Comparison of the Performance of ICP-MS, CV-ICP-OES, and TDA AAS in Determining Mercury in Marine Sediment Samples.

Mercury (Hg) determination in marine sediment is an analytical challenge due to the toxicity of this element even at low concentrations (up to 130 μg kg in marine sediments) and complex matrices. Therefore, it is necessary to use analytical techniques that have high sensitivity, selectivity, and low limits of quantification (LoQ). In this study, two methods that require sample treatment and one method with direct sampling were studied.

Exploring transparency: A comparative analysis of explainable artificial intelligence techniques in retinography images to support the diagnosis of glaucoma.

Machine learning models are widely applied across diverse fields, including nearly all segments of human activity. In healthcare, artificial intelligence techniques have revolutionized disease diagnosis, particularly in image classification. Although these models have achieved significant results, their lack of explainability has limited widespread adoption in clinical practice.

Omega-3 Supplementation and Nutritional Status in Patients with Pancreatic Neoplasms: A Systematic Review.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to synthesize and evaluate the evidence regarding the effects of omega-3 supplementation on the nutritional status of pancreatic cancer patients.

Methods: A systematic review of clinical trials was conducted, adhering to the PRISMA Statement. MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, CENTRAL Cochrane, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were searched up to 31 December 2022 without restrictions on the publication date or language.

Characterization, Formulation, and Toxicity of Plant Oils on Duponchelia fovealis Caterpillars Zeller 1847 (Lepidoptera: Crambidae).

This study aimed to determine the chemical composition of ginger Zingiber officinale Roscoe (Zingiberaceae) and soursop Annona muricata Linn (Annonaceae) oils, formulate stable emulsions of these oils separately, as well as neem oil Azadirachta indica A. Juss (Meliaceae), and evaluate the insecticidal activity of these emulsions against Duponchelia fovealis Zeller, 1847 (Lepidoptera: Crambidae). Each stable emulsion contained an oil phase containing ginger, soursop, or neem oil, a fruit polyalcohol-based emulsifier, ethanol, or water.

Effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) associated with balance training in individuals with Parkinson's: Study protocol for a randomized clinical trial.

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of balance training associated with cerebellar tDCS on postural control in individuals with PD. This is a randomized clinical trial in which individuals were allocated to an experimental group (EG) or placebo group (PG), in which a conventional protocol of 10 Physiotherapy sessions for locomotor training and postural control was applied. In the EG, tDCS was applied, with a current setting of 1.

Entomological investigation after an outbreak of dengue at the riverside of Rio Doce, Espírito Santo State, Brazil.

Background: In 2019, a dengue outbreak involving Aedes albopictus occurred in a rural area of Espírito Santo, Brazil, motivating our study in Sooretama and Linhares.

Methods: We set traps to sample immature mosquito larvae at 40 sites, with weekly inspections from July 2022 to January 2023. Adult specimens were collected monthly at 19 sites, each collection lasting 15 min.

Morphophysiological responses of black pepper to recurrent water deficit.

This study investigated the effects of recurrent water deficit on drought tolerance traits in black pepper ( L.) 'Bragantina'. Plants were subjected to three cycles of water deficit followed by recovery periods.

Pollution affects even oceanic marine protected areas in Southwestern Atlantic.

Reefs are facing a global decline with sewage pollution emerging as a significant and poorly understood threat. Inadequate wastewater management and disorderly urbanization contribute to water pollution globally. Tropical Southwestern Atlantic comprises a set of oceanic Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) including the Fernando de Noronha Archipelago in Brazil, which has experienced significant population growth without expanding the sewage infrastructure.

Immunoinformatic predictions and characterization of Schistosoma mansoni peptides as candidates for immunodiagnostic.

Schistosoma mansoni represents a significant etiological agent of schistosomiasis, a neglected tropical disease with a global distribution. Although the Kato-Katz technique is an effective diagnostic tool in areas with a high prevalence of the disease, it lacks sensitivity in regions with lower prevalence. The objective of this study was to identify and validate novel immunogenic peptide targets derived from the S.

Quadrigeminal plate lipoma presenting with seizures and hydrocephalus in a child - A case report.

Background: Intracranial lipomas are rare, benign lesions with no neoplastic origin. Most affected patients are asymptomatic and are typically pediatric or young adults. We describe a case of a child with a quadrigeminal plate lipoma presenting with seizures and hydrocephalus.

Can people with epilepsy trust AI chatbots for information on physical exercise?

Purpose: This study aims to evaluate the similarity, readability, and alignment with current scientific knowledge of responses from AI-based chatbots to common questions about epilepsy and physical exercise.

Methods: Four AI chatbots (ChatGPT-3.5,ChatGPT 4, Google Gemini, and Microsoft Copilot) were evaluated.

Chemical and sensorial profile of cultivars fermented by different post-harvest processing methods.

Climatic conditions, genotypes, and post-harvest processing methods influence coffee quality. Microbial fermentation during post-harvest processing has sparked researchers' interest due to the modulation of the sensory characteristics of coffee. However, the influence of microbial fermentation on different coffee genotypes has been little investigated.

12-mm Versus 10-mm Metallic Stents for Malignant Biliary Obstructions: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background And Aims: Endoscopic drainage of malignant biliary obstruction using metal stents is widely used to treat obstructive jaundice. However, the occurrence of stent occlusion or migration raises the hypothesis using stents with larger diameters may be associated with better outcomes.

Methods: PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases were systematically searched for studies comparing 10-mm vs.

In vitro photoprotective efficacy and photostability of synthesized star-shaped ZnO nanoaggregates associated with ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate and butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane.

The heightened susceptibility to skin cancer correlates with exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which can induce various cutaneous injuries. Inorganic UV filters, like zinc oxide (ZnO), are extensively utilized in sunscreens owing to their capacity to scatter and reflect UV radiation. The efficacy of inorganic UV filters can be augmented across a wider spectrum through synergistic combinations with other active compounds, such as organic UV filters.

Factors Associated with Chronic Chikungunya in Vitória, Espírito Santo State, Brazil, Between 2016 and 2020.

Chikungunya patients may develop chronic joint pain that can persist for months to years. This study aimed to determine the factors associated with Chikungunya chronicity. This case-control study involved data from patients with laboratory-confirmed Chikungunya reported from March 2016 to December 2020 in Vitória, Espírito Santo state, Brazil.

Toxicity and Dermatokinetic Analysis of Ibrutinib in Human Skin Models.

Ibrutinib (IBR) is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor under investigation in preclinical and clinical settings as an alternative treatment for melanoma. Nevertheless, the limited oral bioavailability of IBR and the need for high doses of the drug to kill melanoma cells are major drawbacks for this purpose. Considering that melanoma is restricted to the skin at early stages, the topical application of IBR might constitute an effective and safer administration route.

Stress in Family Caregivers of Children with Chronic Health Conditions: A Case-Control Study.

Objectives: This study analyzed the stress experienced by family caregivers of children with special healthcare needs and identified associated factors.

Methods: A case-control study was conducted with the "cases" being caregivers of children with chronic conditions and the "controls" being caregivers of healthy children. Recruitment was carried out via social media and complemented by snowball sampling.

Acute effect of an intervention with open and closed kinetic chain muscle strength exercises on postural control and muscle power in elderly people: A randomized clinical trial.

Introduction: Aging causes changes in stance control and muscle function. However, strength exercises can mitigate these negative effects. Intervention practices are classified into open kinetic chain (OKC) and closed kinetic chain (CKC), but it is unclear whether there are differences between them regarding muscle power and balance in the older people.