Landscape influences bat suppression of pine processionary moth: Implications for pest management.

Bats provide important ecosystem services, particularly in agriculture, yet integrating bat management into conservation plans remains challenging. Some landscape features considerably influence bat presence, diversity, and ecosystem service provision. Understanding the relationship between landscape structure, composition, pest suppression, and ecosystem services is crucial.

Influence of Cosmetic Skincare Products with pH < 5 on the Skin Microbiome: A Randomized Clinical Evaluation.

Introduction: The human skin acts as a protective barrier against external pathogens and hosts a diverse microbiome consisting of bacteria, fungi, viruses, and archaea. Disruptions to the skin microbiome can impact immune function, leading to inflammatory and autoimmune conditions. The importance of pH for the microbiome is paramount.

SSSort 2.0: A semi-automated spike detection and sorting system for single sensillum recordings.

Background: Single-sensillum recordings are a valuable tool for sensory research which, by their nature, access extra-cellular signals typically reflecting the combined activity of several co-housed sensory neurons. However, isolating the contribution of an individual neuron through spike-sorting has remained a major challenge due to firing rate-dependent changes in spike shape and the overlap of co-occurring spikes from several neurons. These challenges have so far made it close to impossible to investigate the responses to more complex, mixed odour stimuli.

Pneumocephalus following a combined spinal-epidural technique: a case report.

Pneumocephalus refers to the presence of air within the intracranial cavity, and albeit its occurrence following neuraxial techniques is rare, it is commonly associated with a loss of resistance to air technique. This case report describes a parturient who underwent neuraxial analgesia for pain management during labour. Epidural space identification with loss of resistance to saline technique was used and she went on to develop a symptomatic pneumocephalus.

From Bayes to Darwin: Evolutionary search as an exaptation from sampling-based Bayesian inference.

Building on the algorithmic equivalence between finite population replicator dynamics and particle filtering based approximation of Bayesian inference, we design a computational model to demonstrate the emergence of Darwinian evolution over representational units when collectives of units are selected to infer statistics of high-dimensional combinatorial environments. The non-Darwinian starting point is two units undergoing a few cycles of noisy, selection-dependent information transmission, corresponding to a serial (one comparison per cycle), non-cumulative process without heredity. Selection for accurate Bayesian inference at the collective level induces an adaptive path to the emergence of Darwinian evolution within the collectives, capable of maintaining and iteratively improving upon complex combinatorial information.

Upgrading skin barrier Protection: Addition of active ingredients to a Gelatin/Tannic Acid-Based hydrogel patch for treating skin lesions related to Personal protective Equipment.

Prolonged use of Personal Protective Equipment, like surgical masks, can cause skin issues such as acne ("maskne") and rosacea flare-ups due to pressure and moisture. While dressings can protect the skin, they often reduce mask effectiveness and lack pharmaceuticals to treat common skin lesions. This study introduces an innovative dual-function gelatin/tannic acid-based hydrogel patch incorporating metronidazole (1% w/w) or salicylic acid (2% w/w) to offer both skin protection and treatment.

[New management models or traditional hospital management? Transition of a hospital-foundation in a Euroregion].

Background: This study aims to assess the impact of transitioning a hospital/foundation from indirect management to direct management on the efficiency of hospital resource management.

Methodology: Until 2010, the Virxe da Xunqueira hospital/foundation, located in the Galicia-North Portugal Euroregion, operated under indirect management. In 2010, it transitioned to direct management as a health centre within the Galician Health Service (Spain).

Influence of delayed milk ejection on mammary gland health and milking performance in dairy cows: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Delayed milk ejection (DME) could compromise udder health and milking performance. The objectives of this systematic review and meta-analysis were to (i) explore the current evidence, assess the risk of bias, and identify the knowledge gaps in published studies that investigated the effect of DME on udder health and milking performance in dairy cows, and (ii) quantify the magnitude of the difference in milk yield per milking session (MY), milking duration (MD), and peak milk flow rate (PFR) between cows with and without DME. We performed the current systematic review and meta-analysis according to PRISMA 2020 statement.

Innovative absolute probability approach for coastal vulnerability assessment due to sea level rise: Application in Tagus Estuary, Portugal.

In coastal urban areas highly susceptible to flooding, whether from sea level rise (SLR) or storms, it is crucial to assess the vulnerability and risks posed by extreme and frequent floods. Reliable estimates of extreme natural events' return periods rely on historical data or probabilistic models, requiring extensive and robust data. From climate-scenario-based or semi-empirical models, SLR projections are represented by a central estimate or the full domain cumulative density function (CDF), entailing uncertainties.

Recent advances in the study of mercury biogeochemistry in Arctic permafrost ecosystems.

Permafrost predominates in polar and high mountain regions, encompassing nearly 15 % of the exposed land in the Northern Hemisphere. It denotes soil or rock that remains at or below 0 °C for the duration of at least two consecutive years. These frozen soils serve as a barrier to contaminants that are stored and accumulated in permafrost over extended periods of time.

An expert consensus statement on biomarkers of ageing for use in intervention studies.

Biomarkers of ageing serve as important outcome measures in longevity-promoting interventions. However, there is limited consensus on which specific biomarkers are most appropriate for human intervention studies. This work aimed to address this need by establishing an expert consensus on biomarkers of ageing for use in intervention studies via the Delphi method.

Fabrication of Oro-Dispersible Sodium Valproate-Loaded Nanofibrous Patches for Immediate Epileptic Innervation.

Epilepsy is one of the oldest neurological disorders discovered by mankind. This condition is firmly coupled with unprovoked seizures stimulated by irrepressible neuroelectrical blasts. Orally taken valproate family has been employed for prophylactic management; however, oral administration is not applicable for critical scenarios, thus calling for medication routes fulfilling necessities of immediate innervation.

From physicochemical characteristics variability to purple passion fruit (Passiflora edulis f. edulis) powders nutritional value: on the path of zero-waste.

Background: Purple passion fruit (Passiflora edulis f. edulis) is a highly appreciated fruit typically consumed in fresh or processed into various food products. The peel and seeds, which are by-products of fruit processing, are rich in nutrients and bioactive compounds with potential to be valorised into food applications.

Examining sex differences in morningness-eveningness and inter-individual variability across years of age: A cross-sectional study.

This study investigated the impact of age on morningness-eveningness (ME) and its inter-individual variability, with a focus on sex-specific patterns. A sample of 2890 participants aged 12-94 years (55.85% female) completed the Composite Scale of Morningness.

Hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn and Rhesus alloimmunization in Latin American countries: a scoping review.

Background: Hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN) is a condition due to maternal blood group antibodies targeting antigens in fetal red blood cells, with significant prenatal/perinatal morbidity and mortality. Severe HDFN cases are often associated with alloimmunization against Rhesus D (RhD) or Kell antigens. Information about HDFN epidemiology and treatment in Latin American countries is limited.

Historical and future heat-related mortality in Portugal's Alentejo region.

Background: The increased severity of extreme weather and anticipated climate change has intensified heat stress-related mortality worldwide. This study examines the historical short-term effects of heat on mortality in Alentejo, Portugal's warmest region, and projects it up to the end of the century.

Methods: Using data from 1980 to 2015 during warm seasons (May-September), the association between daily mortality by all-causes and mean temperature was examined following a case time series design, applied at both regional and subregional scales.

The gender gap in academic anesthesiology and critical care medicine: a systematic review.

Purpose: Gender disparities in academia are a growing concern, impacting various disciplines, including health care. We aimed to investigate gender-based differences in academic performance, leadership roles, and academic distinction within anesthesiology and critical care medicine.

Source: We conducted electronic searches for relevant articles published in PubMed, CENTRAL, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, Education Resources Information Center, PsychINFO, and ProQuest from database inception until 23 June 2024.

Clinical utility of receptor status prediction in breast cancer and misdiagnosis identification using deep learning on hematoxylin and eosin-stained slides.

Background: Molecular profiling of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and ERBB2 (also known as Her2) is essential for breast cancer diagnosis and treatment planning. Nevertheless, current methods rely on the qualitative interpretation of immunohistochemistry and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), which can be costly, time-consuming, and inconsistent. Here we explore the clinical utility of predicting receptor status from digitized hematoxylin and eosin-stained (H&E) slides using machine learning trained and evaluated on a multi-institutional dataset.

Femoral vein transposition fistula with short skip incisions: an optimised minimally invasive technique.

Objectives: Femoral vein transposition (tFV) is a complex procedure that provides high patency rates for patients with exhausted upper-limb vascular access. Traditionally, the procedure involves a long single incision in the thigh to harvest the femoral vein, but this approach is associated with increased risks of local complications such as infections and haematomas. Skip incisions have shown to lower complication rates and shorten maturation times.

Is Progesterone Receptor a Neglected Feature in Breast Cancer? A Retrospective Study Analysing the Clinicopathological Characteristics of Breast Cancer Based on Progesterone Receptor Status.

Purpose: The aim of this study is to analyse PR independently and its relationship with demographic and clinicopathological information.

Introduction: Steroid hormones, particularly estrogen and progesterone, play a crucial role in breast cancer (BC) etiology. Research attention has focused mainly on estrogen while the progesterone impact on breast cancer has yet to be fully uncover.

Control of coffee canker associated with Pseudomonas coronafaciens pv. garcae using a cocktail integrating two virulent polyvalent bacteriophages encapsulated in nanoparticles: in planta studies.

Aims: In this study we report the use of two novel lytic polyvalent phages as a cocktail in in planta assays and its efficacy in the control of bacterial halo blight (BHB) caused by Pseudomonas coronafaciens pv. garcae (Pcg) in coffee plants.

Methods And Results: Phages were isolated from samples of coffee plant leaves collected at two different locations in Brazil.

Microembolic signal detection in acute ischemic stroke: Clinical relevance and impact on treatment individualization-A narrative review.

Background: Microembolic signals (MES) can be detected using transcranial Doppler (TCD) ultrasound in several clinical scenarios, including acute ischemic stroke (AIS). This narrative review aims to provide insights into their role in AIS patient management and outcomes.

Methods: The present narrative review consolidates current observational and randomized evidence on the prevalence and clinical relevance of MES in different AIS subtypes and settings.

Green walls for greywater treatment: A comprehensive review of operational parameters and climate influence on treatment performance.

Green walls for greywater treatment have emerged as a solution to increase green spaces in densely urbanized areas while providing treated greywater for reuse. Over the past decade, numerous studies have focused on optimizing these systems, though most address specific operational conditions and evaluate a limited set of performance parameters. This review synthesizes the existing literature using a meta-analysis to identify key operational factors and treatment performance metrics.

A pragmatic approach to recognize intrapartum chorioamnionitis.

Chorioamnionitis is a significant contributor to non-hypoxic fetal compromise, increasing the risk of neonatal encephalopathy and cerebral palsy. This paper highlights the limitations of traditional diagnostic methods for chorioamnionitis, which rely on histopathology, microbiology, and clinical signs, and emphasizes the importance of recognizing the fetal inflammatory response using intrapartum cardiotocography (CTG). By understanding the physiological pathways of inflammation, clinicians can identify characteristic CTG patterns.