Allochrony is shaped by foraging niche segregation rather than adaptation to the windscape in long-ranging seabirds.

BACKGROUND: Ecological segregation allows populations to reduce competition and coexist in sympatry. Using as model organisms two closely related gadfly petrels endemic to the Madeira archipelago and breeding with a two month allochrony, we investigated how movement and foraging preferences shape ecological segregation in sympatric species. We tested the hypothesis that the breeding allochrony is underpinned by foraging niche segregation. Additionally, we investigated whether our data supported the hypothesis that allochrony is driven by species-specific adaptations to different windscapes. METHODS: We present contemporaneous tracking and stable isotopes datasets for Zino's (Pterodroma madeira) and Desertas (Pterodroma deserta) petrels. We quantified the year-round distribution of the petrels, characterised their isotopic niches and quantified their habitat preferences using machine learning (boosted regression trees). Hidden-Markov-models were used to investigate the effect of wind on the central-place movement speed, and a simulation framework was developed to investigate whether each species breeds at times when the windscape is most favourable to sustain their trips. RESULTS: Despite substantial spatial overlap throughout the year, the petrels exhibited diverging isotopic niches and habitat preferences during breeding. Both species used a vast pelagic region in the North Atlantic, but targeted two different mesopelagic ecoregions and showed a preference for habitats mostly differing in sea surface temperature values. Based on our simulation framework, we found that both species would perform trips of similar speed during the other species' breeding season. CONCLUSIONS: The different breeding schedules between the species are underpinned by differences in foraging habitat preferences and adaptation to the local environment, rather than to the windscape. Nevertheless, the larger Desertas petrels exploited significantly windier conditions, potentially unsustainable for the smaller Zino's petrels. Furthermore, due to larger mass and likely higher fasting endurance, Desertas petrels engaged in central-place-foraging movements that covered more ground and lasted longer than those of Zino's petrels. Ultimately, patterns of ecological segregation in sympatric seabirds are shaped by a complex interplay between foraging and movement ecology, where morphology, foraging trip regulation and fasting endurance have an important- yet poorly understood- role.

Bioenergetic modelling of a marine top predator's responses to changes in prey structure.

Determining how animals allocate energy, and how external factors influence this allocation, is crucial to understand species' life history requirements and response to disturbance. This response is driven in part by individuals' energy balance, prey characteristics, foraging behaviour and energy required for essential functions. We developed a bioenergetic model to estimate minimum foraging success rate (FSR), that is, the lowest possible prey capture rate for individuals to obtain the minimum energy intake needed to meet daily metabolic requirements, for female sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus). The model was based on whales' theoretical energetic requirements using foraging and prey characteristics from animal-borne tags and stomach contents, respectively. We used this model to simulate two prey structure change scenarios: (1) decrease in mean prey size, thus lower prey energy content and (2) decrease in prey size variability, reducing the variability in prey energy content. We estimate the whales need minimum of ~14% FSR to meet their energetic requirements, and energy intake is more sensitive to energy content changes than a decrease in energy variability. To estimate vulnerability to prey structure changes, we evaluated the compensation level required to meet bioenergetic demands. Considering a minimum 14% FSR, whales would need to increase energy intake by 21% (5-35%) and 49% (27-67%) to compensate for a 15% and 30% decrease in energy content, respectively. For a 30% and 50% decrease in energy variability, whales would need to increase energy intake by 13% (0-23%) and 24% (10-35%) to meet energetic demands, respectively. Our model demonstrates how foraging and prey characteristics can be used to estimate impact of changing prey structure in top predator energetics, which can help inform bottom-up effects on marine ecosystems. We showed the importance of considering different FSR in bioenergetics models, as it can have decisive implications on estimates of energy acquired and affect the conclusions about top predator's vulnerability to possible environmental fluctuations.

Early choroidal and retinal changes detected by swept-source oct in type 2 diabetes and their association with diabetic kidney disease: a longitudinal prospective study.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate structural changes in retina and choroid in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and their association with diabetic kidney disease (DKD). METHODS: T2D patients with mild or no diabetic retinopathy (DR) were followed for 3 years using structural SS-OCT and OCT angiography (OCT-A) taken every 6 months. Parameters were compared longitudinally and according to the DKD status on baseline. RESULTS: One hundred and sixty eyes from 80 patients were followed for 3 years, 72 with no DKD (nDKD) at baseline and 88 with DKD. Trend analysis of T2D showed significant thinning in GCL + and circumpapillary retinal fiber neural layer (cRFNL), choroid, and decreased vascular density (VD) in superficial plexus and central choriocapillaris with foveal avascular zone (FAZ) enlargement. Patients with no DKD on baseline presented more significant declines in retinal center and choroidal thickness, increased FAZ and loss of nasal and temporal choriocapillaris volume. In addition, the nDKD group had worse glycemic control and renal parameters at the end of the study. CONCLUSION: Our data suggests the potential existence of early and progressive neurovascular damage in the retina and choroid of patients with Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) who have either no or mild Diabetic Retinopathy (DR). The progression of neurovascular damage appears to be correlated with parameters related to glycemic control and renal damage.

Students' reading comprehension level and reading demands in teacher education programs: the elephant in the room?

Introduction: Reading comprehension is considered a key ability for students in teacher education programs. Methods: Data from 72 students enrolled in a Chilean school of education was used to estimate the contribution of reading proficiency in first-semester academic performance using regression analysis. Results: Reading comprehension made a significant, albeit modest contribution to predict students' academic performance, after controlling for their scores in the standardized national admission tests and high-school grades. The students' average reading level was below the level of text complexity required in their first term and, although by their senior year they had made significant progress in reading comprehension, their reading level continued to be lower than text demands. Discussion: A qualitative exploration of students' reading behaviors and attitudes revealed they devoted few hours per week to reading class material and even less time to reading for leisure. Faculty were cognizant of the reading deficits of their students but had few suggestions as to how to address. Future studies in higher education should confirm whether the misfit between reading proficiency and reading demands observed in this school of education is the exception or the rule.

Fin whale song evolution in the North Atlantic.

Animal songs can change within and between populations as the result of different evolutionary processes. When these processes include cultural transmission, the social learning of information or behaviours from conspecifics, songs can undergo rapid evolutions because cultural novelties can emerge more frequently than genetic mutations. Understanding these song variations over large temporal and spatial scales can provide insights into the patterns, drivers and limits of song evolution that can ultimately inform on the species' capacity to adapt to rapidly changing acoustic environments. Here, we analysed changes in fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus) songs recorded over two decades across the central and eastern North Atlantic Ocean. We document a rapid replacement of song INIs (inter-note intervals) over just four singing seasons, that co-occurred with hybrid songs (with both INIs), and a clear geographic gradient in the occurrence of different song INIs during the transition period. We also found gradual changes in INIs and note frequencies over more than a decade with fin whales adopting song changes. These results provide evidence of vocal learning in fin whales and reveal patterns of song evolution that raise questions on the limits of song variation in this species.

A Genetic Lab-on-Phone Test for Point-of-Care Diagnostic of Lactose Intolerance near Patient and in less than 90 Minutes.

BACKGROUND: The -13910 C/T single nucleotide polymorphism located within the MCM6 gene, an enhancer region located upstream of the lactase-phlorizin hydrolase gene, is associated with lactase persistence/non-persistence traits among the Caucasian population. The performance of a new point-of-care CE-IVD (In Vitro Diagnostic) marked isothermal lab-on-phone lactose intolerance assay, using crude samples, was assessed in comparison with Sanger sequencing using purified DNA, as reference method. METHODS: The study was conducted following a non-probability sampling using direct buccal swab (n = 63) and capillary blood (n = 43) clinical samples from a total of 63 volunteers. A 3 × 3 confusion matrix/contingency table was used to evaluate the performance of the isothermal lab-on-phone lactose intolerance assay. RESULTS: The isothermal lab-on-phone lactose intolerance assay successfully detected the -13910 C/T variant with a limit of detection of 5 cells/assay and demonstrated an overall accuracy of 98.41% (95% CI, 91.47%-99.96%) for buccal swab samples and 100% (95% CI, 91.19%-100%) for capillary blood, taking just 90 min from sample to result, with only 2 min hands-on. CONCLUSIONS: The lab-on-phone pocket-sized assay displayed good performance when using direct buccal swab and capillary blood samples, enabling a low-cost, real-time, and accurate genotyping of the -13910 C/T region for the rapid diagnosis of primary lactose intolerance at point-of-care, which enables a prompt implementation of appropriate diet habits and/or intolerance therapies. To our knowledge, this is the first point-of-care genetic test for lactose intolerance to be made available on the market.

Gold nanoparticles for surface-enhanced Raman scattering detection of benzyldimethyldodecylammonium chloride at low concentration.

The oil and gas industry plays a vital role in the global economy. The production process has several critical conditions and can expose metals to corrosion. Surfactants like the quaternary ammonium salt Benzyldimethyldodecylammonium Bromide (BDAC) are currently used to prevent corrosions; classical methods for determining these surfactants have problems in saline samples and usually present high costs. In this context, spectroscopic techniques become an excellent alternative for quaternary ammonium salts detection. Here, a SERS (surface-enhanced Raman scattering) sensor based on gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) synthesized through chemical reduction was used as an alternative method for BDAC detection. We detected BDAC at low concentrations in water solutions: at 5 to 30 ppm (1.47 × 10-5 mol L-1 to 8.82 × 10-5 mol L-1); and had the vibration attempt attribute analyzed. A new study of quaternary ammonium compounds using AuNPs and SERS with a different, easy, and repeatable approach to spectra acquisition is presented and shows to be a promising method applied in quaternary ammonium salt compounds detection for the oil and gas industry.

Riesgo de depresión durante el embarazo en la atención prenatal de riesgo habitual / Risk of depression during pregnancy in usual risk antenatal care / Risco de depressão na gravidez na assistência pré-natal de risco habitual

Objetivo: identificar el riesgo de depresión durante el embarazo en gestantes de riesgo habitual incluidas en el control prenatal y los factores asociados. Método: estudio transversal, realizado con 201 gestantes, en el consultorio de prenatal de riesgo habitual de una maternidad universitaria. Para la recolección de datos se utilizó un formulario electrónico que contenía un instrumento de caracterización y la Escala de Riesgo de Depresión del Embarazo. La variable dependiente fue el riesgo de depresión en el embarazo. El análisis estadístico se realizó mediante el cálculo de la razón de posibilidades (Odds Ratio) y utilizando las pruebas de Chi-cuadrado y exacta de Fischer. Resultados: entre las participantes, 68,2% tenían mayor riesgo de depresión durante el embarazo. Hubo asociación estadísticamente significativa entre mayor riesgo de depresión durante el embarazo y la variable ocupación (p=0,04), o sea, la ausencia del trabajo (OR = 2,00) duplicó la probabilidad de ocurrencia. Conclusión: la alta prevalencia de riesgo de depresión durante el embarazo destaca la necesidad de planificación, priorización e integración de la salud mental en los servicios de salud prenatal, especialmente en el ámbito de la Atención Primaria de Salud, por parte de los gestores de salud y de los formuladores de políticas.

Objective: to identify the risk of depression during pregnancy among pregnant women receiving routine prenatal care and the associated factors. Method: a cross-sectional study, carried out with 201 pregnant women, in a routine prenatal clinic of a university maternity hospital. Data were collected using an electronic form containing a characterization instrument and the Escala de Risco de Depressão na Gravidez (Depression during Pregnancy Scale). The dependent variable was the risk of depression during pregnancy. Statistical analysis was performed by calculating the Odds Ratio and using the Chi-square and Fischer's Exact tests. Results: among the participants, 68.2% had a higher risk of depression during pregnancy. There was a statistically significant association between a higher risk of depression during pregnancy and occupation (p=0.04), that is, unemployment (OR=2.00) doubled the risk of depression. Conclusion: the high prevalence of the risk of depression during pregnancy indicates the necessity of planning, prioritizing, and integrating mental health into prenatal health services, especially in the primary healthcare environment, by health managers and policymakers.

Objetivo: identificar o risco de depressão na gravidez entre gestantes inseridas na assistência pré-natal de risco habitual e os fatores associados. Método: estudo transversal, realizado com 201 gestantes, no ambulatório de pré-natal de risco habitual de uma maternidade universitária. A coleta de dados utilizou um formulário eletrônico contendo um instrumento de caracterização e a Escala de Risco de Depressão na Gravidez. A variável dependente foi o risco de depressão na gravidez. A análise estatística deu-se pelo cálculo da razão de chances (Odds Ratio) e pelos testes Qui-quadrado e Exato de Fischer. Resultados: entre as participantes, 68,2% apresentaram maior risco de depressão na gravidez. Houve associação estatisticamente significativa entre o maior risco de depressão na gravidez e a variável ocupação (p=0,04), ou seja, a ausência de emprego (OR = 2,00) aumentou em duas vezes a chance de ocorrência. Conclusão: a alta prevalência de risco de depressão na gravidez evidencia a necessidade de planejamento, priorização e integração da saúde mental nos serviços de saúde pré-natal, principalmente no ambiente da Atenção Primária à Saúde, por parte de gestores de saúde e formuladores de políticas.

Delayed Diagnosis of Primary Hyperparathyroidism: A Case Report.

Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is characterized by an elevation in serum calcium levels, sometimes leading to aggravated clinical conditions, namely nephrolithiasis, nephrocalcinosis, and/or fractures. A 55-year-old patient was admitted to the hospital with acute obstructive pyelonephritis in March 2021, having another episode one year later. Initial blood and urine analysis detected inflammatory markers, namely C-reactive protein, and the presence of leucocytes and blood in the urine. The renal computed tomography scan exhibited renal asymmetry, nephrocalcinosis, and multiple kidney stones. The patient was scheduled for a follow-up one year later to perform blood and urine analysis to uncover the cause of nephrocalcinosis, displaying high serum calcium and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels. The thyroid ultrasound revealed a parathyroid adenoma, which was removed through a right lower parathyroidectomy, improving the symptoms. The clinical condition described here is an atypical manifestation of this disease because PHPT is normally asymptomatic. In the present case study, nephrocalcinosis and nephrolithiasis were strong indicators of the underlying disease. However, the delay in the follow-up consultation resulted in complications for the patient, such as microabscesses in the kidneys, which could lead to reduced renal function in the future. Early detection of key aspects of the disease could avoid further complications and suffering for the patient. For example, the family physician's follow-up of the patient's condition could surpass the waiting time between consultations with different specialties, and promote early treatment.

Representações sociais de enfermeiros acerca do processo de descentralização do atendimento ao HIV: abordagem estrutural / Social representations of nurses about the decentralization process of HIV care: A structural approach / Representaciones sociales de enfermeros sobre el proceso de descentralización de la atención al VIH: un enfoque estructural

Objetivo: analisar a representação social de enfermeiros sobre o atendimento ao HIV na atenção primária à saúde através de uma abordagem estrutural. Método: Trata-se de um estudo descritivo, exploratório, com abordagem qualitativa e caráter estrutural, com 160 enfermeiros, no período entre dezembro de 2019 a março de 2020 nas unidades de saúde da família do município de Recife, Pernambuco, Brasil. Realizou-se entrevistas semiestruturadas, com a Técnica de Associação Livre de Palavras, e questionário sociodemográfico. Os dados foram processados pelo software IRAMUTEQ, sendo ancorados pela Teoria das Representações Sociais. Aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa. Resultados: O estímulo à pergunta indutora originou 188 palavras diferentes com frequência mínima de 5 evocações e máxima de 64. Observa-se expressivamente termos associados a fatores subjetivos. Considerações finais: Evidenciou-se que as representações sociais são relevantes e diversas, relacionadas com a atuação dos enfermeiros frente ao atendimento prestado às pessoas vivendo com HIV.

Objective: to analyze nurses' social representation of HIV care in primary health care through a structural approach. Method: This is a descriptive, exploratory study, with a qualitative and structural approach, with 160 nurses, between December 2019 and March 2020 in the family health units of the municipality of Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with the Free Word Association Technique and a sociodemographic questionnaire. The data were processed by the IRAMUTEQ software, being anchored by the Theory of Social Representations. Theone proven by the Research Ethics Committee. Results: The stimulus to the inducing question originated 188 different words with a minimum frequency of 5 evocations and a maximum of 64. Terms associated with subjective factors are significantly observed. Final considerations: It was evidenced that social representations are relevant and diverse, related to the performance of nurses in relation to the care provided to people living with HIV.

Objetivo: analizar la representación social de los enfermeros sobre el cuidado del VIH en la atención primaria de salud a través de un enfoque estructural. Método: Se trata de un estudio descriptivo, exploratorio, con enfoque cualitativo y estructural, con 160 enfermeras, entre diciembre de 2019 y marzo de 2020 en las unidades de salud familiar del municipio de Recife, Pernambuco, Brasil. Se realizaron entrevistas semiestructuradas con la Técnica de Asociación de Palabras Libres y un cuestionario sociodemográfico. Los datos fueron procesados por el software IRAMUTEQ, siendo anclados por la Teoría de las Representaciones Sociales. El comprobado por el Comité de Ética en Investigación. Resultados: El estímulo a la pregunta inductora originó 188 palabras diferentes con una frecuencia mínima de 5 evocaciones y un máximo de 64. Los términos asociados con factores subjetivos se observan significativamente. Consideraciones finales: Se evidenció que las representaciones sociales son relevantes y diversas, relacionadas con el desempeño de las enfermeras en relación con la atención brindada a las personas que viven con VIH.

Association between Vaccination Status for COVID-19 and the Risk of Severe Symptoms during the Endemic Phase of the Disease.

The global health emergency caused by COVID-19 concluded in May 2023, marking the beginning of an endemic phase. This study aimed to evaluate the association between vaccination status and other patient characteristics and the risk of severe disease during this new endemic period. A nationwide cohort study was conducted in Mexico, where we analyzed data from 646 adults who had received positive confirmation of COVID-19 through PCR testing from May to August 2023. The overall risk of severe symptoms in the study sample was 5.3%. The average time elapsed from the last vaccine shot to symptom onset was over six months in all the immunized groups (1, 2 or 3 vaccine doses). Compared to unvaccinated patients, those with three vaccine doses showed an elevated risk of severe symptoms. Advancing age and various chronic comorbidities (specifically cardiovascular, kidney, and obstructive pulmonary conditions) were associated with a heightened risk of severe COVID-19 manifestations. These findings underscore the ongoing seriousness of COVID-19, even in an endemic phase, underscoring the urgent need for tailored interventions aimed at high-risk patients.

Assessing micro and nanoplastics toxicity using rodent models: Investigating potential mitochondrial implications.

Mitochondria's role as a central hub in cellular metabolism and signaling cascades is well established in the scientific community, being a classic marker of organisms' response to toxicant exposure. Nonetheless, little is known concerning the effects of emerging contaminants, such as microplastics, on mitochondrial metabolism. Micro- and nanoplastics present one of the major problems faced by modern societies. What was once an environmental problem is now recognized as an one-health issue, but little is known concerning microplastic impact on human health. Indeed, only recently, human exposure to microplastics was acknowledged by the World Health Organization, resulting in a growing interest in this research topic. Nonetheless, the mechanisms behind micro- and nanoplastics toxicity are yet to be understood. Animal models, nowadays, are the most appropriate approach to uncovering this knowledge gap. In the present review article, we explore investigations from the last two years using rodent models and reach to find the molecular mechanism behind micro- and nanoplastics toxicity and if mitochondria can act as a target. Although no research article has addressed the effects of mitochondria yet, reports have highlighted molecular and biochemical alterations that could be linked to mitochondrial function. Furthermore, certain studies described the effects of disruptions in mitochondrial metabolism, such as oxidative stress. Micro- and nanoplastics may, directly and indirectly, affect this vital organelle. Investigations concerning this topic should be encouraged once they can bring us closer to understanding the mechanisms underlying these particles' harmful effects on human health.

Survival Analysis and Contributing Factors among PCR-Confirmed Adult Inpatients during the Endemic Phase of COVID-19.

In May 2023, the global health emergency status of COVID-19 concluded, marking the onset of an endemic era. This study assessed survival rates among PCR-confirmed adult inpatients during this phase and determined contributing factors. Employing a survival analysis approach, this investigation utilized a nationwide Mexican cohort encompassing 152 adult inpatients. Survival rates were computed using the Kaplan-Meier method, and a proportional Cox model identified mortality risk factors. Survival rates remained above 65% on day 14 after admission. Vaccination status, including the number of doses administered, was not significantly associated with fatal outcomes. Chronic kidney disease or a history of immunosuppression (due to any cause) increased mortality risk. Our findings underscore the persistent severity of COVID-19 beyond the global health emergency, emphasizing the necessity for tailored interventions for vulnerable patients.

Leadership to promote patient safety culture in public hospitals managed by social health organizations.

PURPOSE: This paper aims to identify the kind of internal climate leaders should offer health-care professionals to promote a patient safety culture in public hospitals managed by social health organizations in Brazil. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: Two surveys were applied to health-care professionals working at three Brazilian public hospitals. The internal climate survey reached 1,013 respondents, and the patient safety culture survey reached 1,302 participants. Both factor and regression analyses were used to analyze the study model and determine how internal climate influences patient safety culture. FINDINGS: Results indicate that to promote a patient safety culture among health-care professionals, leaders should generate an internal climate based on trust to foster pride in working in the hospital. Possibly, the trust dimension is the most important one and must be developed to achieve job satisfaction and provide better services to patients. RESEARCH LIMITATIONS/IMPLICATIONS: All the hospitals studied were managed by the same Organização Social de Saúde. Due to the limited responses concerning the respondents' profiles, demographic variables were not analyzed. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: This research reveals that the trust and pride dimensions can most strongly influence a positive patient safety culture, helping hospital leaders face this huge managerial challenge of consistently delivering high standards of patient safety. ORIGINALITY/VALUE: This research studies the promotion of a patient safety culture in public hospitals managed by social health organizations, characterized by greater flexibility and autonomy in health-care management and by a greater need for accountability.

Assessing the relationship between energy-related methane emissions and the burden of cardiovascular diseases: a cross-sectional study of 73 countries.

The energy industry significantly contributes to anthropogenic methane emissions, which add to global warming and have been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). This study aims to evaluate the relationship between energy-related methane emissions and the burden of CVD, measured in disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), in 2019. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of datasets from 73 countries across all continents. The analyzed datasets included information from 2019 on environmental energy-related methane emissions, burden of DALYs due to CVD. The age-standardized prevalence of obesity in adults and life expectancy at birth were retrieved. The relationship between the variables of interest was evaluated using multiple linear regression models. In the multiple model, we observed a positive linear association between methane emissions and the log-transformed count of DALYs related to CVD. Specifically, for each unit increase in energy-related methane emissions, the burden of CVD increased by 0.06% (95% CI 0.03-0.09%, p < 0.001). The study suggests that reducing methane emissions from the energy industry could improve public health for those at risk of CVD. Policymakers can use these findings to develop strategies to reduce methane emissions and protect public health.

Assessing the Influence of COVID-19 Vaccination Coverage on Excess Mortality across 178 Countries: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on global health, necessitating urgent and effective strategies to mitigate its consequences. Vaccination programs have been implemented worldwide to combat virus transmission and reduce the disease burden. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between COVID-19 vaccination coverage and all-cause excess mortality in 178 nations during the first two years of the pandemic. Multiple regression analysis, after adjusting for life expectancy at birth, confirmed a significant association between higher vaccination coverage and lower all-cause mortality rates (ß = -106.8, 95% CI -175.4 to -38.2, p = 0.002). These findings underscore the importance of vaccination campaigns in reducing overall mortality during the COVID-19 pandemic. Evidence-based decision making and resource allocation can benefit from this information, facilitating the optimization of vaccination strategies for maximal impact on mortality reduction. Further research and continuous monitoring are crucial to understanding the long-term effects of vaccination coverage on population health in the ongoing pandemic.

Determination of Total Sulfur Content in Fuels: A Comprehensive and Metrological Review Focusing on Compliance Assessment.

Sulfur-containing compounds are naturally found in crude oil, and they can be partially removed during the refining process. The wide use of fossil fuels has a significant contribution to sulfur emissions into the atmosphere, and Governments are striving to reduce the amount of the fuels by environmental regulations. The reduction of sulfur levels in diesel and other transportation fuels is beneficial from economic and environmental points, but meeting this standard represents a major operational and economic challenge for the oil and gas industry. Quantitative measurement of the sulfur amount must be taken along the oil refining chains guided by standards of measurement and recommended analytical methods such as various American Society for Testing and Materials methods (ASTM D2622, ASTM D5453, ASTM D7039, and ASTM D7220). Advancement in the refining processes and environmental regulations also require reliable measurements and well-defined criteria for compliance assessment. This work presented a brief review of the ASTM Standards used in the laboratories of the Brazilian oil and gas industry to determine the total sulfur content in fuels. We also presented an approach based on the reproducibility of the measurement methods and the guard band concept to evaluate the conformity statement.

Cetaceans playing with single-use plastics (SUPs): A widespread interaction with likely severe impacts.

Play is a common behaviour in wild cetaceans that includes the manipulation of natural, as well as artificial objects such as marine debris. Yet, very little is known about these interactions despite the potential impacts on cetacean health. We combined a detailed review of the scientific literature and social media with 12 years of observations to examine cetacean interactions with plastic litter. A total of 11 odontocete species (Tursiops truncatus, Stenella longirostris, Delphinus delphis, Grampus griseus, Steno bredanensis, Stenella frontalis, Sotalia guianensis, Pseudorca crassidens, Orcinus orca, Globicephala melas and Physeter macrocephalus) were documented in 59 events carrying or throwing plastic litter with their head and/or flippers suggesting a form of play. Interactions occurred in the Atlantic, Pacific, Indian Ocean, Mediterranean, and Red Sea, with single-use plastics composing the main typology registered. While these interactions appeared harmless to the observers, they can pose a significant risk through subsequent entanglement or ingestion.

Early retinal neurovascular findings in post-transplant diabetes mellitus patients without clinical signs of diabetic retinopathy.

BACKGROUND: Post-transplant diabetes mellitus (PTDM) is a specific subtype of diabetes with an uncertain impact on mortality and morbidity in post-transplant patients. Diabetic retinopathy is the most common microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus, but the long-term clinical progression in PTDM is unknown. New technologies are being used to assess pre-clinical signs of retinal changes, such as swept-source optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT-angiography. The aim of this study was to detect pre-clinical structural and vascular changes in the retina using swept-source-OCT and OCT-angiography in patients with PTDM. METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, post-kidney transplant patients were divided into PTDM and non-PTDM (control) groups. Both eyes of eligible PTDM patients and controls were included in this study. Inner retinal layer thickness was measured with swept-source-OCT. Retinal capillary density and the foveal avascular zone were measured with OCT-angiography. RESULTS: In the PTDM group, reduced thickness was found in the inferior ganglion cell layer plus inner plexiform layer (95% CI -8.76 to -0.68; p = 0.022) and the temporal inferior segment (95% CI -10.23 to -0.76; p = 0.024) of the inner retina, as well as in the retinal nerve fiber layer in the temporal (95% CI -34.78 to -9.28 p = 0.001) and temporal inferior segments (95% CI -33.26 to -5.03 p = 0.008). No significant differences were found in the vascular capillary plexus between groups at all depths, segments, or foveal avascular zone (p = 0.088). CONCLUSIONS: According to OCT-angiography, PTDM patients had reduced inner neurosensory retinal layers but no significant change in vascular density, which suggests that early neuroretinal degeneration might occur prior to vascular changes secondary to PTDM. Prospective studies could help elucidate the clinical course of retinal neuropathy and microvascular pathology in PTDM and provide a better understanding of PTDM complications.