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Background: Penile cancer is rising in most European countries. Several risk factors have been identified, namely human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. However, the exact role of HPV in penile cancer carcinogenesis is still unknown. Clarifying the contribution of HPV in penile cancer is crucial as it may improve prevention and treatment strategies. Objective: To describe the characteristics of patients with penile cancer and penile intraepithelial neoplasia (PeIN), evaluate the prevalence of HPV‐DNA in tumour tissue and identify differences between patients with and without HPV‐DNA. Methods: A retrospective observational study including patients with histological diagnosis of penile squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) or PeIN between 2012 and 2021 in a university hospital was carried out. HPV analysis was performed using Anyplex™ II HPV28 Detection that detects and identifies 28 HPV types. (sensitivity of 95.9%). Results: A total of 25 patients were included. Most of the tumours identified were invasive SCC (n = 11) and SCC in situ (PeIN 3) (n = 8). PeIN1/2 was found in the remaining six patients. HPV‐DNA was tested in all tissue specimens and was detected in 18 of them. High risk HPV DNA was identified in all positive HPV samples, except one. HPV types included in the nonavalent HPV vaccine were identified in 16 of the 18 samples positive for HPV‐DNA. Stratifying patients according to HPV‐DNA detection, we found that patients with HPV‐DNA were younger (57.5 years vs. 70 years, p = 0.047), less likely to have phimosis (5.8% vs. 42.9%, p = 0.022) and more likely to have PeIN lesions than invasive SCC (85.7% vs. 27.8%, p = 0.025). Conclusion: This study shows a prevalence of HPV‐DNA in penile SCC and premalignant lesions of 45.5% and 92.9%, respectively. Identifying HPV involvement in SCC and PeIN pathology has the potential to guide treatment and enhance follow‐up strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 23‐day‐old boy with prenatal diagnosis of basilar artery aneurysm presented with multiple congenital red patches consistent with capillary malformations. Genetic testing confirmed the presence of a heterozygous pathogenic variant of the RASA1 gene, confirming the diagnosis of capillary malformation‐arteriovenous malformation (CM‐AVM) syndrome. This case illustrates an atypical presentation of the RASA1 associated CM‐AVM syndrome, with the intracranial vascular malformation diagnosis preceding the identification of the skin lesions. Arterial aneurysms have been associated with CM‐AVM syndrome in rare instances but to our knowledge this is the first reported case of an aneurysm of the basilar artery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presence of mica changes the mechanical behavior of sandy soils. In this study, micro- and macroscale tests are used to explore the unique packing characteristics that develop in mixtures made of round and platy particles, and the effects that mica exerts on small, medium, and large strain parameters. Mixtures are prepared with different mica contents and various mica-to-sand size ratios, Lmica/Dsand. Results provide a comprehensive characterization of mixtures made of spherical and platy particles. Mica plates change sand packing through pore filling, bridging, ordering, and mica–mica interaction; bridging prevails and leads to open fabrics when Lmica/Dsand≥1. As the mica content increases in mixtures with Lmica/Dsand≥1, the shear-wave velocity decreases and it becomes more sensitive to the state of stress; the constraint modulus decreases; and the peak and residual friction angles decrease. Remixing during disordered granular flow prevents mica alignment and diminishes the otherwise weakening effect of mica on large-strain strength. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: More than 50% of the CO2 emitted during cement production originates from the calcination of limestone. This CO2 is reabsorbed during the life cycle of cement based product such as concrete and mortars in a process called carbonation. The impact that concrete carbonation has in the assessment of CO2 emissions from cement production has not been fully documented. Specifically, there is a lack of knowledge about the carbonation of demolished and crushed concrete. The existing models for calculating carbonation do not take into account what takes place after the concrete has been demolished. Consequently, the contribution of the cement and concrete industry to net CO2 emissions may be significantly overestimated. This paper encompasses theoretical work, laboratory studies, surveys and calculations based on the concrete production in the Nordic countries of Denmark, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. The estimated CO2-uptake through carbonation of the concrete produced in the year 2003 seems during a 100 year period to amount to a significant proportion of the CO2 emitted by calcination of the raw mix used to produce the Portland cement used in the concrete. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A 9‐year‐old boy presented with recurring subcutaneous nodules on both legs and knees temporally related each time to acetazolamide treatment for idiopathic intracranial hypertension. A biopsy of one of the lesions revealed palisaded granulomas in the hypodermis around necrobiotic collagen and interstitial accumulation of mucin, compatible with subcutaneous granuloma annulare (SGA). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case that establishes an association between SGA and acetazolamide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microstructural variability from manufacturing and post-fabrication activities have been attributed to a significant portion of failure in grade 91 steels. For example, heat treatment from welding can change the microstructure locally, which can change the hardness, phase content and grain size. This article explores the use of ultrasonic coda waves to detect microstructural changes in martensitic grade 91 steel. Tube samples with eight different microstructural conditions were simulated using different heat treatments and were tested using coda waves. Six different differential features were extracted from the coda wave signals. Only three features: Loss of correlation, differential curve length and coda wave interferometry showed accuracy > 50%. Further, clustered analysis to test the ability of the features to classify good, mid-level and bad microstructures showed that only loss of correlation had good accuracy. Overall, the study suggests that coda waves can be used to detect subtle changes in microstructure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clinical pathway recommendations (CPR) are based on existing guidelines and deliver a short overview on how to deal with a specific diagnosis, resulting therapy and follow-up. In this paper we propose a methodology for developing CPRs for Pompe disease, a metabolic myopathy caused by deficiency of lysosomal acid alpha-glucosidase. The CPR document was developed within the activities of the MetabERN, a non-profit European Reference Network for Metabolic Diseases established by the European Union. A working group was selected among members of the MetabERN lysosomal storage disease subnetwork, with specific expertise in the care of Pompe disease, and patient support group representatives. The working strategy was based on a systematic literature search to develop a database, followed by quality assessment of the studies selected from the literature, and by the development of the CPR document according to a matrix provided by MetabERN. Quality assessment of the literature and collection of citations was conducted according to the AGREE II criteria and Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation methodology. General aspects were addressed in the document, including pathophysiology, genetics, frequency, classification, manifestations and clinical approach, laboratory diagnosis and multidisciplinary evaluation, therapy and supportive measures, follow-up, monitoring, and pregnancy. The CPR document that was developed was intended to be a concise and easy-to-use tool for standardization of care for patients among the healthcare providers that are members of the network or are involved in the care for Pompe disease patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Epiisopiloturine (EPI) and epiisopilosine (EPIIS) are side products in the pharmaceutical industry. The present study aimed to investigate the anti‐inflammatory potential of the alkaloids EPI and EPIIS in human neutrophils and mechanical hyperalgesia in mice. Methods: Neutrophils (5 × 106 cells/ml) incubated with EPI and EPIIS and stimulated by the addition of N‐formyl‐methionyl‐leucyl‐phenylalanine or phorbol 12‐myristate‐13‐acetate. The release of myeloperoxidase (MPO), reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, calcium influx, gene expression of NF‐κB and pro‐inflammatory cytokines production were evaluated. It was also investigated the effect these alkaloids on carrageenan‐induced mechanical hyperalgesia model in mice. Key findings: We demonstrated that both EPI and EPIIS inhibited the degranulation of activated neutrophils. This effect was accompanied by the reduction in ROS, the prevention of the increase in intracellular Ca2+ and decrease in the density of cytosolic NF‐κB, and inhibition of TNF‐α and IL‐6 production. Evaluating hypernociception in mice, EPI and EPIIS inhibited carrageenan‐induced inflammatory hypernociception and reduced MPO levels. Conclusions: The results obtained suggest EPI and EPIIS not only inhibit neutrophils functions in vitro, but also exhibits anti‐inflammatory properties in vivo, acting through the modulation of the activation and/or accumulation of neutrophils in the inflammatory focus. Thus, EPI and EPIIS possess promising anti‐inflammatory therapeutic potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A significant portion of failures in grade 91-92 steels have been attributed to poor fabrication that results from a high production variability and repair/management activities such as post weld heat treatment. This can result in microstructures which are detrimental to creep and fatigue properties of the structure. The objective of this article is to use Rayleigh wave nonlinear ultrasonics to differentiate and classify the different microstructures. Eight different microstructures were chosen for testing with as-received, gradual and gross degradation in the microstructure. The nonlinear 2nd and 3rd harmonics were measured for each microstructural condition and used for analysis. The destructive analysis included hardness measurement and microscopy to get the average grain sizes. The hardness was used to calculate the dislocation density, which was further correlated with the 2nd and 3rd harmonic nonlinear parameters. The results suggest that the 3rd harmonic is better at classifying the microstructures compared to the 2nd harmonic or the linear Rayleigh wave velocity. Conjectures were developed destructive and nondestructive results. • NLU was used to classify eight different microstructures found in P91 steel. • Beta and delta parameters were correlated with hardness and grain size. • Multi-phase and precipitates contributions to NLU response is not well understood. • Conjectures were developed based on DE and NDE observations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Many countries are facing concentrated HIV epidemics among vulnerable populations, including men who have sex with men (MSM). Unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) is the main HIV transmission route among them and its understanding in the different cultures and how it relates to HIV transmission, re-infection and development of HIV antiretroviral resistance has important public health implications. Data on UAI among Brazilian MSM are scarce. This study aims to evaluate the prevalence and associated factors of UAI among HIV-infected MSM who had sex with seronegative or male partners with an unknown serostatus.Method: A cross-sectional study nested in a cohort was conducted in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The one hundred and fifty five MSM included in the study answered an ACASI interview and provided biological samples. Generalized linear models were used to identify variables associated with UAI.Results: Overall, UAI with an HIV-negative or unknown serostatus male partner was reported by 40.6% (63/155) of MSM. Lifetime sexual abuse or domestic violence was reported by 35.9%, being more frequent among MSM who reported UAI compared to those who did not (P = 0.001). Use of stimulants before sex was reported by 20% of the MSM, being slightly higher among those who reported UAI (27.0% vs. 15.2%; P = 0.072). Commercial sex was frequent among all MSM (48.4%). After multivariate modeling, the report of sexual abuse or domestic violence (OR = 2.70; 95% CI: 1.08-7.01), commercial sex (OR = 2.28; 95% CI: 1.04- 5.10), the number of male sexual partners (p = 0.039) and exclusively receptive anal intercourse (OR = 0.21; 95% CI: 0.06-0.75) remained associated with UAI. CD4 levels, HIV viral load and antiretroviral therapy were not associated with UAI.Conclusion: The UAI prevalence found with negative or unknown HIV status partners points out that other interventions are needed as additional prevention tools to vulnerable MSM. The main factors associated with UAI were a lifetime history of violence, commercial sex and the number of male sexual partners. This clustering of different behavioral, health and social problems in this population reinforce the need of a comprehensive approach on treating and preventing HIV among MSM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sexually transmitted diseases (STD) are frequently asymptomatic and increase the likelihood of transmitting and acquiring HIV. In Brazil, the guidelines for STDs diagnosis and treatment are based on the syndromic approach. Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAAT) has been recommended as routine STDs screening in some countries, especially for men who have sex with men (MSM). Limited data are available about how to best define target groups for routine screening by NAATs within this population. We aimed to assess the prevalence of rectal and urethral Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) infections and syphilis, and the factors associated with having at least one STD among HIV-infected and uninfected MSM in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.Methods: From August 2010 to June 2012, 391 MSM were enrolled into the Evandro Chagas National Institute of Infectious Diseases-INI-Fiocruz cohort, and 292 MSM (HIV-infected:211 and HIV-uninfected:81) were included in this study. NAATs were performed on the rectal swabs and urine for CT and NG. The rapid plasma reagin test and microhemagglutination assay for Treponema pallidum were performed for syphilis diagnosis.Results: The overall prevalence of STD was 20.0% (95%CI:15.7-25.1): 10% anorectal chlamydia; syphilis 9.9%; anorectal gonorrheae 2.5%; and urethral chlamydia 2.2%; no case of urethral gonorrheae was detected. The proportion of HIV-positive MSM who had at least one STD was nearly two times that of HIV-negative MSM (22.6% vs 13.2%; P = 0.09). The frequency of each STD, except for anorectal NG (1.5% vs.5.2%), was higher among HIV-positive than HIV-negative individuals. Among the 211 asymptomatic participants, 17.5% (n = 37) were identified as having at least one STD; 10.4% (n = 22/211) tested positive for anorectal chlamydia. Sixty five percent of HIV-positive MSM were asymptomatic at the time of the STD diagnosis, while 100.0% of the HIV-negative MSM. Age (APR = 0.78; 95%CI:0.60-1.00 for each additional ten years) and a positive-HIV serostatus (APR = 2.05; 95%CI:1.03-4.08) were significantly associated with STD diagnosis.Conclusion: An overall high STD-prevalence rate was observed, especially among HIV-infected and in younger individuals, and the majority of STDs were asymptomatic. STD screening using NAATs among asymptomatic MSM is a potentially cost-effective intervention for the prevention of HIV infection among MSM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]