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Background: Marmosets, Callithrix spp, are small New World monkeys that have gained importance as an experimental animal model for human. Despite its use, information on its renal morphometry, vascularization, and location are limited. Therefore, this study will supply basic anatomy for applied studies and for comparative anatomy. Methods: Fifty cadavers of Callithrix spp were collected on highways from the Atlantic Forest biome, identified and injected with a 10% formaldehyde solution. Later, the specimens were dissected and the measurements and topography of the kidneys and renal vessels were recorded. Both left and right kidneys were significantly larger in females. Results: In the specimens studied, the average body length was 20.00 ± 2.46 cm in males and 20.50 ± 1.98 cm in females (p =.43). The kidneys of the Callithrix spp. were symmetrical in shape and resembled a "bean." They were also pale brown with a smooth surface. In males, the most frequent location of the right kidney was at the L1–L2 level (92%), while the location of the left kidney was between L2 and L3 (76%). In females, the most frequent location of the right kidney was at the L1–L2 level (56%), while the location of the left kidney was between L2 and L3 (32%) (Table 1). However, in seven (28%) males and nine (36%) females, the kidneys were at the same level. Conclusions: In both sexes, there was a positive and significant linear correlation between body length and kidney length. Regardless of the variable location of the kidneys in both sides and in either sexe, the right kidney was always located more cranially than the left, similar to observations in other non‐human primates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stingless bees (SLB) are insects bread many centuries ago by indigenous people and more than 500 species have already been described. Interest in SLB's propolis has grown as a way to value and preserve native bees, in addition to investigating/prospecting compounds with biological functionality (antimicrobial activity, antioxidant, etc.). The natural active compounds found in propolis come from different plant sources, and consequently, each propolis may show unique biological/pharmacological activity. There is still an important gap about the profile of chemical compounds, biological and pharmacological potential of propolis produced by SLBs. This work aimed to investigate the presence of phenolic and coumaric compounds (HPLC–DAD-FLD) and the antimicrobial activity (microdilution method) of propolis extracts from five different species of SLB reared in different places. The samples from Melipona quadrifasciata (82.05 mgGAEg−1) and one from, Frieseomelitta doederleini (56.22 mgGAEg−1) showed the highest concentrations of phenolic compounds. It was possible to identify in the propolis samples formononetin, kaempferol, gallic acid and coumarin. Resveratrol was detected in all samples, an unprecedent fact for SLB propolis. Candida albicans was susceptible to all tested extracts, while Escherichia coli was inhibited only by propolis from Melipona quadrifasciata; Enterococcus faecalis was inhibited by propolis from Plebeiadroryana., Melipona quadrifasciata and Frieseomelitta doederleini. It was verified that SLB propolis constitutes a source of different biocompounds, which varies according to the location where the bees are raised, and has mainly antifungal activity, generating possibilities of its use in different biotechnological products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of using pork meat before rigor mortis for the preparation of mortadella with a 50% reduction in sodium chloride. Batters were prepared, in cutters, with these two raw materials varying the NaCl content by 50%. Physicochemical and microscopic analyses were carried out and greater emulsion stability, springiness, and cohesiveness were observed in samples prepared with raw material pre-rigor and without sodium reduction. It was noticed that the use of meat before rigor mortis did not result in the increase of the functional properties of the treatments with a reduction of NaCl, as expected since the attributes of emulsion stability, protein extraction yield, and hardness were inferior to post rigor mortis treatment. These results are probably due to the reduced processing time, since the initial temperature of the raw material was high, which indicates the importance of the process parameters in the elaboration of emulsified meat products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stingless bees are endemic in northeastern Brazil, where they are exploited for honey production and crop pollination. The therapeutic use of honey can be attributed to its antibacterial and antioxidant activities. The effects of time and storage temperature on Melipona scutellaris honey were evaluated by physicochemical and microbiological parameters as well as by the analysis of bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity. Fresh honey samples were monitored at 5 and 30 °C for 150 days. The total acidity and HMF increased, while pH and diastase activity significantly decreased over time at 30 °C (p < 0.05). Fresh honey met all the established parameters. In contrast, due to storage, it failed to meet the criteria set in the current legislation for Melipona with the most drastic shortcomings observed at 30 °C. Unlike monosaccharides, acetic and lactic acid concentrations increased, indicating fermentation. During storage, the total phenolic compounds and flavonoids contents were reduced along with antioxidant activities measured by DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP methods. On the 60th day of storage at 5 °C, dextrose crystallization began, and the water content increased. Storage at 5 °C for up to 60 days resulted in minor changes, but after 150 days, storage at 30 °C showed reduced bioactive degradation and higher antioxidant activity. Therefore, the storage conditions associated with crystallization were found to control the stability of Melipona scutellaris honey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a scarcity of studies evaluating the influence of different commonly marketed sugars in water kefir beverage production. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the fermentation of water kefir grains in different sugary solutions: brown, demerara, refined, coconut, and cane molasses. A total of 10% of each type of sugar was dissolved in sterile water to which 10% of kefir grains were then added and fermented for 48 h at room temperature. Analyses of pH/acidity, soluble solids, lactic/acetic acids, and lactic acid bacteria and yeast counts were performed, in addition to grain weighing at 0 h, 24 h, and 48 h. The microbial biodiversity was measured using PCR-DGGE and DNA sequencing at the species level. A sensory acceptance test was performed on all beverages. Lactobacillus, Lacticaseibacillus, Lentilactobacillus Lactococcus, Leuconostoc, Acetobacter, Saccharomyces, Kluyveromyces, Lachancea, and Kazachstania were present in the kefir grains and the beverages. Molasses showed a more intense fermentation, with greater production of organic acids and higher lactic/acetic acid bacteria and yeast counts (7.46 and 7.49 log CFU/mL, respectively). Refined sugar fermentation had a lower microbial yield of lactic/acetic acid bacteria (6.87 log CFU/mL). Smith's salience index indicates that the brown-sugar kefir beverage was better accepted among the tasters. The results indicate that the use of alternative sources of sugar to produce water kefir beverages is satisfactory. This opens up new perspectives for the application of kefir microorganisms in the development of beverages with probiotic and functional properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The demand for bee products has been growing, especially regarding their application in complementary medicine. Apis mellifera bees using Baccharis dracunculifolia D.C. (Asteraceae) as substrate produce green propolis. Among the examples of bioactivity of this matrix are antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antiviral actions. This work aimed to verify the impact of the experimental conditions applied in low- and high-pressure extractions of green propolis, using sonication (60 kHz) as pretreatment to determine the antioxidant profile in the extracts. Total flavonoid content (18.82 ± 1.15–50.47 ± 0.77 mgQE·g−1), total phenolic compounds (194.12 ± 3.40–439.05 ± 0.90 mgGAE·g−1) and antioxidant capacity by DPPH (33.86 ± 1.99–201.29 ± 0.31 µg·mL−1) of the twelve green propolis extracts were determined. By means of HPLC-DAD, it was possible to quantify nine of the fifteen compounds analyzed. The results highlighted formononetin (4.76 ± 0.16–14.80 ± 0.02 mg·g−1) and p-coumaric acid (−1) as majority compounds in the extracts. Based on the principal component analysis, it was possible to conclude that higher temperatures favored the release of antioxidant compounds; in contrast, they decreased the flavonoid content. Thus, the obtained results showed that samples pretreated with 50 °C associated with ultrasound displayed a better performance, which may support the elucidation of the use of these conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on the impact of an expiratory positive airway pressure (EPAP) device on tolerance of high-intensity exercise in subjects with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Topics discussed include dynamic lung hyperinflation, pulmonary function tests, and EPAP without inspiratory resistance.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the in vivo protective effect of the angico gum biopolymer in reducing the inflammatory response and preserving the integrity of the laryngeal and esophageal mucosa. Study Design: Animal study. Methods: A murine surgical model of gastroesophageal reflux disease was accomplished and subsequently treated with angico gum or omeprazole. On days 3 and 7 post surgery, samples of the larynx and esophagus, respectively, were collected to measure the level of inflammation (wet weight and myeloperoxidase activity) and mucosal integrity (transepithelial electrical resistance and mucosal permeability to fluorescein). Results: Angico gum and omeprazole decreased laryngeal inflammation (wet weight and myeloperoxidase activity) and dramatically improved the integrity of the laryngeal mucosa. It also reduced inflammation (decreased wet weight and myeloperoxidase activity) of the esophagus and preserved the barrier function (inferred by assessing the integrity of the mucosa). Conclusion: This study demonstrates the protective effect of angico gum in an experimental gastroesophageal reflux disease model. Angico gum attenuates inflammation and impairment of the mucosal barrier function not only in the larynx but also in the esophagus. Level of Evidence: NA Laryngoscope, 133:162–168, 2023 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The symptoms of anxiety and depression disorders are multifactorial and can trigger a series of problems especially among university students. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and associated factors with anxiety and depression symptoms among first-semester university students at a Federal University in Brazil given the paucity of such data and the first semester is the most stressfultime. Methods Cross-sectional study with first-semester university students. The questionnaire included socio-demographic variables, lifestyles, health conditions and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales. Descriptive analysis was performed, followed by bivariate analysis and Poisson regression analysis. Results Three hundred and fifty-six students (65.2%) across a range of courses in their first semester participated. The prevalence of anxiety was 42.5% and depression 33.2%. Regarding symptoms of anxiety and depression disorders, a positive association was observed among females, non-heterosexual, non-white skin color, excessive internet use, lack of physical activity, not attending university parties, having psychological counseling, history of anxiety in first- or second-degree relatives, poor self-rated health and use of psychotropic medicines. Conclusions Due to the high prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms, the importance of developing programs to promote mental and physical health of university students is highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tenuipalpus panici De Leon was originally described from female specimens collected on Panicum maximum Jacq. (Poaceae) from South of Baranquetas, Puerto Rico. In this paper, we redescribe the female of T. panici based on the holotype and on specimens newly collected in Brazil. It is the first record of the species in South America. Females, nymphs and larvae were collected on Paspalum notatum Flüggé (Poaceae); males were absent. New morphological data for both females and immatures (e.g., dorsal and ventral ornamentation, gnathosomal, idiosomal, leg chaetotaxy, and measurements) and a discussion on the patterns of ontogenetic setal additions for all the immature stages are provided. Tenuipalpus panici is the only species of the genus known with two setae appearing on femur IV in the protonymph and successive stages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Puma yagouaroundi is a wild felid with wide distribution on the American continent. This paper aims to describe the origin and motor distribution of the nerves of the brachial plexus of P. yagouaroundi and compare the findings with the available descriptions for the Carnivora order. Fourteen brachial plexuses of specimens collected dead on highways were dissected (five males and two females). In most cases (57%), the brachial plexus originated from the ventral spinal branches of C5, C6, C7, C8 and T1. The C7 branch was the one that most contributed to the formation of the plexus nerves (57.7%). Among all dissected nerves, 23.6% were unisegmental and 76.4% plurisegmental. The radial nerve was the thickest and innervated the largest number of muscles, while the caudal pectoral nerve showed the most varied formation. Intraspecific polymorphisms occurred in the plexus, although the distribution of the nerves to the muscles had an evident constancy among the individuals. Due to the similarities, locoregional blocking techniques may consider the same anatomical landmarks stipulated for domestic cats. Comparison with the descriptions of other carnivorans allows speculating a polymorphism at the plexus origin, in contrast to the conservative innervation of the muscles in the order Carnivora. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Edible insects are a potential alternative food source of high feed conversion efficiency and protein content. Zophobas atratus is an edible insect that adapts to different diets, enabling sustainable rearing by adding value to by-products and agro-industrial residues. This study aimed to evaluate the performance and nutritional characterization of Zophobas atratus larvae fed with different proportions of grape residue. Physicochemical analysis of the diets and larvae (AOAC procedures), fatty acid profile (chromatographic techniques), metals and non-metals (inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry), larval mass gain, feed conversion efficiency, and mortality rate were assessed. The replacement of 25% of the conventional diet with grape residue increased lipid, ash, and fiber contents and reduced protein, carbohydrates, and energy. It promoted greater mass gain, lower mortality rate, and reduced larval growth time by 51%. Among the replacements, 25% resulted in the second-highest content of calcium, sodium, magnesium, and zinc, and the lowest content of potassium and phosphorus in the larvae. The 100% replacement resulted in the highest amounts of C18:2n6 (27.8%), C18:3n3 (2.2%), and PUFA (30.0%). Replacing 25% of the conventional diet with grape residue is equivalent to the conventional diet in many aspects and improves several larvae performance indices and nutritional values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess the protective effect of exclusive breastfeeding and the effectiveness of maternal vaccination in reducing pertussis-like illness. Method: This was a case-control study conducted in sentinel hospitals for pertussis in Recife between July 2016 and July 2018. Cases included children aged under six months with symptoms compatible with pertussis (pertussis-like illness). Controls included children aged under six months, living in the metropolitan region of Recife with no diagnosis of pertussis-like illness and matched by the same hospital and birth date. Results: Seventy-three cases and 194 controls were included. The diagnosis of pertussis-like illness was predominantly clinical (97,2%). Amongst the main symptoms, paroxysmal cough was observed in 95.89% of cases and vomiting in 53.4%. There were 29 hospitalized cases and no deaths. Out of the 73 cases, 47 were born to mothers vaccinated against pertussis during pregnancy, and the mothers of 144 of the 194 controls had been vaccinated. The protective effect of breastfeeding was of 74% (95% CI;38%, 89%). Children younger than six months, who were exclusively breastfed and with mothers vaccinated against pertussis during pregnancy were 5 times less likely to develop pertussis-like illness, corresponding to a protection of 79% (95% CI;31%, 94%). The effectiveness of maternal vaccination against pertussis-like illness in children under six months was low (27%) and not statistically significant (CI 95%; -34% a 60%). Conclusions: Exclusive breastfeeding protects children under six months from pertussis-like illness and may be enhanced when associated with maternal vaccination. These strategies should be encouraged because they also protect against pertussis-like illnesses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Aim: To assess associations between statin intensity and adherence, persistence and discontinuation of statin therapy in Scotland. Method: Retrospective cohort study, using linked electronic health records covering a period from January 2009 to December 2016. The study cohort included adult patients (≥18 years) newly initiating statins within Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Scotland. Study outcomes comprised adherence, discontinuation and persistence to treatment, stratified by three exposure groups (high, moderate and low intensity). Discontinuation and persistence were calculated using the refill‐gap and anniversary methods, respectively. Proportion of days covered (PDC) was used as a proxy for adherence. Kaplan‐Meier survival curves and Cox proportional hazard models were used to evaluate discontinuation, and associations between adherence/persistence and statin intensity were assessed using logistic regression. Results: A total of 73 716 patients with a mean age of 61.4 ± 12.6 years were included; the majority (88.3%) received moderate intensity statins. Discontinuation rates differed between intensity levels, with high‐intensity patients less likely to discontinue treatment compared to those on moderate intensity (prior cardiovascular disease [CVD]: HR 0.43 [95% CI 0.34‐0.55]; no prior CVD: 0.80 [0.74‐0.86]). Persistence declined over time, and high‐intensity patients had the highest persistence rates. Overall, 52.6% of patients were adherent to treatment (PDC ≥ 80%), but adherence was considerably higher among high‐intensity patients (63.7%). Conclusion: High‐intensity statins were associated with better persistence and adherence to treatment, but overall long‐term persistence and adherence remain a challenge, particularly among patients without prior CVD. This needs addressing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives/hypothesis: The objectives of this study were to evaluate laryngeal inflammation and mucosal integrity in a murine model of reflux disease and to assess the protective effects of topical agents including alginate, hyaluronic acid, and cashew gum.Study Design: Animal study.Methods: A surgical murine model of reflux disease was evaluated at 3 or 7 days postsurgery, and laryngeal samples were collected to measure inflammation (wet weight and myeloperoxidase [MPO]) and mucosal integrity (transepithelial resistance [TER] and mucosal permeability to fluorescein). Additional groups of animals were administered one of several topical agents (alginate, hyaluronic acid, or cashew gum) daily, and laryngeal inflammation and mucosal integrity were evaluated at 3 days postsurgery.Results: At 3 days, and not 7 days postsurgery, we observed increased laryngeal wet weight and MPO, decreased laryngeal TER, and increased laryngeal mucosa permeability. Alginate partially decreased laryngeal inflammation (wet weight and not MPO) and dramatically improved laryngeal mucosal integrity. Conversely, hyaluronic acid eliminated the inflammation; however, it had no effect on laryngeal mucosal integrity impairment. Cashew gum eliminated laryngeal inflammation as well as the impairment in laryngeal mucosal integrity.Conclusions: This study shows that a surgical model of reflux disease induced laryngeal inflammation and impairment in laryngeal barrier function. These observed alterations were partially attenuated by alginate and hyaluronic acid and completely reversed by cashew gum.Level Of Evidence: NA Laryngoscope, 2020. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aims to evaluate the vitrification of the sperm of Prochilodus brevis. Six pools were made and diluted in media composed of 5% glucose (Experiment 1) or Powder Coconut Water (ACP‐104; Experiment 2) associated with dimethylsulphoxide (DMSO) or ethylene glycol (EG), or its association (DMSO + EG), in concentrations of 10%, 20% or 30%. Diluted samples were vitrified, stored in liquid nitrogen, devitrified after 15 days and evaluated for kinetics, morphology and plasmatic membrane (PMI) and sperm DNA (SDI) integrity. The experiments were conducted and evaluated independently of each other. No differences (p > 0.05) were found for the kinetics and morphology parameters in both experiments. The other parameters recorded interaction between cryoprotectants and their concentrations. The best PMI results (p < 0.05) were for glucose with 10% EG (19.75 ± 2.40) and ACP‐104 with 30% EG (46.92 ± 4.59). The best SDI rates (p < 0.05) were observed when glucose (45.43 ± 5.07) and ACP‐104 (71.83 ± 3.62) were associated with 30% EG. It is possible to conclude that vitrification has great potential for P. brevis sperm conservation; thus, we suggest using the association between ACP‐104 and 30% EG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]