RESUMEN Objetivos. Comparar la mortalidad por todas las causas de pacientes oncológicos no vacunados que recibieron quimioterapia o inmunoterapia durante la pandemia, con aquellos tratados antes de la pandemia. Materiales y métodos. Realizamos un estudio de cohortes en cuatro hospitales terciarios en Argentina. Pacientes ambulatorios con una neoplasia sólida de cualquier estadio en tratamiento citotóxico o inmune intravenoso fueron elegibles. La cohorte pandémica se enroló durante la fase inicial del brote y se comparó con una cohorte de un período anterior a la pandemia utilizando emparejamiento por puntuación de propensión (PSM, por sus siglas en inglés). Los sujetos se emparejaron por edad, sexo, seguro de salud, factores de riesgo para complicaciones graves por COVID-19, estado funcional, tipo de cáncer y tratamiento, línea de tratamiento e índice de masa corporal. La mortalidad por todas las causas se estimó en ambas cohortes después de seis meses de seguimiento. Resultados. 169 pacientes fueron reclutados entre abril y agosto de 2020 para la cohorte pandémica y 377 para la cohorte prepandémica en el mismo período de 2019, 168 pacientes fueron emparejados. Luego de la PSM, la mortalidad por todas las causas fue del 17,9% en la cohorte pandémica y del 18,5% en la cohorte prepandémica, Riesgo Relativo: 0,97 (intervalo de confianza al 95 %: 0,61-1,52; p=0,888). En la cohorte pandémica, 30/168 pacientes fallecieron, ninguno por infección por COVID-19. Conclusiones. No hemos observado un aumento de mortalidad en pacientes ambulatorios no vacunados en tratamiento oncológico endovenoso activo durante la pandemia por COVID-19.

ABSTRACT Objectives. To compare all-cause mortality of unvaccinated oncology patients who received chemotherapy or immunotherapy during the pandemic with those treated before the pandemic. Materials and methods. We conducted a cohort study in four tertiary hospitals in Argentina. Outpatients with a solid neoplasm of any stage under-going cytotoxic or intravenous immunotherapy were eligible. The pandemic cohort was enrolled during the initial phase of the outbreak and compared with a pre-pandemic cohort using propensity score matching (PSM). Subjects were matched for age, sex, health insurance, risk factors for severe COVID-19 complications, performance status, cancer type and treatment, line of treatment, and body mass index. All-cause mortality was estimated for both cohorts after 6 months of follow-up. Results. A total of 169 patients were recruited between April and August 2020 for the pandemic cohort and 377 for the pre-pandemic cohort in the same months of 2019; 168 patients were matched. After PSM, all-cause mortality was 17.9% in the pandemic cohort and 18.5% in the pre-pandemic cohort; the Relative Risk was 0.97 (95 % confidence interval: 0.61-1.52; p=0.888). In the pandemic cohort, 30/168 patients died, but none from COVID-19. Conclusions. Our findings show that the mortality rate of unvaccinated ambulatory patients on active intravenous oncology treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic did not increase.

ABSTRACT Objectives. To compare all-cause mortality of unvaccinated oncology patients who received chemotherapy or immunotherapy during the pandemic with those treated before the pandemic. Materials and methods. We conducted a cohort study in four tertiary hospitals in Argentina. Outpatients with a solid neoplasm of any stage under-going cytotoxic or intravenous immunotherapy were eligible. The pandemic cohort was enrolled during the initial phase of the outbreak and compared with a pre-pandemic cohort using propensity score matching (PSM). Subjects were matched for age, sex, health insurance, risk factors for severe COVID-19 complications, performance status, cancer type and treatment, line of treatment, and body mass index. All-cause mortality was estimated for both cohorts after 6 months of follow-up. Results. A total of 169 patients were recruited between April and August 2020 for the pandemic cohort and 377 for the pre-pandemic cohort in the same months of 2019; 168 patients were matched. After PSM, all-cause mortality was 17.9% in the pandemic cohort and 18.5% in the pre-pandemic cohort; the Relative Risk was 0.97 (95 % confidence interval: 0.61-1.52; p=0.888). In the pandemic cohort, 30/168 patients died, but none from COVID-19. Conclusions. Our findings show that the mortality rate of unvaccinated ambulatory patients on active intravenous oncology treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic did not increase.

RESUMEN Objetivos. Comparar la mortalidad por todas las causas de pacientes oncológicos no vacunados que recibieron quimioterapia o inmunoterapia durante la pandemia, con aquellos tratados antes de la pandemia. Materiales y métodos. Realizamos un estudio de cohortes en cuatro hospitales terciarios en Argentina. Pacientes ambulatorios con una neoplasia sólida de cualquier estadio en tratamiento citotóxico o inmune intravenoso fueron elegibles. La cohorte pandémica se enroló durante la fase inicial del brote y se comparó con una cohorte de un período anterior a la pandemia utilizando emparejamiento por puntuación de propensión (PSM, por sus siglas en inglés). Los sujetos se emparejaron por edad, sexo, seguro de salud, factores de riesgo para complicaciones graves por COVID-19, estado funcional, tipo de cáncer y tratamiento, línea de tratamiento e índice de masa corporal. La mortalidad por todas las causas se estimó en ambas cohortes después de seis meses de seguimiento. Resultados. 169 pacientes fueron reclutados entre abril y agosto de 2020 para la cohorte pandémica y 377 para la cohorte prepandémica en el mismo período de 2019, 168 pacientes fueron emparejados. Luego de la PSM, la mortalidad por todas las causas fue del 17,9% en la cohorte pandémica y del 18,5% en la cohorte prepandémica, Riesgo Relativo: 0,97 (intervalo de confianza al 95 %: 0,61-1,52; p=0,888). En la cohorte pandémica, 30/168 pacientes fallecieron, ninguno por infección por COVID-19. Conclusiones. No hemos observado un aumento de mortalidad en pacientes ambulatorios no vacunados en tratamiento oncológico endovenoso activo durante la pandemia por COVID-19.

SIGNIFICANCE: This paper serves as a commentary on a recently published paper by Lawley et al. (PeerJ 2021;9, e11954). We caution the adoption of practices in the taxonomy of Scyphozoa by Lawley et al. on the basis that they may lead to taxonomic splits and parallel taxonomies in the face of a concerted push towards integrative taxonomy

RESUMO Objetivo: A proporção entre pressão venosa central menos arterial de dióxido de carbono e conteúdo de oxigênio arterial menos venoso central (Pcv-aCO2/Ca-cvO2) é frequentemente usada como substituta para a oxigenação tecidual. O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar e sintetizar a literatura e a qualidade das evidências que suportam a Pcv-aCO2/Ca-cvO2 como um preditor de mortalidade em comparação com o lactato em pacientes críticos. Métodos: Pesquisamos vários bancos de dados procurando estudos que tivessem medido a Pcv-aCO2/Ca-cvO2 em pacientes críticos. Pesquisadores independentes realizaram a triagem dos artigos e a extração de dados. Uma metanálise de efeitos aleatórios foi realizada. Diferenças médias padronizadas agrupadas foram usadas para comparar a capacidade prognóstica da Pcv-aCO2/Ca-cvO2 e do lactato. Resultados: Inicialmente, obtivemos 172 estudos; 17 foram incluídos para descrição qualitativa, e dez foram incluídos para síntese quantitativa. A média de Pcv-aCO2/Ca-cvO2 foi maior nos não sobreviventes do que nos sobreviventes (diferença média padronizada agrupada de 0,75; IC95% 0,34 - 1,17; I2 = 83%), assim como os níveis de lactato (diferença média padronizada agrupada = 0,94; IC95% 0,34 - 1,54; I2 = 92%). Ambos os testes foram preditores estatisticamente significativos de mortalidade, embora com sobreposição de IC95% entre eles. Conclusão: Evidências de qualidade moderada mostraram pouca ou nenhuma diferença na capacidade da Pcv-aCO2/Ca-cvO2, em comparação com o lactato, em predizer mortalidade. No entanto, nossas conclusões são limitadas pela considerável heterogeneidade entre os estudos. Registro no PROSPERO:CRD42019130387

ABSTRACT Objective: The central venousarterial carbon dioxide pressure to arterial-central venous oxygen content ratio (Pcv-aCO2/Ca-cvO2) is frequently used as a surrogate for tissue oxygenation. We aimed to identify and synthesize literature and quality of evidence supporting Pcv-aCO2/Ca-cvO2 as a predictor of mortality in critically ill patients compared with lactate. Methods: We searched several databases for studies measuring Pcv-aCO2/Ca-cvO2 in critically ill patients. Independent investigators performed the article screening and data extraction. A random-effects metaanalysis was performed. Pooled standardized mean differences (SMD) were used to compare the prognostic ability of Pcv-aCO2/Ca-cvO2 and lactate. Results: We initially retrieved 172 studies; 17 were included for qualitative description, and 10 were included for quantitative synthesis. The mean Pcv-aCO2/Ca-cvO2 was higher in nonsurvivors than in survivors (pooled SMD = 0.75; 95%CI 0.34 - 1.17; I2 = 83%), as was the case with lactate levels (pooled SMD = 0.94; 95%CI 0.34 - 1.54; I2 = 92%). Both tests were statistically significant predictors of mortality, albeit with overlapping 95%CIs between them. Conclusion: Moderate-quality evidence showed little or no difference in the ability of Pcv-aCO2/Ca-cvO2, compared with lactate, to predict mortality. Nevertheless, our conclusions are limited by the considerable heterogeneity among the studies. PROSPERO registration:CRD42019130387

Resumo O presente estudo foi realizado para testar a hipótese de que o núcleo medial do corpo trapezoide (MNTB) de morcegos neotropicais ecolocativos com comportamento forrageiro diferente apresenta variações morfológicas no tamanho relativo, grau de complexidade e distribuição espacial. Os cérebros foram coletados de seis morcegos machos adultos de cada espécie, Noctilio leporinus (comedor de peixe), Phyllostomus hastatus (carnívoro/onívoro) e Carollia perspicillata (comedor de frutas), e foram seccionados em série e seções seriais transversais duplas e coradas com cresil violeta. Os resultados mostraram que o MNTB é bem desenvolvido em todos os morcegos em geral e que o comprimento médio do MNTB foi de 1.160 ± 124 µm em N. leporinus, 400 ± 59 µm em P. hastatus e 320 ± 25 µm em C. perspicillata. O peso corporal e cerebral não reflete proporcionalmente o tamanho do MNTB no presente estudo. O espectro da frequência auditiva não covaria com o tamanho do MNTB entre os morcegos estudados. O MNTB é claramente demarcado do núcleo ventral do corpo trapezoidal (VNTB) apenas em P. hastatus. O MNTB compreendia principalmente três tipos de células nos três morcegos: células multipolares de coloração densa (12,5 µm e 25,0 µm de diâmetro), células multipolares de coloração clara (12,5 µm e 25,0 µm de diâmetro) e células redondas manchadas de luz (5,0 µm de diâmetro). O MNTB de grande porte foi observado em N. leporinus, o que sugere que ele depende muito da ecolocalização, enquanto P. hastatus e C. perspicillata também usam a ecolocalização, mas dependem da audição, olfato e visão.

Abstract The present study was taken to test the hypothesis that the medial nucleus of the trapezoid body (MNTB) of echolocating neotropical bats with different foraging behavior will exhibit morphological variations in relative size, degree of complexity and spatial distribution. The brains were collected from six male adult bats of each species: Noctilio leporinus (fish-eating), Phyllostomus hastatus (carnivorous/ omnivorous) and Carollia perspicillata (fruit-eating) and were double-embedded and transverse serial sections were cut and stained with cresyl fast violet. The results showed that the MNTB is well developed in all the bats in general and the mean length of the MNTB was 1160 ± 124 µm in N. leporinus, 400 ± 59 µm in P. hastatus and 320 ± 25µm in C. perspicillata. The body and brain weight do not reflect proportionately on the size of the MNTB in the present study. The hearing frequency spectrum did not covary with the size of the MNTB among the bats studied. The MNTB is clearly demarcated from the ventral nucleus of the trapezoid body (VNTB) only in P. hastatus. The MNTB comprised mainly three types of cells in all three bats: dense-staining multipolar cells (12.5 µm and 25.0 µm diameter); light-staining multipolar cells measuring (12.5 µm and 25.0 µm diameter) and light-staining round cells (5.0 µm diameter). The large sized MNTB was observed in N. leporinus, which suggests that it relies heavily on echolocation whereas P. hastatus and C. perspicillata use echolocation as well but also rely on hearing, smell and vision.

This study aims to develop a conceptual framework for the certification of laser powder bed fusion quality management systems for aerospace applications. This research is structured around industry standards and best practices. The developed framework consists of a process map that identifies the required processes and activities for the realisation of parts. Industry standards and best practices are referenced to form standard operating procedures. The framework was presented to subject matter experts within the industry and academia, whose feedback was positive.

Hierdie studie stel 'n konseptuele raamwerk voor vir die sertifisering van laserpoeierbed laagvervaardigingsproses kwaliteitsbestuurstelsels vir lugen ruimtevaart toepassings. Hierdie navorsing is gestruktureer rondom bedryfstandaarde en beste praktyke. Die ontwikkelde raamwerk bestaan uit n proseskaart wat die vereiste prosesse en aktiwiteite vir die realisering van onderdele identifiseer. Daar word verwys na bedryfstandaarde en beste praktyke in die vorm van standaardprosedures. Die raamwerk was aangebied aan industrie- en akademie vakkundiges, en die terugvoer was positief.

Abstract The understanding of the echolocation by studying different auditory nuclei of echolocating bats can be an important link in elucidating questions arising in relation to their foraging behavior. The superior olivary complex (SOC) is the primary center for processing the binaural cues used in sound localization since echo locating bats rely on acoustic cues to navigate and capture prey while in flight. The present study was taken to test the hypothesis that the SOC of echolocating neotropical bats with different foraging behavior will exhibit morphological variations in relative size, degree of complexity and spatial distribution. The brains were collected from six male adult bats of each species: Noctilio leporinus (fish eating), Phyllostomus hastatus (carnivorous/omnivorous) and Carollia perspicillata (fruit eating). They were double-embedded and transverse serial sections were cut and stained with cresyl fast violet. The SOC measured as 640 ± 70 µm in the N. leporinus bat, 480 ± 50 µm in the P. hastatus and 240 ± 30 µm in the C. perspicillata bat. The principal nuclei of the SOC of in all three bats were the LSO, MSO and MNTB. The MSO and LSO were very well developed in N. leporinus bats. The MSO of N. leporinus bat subdivided into DMSO and VMSO. The main cell type of cells present in MSO and LSO are dark staining multipolar cells in all the bats studied. The well-developed MSO and LSO of N. leporinus bats indicate that these bats are highly sensitive to low frequency sounds and interaural intensity differences, which help these bats to forage over water by using various types of echolocation signals. The average size of SOC in P. hastatus and C. perspicillata bats can be attributed to the fact that these bats use vision and smell along with echolocation to forage the food.

Resumo O entendimento da ecolocalização pelo estudo de diferentes núcleos auditivos de morcegos pode ser um elo importante na elucidação das inúmeras questões que surgem em relação ao seu comportamento de forrageamento. O complexo olivar superior (SOC) é o principal centro de processamento das pistas binaurais usadas na localização do som, já que os morcegos ecolocalizadores contam com sinais acústicos para navegar e capturar as presas durante o vôo. O presente estudo foi realizado para testar a hipótese de que morcegos que usam a ecolocalização para diferentes comportamentos de forrageamento irão variar na estrutura, tamanhos relativos e grau de complexidade e distribuição espacial do grupo SOC. Os cérebros foram coletados de seis machos adultos de morcego de cada espécie: Noctilio leporinus (piscívoro), Phyllostomus hastatus (carnívoros/onívoros) e Carollia perspicillata (frugívoro). Eles foram seccionados em série e transversalmente, cortados e corados com coloração rápida cresil-violeta. tolet. O grupo SOC foi medido como 640 ± 70 µm no morcego N. leporinus, 480 ± 50 µm no P. hastatus e 240 ± 30 µm no morcego C. perspicillata. Os principais núcleos do grupo SOC dos três morcegos foram o LSO e o MSO e o MNTB. O MSO e o LSO foram muito bem desenvolvidos em morcegos N. leporinus. A MSO de N. leporinus foi subdividida em DMSO e VMSO. O principal tipo de células presentes na MSO e LSO são as células multipolares de coloração escura em todos os morcegos. Os MSO bem desenvolvidos e LSO de morcegos N. leporinus indicam que estes morcegos são altamente sensíveis a sons de baixa frequência e diferenças de intensidade interaural, que ajudaram estes morcegos a se alimentarem na superfície da água usando vários tipos de sinais de ecolocalização. O tamanho médio de SOC em morcegos de P. hastatus e C. perspicillata pode ser atribuído ao fato destes morcegos usarem visão e olfato junto com a ecolocalização para forragear.

Abstract Artificial insemination (AI) was the first important biotechnology applied to improve the genetics of farm animals. It allows the rapid and massive diffusion of desirable characteristics of males with high productive potential. We describe the different types of estrus induction and synchronization techniques and the use of the AI with fresh, chilled or frozen semen. Through the adequacy of the protocols of estrus synchronization and AI to the different production systems, the efficient use of reproductive techniques is possible, reaching acceptable pregnancy rates. Summary of reproductive results obtained using cervical and laparoscopic AI are presented.

Abstract The aim was to evaluate pregnancy success after transfer of embryos vitrified in micropipette tips in Merino sheep under extensive conditions. A second objective was to evaluate the influence of embryo stage in such pregnancy rate. One hundred and twenty-seven embryos were rewarmed and transferred into recipient ewes. On rewarming, the embryos were placed into three-step cryoprotectant dilutions. Finally, prior to transfer to recipient females, embryos were maintained in Basic Medium for 5 min at 25ºC and were re-evaluated by morphological criteria; all degenerated embryos were eliminated. Recipient ewes (n = 150) were treated for estrus with sponges placed for 14 days and 300 IU of eCG. At embryo transfer, three experimental groups were defined: morulae transferred on Day 7, blastocysts transferred on Day 7 and blastocysts transferred on Day 8 after sponge removal. In all groups, semi-laparoscopic transfer of one rewarmed embryo per recipient was performed. Pregnancy was diagnosed by ultrasonography on day 28 after embryo transfer. The embryo selection rate after rewarming was higher for blastocysts (89.3% - 67/75) compared to morulae (65.9% - 60/91) (P < 0.05). Pregnancy diagnosis showed a 38.3% (23/60) of success after morula transfer on Day 7 post progestagen removal. The day of transfer showed a significant influence on pregnancy rate after blastocyst transfer (Day 8, 55.9% - 19/34 vs Day 7, 21.2% - 7/33) (P < 0.05). Blastocysts transfer on Day 8 showed the highest global efficiency (pregnancies/total embryos after rewarming) (47.5% - 19/40) (P < 0.05). In conclusion, reproductive efficiency obtained by vitrified embryo transfer allows its recommendation for embryo transfer programs under extensive conditions. The importance of considering the synchrony between the embryo age and the recipient uterus stage is emphasized.

Abstract: Diphencyprone has been reported as a local immunotherapy for cutaneous melanoma metastases. We aim to report cases of melanoma patients treated with diphencyprone in a single Brazilian institution and highlight their outcomes. Since 2012, we have treated 16 melanoma patients with cutaneous metastases with topical diphencyprone. To date, we have had 37.5% of complete response, 25% of partial responses, and 31.25% patients without any response. Treatment was well tolerated and local toxicity was easily controlled. We believe topical diphencyprone is a feasible treatment that can be another option for treating melanoma patients, especially in cases of in-transit or extensive disease.

Background: Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) are required for normal motility in the gastrointestinal tract. Depletion of ICC has been associated with diabetic gastroenteropathy. Aim: To determine the effect of quercertin supplementation on anoctamin-1 (Ano1) immunoreactive ICC in the myenteric region (ICC-MY) and deep muscular plexus (ICC-DMP) in the jejunum of diabetic rats. Methods: Thirty-two 90-day-old male Wistar rats were distributed into the following groups: normoglycemic (C), normoglycemic supplemented with quercetin (CQ; 40 mg daily), diabetic (D), and diabetic supplemented with quercetin (DQ; 40 mg daily). Diabetes was induced by streptozotocin injection. After 120 days, preparations of the jejunal muscular and submucosal layers were immunostained for Ano1 to visualize ICC. Evaluation of the immunofluorescence intensity as well as density of ICC was performed. Results: The density of ICC-MY was 46% lower in group D compared to group C (p < 0.01); ICC-DMP were reduced by 37% (p > 0.05). After quercertin treatment, the densities of ICC-MY were significantly higher in the DQ group compared to group D (ICC-MY: 58%, p < 0.05). Supplementation with quercetin in normoglycemic animals (CQ) compared with group C did not significantly change the ICC density (p > 0.05). Conclusions: In STZ-treated diabetic rats, diabetes promoted a reduction in the density of jejunal ICC-MY with no significant effect on ICC-DMP. Supplementation with quercetin (DQ) appeared to protect ICC-MY from depletion in diabetes possibly due to its antioxidant action.