Drawing improves memory in patients with hippocampal damage.

The hippocampus plays a critical role in the formation of declarative memories, and hippocampal damage leads to significant impairments in new memory formation. Drawing can serve as a form of multi-modal encoding that improves declarative memory performance relative to other multimodal encoding strategies such as writing. We examined whether, and to what extent, patients with hippocampal damage could benefit from the mnemonic strategy of drawing. Three patients with focal hippocampal damage, and one patient with both hippocampal and cortical lesions, in addition to 22 age-, sex-, and education-matched controls, were shown a list of words one at a time during encoding and instructed to either draw a picture or repeatedly write each word for 40 s. Following a brief filled delay, free recall and recognition memory for words from both encoding trial types were assessed. Controls showed enhanced recall and recognition memory for words drawn versus those that were written, an effect that was even more pronounced in patients with focal hippocampal damage. By contrast, the patient with both hippocampal and cortical lesions showed no drawing-mediated boost in either recall or recognition memory. These findings demonstrate that drawing is an effective encoding strategy, likely accruing from the engagement of extra-hippocampal processes including the integration of cortical-based motor, visual, and semantic processing, enabling more elaborative encoding.

Comet assay to evaluate chromosomal changes in chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) contaminated by lead in a city in Bahia.

Chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus) is one of the primary sources of animal protein for the Brazilian population. Thus, the safety of this food is highly relevant. This study was based on the evidence of severe contamination of these animals by metals such as lead in Santo Amaro, Bahia. This exploratory study aimed to evaluate associations between lead levels in blood of chicken exposed to a contaminated area with the occurrence of chromosomal alterations, evidencing genotoxic effects. Serum lead analysis was performed by GF-AAS after dilution with a matrix modifier solution (Triton X-100 0.2% v/v and HNO3 0.1% v/v), while chromosomal damage was evaluated using the comet assay. The results showed genotoxic effects (positive comet assay) only for the specimen sample with higher serum lead concentrations (33.9 µg dL-1), suggesting the occurrence of toxic effects at this level of exposure. This work evaluated a relationship between the reduction of serum lead levels in chicken and increased distance from the primary polluting source - a lead processing plant (COBRAC). It also showed that lead is bioavailable in this territory, contaminating chicken and causing genotoxic effects in these animals, further expanding the concern with the local biota and the health of the residents of Santo Amaro.

Effects of previous infestation with Bemisia tabaci MEAM1 on the resistance to Chrysodeixis includens in Bt and non-Bt soybean plants.

Transgenic Bt soybean plants have been developed to control insect pests, such as Anticarsia gemmatalis and Chrysodeixis includens. This objective has been achieved successfully; however, recently, some authors claimed that Bt soybean plants have been more susceptible than non-Bt soybean to Bemisia tabaci MEAM1. In addition, it is unknown whether Bt soybean plants infested by B. tabaci become less resistant to target pests. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate: (i) whether the previous infestation with B. tabaci can compromise Bt and non-Bt soybean resistance to C. includens; (ii) the effects of B. tabaci infestations on Bt and non-Bt soybean plant growth; and (iii) whether B. tabaci feeding reduces contents of chlorophyll and carotenoids of soybean plants. Bt and non-Bt soybean plants pre-infested with B. tabaci showed no changes in resistance to C. includens. Bt soybean plants infested with B. tabaci showed a lower plant height than uninfested plants. Differently, non-Bt soybean plants exhibited no reduction in plant growth due to B. tabaci feeding. Bt soybean plants suffered a reduction in dry matter only under double infestation (B. tabaci and C. includens), while non-Bt soybean plants experienced reduction in dry matter when infested with B. tabaci and C. includens or by C. includens only. B. tabaci feeding did not alter contents of chlorophyll and carotenoids, and perhaps the reduction in plant growth was related to salivary toxins. Concluding, both Bt and non-Bt soybean plants were susceptible to B. tabaci feeding, evidencing necessity of developing soybean cultivars resistant to B. tabaci.

Early detection of interstitial lung disease in rheumatic diseases: A joint statement from the Portuguese Pulmonology Society, the Portuguese Rheumatology Society, and the Portuguese Radiology and Nuclear Medicine Society.

INTRODUCTION: Interstitial lung disease (ILD) contributes significantly to morbidity and mortality in connective tissue disease (CTD). Early detection and accurate diagnosis are essential for informing treatment decisions and prognosis in this setting. Clear guidance on CTD-ILD screening, however, is lacking. OBJECTIVE: To establish recommendations for CTD-ILD screening based on the current evidence. METHOD: Following an extensive literature research and evaluation of articles selected for their recency and relevance to the characterization, screening, and management of CTD-ILD, an expert panel formed by six pulmonologists from the Portuguese Society of Pulmonology, six rheumatologists from the Portuguese Society of Rheumatology, and six radiologists from the Portuguese Society of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine participated in a multidisciplinary discussion to produce a joint statement on screening recommendations for ILD in CTD. RESULTS: The expert panel achieved consensus on when and how to screen for ILD in patients with systemic sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, mixed connective tissue disease, Sjögren syndrome, idiopathic inflammatory myopathies and systemic lupus erythematous. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the lack of data on screening for CTD-ILD, an expert panel of pulmonologists, rheumatologists and radiologists agreed on a series of screening recommendations to support decision-making and enable early diagnosis of ILD to ultimately improve outcomes and prognosis in patients with CTD.

Seagrass soils sequester up to half the metal emissions of one of the world's largest smelters.

One of the world's largest smelters has been operating in South Australia since 1889, affecting environment and human health. Here we quantified the magnitude of Pb, Zn and Cd emissions from the smelter sequestered in the soil of an adjacent 110 km2Posidonia australis seagrass meadows. Seagrass core records show that the smelter contaminated the entire area with decreasing sequestration with increasing distance from contamination points. The soil accumulated ~1300 t of Pb, ~3450 t of Zn, and ~ 90 t of Cd since 1889, and sequestered the equivalent of ~20 % of Pb, and ~50 % of Zn and Cd cumulative smelter emissions since 1999, showing that seagrass can be significant, long-term sinks of metal pollution in highly contaminated environments. Conservation efforts should prioritize these seagrass meadows to avoid the potential release of pollutants from their soils following habitat loss, which could turn seagrasses from a sink to a source of pollution.

Settleable atmospheric particulate matter affects the swimming performance and aerobic metabolic rate of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus).

Atmospheric particulate matter (APM) produced by the steel industry comprises a complex mixture of particles that includes a wide variety of metals and metallic nanoparticles. These particles settle out onto areas surrounding the industries. There is evidence that this 'settleable' APM (SePM) may cause air-to-water cross-contamination with significant effects on aquatic biota. Recent investigations have reported sublethal impacts on the gill structure and blood oxygen-carrying capacity of fishes, which raises the hypothesis that there will be consequences for gas exchange capacity and ability to support aerobic activities. Therefore, we investigated the effects of an environmentally relevant level of SePM contamination on swimming performance and associated aerobic metabolic rates in Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus. Short-term exposure (96 h) to SePM reduced critical swimming speed, energetic efficiency of aerobic swimming, standard metabolic rate, maximum metabolic rate, and aerobic scope. The compromised swimming performance could have adverse ecological effects by limiting foraging ability, predator evasion, territorial protection, and migration. The impairments to aerobic capacity could also affect overall fish performance by influencing long-term energy balance and allocation to growth and reproduction. Thus, despite being sublethal, SePM contamination is considerably debilitating, and if its limiting effects are not compensated for in the longer term, this may reduce the survival and fitness of fish populations.

Using deep learning for pruning region detection and plant organ segmentation in dormant spur-pruned grapevines.

Even though mechanization has dramatically decreased labor requirements, vineyard management costs are still affected by selective operations such as winter pruning. Robotic solutions are becoming more common in agriculture, however, few studies have focused on grapevines. This work aims at fine-tuning and testing two different deep neural networks for: (i) detecting pruning regions (PRs), and (ii) performing organ segmentation of spur-pruned dormant grapevines. The Faster R-CNN network was fine-tuned using 1215 RGB images collected in different vineyards and annotated through bounding boxes. The network was tested on 232 RGB images, PRs were categorized by wood type (W), orientation (Or) and visibility (V), and performance metrics were calculated. PR detection was dramatically affected by visibility. Highest detection was associated with visible intermediate complex spurs in Merlot (0.97), while most represented coplanar simple spurs allowed a 74% detection rate. The Mask R-CNN network was trained for grapevine organs (GOs) segmentation by using 119 RGB images annotated by distinguishing 5 classes (cordon, arm, spur, cane and node). The network was tested on 60 RGB images of light pruned (LP), shoot-thinned (ST) and unthinned control (C) grapevines. Nodes were the best segmented GOs (0.88) and general recall was higher for ST (0.85) compared to C (0.80) confirming the role of canopy management in improving performances of hi-tech solutions based on artificial intelligence. The two fine-tuned and tested networks are part of a larger control framework that is under development for autonomous winter pruning of grapevines. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11119-023-10006-y.

Analysis of adrenaline autoinjectors acquisition in Portugal over 15 years.

Summary: Background. The adrenaline autoinjector (AAi) is universally recommended as the first-line treatment for anaphylactic reactions occurring outside the medical setting. The quantification of its acquisition may help estimate the prevalence of patients at risk of anaphylaxis with an indication for AAi. Objective. Evaluation of the global and regional frequency of AAi purchases in Mainland Portugal between 2003-2017 and calculate the inherent costs in 2017. Methods. AAi acquisition distribution analysis along this period. The population was divided in two age groups according to the adrenaline dosage. Results. A total of 10,993 AAi units of 0.15mg/0.3mL and 28,619 of 0.3mg/0.3mL were acquired in these 15 years, with an annual average of 733 and 1908 units, respectively. In cumulative values terms, Lisbon showed the highest number of AAI acquired and higher prevalence per region/100,000 inhabitants in both groups. In 2017, the annual cost for each age group was 64,202.71 € 187,447.70 € for patients and € 37,706.35 / 110,113.30 € for the National Health System. Conclusions. In the last 15 years, there was a progressive increase in AAi acquisition. We estimate a rate of anaphylaxis occurrence in Portugal according to AAi aquisition of 0.165%.

Determinants associated with uncontrolled asthma in Portugal: A national population-based study.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Asthma is a chronic and heterogeneous disease that affects people of all ages and has a high estimated increase in prevalence worldwide. Asthma control represents a main goal in the disease management. International studies revealed low levels of disease control resulting in a significant burden for healthcare systems, not only in terms of quality of life, but also in terms of health costs. Modifiable and non-modifiable factors have been identified as relating to poor asthma control level. In this study we evaluated the distribution of asthma control levels in Portuguese adult population and examine the determinants associated with uncontrolled asthma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using a similar methodology to the one employed in the Asthma Insights and Reality in Europe (AIRE) survey, 327 active asthmatic patients were identified by random phone number and completed a questionnaire during 2011 to 2012. Asthma control was assessed by the evaluation of GINA based symptom control, by Asthma Control Test.äó (ACT) and by self-perception of control. To examine the relationship between uncontrolled asthma and its determinants, univariate logistic regression analysis, sequential multivariable regression and population attributable risk percentage were determinate. RESULTS: 35.2% active asthmatic patients had uncontrolled asthma, 64.8% partially controlled and none of the individuals had total control of asthma assessed by ACT test. Factors significantly associated with poor asthma control scores were: age (OR 1.02 per year of age; 95% CI: 1.01.Çô1.03), female sex (OR 1.87; 95% CI: 1.15.Çô3.04), educational level (OR 0.5; 95% CI: 0.28.Çô0.89 at high school level or over), occupation (OR 4.92; 95% CI: 2.12.Çô11.42 if looking for a first job or unemployed) (OR 2.51; 95% CI: 1.35.Çô4.65 if being retired), income (OR 0.23; 95% CI: 0.07.Çô0.72 if >619 euros), BMI (OR 1.09 per BMI unit; 95% CI: 1.03.Çô1.14), having rhinitis symptoms (OR 4.40; 95% CI: 2.56.Çô7.58) and using inhaled corticosteroids (OR 0.44; 95%CI: 0.24.Çô0.82 if used in the past or never used). Looking for a first job or being unemployed, BMI and having rhinitis symptoms remained significant after multivariate adjustments. CONCLUSIONS: Uncontrolled asthma was associated with several determinants. Their identification can contribute to improve asthma care both from clinical and from public health perspectives.

Eco-friendly fabricated multibioactive Ca(II)-antibiotic coordination framework coating on zinc towards improved bone tissue regeneration.

Zinc is a biodegradable candidate material for bone regeneration; however, concomitant implant-related infection and rejection require new solutions to raise the biomedical potential of zinc. Functionalization towards localized drug administration with bioactive frameworks can be a solution. It is herein reported for the first time an eco-friendly approach for coating zinc with multibioactive antibiotic coordination frameworks (ACF). ACF1, a new 1D framework with deprotonated nalidixic and salicylic acids, obtained by mechanochemistry, results from the coordination of Ca(II) centers to the organic acids anions. To maximize ACF1 loading and cells' adhesion, the surface area was increased by creating a porous 3D Zn layer. A coverage of ∼70% of the surface with ACF1, achieved by electrophoretic deposition in an aqueous solution, preserved the desired Zn degradation as |Z| in the order of 103 Ω.cm2 is attained for both bare and coated samples in physiological conditions. The bioactivities of the ACF1 powder are a strong antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli (MIC of 1.95 µg/mL) and weaker against Staphylococcus aureus (MIC of 250 µg/mL), while osteoblasts' cytocompatibility is achieved for concentration ranging between 10 and 100 µg/mL. In its coating form, the degradation of Zn coated with ACF1 results in nalidixic acid release, which may convey antibacterial activity to the implant. The osteoinduction observe over this new biomaterial relates to the precipitation of an apatite layer built from the Ca(II) of ACF1. The work described herein, where unexplored eco-friendly approaches were used, presents a new trend for the design of multibioactive coatings on bioresorbable metallic materials.

Peripheral nerve regeneration in rats using nerve graft in a vein conduit pre-filled with platelet-rich fibrin (PRF).

Treatment of peripheral nerve injury is not always satisfactory. To improve results, specific adjuvant methods have been used, such as platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) and vein conduits. The goal of this study was to assess whether use of PRF and vein conduits after nerve suture improves nerve regeneration as measured by a functional score and histomorphometry analysis. Ten isogenic spontaneously hypertensive rats were randomly assigned to 4 experimental procedures: 1) Sham group (n = 10); 2) Nerve graft (NG) group (n = 10); 3) Nerve graft covered with a vein conduit (NGVC) (n = 10); and 4) Nerve graft covered with a vein conduit pre-filled with PRF (NGVCP) (n = 10). Nerve repair results were evaluated on: sciatic functional index (SFI) at 0, 30, 60 and 90 days; morphometric and morphologic analysis of the distal nerve; and histological analysis of Fluoro-Gold® stained motor neurons in the anterior horn of the spinal cord. Compared to the Sham control group, the NGVC and NGVCP groups exhibited lower SFI on all measures. The NGVC group showed improvement in SFI at day 90, which was significant compared to the NG group. Fiber and axon diameters were comparable in the NGVC and NGVCP groups, which were both significantly lower than in the Sham and NG groups. Significant improvement was expected with PRF, but in fact the release of factors from this substance was not as effective as hoped.

Accuracy of silicone impressions and stone models using two laboratory scanners: a 3D evaluation.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the in vitro accuracy of impressions obtained with two silicone and corresponding stone models using two laboratory scanners. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A master model with synthetic resin teeth with two single-unit crown preparations was created and scanned using a 12-MP scanner. Five conventional impressions of the physical model were prepared with different silicone impression systems (Zhermack and Coltene) using the double-mix technique and poured with gypsum. The impressions and stone models obtained were scanned by two extraoral scanning systems (Identica T500 Medit and S600 ARTI Zirkonzahn). All best-fit superimpositions of the teeth areas were conducted between the master model and the scans of the impressions and models obtained with the two scanners. A P < .05 significance level was considered. RESULTS: The Identica T500 Medit scanner showed an accuracy of 102.34 (89.67, 115.01) µm for Coltene silicone and 79.51 (67.82, 91.21) µm for Zhermack silicone, while the S600 ARTI Zirkonzhan scanner presented 110.79 (98.24, 123.33) µm and 91.91 (81.29, 102.54) µm, respectively, with significant differences between scanners for Zhermack silicone (P = .008) and for the corresponding stone models (P = .002). Zhermack silicone presented overall discrepancies lower than Coltene silicone, with statistically significant differences in both scanners analyzed (P < .001; P = .017). However, the discrepancies found were within clinically acceptable values. With the Zirkonzahn scanner, discrepancies found in the Zhermack impressions were lower than in the corresponding stone models (P < .001). CONCLUSION: The direct digitalization of silicone impressions by laboratory scanners presented comparable results to conventional techniques with stone models.

Antibacterial activity improvement of dental glass-ceramic by incorporation of AgVO3 nanoparticles.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the role of the incorporation of an antibacterial nanoceramic (AgVO3) on the properties of a restorative dental glass-ceramic. METHOD: A commercially available restorative glass-ceramic, commonly designated as porcelain (IPS d.SIGN) was functionalized with an antibacterial agent (nanostructured ß-AgVO3), synthesized by a hydrothermal route. Both functionalized and pristine samples were processed according to the manufacturer's instructions. All samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Rietveld refinement, particle size distribution, Scanning Electron Microscopy, chemical solubility, and Inductively Coupled Plasma Spectroscopy. Their antibacterial potential (Mueller-Hinton test) was analyzed against gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli). RESULTS: The commercial glass-ceramic showed leucite (KAlSi2O6) as the only detectable crystalline phase, and, for both strains, no antibacterial activity could be detected in the Mueller-Hinton agar plates test. A monophasic, needle-shaped, and nanometric ß-AgVO3 powder was successfully synthesized by a simple hydrothermal route. After thermal treatment, glass-ceramic samples containing different percentages of ß-AgVO3 showed a second crystalline phase of microline [K0.95(AlSi3O8)]. For modified samples, inhibition halos were easily visible on the Mueller-Hinton test, which ranged from 11.1 ± 0.5 mm to 16.6 ± 0.5 mm and 12.7 ± 0.3 mm to 15.5 ± 0.3 mm in the S. aureus and E.coli cultures, respectively, showing that the halos formed were dose-dependent. Also, increasing the percentage of ß-AgVO3 promoted a significant increase in chemical solubility, from 72 µg/cm2 (samples with 1 wt% of ß-AgVO3) to 136 µg/cm2 (samples with 2 wt% of ß-AgVO3), which was associated with the silver and vanadium ions released from the glass matrix. SIGNIFICANCE: Our in vitro results indicate that IPS d.SIGN, as most of the dental glass-ceramics, do not exhibit antibacterial activity per se. Nonetheless, in this concept test, we demonstrated that it is possible to modify dental veneering materials giving them antibacterial properties by adding at least 2 wt% of ß-AgVO3, a nanomaterial easily synthesized by a simple route.

Protocolo de vigilancia activa para el cáncer de próstata en Portugal / Active surveillance protocol in prostate cancer in Portugal

Objetivo: Evaluar los patrones de práctica clínica de urólogos portugueses en el manejo de pacientes incluidos en un protocolo de vigilancia activa.IntroducciónEl cáncer de próstata (CaP) es una enfermedad heterogénea, con un alto porcentaje de adenocarcinomas indolentes y con una probabilidad baja de convertirse en una enfermedad sintomática o potencialmente mortal. La vigilancia activa (VA) es una forma de tratamiento conservador, empleado con el objetivo de limitar el sobretratamiento de los pacientes con CaP de bajo riesgo. A lo largo de los años, la experiencia con VA ha ido aumentado considerablemente, siendo actualmente el manejo estándar en algunos países. Sin embargo, no existe, a día de hoy, un protocolo universal.MétodosEncuesta electrónica anónima de ámbito nacional, sobre los hábitos y prácticas en materia de VA entre urólogos portugueses. La encuesta constaba de 12preguntas y fue enviada por vía electrónica a los 368 miembros actuales de la Asociación Portuguesa de Urología.ResultadosSe encuestó a 56 urólogos (15,21% de respuestas), distribuidos geográficamente de manera uniforme y categorizados según los años de experiencia y el número de pacientes con CaP tratados mensualmente. La gran mayoría de los encuestados recomienda la VA a sus pacientes, en particular en el caso de pacientes de grado 1 de la ISUP, con un nivel sérico de PSA es inferior a 20 ng/ml. No se cuestiona el cumplimiento de los programas de VA por parte de los pacientes, pero la morbilidad psicológica de albergar la enfermedad es un factor preocupante. Según la mayoría de los encuestados, los protocolos de vigilancia propuestos por las guías internacionales son adecuados y suficientes, pero se ponen de manifiesto algunas limitaciones en cuanto a la disponibilidad de la resonancia magnética de forma periódica y al requerimiento de nuevas biopsias (AU)

Objectiv: To examine clinical practice patterns in locally managing patients under an active surveillance protocol among Portuguese urologists.IntroductionProstate cancer (PCa) is a heterogeneous disease with many prostate adenocarcinomas being indolent and a low probability of ever causing symptoms or death. Active surveillance (AS) is a form of conservative management aimed to reduce over-treatment for low-risk PCa patients. Over the years, experience with AS has grown considerably and is now standard in some countries, however a universal protocol still does not exist.MethodsNationwide anonymous e-survey concerning habits and practices on AS among Portuguese urologists, that consisted of 12questions and was sent electronically to all 368 current members of the Portuguese Urological Association.Results56 urologists were surveyed (15.21% answer rate), evenly distributed geographically and allocated according to years of experience as well as number of PCa patients managed monthly. The vast majority of respondents recommends AS to their patients, particularly ISUP grade 1 patients, whose PSA serum level is bellow 20ng/mL. Observance of AS programs by patients was not in question but concerns exist over psychological morbidity while harboring disease. Majority believed that international guidelines surveillance protocols were adequate and sufficient, but there are some constraints concerning availability of periodic MRIs and re-biopsy needs (AU)

Human-edible protein contribution of tropical beef cattle production systems at different levels of intensification.

Sustainable intensification of tropical grasslands has been identified by researchers and stakeholders as a solution to decrease greenhouse gas emissions and deforestation. However, there are concerns about food security and the role of livestock in feed-food competition between animals and humans involving land and other resources. We aimed to determine the net protein contribution (NPC), a feed-food competitiveness index, of tropical beef cattle raised on extensive systems or finished in pastures or conventional feedlots, under different levels of intensification. We modelled five scenarios, from cow-calf to slaughter, based on common beef cattle practices in Brazil, whose main production system is grazing. Scenario 1 represented the lowest level of intensification and the most extensive system. Scenario 2 represented a moderately extensive system. Scenarios 3, 4, and 5 represented different degrees and practices of intensification, with animals in cow-calf and stocker phases raised solely on well-managed permanent pastures. In Scenario 3, the animals were finished in a feedlot. In Scenarios 4 and 5, all animals in the stocker phase received a protein-energy supplement, but in Scenario 4, animals were finished in a permanent pasture with high-concentrate intake. In Scenario 5, animals were finished in a feedlot. The human-edible protein (heP) conversion efficiency (hePCE) was calculated as the ratio of heP produced (meat) to heP consumed as feed, and the NPC was the product of hePCE using the protein quality ratio, accounting for the digestible indispensable amino acid score content. An hePCE > 1 indicated that meat production did not compete with humans for food, and an NPC > 1 indicated that it contributed positively to meet human requirements. Meat production and heP intake consistently increased with intensification. The greatest hePCE values were from Scenarios 1 (9.2), 2 (2.2), and 3 (1.2), which were essentially pasture-fed systems, compared to Scenarios 4 and 5 (average of 1.0). The NPC varied from 24.1 (Scenario 1) to 2.6 (Scenario 5). The area required to produce 1 kg of carcass decreased from 147 to 45 m2, and the slaughter age decreased from 36 to 21 months from the most extensive to intensive systems. Brazilian beef cattle production contributes positively to the protein requirements of humans without limiting human food supplies. The intensification of tropical grazing beef systems is a key strategy to save land and produce more meat without limiting food for humans, playing an important role in the food security agenda.

Currently circulating genotypes of Hepatitis A virus in South West, East and North East India, 2017-2018.

Background: This study was carried out to understand the circulating genotypes of Hepatitis A virus (HAV) in South West, East and North East India during the period 2017-2018 as a part of acute febrile illness surveillance at the Manipal Institute of Virology. Methods: Archived serum samples of 48 Hepatitis A confirmed cases were subjected to RNA extraction using QIAamp® Viral RNA Mini Kit (QIAGEN, Germany). The samples with molecular confirmation for HAV by reverse transcriptase real-Time PCR (Real Star® HAV RT-PCR Kit 2.0, Altona Diagnostics, GmbH, Hamburg, Germany) were further subjected to nested conventional PCR targeting the 5' UTR region. The purified PCR products were sequenced using Big Dye Terminator Kit (Applied Biosystems, USA), in a 3500 XL genetic analyzer (Applied Biosystems, USA). The edited sequences by means of MEGA X (MEGA version 10.1) were compared with reference sequences in the NCBI nucleotide database. Results: From states of Assam, Goa, Gujarat, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Odisha, Tamil Nadu and Tripura, 139 Hepatitis A and 33 Hepatitis E cases were reported during the study period. The median age of the acute Hepatitis A cases was 19 years (IQR 12.8-24) and most of the affected individuals were students between 10 and 19 years (52.5%). In the present study, 14 samples from Assam, Goa, Gujarat, Karnataka, Odisha, Kerala, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu were genotyped as genotype IIIA by nested conventional polymerase chain reaction. Conclusion: The circulating HAV genotype in South West, North East and East India between 2017 and 2018 was IIIA.

Settleable atmospheric particulate matter affects cardiorespiratory responses to hypoxia in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus).

Atmospheric particulate matter (APM) emitted by iron ore processing industries has a complex composition, including diverse metallic particles and nanoparticles. Settleable APM (SePM) causes air to water cross-contamination and has recently been demonstrated to have harmful sublethal impacts on fish, eliciting stress responses, affecting the immune system, and reducing blood oxygen-carrying capacity. These findings imply potential consequences for fish aerobic performance and energy allocation, particularly in their ability to tolerate respiratory challenges such as aquatic hypoxia. To assess that potential limitation, we analyzed metabolic, cardiorespiratory, and morphological alterations after exposing tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus, to an environmentally relevant concentration of SePM (96 h) and progressive hypoxia. The contamination initiated detectable gill damage, reducing respiratory efficiency, increasing ventilatory effort, and compromising fish capacity to deal with hypoxia. Even in normoxia, the resting respiratory frequency was elevated and limited respiratory adjustments during hypoxia. SePM increased O2crit from 26 to 34% of O2 (1.84 to 2.76 mg O2·L-1). Such ventilatory inefficacy implies higher ventilatory cost with relevant alterations in energy allocation. Progression in gill damage might be problematic and cause: infection, blood loss, ion imbalance, and limited cardiorespiratory performance. The contamination did not cause immediate lethality but may threaten fish populations due to limitations in physiological performance. This was the first investigation to evaluate the physiological responses of fish to hypoxia after SePM contamination. We suggest that the present level of environmental SePM deserves attention. The present results demonstrate the need for comprehensive studies on SePM effects in aquatic fauna.

Active surveillance protocol in prostate cancer in Portugal.

OBJECTIVE: To examine clinical practice patterns in locally managing patients under an active surveillance protocol among Portuguese urologists. INTRODUCTION: Prostate cancer (PCa) is a heterogeneous disease with many prostate adenocarcinomas being indolent and a low probability of ever causing symptoms or death. Active surveillance (AS) is a form of conservative management aimed to reduce over-treatment for low-risk PCa patients. Over the years, experience with AS has grown considerably and is now standard in some countries, however a universal protocol still does not exist. METHODS: Nationwide anonymous e-survey concerning habits and practices on AS among Portuguese urologists, that consisted of twelve questions and was sent electronically to all 368 current members of the Portuguese Urological Association. RESULTS: 56 urologists were surveyed (15.21% answer rate), evenly distributed geographically and allocated according to years of experience as well as number of PCa patients managed monthly. The vast majority of respondents recommends AS to their patients, particularly ISUP grade 1 patients, whose PSA serum level is bellow 20 ng/mL. Observance of AS programs by patients was not in question but concerns exist over psychological morbidity while harboring disease. Majority believed that international guidelines surveillance protocols were adequate and sufficient, but there are some constraints concerning availability of periodic MRIs and re-biopsy needs. CONCLUSIONS: AS seems to be sustained in urologist clinical practice, although patients still lag to adhere and choose for active treatment. AS may not be an easy choice for patients and clinicians due to uncertainty of disease progression, risk of loss to follow-up and repeated biopsies but is also a cause for anxiety, depression, uncertainty and a perception of danger.