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In the post-rotavirus (RVA) vaccination era, uncommon and zoonotic strains have emerged as causative agents of acute gastroenteritis in humans, including the equine-like G3P[8] strains. First identified in 2013, this strain has quickly spread worldwide, reaching the position of the most prevalent genotype in many countries, including Brazil. Here, we report full genotype characterization and phylogenetic analysis of two equine-like G3P[8] strains detected in Goiás, a state in the Cerrado biome of the Brazilian Midwestern region, during the year of 2019. The strains were detected in different socioeconomic and demographic contexts: GO-MR from an asymptomatic adult living in a rural traditional community and GO-H5 from a symptomatic child from the state capital, with access to safe drinking water and essential sanitation services. These strains also displayed different backbone constellations considering the NSP2 gene segment (G3-P [8]-I2-R2-C2-M2-A2-N2-T2-E2-H2 for GO-MR and G3-P[8]-I2-R2-C2-M2-A2-N1-T2-E2-H2 for GO-H5). Furthermore, significant mutations in the main epitope sites of the VP7 and VP8* proteins of the detected strains, and other Brazilian G3P[8] viruses, were found with the comparison to RV1 and RV5 vaccine proteins, indicating a potential ability of these viruses to evade vaccine protection, which may contribute to their prevalence both nationally and globally. In summary, this study corroborates the genetic diversity of equine-like G3P[8] DS-1-like strains circulating worldwide, highlights the epidemiological importance of adults as reservoirs of RVA and shows the substantial differences between these emerging strains and the currently used anti-RVA vaccines, which may partially explain their predominance due to potential evasion of vaccine-induced protection., (© 2024. The Author(s) under exclusive licence to Sociedade Brasileira de Microbiologia.)

Fish skeletal muscle is a component of the human diet, and understanding the mechanisms that control muscle growth can contribute to improving production in this sector and benefits the human health. In this sense, fish such as tambacu can represent a valuable source for exploring muscle growth regulators due to the indeterminate muscle growth pattern. In this context, the genes responsible for the indeterminate and determinate muscle growth pattern of fish are little explored, with piwi genes being possible candidates involved with these growth patterns. Piwi genes are associated with the proliferation and self-renewal of germ cells, and there are descriptions of these same functions in somatic cells from different tissues. However, little is known about the function of these genes in fish somatic cells. Considering this, our objective was to analyze the expression pattern of piwi 1 and 2 genes in cardiac muscle, skeletal muscle, liver, and gonad of zebrafish (species with determinate growth) and tambacu (species with indeterminate growth). We observed a distinct expression of piwi1 and piwi2 between tambacu and zebrafish, with both genes more expressed in tambacu in all tissues evaluated. Piwi genes can represent potential candidates involved with indeterminate muscle growth control., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no conflict of interests., (Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Parabens are preservatives widely used in personal care products, pharmaceuticals, and foodstuffs. However, they are still unregulated chemical compounds. Given their extensive use and presence in different environmental compartments, parabens can adversely affect animal health. Thus, the current study aimed to summarize and critically analyze the bioaccumulation and ecotoxicity of parabens in aquatic species. Studies have been mostly conducted in laboratory conditions (75%), using mainly fish and crustaceans. Field studies were carried out across 128 sampling sites in six countries. Paraben bioaccumulation was predominantly detected in fish muscle, liver, brain, gills, ovary, and testes. Among the parent parabens, methylparaben (MeP), ethylparaben (EtP), and propylparaben (PrP) have been detected frequently and more abundantly in tissues of marine and freshwater specimens, as well as the metabolite 4-hydroxybenzoic acid (4-HB). Parabens can induce lethal and sublethal effects on aquatic organisms, such as oxidative stress, endocrine disruption, neurotoxicity, behavioral changes, reproductive impairment, and developmental abnormalities. The toxicity of parabens varied according to species, taxonomic group, developmental stage, exposure time, and concentrations tested. This study highlights the potential bioaccumulation and ecotoxicological impacts of parabens and their metabolites on aquatic invertebrates and vertebrates. Additionally, future research recommendations are provided to evaluate the environmental risks posed by paraben contamination more effectively., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Abstract: Hypertension is responsible for more than two million deaths due to cardiovascular disease annually in Latin America (LATAM), of which one million occurs before 70 years of age. Hypertension is the main risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, affecting between 20 and 40% of LATAM adults. Since the publication of the 2017 LASH hypertension guidelines, reports from different LATAM countries have confirmed the burden of hypertension on cardiovascular disease events and mortality in the region. Many studies in the region have reported and emphasized the dramatically insufficient blood pressure control. The extremely low rates of awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension, particularly in patients with metabolic disorders, is a recognized severe problem in LATAM. Earlier implementation of antihypertensive interventions and management of all cardiovascular risk factors is the recognized best strategy to improve the natural history of cardiovascular disease in LATAM. The 2024 LASH guidelines have been developed by a large group of experts from internal medicine, cardiology, nephrology, endocrinology, general medicine, geriatrics, pharmacology, and epidemiology of different countries of LATAM and Europe. A careful search for novel studies on hypertension and related diseases in LATAM, together with the new evidence that emerged since the 2017 LASH guidelines, support all statements and recommendations. This update aims to provide clear, concise, accessible, and useful recommendations for health professionals to improve awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension and associated cardiovascular risk factors in the region., (Copyright © 2024 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)

In Brazil, agriculture consumes most of the available freshwater, especially in the Cerrado biome, where the rain cycle is marked by long periods of drought. This study, conducted at the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa) Research Corporation unit in Santo Antônio de Goiás, Goiás, Brazil, estimated evapotranspiration (ET) in different crops and soil cover. Using multispectral unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) images, Sentinel satellite data, weather station information, and towers employing the eddy covariance method, we applied the "Simple Algorithm for Evapotranspiration Retrieving" (SAFER) to calculate ET in common bean, pasture, and semideciduous seasonal forest areas. The results showed a good agreement between UAV and satellite data, with R 2  = 0.84, also validated with flow towers by the eddy covariance method. UAV-based ET was observed to correspond well to tower (EC) during full vegetative development of beans but is underestimated at the beginning of planting and in the final periods of plant senescence, due to the influence of soil or straw cover. These findings contribute to a better understanding of water dynamics in the system and to enhancing sustainable agricultural practices. This method, adapted for multispectral aerial imaging, can be applied flexibly and on-demand, in different contexts and ground cover. The study highlights the importance of integrated agricultural practices for better management of water resources and preservation of the Cerrado in balance with cultivation areas., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.)

Background: Inflammation plays a central role in many chronic diseases that characterize modern society. Leptin/adiponectin and adiponectin/leptin ratios have been recognized as notable markers of dysfunctional adipose tissue and, consequently, an inflammatory state. Methods: Blood samples were collected from 41 adult volunteers (40.2 ± 8.3 years) diagnosed with severe obesity (BMI 46.99; 42.98-51.91 kg/m 2 ). The adipokines were quantified using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, while the serum fatty acid analysis was conducted using chromatography. Results: The results unveiled a positive correlation between the leptin/adiponectin ratio and the 20:3n6 fatty acid (r = 0.52, p = 0.001), as well as a similar positive correlation between the adiponectin/leptin ratio and the 22:6n3 fatty acid (r = 0.74, p = 0.001). In the regression analysis, the 22:6n3 fatty acid predicted the adiponectin/leptin ratio (β = 0.76, p < 0.001), whereas C20:3 n-6 was a predictor for inflammatory markers (β = 4.84, p < 0.001). Conclusions: In conclusion, the 22:6n3 fatty acid was demonstrated to be a predictive factor for the adiponectin/leptin ratio and C20:3 n-6 was a predictor for inflammatory markers. This discovery, novel within this population, can help develop new intervention strategies aimed at controlling the inflammatory status in individuals classified as having severe obesity.

Objective: To determine whether kinesiotherapy improves the quality of life of women with breast cancer following surgery., Methods: This meta-analysis was conducted according to the Cochrane and PRISMA recommendations. A search was conducted of the PubMed, Cochrane, and the Virtual Health Library Regional Portal databases to identify randomized and observational studies that compared the performance versus non-performance of kinesiotherapy protocols in patients who had undergone breast cancer surgery. The outcomes evaluated were overall health status, physical functioning, emotional functioning, and social functioning. Statistical analyses were conducted using RevMan version 5.4.1. Heterogeneity was evaluated using the I2 statistic., Results: Twelve studies with a total of 867 patients were included. Of these, 669 women (77.2%) underwent mastectomy. Five studies conducted a before-after evaluation and seven studies evaluated intervention versus non-intervention in two different groups. Of the outcomes evaluated, overall health status (standardized mean difference [SMD] 0.45; 95%CI: 0.09-0.82; p=0.01; I2=75%), physical functioning (SMD 0.89; 95%CI: 0.39-1.39; p=0.0005; I2=91%), social functioning (0.67; 95%CI: 0.26-1.09; p=0.001; I2=89%) and emotional functioning (SMD 0.90; 95%CI: 0.40-1.40; p=0.0004; I2=92%) showed significant results in favor of kinesiotherapy., Conclusion: Kinesiotherapy had a positive effect on the outcomes of overall health status and physical, social, and emotional functioning compared to controls. Therefore, kinesiotherapy appears to help recover quality of life in patients submitted to surgery for breast cancer.

Background: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC), traditionally used for locally advanced disease, is now applied for operable disease, particularly to treat aggressive breast cancer (BC). This study aimed to characterize the pathological complete response (pCR) and its relationship with overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) among BC patients receiving NAC in a Brazilian public reference center, as well as the association between pCR and BC subtypes., Methods: A retrospective cohort study used a comprehensive BC database from a Brazilian women's health reference center, including patients diagnosed between 2011 and 2020 who underwent NAC. We collected demographic, cancer-specific, and treatment-related data, analyzing OS and DFS based on pCR status using the semiparametric Kaplan-Meier method, with the date of BC diagnosis as the starting point., Results: The study included 1,601 patients, with an average age of 49 years and a majority presenting stage IIIa disease (35%). Most had invasive nonspecial type (NST) BC (94%), and a significant portion (86.7%) exhibited a Ki-67 index <14. The overall pCR rate was 22.7%, with higher frequencies observed in the triple negative and luminal B subtypes. Patients who achieved pCR had significantly higher survival rates (89% alive vs. 61%, P<0.001) and better DFS (90% vs. 66%, P<0.001), except in the luminal A subtype, where pCR did not correlate with improved OS or DFS., Conclusions: These updated real-world data (RWD) from BC patients who underwent NAC in Brazil revealed a pCR rate of 22.7% in all cancer subtypes and stages. pCR was not associated with better outcomes in patients with luminal A, contrasting with other subtypes.

Introduction: Our study aimed to compare the midline abdominal incision with scalpel and diathermy., Methods: PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane were searched through January 2024 following PRISMA guidelines (PROSPERO, ID: CRD42024516771), and only randomized controlled trials were included. Heterogeneity was assessed using Cochran's Q test and the I 2 heterogeneity index. Statistical analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.4 software., Results: Six randomized controlled trials were included, from which 469 patients (51.5%) received diathermy incision and 442 patients (48.5%) underwent the scalpel technique. Patients treated with the electrocautery approach had less incision blood loss (MD -17.57 mL; P < .01). No statistically significant differences were found between groups regarding wound infection incidence, incision time, incision area or first-day postoperative pain., Conclusion: Diathermy use in midline abdominal incision may be advocated as it demonstrated a significant reduction in incision-related blood loss, with no differences in wound infection or early postoperative pain incidences compared to the scalpel., (Copyright © 2024 AEC. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

The occurrence of dyslipidaemia, which is an established risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, has been attributed to multiple factors including genetic and environmental factors. We used a genetic risk score (GRS) to assess the interactions between genetic variants and dietary factors on lipid-related traits in a cross-sectional study of 190 Brazilians (mean age: 21 ± 2 years). Dietary intake was assessed by a trained nutritionist using three 24-h dietary recalls. The high GRS was significantly associated with increased concentration of TAG (beta = 0·10 mg/dl, 95 % CI 0·05-0·16; P < 0·001), LDL-cholesterol (beta = 0·07 mg/dl, 95 % CI 0·04, 0·11; P < 0·0001), total cholesterol (beta = 0·05 mg/dl, 95 % CI: 0·03, 0·07; P < 0·0001) and the ratio of TAG to HDL-cholesterol (beta = 0·09 mg/dl, 95 % CI: 0·03, 0·15; P = 0·002). Significant interactions were found between the high GRS and total fat intake on TAG:HDL-cholesterol ratio ( P interaction = 0·03). A high intake of total fat (>31·5 % of energy) and SFA (>8·6 % of energy) was associated with higher TAG:HDL-cholesterol ratio in individuals with the high GRS (beta = 0·14, 95 % CI: 0·06, 0·23; P interaction = 0·003 for SFA intake). Our study provides evidence that the genetic risk of high TAG:HDL-cholesterol ratio might be modulated by dietary fat intake in Brazilians, and these individuals might benefit from limiting their intake of total fat and SFA.P < 0·001 for total fat intake; beta = 0·13, 95 % CI: 0·05, 0·22; P = 0·003 for SFA intake). Our study provides evidence that the genetic risk of high TAG:HDL-cholesterol ratio might be modulated by dietary fat intake in Brazilians, and these individuals might benefit from limiting their intake of total fat and SFA.

Statement of Problem: Printed casts and dental devices and prostheses are increasingly being used, and the ecological impact of additive manufacturing should be considered in addition to the fabrication accuracy and surface properties of the printed object. To overcome the ecological drawbacks of alcohol postprocessing, water-washable, 3-dimensionally (3D) printable cast resins and postprocessing cleaning solutions that do not include alcohol have been introduced. However, whether using only water rather than chemical solvents would enable the surface smoothness and hardness required for accurate diagnostic and prosthetic procedures is unknown., Purpose: The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of resin type (water-washable or nonwater washable) and postprocessing cleaning solution on the surface roughness and microhardness of 3D printed dental cast resins., Material and Methods: One hundred eight disk-shaped specimens (Ø10×2 mm) were additively manufactured (AM) from 3 dental cast resins: 2 water-washable (Epax (WW1) and Phrozen (WW2)) and 1 nonwater-washable resin (KeyModel Ultra resin-beige (NWW)) with a printer (n=36). Specimens in each resin type were divided into 3 groups for the application of postprocessing cleaning solution (water, 98% isopropyl alcohol [IPA] or methyl ether solvent) and polymerized after cleaning. The surface roughness (R a , µm) and Vickers microhardness (HV) were measured. Laser microscope images were made of 1 specimen from each group., Results: NWW-IPA (control group) had a similar R a to WW2-water (P=.81) and WW2-methyl ether solvent (P=.511). NWW-IPA had lower HV than WW2-water (P<.001) and WW1-methyl ether solvent (P=.001). Solutions had no significant effect on the R a of WW1 (P≥.554) and WW2 (P≥.805). WW1 had higher surface irregularities with water, whereas no significant difference was visually observed with IPA or methyl ether solvent. Solutions had a similar effect on the surface of WW2 when evaluated visually with the laser microscope., Conclusions: Resin type and postprocessing cleaning solution affected the surface roughness and microhardness of 3D printed dental cast resins, except for the surface roughness of tested water-washable resins. Water or methyl ether solvent cleaned water-washable resin (WW2) had surface roughness and hardness similar to commonly used nonwater-washable cast resin., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The chemical composition, antioxidant capacity and functional properties of mixtures of baru by-products, named baru food ingredients (BFI), were investigated and applied in a plant-based burger formulation. BFI were prepared from wasted baru by-products - partially defatted baru nut cake and baru pulp plus peel. A plant-based burger was developed and its chemical composition, antioxidant capacity, cooking and texture parameters were determined. BFI 1 (50% partially defatted baru nut cake + 50% baru pulp plus peel) had the highest content of carbohydrate (31.9%), and dietary fibre (28.3%). BFI 2 (75% partially defatted baru nut cake + 25% baru pulp plus peel) and BFI 3 (90% partially defatted baru nut cake + 10% baru pulp plus peel) showed high concentration of protein and dietary fibre, and BFI 3 had the highest protein content (29.5%). All BFI showed high concentration of total phenolics (402-443 mg GAE/100 g). Replacing textured pea protein of control burger (PPB) with 35% of BFI 3 in the formulation of baru protein burger (BPB) resulted in a low-fat product (2.9%), with protein content (19.2%) comparable to the PPB (15.9%) and the commercial burger (mixed plant proteins - 16.3%). The BPB also showed a higher concentration of dietary fibre (4.9%) and phenolic compounds (128 mg GAE/100 g) than the control burger. BPB's cooking yield was the highest among the tested burgers. BPB had a softer texture when compared to other burgers. Baru food ingredients can be used as nutritive ingredients of health-promoting foods, especially in plant-based products, such as burger and meat analogues, or in hybrid meat products. BPB showed a healthy and nutritious profile., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

Background: Granular Cell Tumor (GCT) is an uncommon benign lesion in the oral cavity whose pathogenesis remains poorly understood. Due to their infrequent occurrence and similarity to other oral lesions, they are often forgotten during the initial clinical diagnosis. Therefore, understanding its prevalence, clinical and pathological characteristics is crucial for an accurate diagnosis and adequate management., Methods: All cases diagnosed as GCTs in six Brazilian and Argentinian oral diagnostic centers were re-evaluated by HE staining, and clinical, demographic, and histopathological data were collected and evaluated., Results: The series comprised 45 female (73.8%) and 16 male (26.2%), with a 2.8:1 female-to-male ratio and a mean age of 35.3 ± 16.9 years (range: 7-77 years). Most cases occurred on the tongue (n = 49; 81.6%) and presented clinically as asymptomatic papules or nodules (n = 50; 89.3%) with a normochromic (n = 25; 45.5%) or yellowish (n = 11; 20.0%) coloration and sizes ranging from 0.2 to 3.0 cm (mean ± SD: 1.40 ± 0.75 cm). Morphologically, most tumors were characterized by a poorly delimited proliferation (n = 52; 88.1%) of cells typically rounded to polygonal containing abundant, eosinophilic, finely granular cytoplasm. Pustulo-ovoid bodies of Milian were identified in all lesions (n = 61; 100%). Entrapment of skeletal striated muscle (n = 44; 72.1%) and nerve fibers (n = 42; 68.9%) were common findings. Pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia (PEH) was observed in 23 cases (39.0%). In only 27.7% of cases (n = 13) there was agreement between the clinical and histopathological diagnosis. Outcome information was available from 16 patients (26.2%), with clinical follow-up ranging from 4 to 36 months (mean 13.3 months), and none developed local recurrence., Conclusions: The clinical and histopathological features of GCTs were consistent with those described in previous studies. In general, these lesions have a predilection for the lateral region of the tongue in adult women. It is essential to consider GCTs in the differential diagnosis of yellow or normochromic papules and nodules in the oral cavity. Histopathological evaluation is essential for the definitive diagnosis and the prognosis is excellent., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Objective: To assess the effect of a blooming artifact reduction (BAR) filter on cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images in the dimensional analysis of dental implants., Study Design: Six types of implants (n = 5 for each type) composed of titanium (3 types), titanium-zirconia alloy, zirconium oxide, and titanium-aluminum-vanadium alloy, and made with 2 manufacturing processes (milled and printed) were individually installed in a bovine rib block according to the manufacturer's protocol. CBCT images were acquired with i-CAT and Carestream scanners, randomized, and analyzed without and with the e-Vol DX BAR filter (60 images for each scanner). Implant length, diameter, and thread-to-thread distance were measured by two radiologists, with a stereomicroscopic image of each implant as the reference standard for calculation of distortion in measurements. Repeated measures ANOVA with Bonferroni corrections and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were applied (α = 0.05)., Results: The BAR filter significantly reduced distortion in various parameters for specific implants, aligning closely with stereomicroscopic measurements. Titanium and printed implants showed reduced dimensional distortion regardless of BAR filter use. Carestream measurements presented smaller dimensional differences than i-CAT for most implants and parameters, especially without BAR (P < .05). Interexaminer reliability was good to excellent, with ICC ranging from 0.80 to 0.95., Conclusions: The BAR filter can enhance implant dimensional analysis, although variations based on implant material and manufacturing process were observed., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: This study aims to report clinicopathologic and imaging features of odontogenic myxomas (OM), highlighting uncommon findings., Methods: Clinicopathologic and imaging data of OMs diagnosed in the five Brazilian diagnostic pathology centers were collected and analyzed., Results: The series comprised 42 females (68.9%) and 19 males (31.1%), with a 2.2:1 female-to-male ratio and a mean age of 34.5±15.4 years (range: 4-80). Clinically, most OMs presented as painless intraoral swelling (n = 36; 70.6%) in the mandible (n=37; 59.7%). Multilocular lesions (n=30; 83.3%) were more common than unilocular lesions (n=6; 16.7%). There was no statistically significant difference between the average size of unilocular and multilocular OMs (p=0.2431). The borders of OMs were mainly well-defined (n=24; 66.7%) with different degrees of cortication. Only seven tumors caused tooth resorption (15.9%), while 24 (54.5%) caused tooth displacement. Cortical bone perforation was observed in 12 (38.7%) cases. Morphologically, OMs were characterized mainly by stellate or spindle-shaped cells in a myxoid background (n=53; 85.5%). Surgical resection was the most common treatment modality (n=15; 65.2%), followed by conservative surgery (n=8; 34.8%). Outcomes were available in 20 cases (32.3%). Seven of these patients had local recurrence (35%). Enucleation was the treatment with the highest recurrence rate (4/7; 57.1%)., Conclusions: OM has a predilection for the posterior region of the jaws of female adults. Despite their bland morphological appearance, they displayed diverse imaging features. Clinicians must include the OM in the differential diagnosis of osteolytic lesions of the jaws. A long follow-up is needed to monitor possible recurrences., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Opioids are administered epidurally (PV) to provide trans- and postoperative analgesia. Twenty healthy female cats aged between 6 and 24 months and weighing between 2 and 3.7 kg, undergoing elective ovariohysterectomy (OVH), were induced with propofol (8 mg/kg), followed by continuous infusion (0.1-0.4 mg/kg/min). Three groups were defined: CG (0.1 mL/kg of iodinated contrast, n = 6), G0.1 (0.1 mg/kg of morphine, n = 7), and G0.2 (0.2 mg/kg of morphine, n = 7) per VP. All received 0.1 mL/kg of iodinated contrast per VP and injection water to obtain a total of 0.3 mL/kg. Heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), temperature, expired CO 2 , oxygen saturation, and number of rescue analgesics were monitored. Postoperatively, a multidimensional scale was used to assess acute pain in cats for 12 h. The mean HR and SBP in the CG were higher at the time of maximum noxious stimulation and required fentanyl in all groups. Postoperatively, 83%, 28%, and 7% of the animals in CG, G0.1, and G0.2, respectively, received rescue analgesia. In cats undergoing OVH, epidural morphine at doses of 0.1 and 0.2 mg/kg did not prevent the need for intraoperative rescue analgesia but reduced the postoperative analgesic needed.

The necessity of animal-free performance tests for novel ophthalmic formulation screening is challenging. For this, we developed and validated a new device to simulate the dynamics and physical-chemical barriers of the eye for in vitro performance tests of topic ophthalmic formulations. The OphthalMimic is a 3D-printed device with an artificial lacrimal flow, a cul-de-sac area, a support base, and a simulated cornea comprised of a polymeric membrane containing poly-vinyl alcohol 10 % (w/v), gelatin 2.5 % (w/v), and different proportions of mucin and poloxamer, i.e., 1:1 (M1), 1:2 (M2), and 2:1 (M3) w/v, respectively. The support base is designed to move between 0° and 50° to replicate the movement of an eyelid. We challenged the model by testing the residence performance of poloxamer®407 16 % and poloxamer®407 16 % + chitosan 1 % (PLX16CS10) gels containing fluconazole. The test was conducted with a simulated tear flow of 1.0 mL.min -1 for 5 min. The OphthalMimic successfully distinguished PLX16 and PLX16C10 formulations based on their fluconazole drainage (M1: 65 ± 14 % and 27 ± 10 %; M2: 58 ± 6 % and 38 ± 9 %; M3: 56 ± 5 % and 38 ± 18 %). In conclusion, the OphthalMimic is a promising tool for comparing the animal-free performance of ophthalmic formulations., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Preterm birth and prolonged neonatal hospitalization are potential sources of stress for mothers of preterm and low birth weight infants., Aim: To evaluate maternal stress and its association with neurobehavioral indicators of preterm infants during hospitalization in the neonatal intensive care unit., Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a neonatal intensive care unit of a hospital in Goiânia, Brazil. The study included preterm and low birth weight infants of both genders and their mothers. The Parental Stressor Scale: Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and the Neurobehavioral Assessment of the Preterm Infant were respectively applied to mothers and infants in the neonatal intensive care unit., Results: The study involved 165 premature infants and their mothers. The mean age of the mothers was 26.3 years and most had a high school education level (57.6%). Mothers perceived the experience of having an infant in the neonatal intensive care unit as moderately stressful (2.96 ± 0.81). The parental role alteration (4.11 ± 1.03) and sights and sounds (2.15 ± 0.90) subscales exhibited the highest and lowest stress levels, respectively. Significant correlations (rho < -0.3; p < 0.05) were found between maternal stress and neurobehavioral indicators of infants. In the multivariate analysis, low leg tone was a predictor of higher maternal stress. Low tone and limited arm movement were predictors of higher maternal stress in the maternal role item., Conclusions: The experience of having a preterm infant hospitalized was considered moderately stressful for mothers. Maternal stress levels were significantly correlated with low scores on neonatal neurobehavioral indicators.

Soybean cultivation in tropical regions relies on symbioses with nitrogen-fixing Bradyrhizobium and plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPBs), reducing environmental impacts of N fertilizers and pesticides. We evaluate the effects of soybean inoculation with different bacterial consortia combined with PGPBs or microbial secondary metabolites (MSMs) on rhizosoil chemistry, plant physiology, plant nutrition, grain yield, and rhizosphere microbial functions under field conditions over three growing seasons with four treatments: standard inoculation of Bradyrhizobium japonicum and Bradyrhizobium diazoefficiens consortium (SI); SI plus foliar spraying with Bacillus subtilis (SI + Bs); SI plus foliar spraying with Azospirillum brasilense (SI + Az); and SI plus seed application of MSMs enriched in lipo-chitooligosaccharides extracted from B. diazoefficiens and Rhizobium tropici (SI + MSM). Rhizosphere microbial composition, diversity, and function was assessed by metagenomics. The relationships between rhizosoil chemistry, plant nutrition, grain yield, and the abundance of microbial taxa and functions were determined by generalized joint attribute modeling. The bacterial consortia had the most significant impact on rhizosphere soil fertility, which in turn affected the bacterial community, plant physiology, nutrient availability, and production. Cluster analysis identified microbial groups and functions correlated with shifts in rhizosoil chemistry and plant nutrition. Bacterial consortia positively modulated specific genera and functional pathways involved in biosynthesis of plant secondary metabolites, amino acids, lipopolysaccharides, photosynthesis, bacterial secretion systems, and sulfur metabolism. The effects of the bacterial consortia on the soybean holobiont, particularly the rhizomicrobiome and rhizosoil fertility, highlight the importance of selecting appropriate consortia for desired outcomes. These findings have implications for microbial-based agricultural practices that enhance crop productivity, quality, and sustainability., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Through enviromics, precision breeding leverages innovative geotechnologies to customize crop varieties to specific environments, potentially improving both crop yield and genetic selection gains. In Brazil's four southernmost states, data from 183 distinct geographic field trials (also accounting for 2017-2021) covered information on 164 genotypes: 79 phenotyped maize hybrid genotypes for grain yield and their 85 nonphenotyped parents. Additionally, 1342 envirotypic covariates from weather, soil, sensor-based, and satellite sources were collected to engineer 10 K synthetic enviromic markers via machine learning. Soil, radiation light, and surface temperature variations remarkably affect differential genotype yield, hinting at ecophysiological adjustments including evapotranspiration and photosynthesis. The enviromic ensemble-based random regression model showcases superior predictive performance and efficiency compared to the baseline and kernel models, matching the best genotypes to specific geographic coordinates. Clustering analysis has identified regions that minimize genotype-environment (G × E) interactions. These findings underscore the potential of enviromics in crafting specific parental combinations to breed new, higher-yielding hybrid crops. The adequate use of envirotypic information can enhance the precision and efficiency of maize breeding by providing important inputs about the environmental factors that affect the average crop performance. Generating enviromic markers associated with grain yield can enable a better selection of hybrids for specific environments., (© 2024 The Author(s). New Phytologist © 2024 New Phytologist Foundation.)

The aim was to compare reproductive outcomes of Nelore heifers submitted to timed AI (TAI) protocols, with 7 or 9 d of permanence of the intravaginal progesterone (P4) device and different times of prostaglandin F2α (PGF) administration, for first (n = 935) and second (n = 530) services. On Day -24, heifers without corpus luteum (CL) underwent a protocol for induction of ovulation. On Day 0, heifers received a P4 device (0.5 g) and 1.5 mg estradiol (E2) benzoate. In order for the TAI to be carried out on the same day, these treatments were performed 2 d later on the heifers treated with the 7-d protocol. Additionally, heifers received 0.5 mg PGF at different times, resulting in four experimental groups: 9dP4-PGFd9 (n = 365); 9dP4-PGFd7 (n = 369); 9dP4-PGFd0&9 (n = 364); 7dP4-PGFd0&7 (n = 367). These nomenclatures indicate for how many d the P4 device was kept and the specific day on which PGF was given. At P4 removal, all heifers received 0.5 mg E2 cypionate and 200 IU eCG, and TAI was performed 2 d later. Effects were considered significant when P ≤ 0.05 (superscript letters a,b ) whereas a tendency was assumed when 0.05 < P ≤ 0.10. Groups 9dP4-PGFd0&9 and 7dP4-PGFd0&7 had lower percentage of heifers with CL at P4 removal. The diameter (mm) of the dominant follicle (DF) was affected by treatment at P4 removal (9dP4-PGFd9: 11.3 ± 0.3 b ; 9dP4-PGFd7: 11.8 ± 0.2 ab ; 9dP4-PGFd0&9: 12.6 ± 0.2 a ; 7dP4-PGFd0&7: 10.8 ± 0.2 c ) and at TAI (9dP4-PGFd9: 12.7 ± 0.3 ab ; 9dP4-PGFd7: 13.2 ± 0.2 a ; 9dP4-PGFd0&9: 13.4 ± 0.2 a ; 7dP4-PGFd0&7: 12.4 ± 0.3 b ). Expression of estrus (%) was affected by treatment (9dP4-PGFd9: 89.6 a ; 9dP4-PGFd7: 93.5 a ; 9dP4-PGFd0&9: 88.2 ab ; 7dP4-PGFd0&7: 85.6 b ). There were no differences among treatments for P/AI on Day 40 (30-35 d post AI), final P/AI (between Day 70 and parturition) and pregnancy loss (between Day 40 and final P/AI). When the permanence of the P4 device was compared, regardless of PGF treatments, 9-d protocols resulted in greater DF diameter at P4 removal and at TAI, and greater expression of estrus (90.4 vs. 85.6%) than the 7-d protocol. Despite that, the 7-d protocol resulted in greater P/AI on Day 40 (55.3 vs. 49.1%). In addition, there was an interaction between protocol duration and body weight, in which heavier heifers (≥ 307 kg) had greater P/AI when treated with the 7-d protocol, in comparison to 9-d. In conclusion, longer TAI protocols (9 d of P4 device duration) resulted in greater DF diameter and expression of estrus. However, the shorter TAI protocol (7 d of P4 device duration) produced greater P/AI on Day 40, particularly in heavier heifers. Within 9-d protocols, the additional dose of PGF on Day 0 or the anticipation of the PGF to Day 7 did not influence fertility., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The diversity of sustainable certifications raises questions about the credibility, intentions, and impacts of Voluntary Sustainability Standards (VSS) on Global Value Chains (GVC). Few studies show the impacts of VSS on different sustainable dimensions in sectors such as the non-timber forest product (NTFP) sector. This paper aims to investigate in the value chain of the most important NTFP in the Amazon, açaí, whether VSS contributes to sustainable outcomes in the Governance, Environmental, Economic, and Social dimensions. Using case studies in enterprises of the açaí chain and the use of tools and indicators was possible to generate information that is currently scarce for NTFPs in the Amazon from the VSS perspective. The results show that there is a great distance that the weakest links of the GVC (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises - MSMEs) must walk to adopt VSS and be inserted into the global market. The requirements are based on bureaucratic management activities, which are extraordinarily complex and involve many issues and indicators. The VSS lacks supplements that evaluate and validate the results reported by the companies as sustainable. Finally, the VSS is still far from ensuring an inclusive and fully sustainable chain by itself., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (© 2024 The Authors.)

Objective: To report the clinicopathologic features of 19 oral solitary fibrous tumors (SFTs)., Methods: Clinical data were collected from the records of seven pathology services. All cases were re-evaluated by HE staining and confirmed by immunohistochemistry., Results: The series comprised 11 females (57.9%) and 8 males (42.1%), with a mean age of 47.3 ± 14.7 years (range: 22-71 years) and a 1.3:1 female-to-male ratio. Most tumors affected the buccal mucosa (n = 7; 36.8%) and presented clinically as an asymptomatic solitary submucosal well-circumscribed nodule with coloration similar to the oral mucosa. Morphologically, most SFTs (n = 10; 52.6%) exhibited a classic hybrid pattern characterized by a well-circumscribed proliferation of densely cellular areas alternating with hypocellular areas in a variably collagenous vascular stroma. Remnants of accessory salivary glands were observed in two cases (n = 2; 10.5%). All tumors were positive for STAT6 and CD34 (n = 19; 100%). Outcome information was available from 6 patients (31.6%), with clinical follow-up ranging from 6 to 24 months (mean ± SD, 9.5 ± 6.8 months), and none developed local recurrence., Conclusions: Oral SFTs are rare and often clinically misdiagnosed. Pathologists should consider SFT in the differential diagnosis of oral spindle cell tumors. Accurate diagnosis requires careful morphological evaluation supported by immunohistochemical analysis., (© 2023 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Background: This study aimed to compare the diagnostic yield of the FRAIL scale with respect to the physical frailty phenotype measure and their association with mortality in non-dialysis-dependent patients., Methods: In this prospective cohort study, non-dialysis dependent patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) stages 3b-5 seen in the nephrology outpatient clinics of two university hospitals were included. The presence of frailty was evaluated by physical frailty phenotype measure and the FRAIL scale. Patients were evaluated for six months, and mortality was recorded. The Kappa test was used to evaluate the diagnostic properties between the methods, and logistic regression to test the association between frailty and mortality., Results: One hundred fifty-three patients were evaluated; average age was 65 (56-70) years, 50.9% were women, and the all-cause mortality rate was 2.6%. Forty-six patients were classified as living with frailty according to the physical frailty phenotype while 36 patients were rated frail by the FRAIL scale. In adults < 60 years of age, the FRAIL scale showed good accuracy (84.9%) and specificity (93.2%) but had low sensitivity (41.3%) and moderate agreement (Kappa = 0.41; p < 0.001) compared to the definition of the physical frailty phenotype. The adjusted logistic regression model showed that the patients with frailty assessed by the FRAIL scale had a greater chance of mortality than the non-frail patients (OR: 6.8; CI95%:1.477-31.513; p = 0.014)., Conclusion: Physical frailty phenotype identifies more patients as having pre-frailty and frailty in non-dialysis dependent patients as compared to the FRAIL scale. However, the FRAIL scale is a simple bedside tool that can be useful for screening for frailty and whose results were associated with mortality., (© 2024. The Author(s) under exclusive licence to Italian Society of Nephrology.)

Purpose: To analyze breastfeeding and the factors that positively influence the first hour of life, during hospitalization, and at discharge during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic., Design and Method: This is a retrospective cohort study, with data collected from medical records. Consisting of 225 mother-newborn dyads with deliveries between 2020 and 2021. Breastfeeding in the first hour of life, during hospitalization, and at discharge was considered as the outcome variable. The independent variables were sociodemographic, obstetric, and neonatal data. The analysis was performed with bivariate and multivariate regression through a generalized linear model (Poisson family), with a 5% significance level. It was approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB), under approval number 4,911,317., Result: Newborns of women without COVID-19 suspicion or diagnosis and who had skin-to-skin contact with their mother at birth are twice as likely to be breastfed in the first hour of life. Absence of complications in the newborn during hospitalization and no COVID-19 suspicion or diagnosis double the exclusive breastfeeding rate during hospitalization. Newborns exclusively breastfed during hospitalization present 1.6 times more chances of being exclusively breastfeeding at hospital discharge., Conclusion: It was evidence that women who gave birth without COVID-19 suspicion, and newborns who had skin-to-skin contact with their mother at birth represented a predictive factor for favoring exclusive breastfeeding., Practice Implications: This research contributes to the innovation of evaluating breastfeeding in the newborn's first hour of life, during hospitalization, and at discharge in a pandemic context., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest We declare as authors of this article that we do not have either any competing interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Published by Elsevier Inc.)

This study aimed to analyze the communication process of healthcare professionals for the promotion of health literacy. It is a qualitative study that utilized individual online interviews with 46 healthcare professionals working in Brazil. The thematic content analysis technique proposed by Bardin was employed, and Atlas Ti software assisted in the assessment and interpretation of the texts. Content categorization revealed 26 sub-themes, and the coding of these identified nine themes and three categories. The communication process in health literacy education was composed of a set of interdependent and interrelated variables termed emotions, professional preparedness, interprofessional collaboration, patient needs assessment, building rapport, family inclusion in the educational process, environmental aspects, strategies, and resources for teaching and learning. These data may support the analysis of health communication in healthcare services, the creation of data collection instruments, and the development of training programs to enhance skills within the context of the identified variables.

For vaccine development and adoption decisions, the 'Full Value of Vaccine Assessment' (FVVA) framework has been proposed by the WHO to expand the range of evidence available to support the prioritization of candidate vaccines for investment and eventual uptake by low- and middle-income countries. Recent applications of the FVVA framework have already shown benefits. Building on the success of these applications, we see important new opportunities to maximize the future utility of FVVAs to country and global stakeholders and provide a proof-of-concept for analyses in other areas of disease control and prevention. These opportunities include the following: (1) FVVA producers should aim to create evidence that explicitly meets the needs of multiple key FVVA consumers, (2) the WHO and other key stakeholders should develop standardized methodologies for FVVAs, as well as guidance for how different stakeholders can explicitly reflect their values within the FVVA framework, and (3) the WHO should convene experts to further develop and prioritize the research agenda for outcomes and benefits relevant to the FVVA and elucidate methodological approaches and opportunities for standardization not only for less well-established benefits, but also for any relevant research gaps. We encourage FVVA stakeholders to engage with these opportunities.

This study evaluates a new multiport device with single access to the abdominal cavity produced with routine hospital supplies that could be applied to laparoscopically assisted cryptorchidectomy in standing horses. Initially, the new device was evaluated on five cadavers of bovine fetuses ( n = 5), placed assisted in a minilaparotomy performed in the flank region. Subsequently, the device was evaluated in four cryptorchid horses treated during the hospital routine. During the evaluation of the new device, the possibilities of exploring the abdominal cavity, inspection, and intra-abdominal manipulation with two Babcock forceps were verified. The possibilities were described, and surgical time data were recorded and analyzed using descriptive statistics. In the cadavers, a wide exploration of the abdominal cavity was possible, with a laparoscopic inspection through the right paralumbar fossa and manipulation of intra-abdominal structures with Babcock forceps inserted by the new device. In cryptorchid horses, laparoscopically assisted cryptorchidectomy with a new device was feasible in two patients, and in the others, it allowed the diagnosis of adhesions and ectopic locations in the inguinal region of testicles retained in the cavity. Therefore, the new device was efficient in exploring the inguinal region of cryptorchid horses in the standing position. The present study is preliminary and can support future studies that aim to improve the developed prototype.

In this study, gilthead sea bream ( Sparus aurata ) fast muscle myoblasts were stimulated with two pro-growth treatments, amino acids (AA) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (Igf-1), to analyze the transcriptional response of mRNAs, microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and to explore their possible regulatory network using bioinformatic approaches. AA had a higher impact on transcription (1795 mRNAs changed) compared to Igf-1 (385 mRNAs changed). Both treatments stimulated the transcription of mRNAs related to muscle differentiation (GO:0042692) and sarcomere (GO:0030017), while AA strongly stimulated DNA replication and cell division (GO:0007049). Both pro-growth treatments altered the transcription of over 100 miRNAs, including muscle-specific miRNAs (myomiRs), such as miR-133a/b , miR-206 , miR-499 , miR-1 , and miR-27a . Among 111 detected lncRNAs (>1 FPKM), only 30 were significantly changed by AA and 11 by Igf-1. Eight lncRNAs exhibited strong negative correlations with several mRNAs, suggesting a possible regulation, while 30 lncRNAs showed strong correlations and interactions with several miRNAs, suggesting a role as sponges. This work is the first step in the identification of the ncRNAs network controlling muscle development and growth in gilthead sea bream, pointing out potential regulatory mechanisms in response to pro-growth signals.

The growing consumer interest fueled by the belief in the superiority of organic foods raises questions about their actual nutritional superiority over conventional ones. This assumption remains a controversial issue. The present study addresses scientific evidence to clarify this controversy and provide relevant insights for informed decision-making regarding dietary choices. We collected 147 scientific articles containing 656 comparative analyses based on 1779 samples of 68 vegetable, fruit, and other (cereals, pulses, etc.) foods, 22 nutritional properties, and nine residues. Results show that in 191 (29.1%) comparisons, there were significant differences between organic and conventional foods. In a similar quantity of cases (190; 29.0%), there were divergences in the results since some studies reported significant differences while others did not. Finally, most of the comparative analyses (275; 41.9%) showed no significant difference between organic and conventional foods. Therefore, the results herein show no generalizable superiority of organic over conventional foods. Claims for nutritious advantages would eventually be applied to specific comparisons, depending on the food type and nutritional parameter., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (© 2024 The Authors.)

Brazil's major beef production occurs in the Cerrado, predominantly as extensive pastures that covers ∼50 Mha of the biome, of which approximately 2/3 show signs of degradation. Pasture recovery is now a key environmental policy, as it improves land use efficiency and soil carbon sequestration. However, as intensification leads to higher cattle stocking rates and external inputs (fertilizers, liming, etc.), the impact of improved pastures on greenhouse gas mitigation is still debatable. This study focused on the Cerrado biome and aimed to (i) quantify soil carbon stock changes under different scenarios of management and recovery of degraded pastures. In addition, (ii) the potential for capturing carbon in the soil to mitigate emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG) by the intensification of pastures was evaluated. Soil C stock changes (0-20 cm) were assessed using the Century model version 4.5, which had been previously validated for the region. Model parameters were adjusted for three pastures classes (degraded, intermediately degraded, and not degraded) within a time-series (1985-2020) of land use maps for the Cerrado, serving as baselines. Scenarios of pasture intensification were modeled against these baselines, and an analysis was carried out on the estimated changes in soil C stock and greenhouse gas balance. Before the intensification scenario (year 2020), the total carbon stock was estimated to be ∼1830 Mt for the whole pasture area, whose spatial distribution corresponded to edaphoclimatic contrasts and pasture conditions. The highest soil organic carbon stocks were observed in the non-degraded pastures. With the increase in carrying capacity, beef production is estimated to potentially increase by 1/3 due to the recovery of degraded areas through intensive management. This increase would be sufficient to meet the projected ∼12% increase in Brazil's livestock production by the end of the decade if all pasture areas are restored, which is much possibly an unrealistic scenario as not all degraded areas are suitable for crops or can successfully improve pasture yield. In addition, the increase in soil C stocks was only sufficient to compensate for 27% and 42% of the GHG emissions resulting from intensification in areas with intermediate and severe degradation, respectively. Therefore, to strike a balance between economic considerations and environmental impact, additional strategies are needed to reduce GHG emissions and/or enhance C sinks, such as increasing tree density on farms. From this perspective, implementing livestock intensification at the landscape scale can promote C stocks and the diversity of ecosystem services, opening the possibility of ecosystem restoration., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Extended periods of water stress negatively affect sugarcane crop production. The foliar application of supplements containing specific nutrients and/or organic molecules such as amino acids can improve sugarcane metabolism, stalk and sugar yields, and the quality of the extracted juice. The present study assessed the effectiveness of the foliar application of an abiotic stress protection complement (ASPC) composed of 18 amino acids and 5 macronutrients. The experiments were carried out in the field with two treatments and twelve replicates. The two treatments were no application of ASPC (control) and foliar application of ASPC. The foliar application of ASPC increased the activity of antioxidant enzymes. The Trolox-equivalent antioxidant capacity (DPPH) was higher in ASPC-treated plants than in control plants, reflecting higher antioxidant enzyme activity and lower malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. The level of H 2 O 2 was 11.27 nM g -1 protein in plants treated with ASPC but 23.71 nM g -1 protein in control plants. Moreover, the application of ASPC increased stalk yield and sucrose accumulation, thus increasing the quality of the raw material. By positively stabilizing the cellular redox balance in sugarcane plants, ASPC application also increased energy generation. Therefore, applying ASPC is an effective strategy for relieving water stress while improving crop productivity.

Pequi is a native and popular fruit in Cerrado biome. The internal yellow-orange mesocarp is the edible fraction of the fruit, but its shell (peel and external mesocarp), which comprises 80% of the fruit, is not used by the agro-industry during fruit processing. There is a growing interest in the reduction of food loss and waste because of environmental, economic, and social impacts. So this study evaluated the chemical composition, antioxidant capacity, and in vitro prebiotic activity of pequi shell flour. Pequi shell flour was obtained from the lyophilization and milling of pequi shell. The content of dietary fibers, oligosaccharides, sugars, organic acids, total phenolics and tannins, polyphenol profile, and antioxidant capacity was determined in pequi shell flour. In addition, its prebiotic activity was evaluated on growth and metabolism of probiotics Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains. Pequi shell flour has a high content of dietary fibers (47.92 g/100 g), soluble fibers (18.65 g/100 g), raffinose (2.39 g/100 g), and phenolic compounds (14,062.40 mg gallic acid equivalents/100 g). For the first time, the polyphenols epigallocatechin gallate, epicatechin, and procyanidin B2 were identified in this by-product. Pequi shell flour promoted greater growth of Lacticaseibacillus casei L-26 (at 24-48 h) and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12, as well as higher prebiotic activity scores than fructooligosaccharides (standard prebiotic). Pequi shell flour is rich in prebiotic compounds and has a high antioxidant and prebiotic potential. The promising results encourage its use as an ingredient with antioxidant and potential prebiotic properties to elaborate new functional foods and nutraceuticals.

This systematic review and meta-analysis (PROSPERO CRD42023428105) investigated the effect of dancing on depression and anxiety symptoms in older adults. Conducted up to October 2023, the search across seven databases and gray literature yielded 5020 records. Only randomized trials that analyzed dance interventions for depression and/or anxiety in older adults were included. Nineteen randomized trials, involving 508 participants in dance classes lasting 5 weeks to 18 months, were included and 16 were subjected to meta-analysis. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane tool. The meta-analysis showed a statistically significant reduction in depression among older adults participating in dance interventions ( p < 0.01). A decrease in depressive symptoms was significant compared to that in those involved in no other intervention ( p = 0.02) but not compared to that achieved with other interventions in control groups ( p = 0.96). Subgroup analysis showed no significant differences in depression scores for those with mild cognitive impairment ( p = 0.47). These conclusions are associated with moderate bias and very low certainty. Due to heterogeneity and the small number of studies, conclusions for anxiety outcomes could not be drawn. These results underscore the potential clinical relevance of integrating dance into mental health interventions for older adults, thereby highlighting a promising avenue for enhancing the mental well-being of this demographic.

Background: Developmental defects of enamel (DDE) are a result of disturbances during formation and maturation of the enamel. Evaluating the most-cited DDE papers can provide important tools that point to the gaps and strengths of this important topic in dentistry., Summary: This bibliometric study analyzed the 100 most-cited papers on DDE. Using a combined keyword search strategy, the 100 most-cited papers were selected in the Web of Science Core Collection. Papers that addressed any type of DDE were included. The extracted data were title, number of citations, study theme, authorship, journal, type of DDE, type of dentition (primary or permanent), type of diagnosis, study design, year, and country of publication. The bibliometric networks were generated through VOSviewer software. The 100 papers had a range from 78 to 459 citations. The main themes of studies were etiopathogenesis (53%), prevalence and incidence (22%), and diagnosis (8%). The authors with the highest number of citations were Goodman AH and Rose JC (459 citations). Most articles were published in dental journals (47%). The most studied types of DDE were fluorosis and amelogenesis imperfecta in the permanent dentition (47%). Observational (24%) and non-systematic reviews (24%) were the most common study designs and ranged from 1977 to 2019. The country with the highest number of publications was the USA (41%)., Key Messages: Most of the top 100 DDE papers were about fluorosis and amelogenesis imperfecta, with top papers from three continents with English as the native language. This topic is of great importance in dentistry, and the need for further studies is highlighted, especially regarding the diagnosis and treatment of some DDEs., (© 2023 S. Karger AG, Basel.)

Brazil was one of the countries most affected during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, in a pre-vaccine era, and mathematical and statistical models were used in decision-making and public policies to mitigate and suppress SARS-CoV-2 dispersion. In this article, we intend to overview the modeling for COVID-19 in Brazil, focusing on the first 18 months of the pandemic. We conducted a scoping review and searched for studies on infectious disease modeling methods in peer-reviewed journals and gray literature, published between January 01, 2020, and June 2, 2021, reporting real-world or scenario-based COVID-19 modeling for Brazil. We included 81 studies, most corresponding to published articles produced in Brazilian institutions. The models were dynamic and deterministic in the majority. The predominant model type was compartmental, but other models were also found. The main modeling objectives were to analyze epidemiological scenarios (testing interventions' effectiveness) and to project short and long-term predictions, while few articles performed economic impact analysis. Estimations of the R0 and transmission rates or projections regarding the course of the epidemic figured as major, especially at the beginning of the crisis. However, several other outputs were forecasted, such as the isolation/quarantine effect on transmission, hospital facilities required, secondary cases caused by infected children, and the economic effects of the pandemic. This study reveals numerous articles with shared objectives and similar methods and data sources. We observed a deficiency in addressing social inequities in the Brazilian context within the utilized models, which may also be expected in several low- and middle-income countries with significant social disparities. We conclude that the models were of great relevance in the pandemic scenario of COVID-19. Nevertheless, efforts could be better planned and executed with improved institutional organization, dialogue among research groups, increased interaction between modelers and epidemiologists, and establishment of a sustainable cooperation network., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright: © 2023 Berg de Almeida et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.)

This study estimated biomass and carbon from components, future carbon values ​​and to obtain economic productive value of carbon fixation of a Seasonal Semideciduous Forest. Biomass and carbon were estimated using adjusted equations and selected using regression statistics. The prognosis of the diametric distribution was performed using the movement ratio method. In the economic evaluation, it was estimated productive value of the stand, referring to the current and future carbon fixation capacity. The coefficients of determination (adjusted R²) of the equations ranged from 0.11 to 0.90 and the standard error of the estimate (Syx) ranged from 41.53% to 141.89% for the biomass of the components, and from 0.03 to 0.87 for adjusted R² and from 46.20% to 143.64% for the error, for stored carbon in the components. The total biomass of the tree component estimated was 56.25 t ha-1 and 25.88 t ha-1 of total carbon. Using the future distributions by the method of the ratio of movements, total stored carbon (aerial + roots) estimated was 14.44 t. ha-1 over the 20-year period. The productive value for the fragment reached R$ 299.95 per ha. year-1.

With the increasing concomitant demands for Brazilian beef and in particular high-quality beef, there is a need for observational studies of the effects of pre- and post-slaughter practices on beef carcass traits. We hypothesized in our case study that pre-slaughter transport of bovines over significant distances would induce stress in animals, and that this would reduce carcass quality because of higher pH resulting from long-distance transportation. To test this hypothesis, 30,230 Nellore carcasses from a private slaughterhouse were evaluated 24 h postmortem . Analysis showed correlations between animal maturity, ultimate pH, distance, and carcass weight. More precisely, there was a slight positive correlation between ultimate pH and weight (but not with transportation distance) and a slight positive correlation between maturity and weight. A linear regression model ( R 2  = 0.016) failed to show distance having a significant effect on ultimate pH ( P  < 0.001) with a low coefficient of 0.0003. Maturity negatively affected ultimate pH also ( P  < 0.001) but with also a small effect (-0.0008). Results (from 95% confidence intervals of variance of the random effects and of the random errors) showed that the variability within farms was higher than between farms. The linear mixed model showed that maturity had a significant effect on carcass weight value ( P  < 0.001) with a large coefficient of 2.90. The P of the linear mixed model was 46.03%. In conclusion, while weight and maturity both affect ultimate pH, long distances did not significantly impact ultimate pH and therefore the beef quality from Nellore cattle. This could be because of low stress during transport, as well as the physical characteristics of the Nellore breed that favor greater resistance to tropical climatic conditions.R 2 of the linear mixed model was 46.03%. In conclusion, while weight and maturity both affect ultimate pH, long distances did not significantly impact ultimate pH and therefore the beef quality from Nellore cattle. This could be because of low stress during transport, as well as the physical characteristics of the Nellore breed that favor greater resistance to tropical climatic conditions., (© The Author(s) 2023. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the American Society of Animal Science.)

Heliotropium elongatum is used to treat inflammation, cough, and flu. This study aimed to characterize the phytochemical profile and determine the total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant and cytogenotoxic activity of the ethanolic extract (EE), and fractions of H. elongatum leaves. In the phytochemical profile analysis, organic acids, reducing sugars, flavonoids, saponins, anthraquinones, steroids/triterpenes, and depsides/depsidones were detected in the EE and/or fractions (hexanic/FH, chloroformic/FC, ethyl acetate/FAE, and hydromethanolic/FHM). The highest TPC and highest antioxidant activity (DPPH and ABTS) was detected in FHM. In FH, 16 compounds were identified by GC-MS, and ursolic acid was isolated by 1 H NMR and 13 C NMR. HPLC-DAD from EE, FAE, and FHM demonstrated characteristic wavelengths for flavonoids, flavonols, flavones, and anthraquinones. ESI-IT/MS n analysis of EE, FC, FAE, and FHM revealed alkaloids, steroids, terpenoids, flavonoids, and phenolic acids. In Allium cepa assay there was no significant cytotoxic effect initiated by EE (62.5 to 1,000 µg/ml), FHM (1,000 µg/ml), and FAE (62.5 µg/ml). Genotoxicity was evidenced only with EE at 500 and 1,000 µg/ml, and FHM (62.5 to 1,000 µg/ml) as evidenced by presence of micronuclei (MN) and nuclear buds (NB). Our results identified compounds of medicinal interest with antioxidant activity; however observed cytogenotoxic changes indicated the need for caution when using these compounds for therapeutic purposes.

Lipoproteins are immunostimulatory bacterial components suggested to participate in inflammation-induced bone loss in periodontal disease through stimulation of osteoclast differentiation. Toll-like receptor 2 activation by Pam2CSK4 (PAM2), known to mimic bacterial lipoproteins, was previously shown to enhance periodontal bone resorption in mice. The anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-4 (IL-4) is a known inhibitor of RANKL-induced bone resorption in vitro. Here, we have investigated whether IL-4 could decrease PAM2-induced periodontal bone loss and osteoclastogenesis in vivo. In a model of periodontitis induced by gingival injections of PAM2 in mice, concomitant injections of IL-4 reduced bone loss. Histologically, IL-4 reduced the recruitment of inflammatory cells and the formation of TRAP+ osteoclasts stimulated by PAM2. Mouse bone marrow macrophages (BMMs) and neonatal calvarial osteoblasts were used to assess the effect of IL-4 on PAM2-induced osteoclastogenesis in vitro. In RANKL-primed BMMs stimulated by PAM2 Nfatc1, Ctsk, and Acp5 gene expression was up-regulated and resulted in robust formation of TRAP+ multinucleated osteoclasts, effects which were impaired by IL-4. These effects were mediated by impairment in PAM2-induced c-fos expression. In primary calvarial osteoblast cultures, IL-4 decreased PAM2-induced Tnfsf11 (encoding RANKL) mRNA and enhanced Tnfrsf11b (encoding OPG) expression. Our data demonstrate that the osteoprotective effect by IL-4 on lipoprotein-induced periodontal disease occurs through the inhibition of osteoclastogenesis by three mechanisms, one by acting directly on osteoclast progenitors, another by acting indirectly through decreasing the expression of osteoclast-regulating cytokines in osteoblasts and a third by decreasing inflammation., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Since angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, ACE2, was identified as the receptor for SARS-CoV-2 and considering the intense physiological interplay between the two angitensinases isoforms, ACE and ACE2, as counter-regulatory axis of the renin-angiotensin system, we proposed the evaluation of polymorphisms in these two key regulators in relation to COVID-19 severity. A genetic association study involving 621 COVID-19 hospitalized patients from Brazil was performed. All subjects had a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 via RT-PCR. Patients were categorized into two groups: the "mild" group (N = 296), composed of individuals hospitalized in ward beds who progressed to cure, and the "severe" group (N = 325), composed of individuals who required hospitalization in an intensive care unit (ICU), or who died. Blood samples were genotyped for ACE I/D polymorphism and ACE2 G8790A polymorphism by real-time PCR via TaqMan assay. The analysis of combined polymorphisms revealed a protective role for genotypic profile II/A&#95; (ORA = 0,26; p = 0,037) against the worsening of COVID-19 in women. The results indicate a protection profile to COVID-19 progression, in which the II/A&#95; carriers have almost four times less chance of a severe outcome. It is proposed that a decreased activity of ACE (deleterious effects) in conjunction with an increased ACE2 activity (protective effects), should be the underlying mechanism. The findings are unprecedented once other studies have not explored the genotypic combination analysis for ACE and ACE2 polymorphisms and bring perspectives and expectations for dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic based on definitions of genetically-based risk groups within the context of personalized medicine., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright: © 2023 Sousa et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.)