Biodiversity spatial distribution of benthic macroinvertebrate assemblages is influenced by anthropogenic disturbances at multiple spatial extents.

Understanding the patterns and mechanisms of biodiversity and its organization in space is essential for developing effective conservation strategies. Zeta diversity is an index of how taxa are shared by several sites, providing information on how ecological filters, including anthropogenic disturbances, influence biodiversity distribution. This study documents how anthropogenic disturbances at multiple spatial extents affect the spatial variation of benthic macroinvertebrate assemblages in lotic ecosystems.

Performance, measurement properties and discriminant analysis of functional tests for women with greater trochanter pain syndrome.

Introduction: Functional tests are used to establish the functional capacity of women with Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (GTPS). However, the validity, reliability, or possibility of discriminating this dysfunction have not been established.

Objectives: To compare functional capacity, establish the properties of functional test measurements, and present the best test to discriminate between women with and without GTPS.

The impacts of alien species on river bioassessment.

The extent of alien taxa impacts on river ecosystem health is unclear, but their frequency continues to rise. We investigated 1) the prevalence of including alien taxa in common bioindicators used in river bioassessment, 2) the effect of alien taxa on the richness and abundance of natives, and 3) whether including alien taxa in bioassessment tools increased their sensitivity to river degradation. In the 17 countries analyzed fish represented the greatest number of alien species (1726), followed by macrophytes (925), macroinvertebrates (556), and diatoms (7).

Combination of anaerobic digestion and sludge biochar for bioenergy conversion: Estimation and evaluation of energy production, CO emission, and cost analysis.

Waste-to-energy technologies involve the conversion of several wastes to useful energy forms like biogas and biochar, which include biological and thermochemical processes, as well as the combination of both systems. Assessing the economic and environmental impacts is an important step to integrate sustainability and economic viability at anaerobic digestion systems and its waste management. Energy production, CO emissions, cost analysis, and an overall process evaluation were conducted, relying on findings from both laboratory and pilot-scale experiments.

Association of systemic inflammation and long-term dysfunction in COVID-19 patients: A prospective cohort.

COVID-19 has significant long-term impacts, including a chronic syndrome known as long-COVID, characterized by persistent symptoms post-recovery. The inflammatory response during acute infection is hypothesized to influence long-term outcomes. This study aimed to identify inflammatory biomarkers predictive of functional outcomes one year after hospital discharge.

Effect of extrinsic pigmentation and multiple firing cycles on the properties of a zirconia-containing lithium silicate ceramic.

Purpose: To assess the impact of staining and multiple firings on the mechanical, optical, and surface characteristics of zirconia-containing lithium silicate ceramics (ZLS).

Materials And Methods: Ninety ZLS discs (Suprinity, VITA Zahnfabrick) were divided according to the "Number of firings" protocol: Ctr-control, no characterization; SC-single firing cycle (for characterization, crystallization and staining simultaneously); and DC-double firing cycle (crystallization firing cycle was performed separately from the staining firing). Extrinsic pigmentation was performed to replicate the characterization of a monolithic restoration.

Vesicoureteral Reflux in Transplanted Kidney Among Children With Congenital Anomalies of Kidney and Urinary Tract: Case-Control Study Assessing Impact on Renal Function and Graft Survival.

Background: Congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT) are a common cause of kidney failure in childhood. Renal transplantation is the modality of treatment used for kidney failure that promotes improved quality of life for pediatric patients. It is believed that patients with CAKUT are more predisposed to developing graft reflux in the post-transplant period, but its influence on graft survival is poorly understood.

Exploring the conceptual history of validity in nursing diagnoses: A Koselleckian perspective.

Purpose: This purpose of this article was to use the method of conceptual history to analyze the evolution of the concept of "validity" in nursing diagnoses and to identify key transformations, theoretical influences, and implications for contemporary clinical judgment and decision-making.

Methods: Five stages derivate from the approach proposed by Reinhart Koselleck, including: identify the concept and its relevance, historical contextualization, contextual use, semantic changes over time, and synthesis and interpretation.

Findings: The concept of "validity" in nursing diagnoses is essential for accurate diagnostics, interdisciplinary communication, and evidence-based decision-making, though its interpretation varies due to differing philosophical perspectives and methodological challenges.

Comparing adenosine A receptor modulation of cannabinoid CB receptor-mediated inhibition of GABA and glutamate release in rodent striatal nerve terminals.

In corticostriatal nerve terminals, glutamate release is stimulated by adenosine via A receptors (ARs) and simultaneously inhibited by endocannabinoids via CB receptors (CBRs). We previously identified presynaptic AR-CBR heterotetrameric complexes in corticostriatal nerve terminals. We now explored the possible functional interaction between ARs and CBRs in purified striatal GABAergic nerve terminals (synaptosomes) and compared these findings with those on the release of glutamate.

Calcium-Binding Proteins in the Autistic Brain-Potential Links to Symptom Development.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex challenge, influenced by genetic and environmental factors. This review focuses on the proteins calbindin (CB), calretinin (CR) and parvalbumin (PV) in the context of ASD, exploring their clinical correlations and providing a deeper understanding of the spectrum. In addition, we seek to understand the role of these proteins in GABAergic regulation and their implication in the pathophysiology of ASD.

Anti-PD-1 and anti-PD-L1 antibodies for glioma.

Background: Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common and aggressive adult glioma (16-month median survival). Its immunosuppressive microenvironment limits the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs).

Objectives: To assess the effects of the ICIs antibodies anti-programmed cell death 1 (anti-PD-1) and anti-programmed cell death ligand 1 (anti-PD-L1) in treating adults with diffuse glioma.

Proteases from an Amazonian Mushroom Species: A Mycotechnological Alternative for the Production of Milk Coagulant.

Edible mushrooms have been used as sustainable sources of proteases of industrial interest. The aim of this research was to investigate the influence of different culture media on mycelial growth and the potential of an Amazonian mushroom species, Auricularia fuscosuccinea DPUA 1624, in the biosynthesis of bovine milk coagulant enzymes. The species was cultivated on Sabouraud agar, malt, glucose, and peptone agar, malt extract agar, and glucose and peptone agar, supplemented with yeast extract for mycelial development.

Assessing reagents and techniques for identifying RhCE variants in routine serological testing.

Background And Objectives: Identifying RhCE variants is essential to prevent alloimmunization and manage complex cases. Unfortunately, these variants are often only detected after antibody formation, as they may go unnoticed in serological tests. This study aimed to assess monoclonal antisera using various methodologies to define the reactivity patterns of some variants by variable expression of RhCE antigens.

Biological silage from tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) by-products on the productive performance, hematological parameters and egg quality of older commercial hens.

This study evaluated the effects of incorporating biological silage from tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) by-products (BST) on the performance, hematological and plasma biochemical parameters, and egg quality (physical, proximate composition and sensory characteristics) of older commercial hens. The BST was prepared by ensiling tambaqui by-products with lactic acid bacteria, cassava trimmings, and preservatives, producing a nutrient-rich, high-protein feed ingredient. One hundred and twenty Hisex Brown hens (83 weeks old) were divided into five treatment groups, each receiving diets with 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4% BST.

qPCR as a Tool for the Diagnosis of Visceral and Cutaneous Leishmaniasis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Introduction: Ensuring accuracy in the diagnosis of leishmaniasis is crucial due to the myriad of potential differential diagnoses. Given the inherent limitations of serological techniques, real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) emerges as a superior alternative. Furthermore, parasitological methods, conventionally regarded as the gold standard owing to their high specificity, encounter challenges concerning sensitivity and invasiveness for patients.

Small cell osteosarcoma in gnathic bones in the maxilla: case report in a pediatric patient.

Small cell osteosarcoma (SCOS) is a rare variant of conventional osteosarcoma, characterized by tumor cells of small size and uniform morphology, which can lead to diagnostic confusion with other small cell tumors, requiring a detailed diagnostic approach. The manifestation in a child adds a degree of complexity, as the management of malignant tumours in paediatric patients requires specific considerations to minimize the long-term side effects of oncological treatment and preserve the structural and functional development of the orofacial region. This report concerns an 8-year-old female patient referred to the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery outpatient clinic with progressive swelling in the right maxillofacial region, initially asymptomatic, but progressing to pain and difficulty chewing.

Effect of Total and Partial Meal Replacements on Factors Related to Glucose Metabolism: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Context: Although some evidence shows the beneficial effects of meal replacements (MRs) on glucose metabolism as one of the main factors of diabetes, there are still no comprehensive findings in this field.

Objective: We investigated the effects of total and partial MRs on fasting blood sugar (FBS), insulin, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) in this comprehensive study and meta-analysis.

Data Sources: To find pertinent randomized controlled trials (RCTs) up to March 2024, databases including PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, Scopus, and Embase were searched.

Educational Needs of Informal Caregivers in Cardiac Rehabilitation: a Mixed-Methods Study.

Aim: Informal caregivers play a crucial role in supporting individuals with cardiovascular disease (CVD) during cardiac rehabilitation (CR), yet their specific educational needs are often overlooked. Understanding these needs is essential for developing targeted interventions that enhance informal caregiver support and improve patient outcomes in CR. This study aimed to explore the educational needs of informal caregivers supporting individuals with CVD attending CR.

Impact of different treatments for chronic pain on cognitive function: A systematic review.

Introduction: Experimental evidence supports the hypothesis of reciprocal influence between neural systems involved in cognition and central pain processing circuits. Furthermore, studies have demonstrated bidirectional communication between central pain processing areas and the immune system, leading to changes in behaviour, sensory perception, mood, and cognition. However, the academic community has not yet reached a consensus on whether effective analgesic interventions can mitigate or reverse cognitive deterioration.

Registries in allergy: Structure, target groups, and key findings of allergy-focused registries in Germany.

In allergology, clinical registries fill knowledge gaps of epidemiology, mechanisms of allergic diseases, and real-world treatment outcomes. Considering the continuous rise of allergic diseases worldwide, registries become increasingly important for the optimization and harmonization of patient care. In the current review, we present four ongoing allergy-focused registries initiated in Germany.

Creeping fat and gut microbiota in Crohn's disease.

In this article, we explored the role of adipose tissue, especially mesenteric adipose tissue and creeping fat, and its association with the gut microbiota in the pathophysiology and progression of Crohn's disease (CD). CD is a form of inflammatory bowel disease characterized by chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, influenced by genetic predisposition, gut microbiota dysbiosis, and environmental factors. Gut microbiota plays a crucial role in modulating immune response and intestinal inflammation and is associated with the onset and progression of CD.

Gut-liver axis in sepsis-associated liver injury: Epidemiology, challenges and clinical practice.

Although the liver has a remarkable regenerative capacity, sepsis-associated liver injury (SLI) is a complication often seen in intensive care units. Due to its role in immune and inflammatory regulation, the liver is particularly vulnerable during severe infections. Understanding the global prevalence, causes, and management of SLI is essential to improve outcomes and reduce healthcare costs.

A new species of (Crustacea, Mysida) from the Canary and Cape Verde archipelagos.

Background: Within the subfamily Leptomysinae (fam. Mysidae), the tribe Mysidopsini has five here acknowledged genera and 74 extant species. It embraces the genera with six species from the coasts of the NW-Atlantic (Narragansett Bay to Florida), the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico; with two species from the SW-Atlantic off Brazilian shores and from the Pacific coast of Ecuador; with three species from the Caribbean, Gulf of California and southern California; with ten species from the Atlantic coasts of the USA to Brazil, Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico and E-Pacific from California to Panama; and, finally, the globally occurring .

Analysis of delayed cerebral ischemia incidence after treatment for aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage in young adults: A cohort study.

Background: This study aimed to analyze the incidence of delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) and outcome stratified by age in patients who suffered aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Methods: A cohort study with patients from Christ the Redeemer Hospital from 2014 to 2020, with 359 patients separated into 2 groups, 48 of them aged under 40 years and 311 aged 40 years or over.

Results: In patients under 40 years of age, DCI was found in 81.

Pons herniation after skull base chondrosarcoma surgery: A rare complication after transclival endoscopic endonasal approach.

Background: Intracranial chondrosarcomas are malignant tumors that most commonly affect the clivus region. For tumors in this location, the extended endoscopic endonasal approach could offer an alternative route. We present a case of pons herniation after this technique.