Search Results (65)

Psalidodon rivularis, a fish endemic to the São Francisco River Basin and known as “piaba do córrego,” has long been regarded as a widely distributed species complex, exhibiting remarkable morphological and cytogenetic variation, even in sympatry. This study aims to determine whether P. rivularis represents a single polymorphic species or a group of cryptic species. We analyzed meristic, morphometric, and karyotypic data from 419 specimens identified as P. rivularis, as well as from the related species Astyanax turmalinensis and Hyphessobrycon santae. Additionally, we inferred the phylogeny of the group using NGS data from 25 individuals, incorporating both mitochondrial and nuclear genomic sequences. Our integrative results support the recognition of at least five distinct species within the P. rivularis complex. The true P. rivularis (called morphotype 1) has 46 chromosomes, while the others have 50 and differ in both morphology and distribution. One of these corresponds to Psalidodon santae comb. nov.—which includes A. turmalinensis as a junior synonym—and three others are newly described species. These findings clarify the diversity of fishes in the São Francisco River Basin and highlight the importance of conserving its unique freshwater ecosystems. Full article

Background/Objectives: Differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) represents over 90% of all hyroid malignancies and typically has a favorable prognosis. However, approximately 30% of patients experience recurrence within 10 years after initial treatment. Conventional risk classification frameworks such as the American Thyroid Association (ATA) and AJCC TNM systems rely heavily on pathological interpretation, which may introduce observer variability and incomplete documentation. This study aimed to develop an interpretable machine-learning framework for risk stratification in DTC and to identify major clinical predictors using SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP). Methods: A retrospective dataset of 345 patients was obtained from the UCI Machine Learning Repository. Thirteen clinicopathological features were analyzed, including Age, Gender, T, N, M, Hx Radiotherapy, Focality, Adenopathy, Pathology, and Response. Statistical analysis and feature selection (ReliefF and mRMR) were applied to identify the most influential variables. Two modeling scenarios were tested using an optimizable neural network classifier: (1) all 10 core features and (2) reduced features selected from machine learning criteria. SHAP analysis was used to explain model predictions and determine feature impact for each risk category. Results: Reducing the input features from 10 to 6 led to improved performance in the explainable neural network model (AUC = 0.94, accuracy = 92%), confirming that T, N, Response, Age, M, and Hx Radiotherapy were the most informative predictors. SHAP analysis highlighted N and T as the dominant drivers of high-risk classification, while Response enhanced postoperative biological interpretation. Notably, when Response was excluded (Scenario III), the optimizable tree model still achieved strong predictive performance (AUC = 0.93–0.96), demonstrating that accurate preoperative risk estimation can be achieved using only clinical baseline features. Conclusions: The proposed interpretable neural network model effectively stratifies recurrence risk in DTC while reducing dependence on subjective pathological interpretation. SHAP-based feature attribution enhances clinical transparency, supporting integration of explainable machine learning into thyroid cancer follow-up and personalized management. Full article

This study proposes a double inertial technique integrated with the Mann algorithm to address the fixed-point problem. Our method is further employed to tackle the split-equilibrium problem and perform classification using a urinary tract infection dataset in practical scenarios. The Extreme Learning Machine (ELM) model is utilized to categorize urinary tract infection cases based on both clinical and demographic features. It exhibits excellent precision and efficiency in differentiating infected from non-infected individuals. The results validate that the ELM provides a rapid and reliable method for handling classification tasks related to urinary tract infections. Full article

The Brazilian Araucaria Forest (AF) now covers only 1% of its original extent due to significant degradation, making conservation a challenge. The AF occurs in a mosaic alongside grassland and Atlantic Forest ecosystems, influencing bird species’ distribution through ecological processes. We compared the composition and functional diversity of the bird community along a gradient of AF cover in a protected area (Pró-Mata Private Natural Heritage Reserve) in southern Brazil. Bird sampling was conducted using MacKinnon lists along five trails with different histories of vegetation suppression, based on forest cover estimates from landscape imagery. Birds were functionally classified based on morphological and ecological traits. We recorded 191 bird species in total. We found higher bird richness in trails with less forest cover, while functional diversity responded inversely to vegetation cover. Bird species composition shifted from more open-habitat specialists to more forest specialists with the increasing forest cover and vegetation structural complexity. These findings highlight the ecological importance of maintaining vegetation heterogeneity, as vegetation mosaics enhance avian species richness and support a broader range of functional traits and ecosystem processes. We recommend the conservation of Araucaria Forest–grassland mosaics as a strategic approach to support multidimensional biodiversity and sustain key ecological functions in southern Brazil. Full article

The optical ammonia-sensing properties of water-dispersible polyaniline (PANI) complexes chemically synthesized in the presence of polysulfonic acids of different structure and chain flexibility were compared for the first time. Flexible-chain poly(styrene-4-sulfonic acid) and poly-(2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonic acid), as well as semi-rigid-chain poly-4,4′-(2,2′-disulfonic acid)diphenylene-iso-phthalamide and rigid-chain poly-4,4′-(2,2′-disulfonic acid)diphenylene-tere-phthalamide (t-PASA) were used. The sensor films were prepared by a convenient and scalable method—spray coating of aqueous solutions on glass substrates. The optical response time and amplitude of the sensor films in the range of ammonia concentrations from 5 to 200 ppm were investigated. To overcome the influence of humidity and presence of over-stoichiometric protons of the polyacid on the accuracy of ammonia determination treatments of the films in aqueous solutions of NaCl, CaCl₂ and BaCl₂ were tested. The treatment in 1 M CaCl₂ solution for all of the PANI complexes results in a significant improvement in the response time, amplitude and reproducibility. The films of PANI complexes with the flexible-chain polyacids have the highest response amplitude in the range of ammonia concentrations 5–25 ppm. PANI-t-PASA film demonstrated the best sensory properties at ammonia concentrations more than 50 ppm. FTIR spectroscopy showed that CaCl₂ treatment results in cross-linking of sulfoacid groups from adjacent polyacid chains by Ca²⁺ ions. Thus, such a treatment results both in the neutralization of excessive protons and a significant reduction in the films’ swelling at high humidity. Full article

Background/Objectives: To evaluate the association between endometrial tissue stiffness, as measured by shear wave elastography (SWE), and the presence of specific gene mutations in patients diagnosed with endometrial cancer. Methods: Peripheral blood samples were collected for DNA extraction and next-generation sequencing (NGS) to identify gene mutations. Preoperative SWE was performed to measure endometrial stiffness, with values expressed in kilopascals (kPa). Statistical analyses were conducted to assess the correlation between SWE measurements and genetic findings. Results: Genetic mutations were detected in 66% (n = 31) of cases, with TTN, PLEC, and PRSS1 being the most frequently mutated genes. The median SWE measurement was 36.5 kPa (range: 19.1–70.4 kPa). No statistically significant correlation was found between SWE values and the presence of gene mutations (p > 0.05). Cases with metastasis exhibited higher median SWE values (40.1 kPa) compared to non-metastatic cases (34.7 kPa), though this difference was not statistically significant. Conclusions: While no significant association was observed between endometrial stiffness and specific gene mutations, higher SWE values in metastatic cases suggest that increased tissue stiffness may be linked to tumor aggressiveness. Further large-scale studies are warranted to validate these findings and explore the potential of SWE as a non-invasive tool in assessing endometrial cancer characteristics. Full article

Wildfires represent an increasing threat to ecosystems and communities, driven by climate change, fuel dynamics, and human activities. In Ambato, Ecuador, a city in the Andean highlands, these risks are exacerbated by prolonged droughts, vegetation dryness, and urban expansion into fire-prone areas within the Wildland–Urban Interface (WUI). This study integrates climatic, ecological, and socio-economic data from 2017 to 2023 to assess wildfire risks, employing advanced geospatial tools, thematic mapping, and machine learning models, including Multinomial Logistic Regression (MLR), Random Forest, and XGBoost. By segmenting the study area into 1 km² grid cells, microscale risk variations were captured, enabling classification into five categories: ‘Very Low’, ‘Low’, ‘Moderate’, ‘High’, and ‘Very High’. Results indicate that temperature anomalies, reduced fuel moisture, and anthropogenic factors such as waste burning and unregulated land-use changes significantly increase fire susceptibility. Predictive models achieved accuracies of 76.04% (MLR), 77.6% (Random Forest), and 76.5% (XGBoost), effectively identifying high-risk zones. The highest-risk areas were found in Izamba, Pasa, and San Fernando, where over 884.9 ha were burned between 2017 and 2023. The year 2020 recorded the most severe wildfire season (1500 ha burned), coinciding with extended droughts and COVID-19 lockdowns. Findings emphasize the urgent need for enhanced land-use regulations, improved firefighting infrastructure, and community-driven prevention strategies. This research provides a replicable framework for wildfire risk assessment, applicable to other Andean regions and beyond. By integrating data-driven methodologies with policy recommendations, this study contributes to evidence-based wildfire mitigation and resilience planning in climate-sensitive environments. Full article

Background and Objectives: The Reverdin–Isham osteotomy via minimal incision is a prominent option for the surgical treatment of hallux valgus, a foot deformity characterized by medial deviation of the first metatarsal and lateral deviation of the first toe. This technique is particularly indicated for cases with an elevated proximal articular angle, enabling effective correction and improved foot functionality. However, its efficacy has not been fully established in the scientific literature. Objective: The main objective of this analysis was to evaluate the correction of radiological angles (PASA, IMA, and HVA), the improvement in functionality according to the AOFAS scale, pain reduction, and patient satisfaction. Materials and Methods: A systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines in scientific databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, assessing publication biases and heterogeneity. Ten studies were included, covering 579 procedures in 500 patients, with an average follow-up of 33.8 months. Results: The results did not show significant improvements in the PASA (p = 0.14; CI [−1.52, 0.32]), not in the AIM (p = 0.05; CI [−2.63, 0.02]), although the meta-regression was statistically significant (p = 0.0022) with a ratio of 61.2%. It did show significant improvements in the AHV (p = 0.0009; CI [−3.14, −1.33]). An increase of 37.4 points in the AOFAS scale was revealed, and a 5.4-point reduction in pain. Patient satisfaction was high, with 89.3% of patients satisfied and 94.7% willing to undergo the procedure again. However, 20 major complications were reported, primarily recurrences. Conclusions: The Reverdin–Isham osteotomy is a safe and effective technique for treating mild-to-moderate hallux valgus. It offers significant improvements in foot functionality and pain reduction, with high patient satisfaction rates. Although recurrences remain the main complication, their low frequency reinforces the validity of the technique as a surgical option for specific deformities. Full article

Background and Objectives: Obstructive sleep apnea is an extremely diffuse pathology that, if left untreated, can lead to very serious cardiovascular consequences. The primary goal of treatment is to maintain airflow in the upper airway tract, which can be obtained thanks to orthognathic surgery such as maxillo-mandibular advancement (MMA). This procedure increases the volume of the posterior airway space (PAS)—a parameter considered fundamental in OSA physiology. However, the correlation between the degree of advancement, the volume increase, and the clinical improvement in OSA is not yet clear, even in patients who undergo virtual surgical planning. Aiming to test the correlation of these parameters and the role of PAS volume changes, we present our pre- and post-operative volumetric analysis of the PAS using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) following CAD/CAM-assisted maxillomandibular advancement. Materials and Methods: We collected information from patients who underwent MMA for moderate or severe OSA, planned virtually with custom-made devices, between 2020 and 2022 at the Maxillofacial Surgery and Odontostomatology Unit of the Policlinico Hospital in Milan. The degree of mandibular advancement (pogonion antero-posterior advancement) was noted. All patients underwent pre- and post-operative CBCT and pre- and post-operative polysomnography to measure the Apnea–Hypopnea Index (AHI) parameters. Both exams were performed within six months before and after surgery. The surgeries were planned virtually along with the production of custom-made devices (cutting guides and mandibular osteosynthesis plates). Volumetric analysis of the PAS was performed pre- and post-CBCT images using medical segmentation software (Mimics, Materialise, Mimcs 26.0). Results: Ten patients (nine men and one woman) with a mean age of 51 years were included in this study. The mean pogonion advancement was 14.5 mm, ranging from 13.8 to 15.6. The mean pre-surgical AHI was 52.31 events/h, while the mean post-surgical AHI was 5.94 events/h (SD 5.34). The improvement in AHI was statistically significant (Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-rank test, p value 0.004). The mean pre-surgical PAS volume was 8933 mm³, while the mean post-surgical volume was 10,609 mm³. In 8 out of 10 patients, the volume increased, with a mean increase of 2640 mm³ (max. 5183, min. 951), corresponding to a percentage increase variation ranging from 78% to 6%. In two patients, the volume decreased by 1591 (−16%) and 2767 mm³ (−31%), respectively. The difference between pre- and post-operative results was not statistically significant (paired t-test, p value 0.033). Conclusions: The results obtained confirm the efficacy of virtually planned MMA performed with custom-made devices in OSA therapy. However, they also show that PAS volume should not be used as a comprehensive parameter for OSA treatment evaluation because it does not always have a positive correlation with advancement and AHI. Full article

Adipogenesis is a complex process influenced by various cellular interactions within adipose tissue, which plays a critical role in metabolic homeostasis. This study aimed to develop a novel in vitro three-dimensional (3D) co-culture model using murine 3T3-L1 pre-adipocytes, J774 macrophages, and NIH-3T3 fibroblasts to investigate adipogenic differentiation and inflammatory pathways. We first validated an adipogenic differentiation protocol in a two-dimensional (2D) model, where 3T3-L1 pre-adipocytes were subjected to a hormonal medium containing 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine, dexamethasone and insulin. After 7 days, differentiated cells were analyzed using Oil Red O and Nile Red staining, confirming lipid accumulation. Subsequently, spheroids were formed in 3D cultures, with monospheroids and heterospheroids maintained in either control medium or MDI for 11 days. Size measurements indicated significant growth in heterospheroids, particularly in the 3T3-L1:J774 combination, underscoring the importance of cellular interactions. Confocal microscopy and flow cytometry analyses demonstrated that even in the absence of hormonal stimuli, control spheroids exhibited adipogenic differentiation, evidenced by a notable proportion of Nile Red-positive cells (75.7 ± 1.7%). Inflammatory profiling revealed that the heterospheroid 3:J produced the highest levels of nitric oxide (NO), with no significant differences observed between control and MDI conditions. This study highlights the potential of 3D co-culture systems for elucidating the intricate interactions among adipocytes, macrophages, and fibroblasts. The findings may provide valuable insights into novel therapeutic targets for metabolic disorders. Full article

We assembled and annotated the complete mitochondrial genomes of Lycalopex vetulus (hoary fox), Cerdocyon thous (bush dog), Tayassu pecari (white-lipped peccary), and Tadarida brasiliensis (Brazilian free-tailed bat). The mitogenomes exhibited typical vertebrate structures, containing 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, 2 ribosomal RNA genes, and a D-loop region. Phylogenetic reconstruction using the 13 protein-coding genes revealed robust relationships among species within Carnivora, Chiroptera, and Artiodactyla, corroborating previous studies. Secondary structure analysis of tRNAs and ribosomal genes showed slight variations among species of the same order. This research highlights the importance of mitochondrial genomics in understanding the evolutionary relationships and genetic diversity of Cerrado mammals, contributing to conservation efforts for this unique ecosystem. Full article

In recent years, with the development of the new energy industry, lithium resources need to be supplied in large quantities. The lithium-ion sieve (LIS) is regarded as an ideal adsorbent for recovering lithium resources from brine because of its excellent lithium adsorption capacity and structural stability. However, because it is powdery after molding, and there will be problems such as dissolution loss of manganese, which limits its industrial development. In this study, in the process of preparing hydrogels of acrylic acid (AA), acrylamide (AM) and chitosan (CS), an LIS hydrogel with high mechanical properties, strong adsorption capacity and low dissolution loss was prepared by doping LIS and Al ions. Among them, the stress of the prepared chitosan–acrylic acid–acrylamide hydrogel (PASA-1) with an Al doping content of 1% reached 603 KPa, and the maximum strain reached 189%, which showed excellent damage resistance. In addition, the adsorption performance of PASA-1 reached 43.2 mg/g, which was excellent, which was attributed to the addition of Al ions, which inhibited the dissolution loss of manganese ions. This idea has great potential in the direction of lithium resource recovery and provides a new method for the use of hydrogel in the direction of lithium-ion sieves. Full article

Background/Objectives: Antibiotic resistance gene (ARG) spread is driven by horizontal gene transfer (HGT). Ciliated protozoa may contribute to this process, as their predation has been shown to facilitate HGT in certain bacteria. Here, this phenomenon was further investigated using A. salmonicida subsp. salmonicida. This fish pathogen bears an extensive and dynamic plasmidome, suggesting a high potential for HGT. Methods: A. salmonicida strains carrying one of three conjugative plasmids bearing ARGs (pSN254b, pRAS1b or pAsa4b) were cocultured with a recipient, either A. salmonicida, E. coli or A. hydrophila. Conjugation rates were assessed in the presence and absence of the ciliate Tetrahymena borealis. PCR genotyping confirmed the acquisition of the conjugative plasmids and was used to verify the mobilization of other plasmids. Results: The basal rate of conjugation observed was high. Under the conditions studied, ciliate predation did not appear to influence the conjugation rate, except at higher proportions of ciliates, which typically hampered conjugation. Microscopy revealed that most bacteria were digested in these conditions. PCR screening demonstrated that small mobilizable plasmids from A. salmonicida (pAsa1, pAsa2, pAsa3, and pAsal1) were acquired by the recipients along with the conjugative plasmids, with a slight effect of the ciliates in some donor/recipient cell combination. Conclusions: These results highlight how A. salmonicida can conjugate efficiently with different species and how complex its relationship with ciliates is. Full article

Background/Objectives: Reverdin–Isham osteotomy is effective in correcting moderate hallux valgus deformity but has certain limitations when correcting a deformity in the sagittal plane. This study aimed to evaluate the impact on pain, functionality, and radiological measures of angular corrections, and the safety of the Reverdin–Isham lateral translation technique through minimally invasive surgery in the treatment of a moderate hallux valgus compared to Reverdin–Isham standard osteotomy. Methods: A pilot 6-month prospective cohort study was conducted on adults over 18 years old with a hallux valgus in at least one foot. The study exposure was the use of the Reverdin–Isham lateral translation technique. The outcome variables were pain and functionality through VAS and AOFAS scales, respectively, and radiological measurements of the first toe metatarsophalangeal angle (MPA), first space intermetatarsal angle (IMA), proximal articular set angle (PASA), distal articular set angle (DASA), metatarsal formula, and position of sesamoids in the AP projection. Results: The study involved 60 participants. Results indicate significant reductions in pain and radiological measures in both cohorts: MPA improved by 23.13 degrees, IMA by 5.93 degrees, and sesamoid position by 4.23 degrees in patients who underwent the lateral translation technique versus 13.20, 3.30, and 1.57 degrees, respectively, in patients who experienced the standard Reverdin–Isham technique. The lateral translation method showed greater reductions in these metrics compared to the standard Reverdin–Isham technique (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Percutaneous Reverdin–Isham techniques, both standard and with lateral translations, effectively corrected moderate hallux valguses. However, the lateral translation method provided greater reductions in MPA, IMA, and sesamoid positions, making it more suitable for deformities with IMAs over 15 degrees. Full article

Evolving antibiotic resistance of bacteria is a prevailing global challenge in health care and requires the development of safe and efficient alternatives to classic antibiotics. Photodynamic Inactivation (PDI) has proven to be a promising alternative for treatment of a broad range of microorganisms. Photodynamic Inactivation uses photoactive molecules that generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) upon illumination and in the presence of oxygen, which immediately kill pathogenic target organisms. Relevant photoactive properties are provided by berberine. Originally extracted from Barberry (Berberis vulgaris), it is a natural compound widely used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects. With this study, we demonstrated the potential of berberine chloride hydrate (Ber) as a photosensitizer for PDI of important human pathogens, Gram(+) Staphylococcus capitis subsp. capitis, Gram(+) Staphylococcus aureus, and Gram(−) Escherichia coli. In vitro experiments on planktonic and biofilm cultures were conducted focusing on Ber activated with visible light in the blue wavelength range. The number of planktonic S. capitis cells was reduced by 7 log₁₀ steps using 100 µM Ber (5 min incubation, illumination with 435 nm LED array, radiant exposure 25 J/cm²). For an antibacterial effect of 4 log₁₀ steps, static S. capitis biofilms required 1 mM Ber, a drug-to-light interval of 60 min, and illumination with 100 J/cm². Almost all planktonic cells of Staphylococcus aureus could be photokilled using 100 µM Ber (drug-to-light interval of 30 min, radiant exposure 25 J/cm²). Biofilms of S. aureus could be phototreated (3 log₁₀ steps inactivation) when using 1 mM Ber incubated for 5 min and photoactivated with 100 J/cm². The study is highlighted by the proof that PDI treatment using Ber showed an antibacterial effect on Gram(−) E. coli. Planktonic cells could be reduced by 3 log₁₀ steps with 100 µM Ber (5 min incubation, 435 nm, 25 J/cm²). With 5 mM ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid disodium salt dihydrate (Na₂EDTA) or 1.2% polyaspartic acid (PASA) in addition, a relative inactivation of 4 log₁₀ steps and 7 log₁₀ steps, respectively, was detectable. Furthermore, we showed that an antibacterial effect of 3.4 log₁₀ towards E. coli biofilms was given when using 1 mM Ber (5 min incubation, 435 nm, 100 J/cm²). These results underscore the significance of PDI-treatment with Ber as a natural compound in combination with blue light as valuable antimicrobial application. Full article