and DR-TB detection nationwide. Methods: 1,061,776 cases from Brazil's National TB Registry (2011-2022) were reviewed and ITSA (2011-2019) was used to gauge the impact of the Xpert's adoption on TB and DR-TB notification. Granger Causality and dynamic regression modelling determined if incorporating Xpert testing as an external regressor enhanced forecasting accuracy for Brazil's future TB trends. Findings: Xpert implementation resulted in a 9.7% increase in TB notification and substantial improvements in DR-TB (63.6%) and drug-susceptible TB (92.1%) detection compared to expected notifications if it had not been implemented. Xpert testing counts also presented a time-dependent relationship with DR-TB detection post-implementation, and improved predictions in forecasting models, which depicted a potential increase in TB and DR-TB detection in the next six years. Interpretation: This study underscores the critical role of Xpert's adoption in boosting TB and DR-TB detection in Brazil, reinforcing the case for its widespread use in disease control. Improvements in prediction accuracy resulting from integrating Xpert data are crucial for allocating resources and reducing the incidence of TB. By acknowledging Xpert's role in both disease control and improving predictions, we advocate for its expanded use and further research into advanced molecular diagnostics for effective TB and DR-TB control. Funding: FIOCRUZ.

Depth Control of an Underwater Sensor Platform: Comparison between Variable Buoyancy and Propeller Actuated Devices.

Underwater long-endurance platforms are crucial for continuous oceanic observation, allowing for sustained data collection from a multitude of sensors deployed across diverse underwater environments. They extend mission durations, reduce maintenance needs, and significantly improve the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of oceanographic research endeavors. This paper investigates the closed-loop depth control of actuation systems employed in underwater vehicles, focusing on the energy consumption of two different mechanisms: variable buoyancy and propeller actuated devices. Using a prototype previously developed by the authors, this paper presents a detailed model of the vehicle using both actuation solutions. The proposed model, although being a linear-based one, accounts for several nonlinearities that are present such as saturations, sensor quantization, and the actuator brake model. Also, it allows a simple estimation of the energy consumption of both actuation solutions. Based on the developed models, this study then explores the intricate interplay between energy consumption and control accuracy. To this end, several PID-based controllers are developed and tested in simulation. These controllers are used to evaluate the dynamic response and power requirements of variable buoyancy systems and propeller actuated devices under various operational conditions. Our findings contribute to the optimization of closed-loop depth control strategies, offering insights into the trade-offs between energy efficiency and system effectiveness in diverse underwater applications.

Praseodymium and warming interactions in mussels: Comparison between observed and predicted results.

Being a crucial element for technological development, praseodymium (Pr) has been increasingly used, leading to a rise in its concentration in aquatic systems. However, its potential threats to organisms remain poorly understood. Besides contamination, organisms are also threatened by climate change-related factors, including warming. It is important to evaluate how climate change-related factors may influence the effects of contaminants. To address this, histopathological and biochemical analyses were performed in adult mussels of Mytilus galloprovincialis, following a 28-day exposure to Pr (10 µg/L) and warming (4 °C increase) separately, and in combination. Additionally, biochemical and physiological alterations were analysed in the sperm of mussels after 30-min exposure to the same treatments. Furthermore, it was used the Independent Action model to predict the interaction between Pr and warming. The results showed, in the case of adults exposed to Pr, an increase in superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) activities. However, it was insufficient, leading to histopathological injuries, redox imbalance, and cellular damage. In the case of sperm, Pr induced an increase of mitochondrial activity and respiration rate, in response to the increase in systemic metabolic rate and oxygen demand. Warming increased the metabolism, and induced redox imbalance and cellular damage in adults. In sperm, a rise in temperature induced lipid peroxidation and a decrease in velocity. Warming induced some alterations in how adult mussels responded to Pr, activating catalase instead of SOD, and in addition to GSTs, also activated carboxylesterases. However, it was not enough to avoid redox imbalance and cellular damage. In the case of sperm, the combination induced a decrease in H2O2 production, and higher oxygen demand, which prevented the decrease in motility and velocity. This study highlights the limitations of using models and emphasizes the importance of studying the impacts of emerging contaminants, such as rare earth elements, and their combination with climate change-related factors. Under environmental conditions, chronic exposure to the combined effect of different stressors might generate impacts at higher biological levels. This may affect organisms' respiratory and filtration capacity, nutrient absorption, defence capacity against infections or diseases, and sperm viability, ultimately resulting in reduced growth and reproduction, with consequences at the population level.

A rare case of epithelioid angiosarcoma.

Epithelioid angiosarcoma is a rare high-grade vascular neoplasm with a poor prognosis. We present an anticoagulated 77-year-old man, with a history of popliteal/soleal vein thrombosis in the previous month, complaining of ipsilateral persistent lower limb pain and claudication. Absent popliteal/distal pulses prompted an arterial doppler ultrasound (DUS), revealing thrombosis of the distal superficial femoral artery and a popliteal mass. As the arterial wall's integrity could not be appropriately evaluated by DUS, adventitial cystic disease of the popliteal artery was suspected. Computed tomography angiography and magnetic resonance imaging findings were also suggestive. Due to refractory pain, he was submitted to a popliteal mass excision along with a femoral-posterior tibial bypass. Pathology revealed an epithelioid angiosarcoma. He was referred to a Sarcoma Center, requiring hospitalization for agitation and fever. A positron emission tomography (PET) scan revealed extensive lower limb disease persistence and distant metastases. He died on the 56th day after surgery. To our knowledge, there are only 15 cases of angiosarcoma of the popliteal artery described in the literature. Ours stands out as the first one unrelated to a popliteal aneurysm. Being a highly-aggressive tumor, an early diagnosis is challenging but essential to a successful treatment, warranting the need for suspicion of this neoplasm. An early core biopsy or surgical sample may expedite the diagnosis.

Enhanced removal of rare earth elements from aqueous media: exploring the potential of AM-3 and AM-4 titanosilicates.

This study investigates the impact of three key variables on the performance of nanoporous AM-3 and layered AM-4 titanosilicates in removing nine REEs (Y, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Eu, Gd, Tb, and Dy) from natural mineral water and identifies optimal operational conditions using Response Surface Methodology (RSM). The experimental conditions were determined by a Box-Behnken Design of 3 factors-3 levels (pH 4, 6, and 8; sorbent dose 20, 100, and 180 mg/L; and element concentration 1, 3, and 5 µmol/L). Three-dimensional response surfaces were used to assess the linear, quadratic, and interaction influences of each factor on the REEs' removal percentage. The pH was the most significant factor in the removal process using AM-3, while the sorbent dose was more important for AM-4. The results highlighted the sorbents' strong capacity for REE removal. The optimal operating conditions obtained by RSM were applied to aqueous solutions with salinity 10 (common in coastal and transitional systems) and 30 (average seawater salinity). The results showed that AM-3 has a strong potential for removing REEs in solutions with salinity 10 and 30, while AM-4 was less efficient due to competition between REEs and other ions present in the solution.

The role of warming in modulating neodymium effects on adults and sperm of Mytilus galloprovincialis.

The use of rare earth elements (REEs) has been increasing and one of the most used is neodymium (Nd). Being an emergent contaminant, its negative impacts are poorly understood. Aquatic organisms are also threatened by climate change-related factors, as is the case of warming, which can change the effects of REEs. Thus, the impacts of Nd, warming, and the combination of both stressors were studied in adult mussels and sperm of the species Mytilus galloprovincialis, after an exposure period of 28 days (adults) and 30 min (sperm). The effects were evaluated through the analysis of biochemical and histopathological alterations in adults and biochemical and physiological responses given by sperm. The results showed that mussels only activated their biotransformation capacity when exposed to the stressors acting alone, which was insufficient to avoid lipid peroxidation. Furthermore, warming (alone and combined with Nd) also produces damage to proteins. The digestive gland was the most sensitive organ to Nd, presenting several histopathological alterations. In the case of sperm, all stressors induced lipid peroxidation, a higher oxygen demand, and a decrease in velocity, even if the sperm viability was maintained. It seems that warming influenced the effects of Nd to some extent. The present findings contribute significantly to the field of REEs environmental toxicology by offering valuable insights into the impacts of Nd on various biological levels of mussels. Additionally, within the context of climate change, this study sheds light on how temperature influences the effects of Nd. The obtained results indicate that both stressors can potentially compromise the overall health of mussel populations, thereby affecting other species reliant on them for food and habitat. Moreover, this study highlights impaired sperm health, which could adversely affect their reproductive capacity and ultimately lead to population decline.

Optimizing the management of thyroid specimens to efficiently generate whole slide images for diagnosis.

Transition from optical to digital observation requires an additional procedure in the pathology laboratory, the scanning of glass slides, leading to increased time and digital archive consumption. Thyroid surgical samples often carry the need to collect several tissue fragments that generate many slides to be scanned. This study evaluated the impact of using different inking colours for the surgical margin, section thickness, and glass slide type, in the consumption of time and archive. The series comprehended 40 nodules from 30 patients, including 34 benign nodules in follicular nodular disease, 1 NIFTP, and 5 papillary carcinomas. In 12 nodules, the dominant pattern was microfollicular/solid and in 28 it was macrofollicular. Scanning times/mm2 were longer in red-inked fragments in comparison to green (p = 0.04) and black ones (p = 0.024), and in blue-inked in comparison to green ones (p = 0.043). File sizes/mm2 were larger in red-inked fragments in comparison to green (p = 0.008) and black ones (p = 0.002). The dominant pattern microfollicular/solid was associated with bigger file size/mm2 in comparison with the macrofollicular one (p < 0.001). All scanner outputs increase significantly with the thickness of the section. All scanning outputs increase with the usage of adhesive glass slides in comparison to non-adhesive ones. Small interventions in thyroid sample management that can help optimizing the digital workflow include to prefer black and green inking colours for the surgical margins and 2 µm section in non-adhesive glass slides for increased efficiency.