Campus source to sink wastewater surveillance of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2).

Wastewater-based surveillance (WBS) offers an aggregate, and cost-effective approach for tracking infectious disease outbreak prevalence within communities, that provides data on community health complementary to individual clinical testing. This study reports on a 16-month WBS initiative on a university campus in England, UK, assessing the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in sewers from large buildings, downstream sewer locations, raw wastewater, partially treated and treated effluents. Key findings include the detection of the Alpha (B.1.1.7) variant in wastewater, with 70 % of confirmed campus cases correlating with positive wastewater samples. Notably, ammonium nitrogen (NH4-N) levels showed a positive correlation (ρ = 0.543, p < 0.01) with virus levels at the large building scale, a relationship not observed at the sewer or wastewater treatment works (WWTW) levels due to dilution. The WWTW was compliant to wastewater standards, but the secondary treatment processes were not efficient for virus removal as SARS-CoV-2 was consistently detected in treated discharges. Tools developed through WBS can also be used to enhance traditional environmental monitoring of aquatic systems. This study provides a detailed source-to-sink evaluation, emphasizing the critical need for the widespread application and improvement of WBS. It showcases WBS utility and reinforces the ongoing challenges posed by viruses to receiving water quality.

Evaluation of the antimicrobial activity of Eucalyptus radiata essential oil against Escherichia coli strains isolated from meat products.

The present study sought to evaluate the antimicrobial and anti-adherent potential of Eucalyptus radiata essential oil against food-borne strains of Escherichia coli. The study was performed using the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC). In addition, the disk diffusion technique was used to evaluate the association of Eucalyptus radiata essential oil with synthetic antimicrobials. The Minimum Inhibitory Adherence Concentration (MIC) was also performed. The results revealed that E. radiata showed antimicrobial activity against the E. coli strains tested, with MIC values ranging from 500 µg/mL to 1000 µg/mL and MBC values ranging from 500 µg/mL to 1,024 µg/mL. As for the associations, it was observed that E. radiata oil exhibited a synergistic effect for some antibiotics, especially Ceftriaxone, with greater interference from the essential oil. Furthermore, it was effective in inhibiting the adherence of bacterial strains of E. coli, showing a more significant antibiofilm effect than the antibacterial agent 0.12% chlorhexidine digluconate. In summary, the essential oil of E. radiata showed antimicrobial potential against strains of E. coli of food origin, and can therefore, through in-depth studies, be used alone or in association with synthetic antimicrobials to combat infections caused by this pathogen.

Assessment of the impact of conservation measures by modeling soil loss in Minas Gerais, Brazil.

Gullies are significant contributors to soil degradation in several regions of Brazil, including Minas Gerais, where erosion processes have caused soil loss. The characterization of erosion processes is crucial for the application of measures for recovering degraded areas and reducing erosion impacts. This study models soil loss with the use of InVEST software and assesses the impact of three different scenarios, namely (1) implementation of soil conservation practices and replacement of pasture areas for temporary agriculture, (2) reforestation of pasture areas, and (3) preservation of ciliary forests. Soil loss, sediment exportation, retention, and deposition for the present scenario (2019), as well as the three aforementioned hypothetical scenarios, were estimated. In the present scenario, the estimated mean annual soil loss was 2.75 t/ha year, with 1,449.54 t/year sediment exportation, 9,042.13 t/year retention, and 1,449.54 t/year deposition. The model predicted scenario 1 would result in 2.23 t/ha year mean annual soil loss, 1,300.59 t/year sediment exportation, 9,191.08 t/year retention, and 11,755.76 t/year deposition. Scenario 2 showed 1.92 t/ha year mean annual soil loss, 1,046.69 t/year sediment exportation, 9,444.98 t/year retention, and 10,229.77 t/year deposition, whereas the results for scenario 3 were 2.36 t/ha year, 616.65 t/year, 9,862.06 t/year, and 13,206.47 t/year, respectively. Reforestation and preservation of ciliary forests, along with soil conservation practices, were effective measures for reducing soil loss. Such findings are valuable for the management of areas degraded by erosion processes.

Sedative and cardiorespiratory effects of dexmedetomidine alone or combined with acepromazine in healthy cats.

The purpose of this study was to assess sedation, emesis and cardiovascular effects of dexmedetomidine alone or combined with acepromazine in healthy cats. Fourteen male cats aged 0.9 ± 0.5 years and weighing 3.7 ± 0.7 kg were randomly assigned to one of two experimental groups: GD, dexmedetomidine 5 µg/kg; and GDA, dexmedetomidine 5 µg/kg with acepromazine 0.03 mg/kg, all intramuscularly. Measurements were recorded at baseline, at 20 minutes and then at 10-minute intervals following sedation and included heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (FR), systolic arterial pressure (SAP), rectal temperature (RT), number of episodes of emesis and sedation score (0-4). Data were compared using ANOVA for repeated measures followed by Sídák and Dunnet test. Sedation scores were compared between groups at T20 using Mann-Whitney test. Significance was considered when P <0.05. At T20, HR was significantly lower in GDA (99 ± 14 beats/min) compared with GD (133 ± 19 beats/min) and SAP was significantly lower in both groups compared with baseline (126 ± 14 vs. 148 ± 26 and 111 ± 13 vs. 144 ± 17 mmHg in GD and GDA, respectively). Duration of sedation was similar between groups, although sedation scores differed significantly at T20, with 1 (0-4) in GD and 4 (4-4) in GDA. More episodes of emesis were recorded in GD compared with GDA. The combination of dexmedetomidine and acepromazine produced more profound sedation with faster onset and lower incidence of emesis compared with dexmedetomidine alone in healthy cats.

Spectrophotometric Analysis of Apical Extrusion of Sodium Hypochlorite using Different Irrigation Protocols in an Ex Vivo Model of Immature Teeth.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of different agitation methods on apical extrusion of 1.5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) in an ex vivo model of immature teeth. METHODS: Sixty extracted human inferior incisors were prepared to simulate immature teeth and embedded in an artificial root socket made of silicone impression material. The teeth were then divided into four groups: Conventional needle irrigation (CNI) alone, CNI supplemented with Ultrasonic Irrigant Activation (UIA), EasyClean (EC), or XP-endo Finisher (XPF). Extruded NaOCl was collected, reacted with m-cresol purple, and its absorbance values were measured. The data were statistically analyzed using One-way analysis of variance with a significance level of 5%. RESULTS: All groups showed apically extruded irrigating solution, and the mean volumes of extruded NaOCl did not differ significantly between any of the test groups (p⟩0.05). CONCLUSION: The activation of 1.5% NaOCL by UIA, EC, or XPF as supplementary to CNI does not promote greater apical extrusion when compared to CNI alone in simulated immature teeth.

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.

Potential role of vacuum-assisted procedures in resecting breast cancers and highlighting selection criteria to support future trials.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of vacuum-assisted biopsy (VAB) in resecting breast cancers. Methods: Retrospective database analysis of 116 cancers [both invasive breast cancers (IC) and ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)] diagnosed by VAB submitted to standard surgical treatment with complete histological data from VAB and surgery. Excision following VAB was defined as complete resection (CR) if there was no residual tumor in the surgical specimen, minimal residual disease (MRD) if residual tumor ≤ 3 mm, gross residual disease (GRD) if residual tumor > 3 mm, and upgrade from DCIS on VAB to IC. CR and MRD were combined as potentially resected percutaneously (PRP). GRD and those with upgrade to IC were determined not eligible for percutaneous resection (NPR). Factors predictive of PRP were evaluated. Results: Mean age was 55.6 years (20-91; SD: 12,27). CR was seen in 29 of 116 cases (25%), MRD in 18 of 116 cases (15.5%), GRD in 64 of 116 cases (55.2%), and five of 116 cases (4.3%) were upgraded from DCIS to IC, and those groups combined represented 47 cases of PRP (40.5%) and 69 (59,5%) of NPR. For 77 tumors ≤ 10 mm, 45 (58.5%) were PRP. Multivariate analysis reveals significance for enlarged VAB (EVAB) (p = 0.008, OR: 4.4, 95% CI), low/intermediate nuclear grade (p < 0.001, OR: 12.5, 95% CI) and final tumor size (T) ≤ 10 mm (p = 0.001, OR: 50.1, 95% CI) for PRP. Conclusions: This study showed that lesions completely excised with VAB that were cancer could have been treated with VAB rather than surgery but tumor selection in terms of subtype and size is important.

Physical and chemical characterization of drill cuttings: A review.

Drill cuttings comprise a mixture of rocks generated during drilling activities of exploration and production of oil and gas. These residues' properties are variable, depending on several drilling parameters and drilled rock composition. Many scientific studies have been published regarding the characterization of these residues. Articles summarizing these residues' characteristics and toxicity data are poorly explored in the literature. This work reviews the principal methods used to characterize drill cuttings and data about these residues' properties. Some authors have reported the large content of Zn in drill cuttings. These cuttings can be associated with base fluids (as olefins, varying from C11 to C18), and some time crude oil (high range of TPH, unresolved complex mixtures, and PAH compounds). Acute and chronic toxicity tests have shown negative impacts of different types of fluids, the components of these fluids, and cuttings on other marine organisms.

Soil habitat function after innovative nanoagriproducts application: Effect of ageing on the avoidance behaviour of the soil invertebrates Enchytraeus crypticus and Folsomia candida.

Research on nanotechnology with applications in agriculture has been gathering attention because it may achieve a good balance between agricultural production and environmental integrity. Among the vast nanomaterials, layered double hydroxides (LDHs) are a promising solution for supplying crops with macro- and/or micronutrients. Still, little is known about their safety implications for non-target organisms, such as soil invertebrates. The habitat function of soils might be impacted by potential stressors, which can be assessed through avoidance behaviour tests. This study aimed to assess the effect of two innovative agriproducts, Zn-Al-NO3 LDH and Mg-Al-NO3 LDH, on the avoidance behaviour of the enchytraeid Enchytraeus crypticus and the collembolan Folsomia candida, over time. Simultaneously, Zn and Mg potential release from LDHs to soil was evaluated. Overall, the behaviour of soil invertebrates differed between species, with enchytraeids being more sensitive to LDHs-treated soils than collembolans, possibly explained by their different physiological traits. The behaviour of soil organisms also depended on the LDH structural composition and was time-variable. Soil treated with Zn-Al-NO3 LDH was perceived as less favourable compared to Mg-Al-NO3 LDH, which was preferred to clean soil at most tested concentrations. LDHs toxicity was partly, but not exclusively, related to Zn and Mg release. Cations release over time was demonstrated in the chemical assessment. Still, LDHs toxicity to soil invertebrates decreased as increasing AC50 values were derived over time. Slower dissolution over time might explain the decrease in toxicity. Our study demonstrates that both soil invertebrates could sense LDHs in soil and eventually adapt their behaviour by avoiding or preferring, according to the type and level of LDH present.

Quantitative analysis of culturable bacteria, levels of endotoxins, inflammatory mediators and substance P in teeth with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis and in teeth with vital normal pulp tissues.

AIM: To comparatively analyse the levels of culturable bacteria, endotoxins (LPS), tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1ß) and substance P in teeth with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis (SIP) and vital normal pulp (VNP) tissues. METHODOLOGY: Thirty-two patients were included (20 teeth with SIP and 12 teeth with VNP tissues) in this cross-sectional study. Samples were collected from the full length of the root canals (microbial analysis) and periapical tissues (2 mm beyond the apex for immunological analysis), using sterile absorbent paper points. The levels of culturable bacteria (culture method), endotoxins (LAL Pyrogent 5000), TNF-α, IL-1ß and substance P (ELISA) were assessed. The Mann-Whitney test was used for comparisons between the levels of CFU/mL, LPS, TNF-α, IL-1ß and substance P in the SIP and VNP groups. The statistical analysis was performed with the significance level set at 5%. RESULTS: Culturable bacteria were recovered from all teeth with SIP. On the other hand, no positive cultures were observed in the VNP tissues group (p > .05). The levels of LPS were approximately four times higher in teeth with SIP than in teeth with VNP tissues (p < .05). Higher levels of TNF-α and substance P were detected in teeth with SIP (p < .05). On the other hand, no difference in the levels of IL-1ß was detected between the two groups (p > .05). CONCLUSION: Teeth with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis present higher levels of culturable bacteria, endotoxins, TNF-α and substance P than those with vital normal pulp tissues. On the other hand, the levels of IL-1ß were similar in teeth from both groups suggesting reduced implications of this inflammatory mediator in the early stages of infection.

Patient-reported perspectives of therapeutic radiographers when undergoing radiotherapy: A European multi-centre study.

INTRODUCTION: Radiotherapy is delivered almost exclusively by therapeutic radiographers/radiation therapist (RTTs). Patient's perspectives of RTTs affect levels of trust and confidence in the profession and can have a significant impact on overall radiotherapy experience. The study reports patients' perspectives of RTTs from their experience of undergoing radiotherapy. Four partner sites collaborated in this research and included Malta, Poland, Portugal, and the UK (lead site). METHODS: A survey was developed to gather information from patients receiving radiotherapy or who had had radiotherapy within the previous 24 months. Participants ranked their responses to 23 statements relating to person-centred care on a 5-point scale of 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree). Mann-Whitney or Kruskal Wallis tests were applied to test differences in responses to 5 key statements for patient characteristics including gender, age group, diagnosis, country, time spent with RTTs and number of fractions remaining at survey completion. RESULTS: Three hundred and forty-seven surveys are included. Patients report a positive perception of RTTs (95.4% agree with 'I feel cared for'). Statistically significant differences in responses were found between gender, diagnosis, country, time spent with RTTs and fractions of radiotherapy remaining. Patients who had more time with RTTs and completed their surveys during radiotherapy had a more positive perception of RTTs. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that sufficient time with RTTs is key to ensuring a positive radiotherapy patient experience. RTTs being attentive, understanding, and informative are most predictive of a positive overall patient experience. Timing of survey completion can influence responses. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: RTT education programmes should incorporate training on person-centred care at all levels. Further research into patient experience of RTTs is warranted.

Patients' perspectives of the skills and competencies of therapy radiographers/radiation therapists (TRs/RTTs) in the UK, Portugal and Malta; a qualitative study from the SAFE Europe project.

INTRODUCTION: The role of the Therapy Radiographer/Radiation Therapist (TR/RTT) is to provide radiotherapy to patients with a cancer diagnosis. This includes, not only administration of treatment, but also management of side-effects and provision of support/care. Despite this role being consistent throughout Europe, there is currently no standardisation of education for TRs/RTTs. The SAFE EUROPE project aims to standardize TR/RTT education to enable 'safe and free exchange' of TRs/RTTs across Europe. Consequently, this study aims to explore patients' perspectives regarding the current skills and competencies of TRs/RTTs. METHODS: From May 2021 to February 2022, semi-structured interviews were conducted with patients who had recently received radiotherapy in the UK, Malta and Portugal. Ethical approval for this study was granted by the NHS Research Ethics Committee with additional local approvals obtained. RESULTS: Forty-eight participants from the UK (n = 18), Portugal (n = 19), and Malta (n = 11) completed interviews. Participants described high satisfaction with TRs'/RTTs' competence and skills in all three countries. The main theme arising from the analysis was the importance of trust building with TRs/RTTs. Six factors were identified as influencing levels of trust: communication; side-effect management; team consistency; relational skills; patient dignity; and competence. A small number of patients reported feeling rushed and not having their physical and emotional needs met by TRs/RTTs. CONCLUSION: This multicentre study demonstrated that patients perceive TRs/RTTs in the UK, Malta and Portugal as highly competent and skilled. Practical recommendations are provided to address identified deficits in practice, which can be addressed through adaptation of TR/RTT education/training and clinical practice. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Recommendations arising from this study are important to ensure that TRs/RTTs have transferable skills that provide consistently high quality care to patients throughout Europe.

A global perspective on bacterial diversity in the terrestrial deep subsurface.

While recent efforts to catalogue Earth's microbial diversity have focused upon surface and marine habitats, 12-20 % of Earth's biomass is suggested to exist in the terrestrial deep subsurface, compared to ~1.8 % in the deep subseafloor. Metagenomic studies of the terrestrial deep subsurface have yielded a trove of divergent and functionally important microbiomes from a range of localities. However, a wider perspective of microbial diversity and its relationship to environmental conditions within the terrestrial deep subsurface is still required. Our meta-analysis reveals that terrestrial deep subsurface microbiota are dominated by Betaproteobacteria, Gammaproteobacteria and Firmicutes, probably as a function of the diverse metabolic strategies of these taxa. Evidence was also found for a common small consortium of prevalent Betaproteobacteria and Gammaproteobacteria operational taxonomic units across the localities. This implies a core terrestrial deep subsurface community, irrespective of aquifer lithology, depth and other variables, that may play an important role in colonizing and sustaining microbial habitats in the deep terrestrial subsurface. An in silico contamination-aware approach to analysing this dataset underscores the importance of downstream methods for assuring that robust conclusions can be reached from deep subsurface-derived sequencing data. Understanding the global panorama of microbial diversity and ecological dynamics in the deep terrestrial subsurface provides a first step towards understanding the role of microbes in global subsurface element and nutrient cycling.

European Association for Endoscopic Surgery (EAES) consensus on Indocyanine Green (ICG) fluorescence-guided surgery.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, the use of Indocyanine Green (ICG) fluorescence-guided surgery during open and laparoscopic procedures has exponentially expanded across various clinical settings. The European Association of Endoscopic Surgery (EAES) initiated a consensus development conference on this topic with the aim of creating evidence-based statements and recommendations for the surgical community. METHODS: An expert panel of surgeons has been selected and invited to participate to this project. Systematic reviews of the PubMed, Embase and Cochrane libraries were performed to identify evidence on potential benefits of ICG fluorescence-guided surgery on clinical practice and patient outcomes. Statements and recommendations were prepared and unanimously agreed by the panel; they were then submitted to all EAES members through a two-rounds online survey and results presented at the EAES annual congress, Barcelona, November 2021. RESULTS: A total of 18,273 abstracts were screened with 117 articles included. 22 statements and 16 recommendations were generated and approved. In some areas, such as the use of ICG fluorescence-guided surgery during laparoscopic cholecystectomy, the perfusion assessment in colorectal surgery and the search for the sentinel lymph nodes in gynaecological malignancies, the large number of evidences in literature has allowed us to strongly recommend the use of ICG for a better anatomical definition and a reduction in post-operative complications. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, from the systematic literature review performed by the experts panel and the survey extended to all EAES members, ICG fluorescence-guided surgery could be considered a safe and effective technology. Future robust clinical research is required to specifically validate multiple organ-specific applications and the potential benefits of this technique on clinical outcomes.

An evaluation of knowledge of circular economy among Therapeutic Radiographers/Radiation Therapists (TR/RTTs): Results of a European survey to inform curriculum design.

INTRODUCTION: Global warming and the increase in greenhouse gases are a current concern worldwide. The healthcare sector constitutes about 4.4% of all emissions. This study aims to evaluate the knowledge, awareness and attitudes of Therapeutic Radiographers/Radiation Therapists (TR/RTTs) regarding environment-related concepts to inform the development of educational curriculum. METHODS: A validated self-designed survey was distributed to TR/RTTs across Europe by the SAFE EUROPE partners and via social media between October 2021 and February 2022. The survey was divided into six sections: (i) demographics, (ii) knowledge of Circular Economy (CE) and Green Skills (GS), (iii) personal attitudes, (iv) TR/RTTs attitudes, (v) the importance of CE, and (vi) education. Questions consisted of mostly Likert scales complemented with other closed- and open-ended questions. RESULTS: 31%-42% of participants are aware of national and departmental policies in CE and GS concepts. Even though half of the participants considered that they advocate and practice CE, the open questions indicated that participants only focus on waste management, ignoring all the other dimensions of CE in healthcare. Personal attitudes and lifestyles also did not reflect CE. TR/RTTs considered CE practices and GS development essential. However, the suggested academic level at which these skills should be developed was split between High School (44%) and Bachelor's degree (32%). CONCLUSION: It is essential to raise awareness among TR/RTTs about the various dimensions of CE applied to healthcare: "green transportation", "environment-friendly procurement", "hospital building design", "food process optimisation", "water reduction", "energy efficiency", and "waste management". IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: These GS must be developed by TR/RTTs to decrease their impact on the environment. Their training may need to be lifelong, starting during basic high school education and continuing as healthcare professionals after graduation.

Stafne's bone defect: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: This systematic review integrated the available data published in the literature on Stafne's bone defect (SBD), considering the clinical, imaging and histopathological results. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An electronic search was undertaken in six databases. Eligibility criteria were: articles in English, Spanish, and Portuguese describing case reports or case series of SBD, reported up to September/2021. Risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute tool. RESULTS: A total of 98 articles were retrieved, involving 465 individuals with SBD and were included for quantitative analysis. Mean age was 52.78 years (range: 11-89 years), with male predilection (n=374/80.85%). Radiographs were the most frequent imagiological exams (n=298/64.09%), followed by computed tomography (n=98/21.08%). SBD was more prevalent in the posterior mandible (n=361/93.77%) as a hypodense radiolucent lesion (n=250/77.40%). Mean size was 1.58 cm (range: 0.3-.8.0 cm). Two-hundred-and-two lesions (97.37%) were unilocular and 126 (91.97%) were classified as well-defined. Clinical symptoms were reported in 73 cases, while 68 cases (93.15%) were asymptomatic. Only 34 cases (12.32%) were submitted to histopathological examination. Mean follow-up time was 26.42 ±25.39 months. CONCLUSIONS: SBD is more frequent in male patients in the fifth and sixth decade of life. Classic SBD is radiographically characterized as a single, unilocular and well-defined lesion in the posterior region of the jaw with a radiolucent/hypodense appearance.

Evaluation of the efficacy of a 2-step etch-and-rinse, 2-step self-etch and 1-step self-etch adhesive systems, in class II primary molars restorations. An one year prospective, randomized clinical trial.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical efficacy at 6 months (6 M) and 12 months (12 M) of 3 adhesive strategies (two-step etch-and-rinse; two-step self-etch; one step self-etch) used in composite resin restorations in primary molars. METHODS: This randomized clinical study involved 101 class II restorations in primary molars of 34 children (4-8 years old), distributed by 3 groups according to the 3 tested adhesive systems: GI- ClearfilTMS3Bond Plus (CSB); GII- ClearfilTMSE Protect Bond (CSEPB); GIII- Prime&Bond®XP (PBXP). Restorations were evaluated according to FDI criteria, immediately after execution, at 6 M and 12 M. All ethical and legal requirements were met. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM®SPSS®v26 and MS Excel® (5% significance level). RESULTS: The aesthetic, biological and most of the functional parameters evaluated remained without significant changes over time. Statistically significant differences were only found regarding the "marginal adaptation" parameter at 12 M, with worsening of scores for the three groups (p < 0.001). Comparing the groups, no significant differences were detected between any of the evaluated parameters (aesthetics properties: p = 0.721; functional properties: p = 0.122). CONCLUSIONS: After a one-year period, the self-etch adhesives tested presented a clinical efficacy similar to the etch-and-rinse adhesive in restoring class II cavities in primary molars. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ISRCTN11458186.

Single and combined effects of ultraviolet radiation and triclosan during the metamorphosis of Solea senegalensis.

Ultraviolet radiation (UV) and triclosan (TCS) affect the early development of marine fish; however, the corresponding molecular mechanisms are still not fully understood. Therefore, this work aims to study the effects of the single and combined exposure to these stressors during the thyroid-regulated metamorphosis of the flatfish Solea senegalensis. Sub-lethal exposure (5.89 kJ m-2 UV and/or 0.546 and 1.090 mg L-1 TCS for 48 h) was performed at the beginning of metamorphosis (13 days after hatching, dah), followed by a period in clean media until complete metamorphosis (24 dah). Malformations, metamorphosis progression, length, behavior and the expression of thyroid axis-related genes were studied. TCS induced malformations, decreased swimming performance, and induced metamorphosis acceleration at 15 dah, followed by a significant metamorphosis delay. Such effects were more noticeable in the presence of UV. The down-regulation of five thyroid axis-related genes occurred after exposure to TCS (15 dah), and after 9 days in clean media two genes were still down-regulated. UV exposure increased the effect of TCS by further down-regulating gene expression immediately after the exposure. Since several effects persisted after the period in clean media, implications of these stressors (mainly TCS) on the ecological performance of the species are suggested.