Ultrasound of the spleen - an update on measurements, reference values, and influencing factors. A systematic review.

Reliable and reproducible measurement methods have been established, and reference values are used in almost all scientific disciplines. The knowledge of reference values is crucial to distinguish physiological from pathological processes and, therefore, subsequently, for the clinical management of patients. The image storage and documentation of measurements and normal findings should be part of quality assurance in imaging.

Differences in mercury (THg) levels in Brown booby (Sula leucogaster) feathers from two environmentally distinct Brazilian archipelagos.

Mercury pollution is a matter of global concern due to its detrimental effects on ecosystems and human well-being. Seabirds generally occupy high levels within trophic chains and are often used as valuable indicators of marine pollution, including mercury contamination. We examined the concentrations of total mercury (THg) in the ventral feathers of Brown boobies (Sula leucogaster) from two distinct Brazilian archipelagos: one coastal and subtropical (Moleques do Sul) and one tropical and oceanic (São Pedro and São Paulo).

WFUMB Review Paper. Incidental Findings in Otherwise Healthy Subjects, How to Manage: Liver.

An incidental focal liver lesion (IFLL) is defined as a hepatic lesion identified in a patient imaged for an unrelated reason. They are frequently encountered in daily practice, sometimes leading to unnecessary, invasive and potentially harmful follow-up investigations. The clinical presentation and the imaging aspects play an important role in deciding if, and what further evaluation, is needed.

Nonpeptidic Irreversible Inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease with Potent Antiviral Activity.

SARS-CoV-2 infections pose a high risk for vulnerable patients. In this study, we designed benzoic acid halopyridyl esters bearing a variety of substituents as irreversible inhibitors of the main viral protease (M). Altogether, 55 benzoyl chloro/bromo-pyridyl esters were synthesized, with broad variation of the substitution pattern on the benzoyl moiety.

Evidence of reassortment of avian influenza A (H2) viruses in Brazilian shorebirds.

Influenza A viruses of the H2 subtype represent a zoonotic and pandemic threat to humans due to a lack of widespread specific immunity. Although A(H2) viruses that circulate in wild bird reservoirs are distinct from the 1957 pandemic A(H2N2) viruses, there is concern that they could impact animal and public health. There is limited information on AIVs in Latin America, and next to nothing about H2 subtypes in Brazil.