Paralympic Versus Olympic Canoe Sprint: Comprehension of the Development Trajectory of the Kayak 200 Meters.

Improvements in race times for male and female Para canoe athletes across different sports classes have led to a reduction in relative differences between classes over time. However, there is a lack of research examining the comparative developmental trajectories between high-performance Paralympic (PCS) and Olympic (OCS) canoe sprint. In this study, we compared the developmental trajectories of 200-meter kayak performances among PCS and OCS athletes. In total, we analyzed 628 race results obtained from public online databases, for nine competitions between 2015 and 2023. Race times were reduced over the years except in specific sports classes (KL3-M, K1-M, and K1-F; KL: Kayak Level, M: male, F: female), with a poor positive correlation (r = 0.17 to 0.33) between time and the years. For the remaining sports classes, these correlations ranged from poor to fair (r = -0.58 to -0.13). OCS K1 athletes outperformed their Paralympic counterparts. Among Paralympic classes, KL1 had slower times than KL2 and KL3 (p ≤ .05), with KL2 times significantly lower than KL3 in the female category. OCS athletes exhibited less variability in race times compared to PCS athletes. In the male category, there were no significant differences in the coefficients of variation (CV) and amplitude of race times between sport classes, except for KL1-M, which had a larger CV than K1 (p ≤ .05). In the female category, the CV and amplitude of race times were significantly higher in KL1-F compared to KL3-F and K1-F. OCS times remained stable from 2015, with KL3-M following a similar trend. PCS displayed greater race time variability, particularly in higher impairment classes, notably KL1. This underscores the existence of distinct developmental stages within the canoe sprint modality, particularly emphasizing the early developmental phase of KL1. It also provides valuable insights for coaches and sports selection, especially concerning athletes with more severe impairments, including those in Rehabilitation Centers and during athlete recruitment.

Postoperative pain after single-visit root canal treatments in necrotic teeth comparing instruments' kinematics and apical instrumentation limits - a prospective randomized multicenter clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: This prospective randomized multicenter clinical trial (PRMCT) investigated postoperative pain after single-visit root canal treatments in teeth affected by pulp necrosis (PN), and asymptomatic apical periodontitis (AAP) (with apical radiolucent areas) or normal periradicular tissues (without apical radiolucent areas) comparing different instruments' kinematics and apical instrumentation limits. METHODS: Before chemomechanical preparation, 240 patients/teeth were randomly distributed into four groups (n = 60) according to the instruments' kinematics (rotary or reciprocating) and apical instrumentation limits (with or without intentional foraminal enlargement [IFE]). After that, specimens were submitted to the same irrigation and obturation techniques, and the patients were referred to undergo the definitive restorations. No medication was prescribed, but the patients were instructed to take either paracetamol (750 mg every 6 h for three days) or ibuprofen (600 mg every 6 h for three days) in pain cases. Postoperative pain incidence and levels were assessed at 24-, 48-, and 72 h following treatment completion according to a verbal rating scale (VRS) following a score. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was applied to assess the normality of the data. Mann-Whitney U, Chi-square, Friedman's ANOVA, and Friedman's multiple 2 to 2 comparison tests were employed to identify potential significant statistical differences among the variables in the study groups (P < .05). RESULTS: Significant statistical differences were only observed among the groups considering tooth, periradicular status, and the occurrence of overfilling (sealer extrusion) (P < 0.00). Patients with teeth instrumented through rotary kinematics and without IFE experienced lower rates of postoperative pain; however, this difference was relevant only at 24 h (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative pain was lower after using a rotary file system (Profile 04) inserted up to the apical constriction (AC). However, this finding was just statistically meaningful at 24 h. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This PRMCT was approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee of the Paranaense University - UNIPAR, Francisco Beltrão, PR, Brazil (CAAE. 46,774,621.6.0000.0109) on 02/09/2021. It was registered at The Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials - ReBEC (RBR-3r967t) on 01/06/2023, was performed according to the Principles of the Helsinki Declaration and is reported following the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials Statement.

Cost of upper tract imaging obtained during hematuria evaluation: Analysis of a national claims database.

INTRODUCTION: To investigate the actual cost of hematuria evaluation using nationally representative claims data, given that the workup for hematuria burdens the healthcare system with significant associated costs. We hypothesized that evaluation with contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) confers more cost to hematuria evaluation than renal ultrasound (US). METHODS: Using a national, privately insured database (MarketScan), we identified all individuals with an incident diagnosis of hematuria. We included patients who underwent cystoscopy and upper tract imaging within 3 months of diagnosis. We tabulated the costs of the imaging study as well as the total healthcare cost per patient. A multivariable model was developed to evaluate patient factors associated with total healthcare costs. RESULTS: We identified 318,680 patients with hematuria who underwent evaluation. Median costs associated with upper tract imaging were $362 overall, $504 for CT with contrast, $163 for US, $680 for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), $283 for CT without contrast, and $294 for retrograde pyelogram. Median cystoscopy cost was $283. Total healthcare costs per patient were highest when utilizing MRI and CT imaging. When adjusted for comorbidities, the use of any imaging other than ultrasound was associated with higher costs. CONCLUSIONS: In this nationally representative analysis, hematuria evaluation confers a significant cost burden, while the primary factor associated with higher costs of screening was imaging type. Based upon reduced cost of US-based strategies, further investigation should delineate its cost-effectiveness in the diagnosis of urological disease.

RANDOMIZED CLINICAL TRIAL OF ASPIRIN AS PROPHYLAXIS FOR THROMBOEMBOLISM IN HIP ARTHROPLASTY.

Objective: This study aims to evaluate aspirin as a chemical prophylaxis (200 mg) in total hip arthroplasty. Methods: the study compared two groups and used ultrasonography (USG) to screen for low-deep venous thrombosis. Group 1 received 600 mg (control), and Group 2 received 200 mg of (intervention), associated with the use of elastic compression stockings and early walking. Results: fourteen patients were allocated to Group A (200mg), and 16 to Group B (600mg); in group A (200mg), 3 cases with thrombus below the popliteal vein were detected at the first USG examination. All of them are in the left lower limb (21.4%). In group B (600 mg), 5 cases were identified after the first exam (31.2%). All cases were asymptomatic and followed the protocol with prophylaxis only with Aspirin. Conclusion: In the statistical data, there were no differences in the presence of thrombus between the 200- and 600 mg groups, which is credited to using low-dose aspirin in low doses (200mg). Hematimetric levels returned to baseline levels and suggested there was no chronic or acute bleeding related to the use of aspirin. The manuscript was prepared according to the CONSORT guideline 2010. Level of Evidence I; Longitudinal Randomized Comparative Clinical Study.

Objetivo: Este estudo pretende avaliar a aspirina como profilaxia química (200 mg) na artroplastia total do quadril. Métodos: estudo comparando dois grupos com diferentes doses de aspirina e utilizando a ultrassonografia (USG) para rastreamento da trombose venosa profunda baixa. O grupo 1, 650 mg ao dia de aspirina (controle) e o grupo 2, 200 mg de aspirina ao dia na mesma posologia (intervenção) e associados ao uso de meias elásticas de compressão e deambulação precoce. Resultados: quatorze pacientes foram alocados no grupo A (200 mg) e 16 no grupo B (650 mg). No grupo A foram detectados 3 casos com trombos abaixo da veia poplítea ao USG sendo 21,4%. Já no grupo B, 5 casos foram identificados após o primeiro exame (31,2%). Todos assintomáticos e sem sinais de sangramento ativo ou queda da hematimetria no momento da detecção dos trombos. Conclusão: os dados sugerem não haver diferença na incidência de trombo em ambos os grupos, não sendo a profilaxia com a aspirina dose-dependente. Os níveis hematimétricos retornaram aos níveis iniciais o que sugere não ter havido sangramento crônico ou agudo relacionado ao uso. Nível de Evidência I; Estudo Clínico Randomizado Longitudinal Comparativo.

Impact of root canal preparation using two single-file systems on the intra-radicular microbiome of teeth with primary apical periodontitis.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to describe the effects of two single-file systems on the diversity of the endodontic microbiome of teeth with primary asymptomatic apical periodontitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The root canals from single-rooted teeth with apical periodontitis were prepared using either the Reciproc Blue (RB) or the XP-endo Shaper (XPS) instrument system. The latter was followed by a supplementary step with the XP-endo Finisher (XPF) instrument. For irrigation, 5.25% sodium hypochlorite was used. Root canal samples were taken at the baseline (S1), after preparation (S2), and after the supplementary step (S3). DNA was extracted and subjected to high-throughput sequencing using the MiSeq Illumina platform. RESULTS: Samples from 10 teeth from the RB and 7 from the XPS group were subjected to DNA sequencing. Initial samples differed significantly from post-preparation samples in bacterial diversity, with no significant difference when comparing the two instrument systems. The most dominant phyla in S2 were Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Fusobacteria, and Actinobacteria. The same phyla were found to dominate baseline samples and samples taken after using XPF, but with differences in the ranking of the most dominant ones. At the genus level, the most dominant genera identified after RB instrumentation were Bacteroidaceae [G-1], Fusobacterium, and Staphylococcus, while the most dominant genera after XPS instrumentation were Fusobacterium and Porphyromonas. These genera were also dominant in the initial samples. CONCLUSIONS: Both treatment protocols had measurable effects on the root canal microbial diversity, with no significant differences between them. Most of the dominant taxa involved in the primary infection and probably in the aetiology of apical periodontitis were eliminated or substantially reduced. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The most dominant taxa that persisted after instrumentation were Fusobacterium, Porphyromonas, Staphylococcus, and Bacteroidaceae [G-1].

Antioxidant and anti-Alzheimer's potential of Tetragonisca angustula (Jataí) stingless bee pollen.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is considered the leading cause of dementia in the elderly worldwide. It results in progressive memory loss and impairment of cognitive and motor skills, leading to a high degree of disability and dependence. The development of AD is associated with the accumulation of senile plaques in the brain, caused by the amyloidogenic pathway of the disease. Several genetic and biochemical events are linked to AD development, with oxidative stress being one of them. Due to the scarcity of drugs aimed at treating AD, antioxidant compounds are increasingly studied as therapeutic targets for the disease. In this study, we investigate the antioxidant and anti-Alzheimer potential of the Tetragonisca angustula (Jataí) pollen extract in a Drosophila melanogaster Alzheimer's model. For this purpose, we utilized a D. melanogaster AD-like model, which expresses genes related to the amyloidogenic pathway of Alzheimer's disease. We explored the floral origin of the collected pollen, conducted phytochemical prospecting, and evaluated its antioxidant capacity in vitro. In vivo experiments involved assessing the survival and climbing ability of the D. melanogaster AD-like model with various concentrations of the pollen extract. Our findings revealed that the pollen extract of Tetragonisca angustula exhibits a significant antioxidant response and high concentrations of important phytochemicals, such as flavonoids and polyphenols. Furthermore, it enhanced the survival rate of D. melanogaster, and across all concentrations tested, it improved the climbing ability of the flies after 15 days of treatment with methanolic pollen extract. Additionally, the pollen extract reduced the neurodegeneration index in histopathological analysis. Thus, our study demonstrates the potential of Tetragonisca angustula pollen as an important subject for further investigation, aiming to isolate molecules that could potentially serve as therapeutic targets for Alzheimer's disease.

The potential use of supercritical carbon dioxide in sugarcane juice processing.

Sugarcane juice is a nutritious and energetic drink. For its processing, the use of supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO2) technology as an intervention potentially capable of rendering a high quality product can be considered. This study evaluated the combined effect of SC-CO2 and mild temperatures, primarily aiming for the reduction of endogenous microorganisms and enzymes in sugarcane juice (pH~5.5). Pressures (P) ranging from 74 to 351 bar, temperatures (T) between 33 and 67 °C, and holding times (t) between 20 and 70 min were tested in a central composite rotational design. Seventeen trials were performed, comprising three replicates at the central points. Counts of aerobic mesophiles, molds and yeasts, lactic acid bacteria and coliforms at 45 °C, determination of polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and peroxidase (POD) activities, and measurement of color parameters in freshly extracted and processed juice's samples were carried out. The pH of fresh and processed juice varied between 4.6 and 6.0, and between 4.6 and 6.3, respectively. The number of decimal reductions achieved in mesophiles, molds and yeasts, lactic acid bacteria and coliforms varied between 0.1 and 3.9, 2.1 and 4.1, 0.0 and 2.1, and 0.3 to 2.5, respectively. The percentages of PPO reduction ranged from 3.51% to 64.18%. Regarding the POD, reductions between 0.27% and 41.42% were obtained. Color variations between fresh and processed samples varied between 2.0 and 12.3. As for mesophiles, molds and yeasts reduction, and soluble solids variation, none of the variables or their interactions were significant. In terms of polyphenol oxidase (PPO) reduction, only t was significant; however, T, t, and the interaction between them significantly affected the peroxidase (POD) reduction. In regards to pH variation, P, and the interaction between T and t were significant. P, T, t, and the interaction between T and t played a significant effect on color. The combination of mild temperatures and SC-CO2 can be potentially used for cane juice preservation.

AGE-RELATED TRAJECTORY AND AGE AT PEAK COMPETITIVE PERFORMANCE IN WHEELCHAIR RUGBY PLAYERS AT THE PARALYMPIC GAMES.

OBJECTIVE: The first objective to examine the age-related trajectory of competitive performance and the age at peak competitive performance in wheelchair rugby (WR) players at the Paralympic Games. Another objective is to verify age correlations with performance over the years for each class. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. RESULTS: Data were collected from the official results books of the Paralympic games. The mean age (standard deviation) of the 267 players and 448 analyzed data from all Paralympic games (from Sidney 2004 to Tokyo 2020) across all classes was 32.8 (6.4) years, and the age at peak competitive performance was 30.6 (7.4) years. Each class had no statistical difference in age at peak competitive performance. Additionally, there was no significant correlation between age and performance within classes or across all Paralympic games. CONCLUSION: The findings indicate that WR players' age at peak competitive performance is 30.6 years, which remains consistent across all classes. There is no statistical correlation between age and performance in WR. These findings significantly affect effective talent identification and athlete development programs. This impact ensures that athletes receive the necessary support to reach their maximum potential while avoiding the pitfalls of underestimating or overestimating their stages of development.

Effects of different training methods in tele-exercise on acute performance decrement in adults with disability and wheelchair users.

PURPOSE: Wheelchair users and people with disabilities have limited access to physical exercise due to various factors, including medical follow-up and training facilities. Although tele-exercise guided by experts has become a viable option, there is limited knowledge about the acute performance decrement (APD) resulting from remote training methods. The current cross-sectional study aimed to: (1) assess the APD of muscle resistance strength after three synchronous tele-exercise training methods in wheelchair users and (2) compare the training loads associated with each training method. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighteen male and female wheelchair users who participated in tele-exercise strength practices were recruited. The participants performed a maximum resistance strength test by synchronous tele-assessment (push-up test, PUT) at baseline and immediately after three training methods: high-intensity interval training (HIIT), moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) and sprint interval training (SIT). The primary outcome was the APD, which was measured by the percentage decrease in the number of repetitions of the PUT immediately after the training methods. RESULTS: APD was observed for all three training methods, with no significant differences between them (-34.8%, -29.9% and -38.0% for MICT, SIT and HII, respectively), and presented a non-significant correlation with the training loads. HIIT had a significantly higher training load than MICT and SIT. CONCLUSIONS: APD occurred in all training sessions, but did not correlate with training load, indicating that it is not an appropriate metric for comparison. Findings provide insight into APD response and highlight the need to consider multiple metrics when comparing training protocols.

Synchronous moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT), sprint interval training (SIT) and high-intensity interval training tele-exercises provided similar acute performance decrement in wheelchair users and people with disabilities.High-intensity interval training showed a higher training load compared to MICT and SIT performed remotely.Acute performance decrement did not correlate with the training load.

Phytochemical composition of aerial parts and roots of Pfaffia glomerata (Spreng.) Pedersen and anticholinesterase, antioxidant, and antiglycation activities.

The Pfaffia glomerata, a plant popularly called Brazilian ginseng, is widely used in Brazil for the treatment of various pathologies, including those associated with the Central Nervous System. 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E), a phytosteroid present in this plant, can promote adaptogenic effects in the organism, providing greater body resistance to stressors. This study aimed to evaluate the phytochemical composition and the anticholinesterase, antioxidant, and antiglycation effects of extracts and fractions of aerial parts and roots of P. glomerata, also analyzing their possible cytotoxic effects. The fractions were obtained by partitioning methanol extracts from the aerial part and roots of P. glomerata with hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, n-butanol, and water. The samples were initially tested in anticholinesterase, antioxidant, and antiglycation assays, and the most promising samples were submitted for cytotoxicity and chromatographic analyses. Mass spectrometry and chromatography methods revealed that 20E was the main compound in the dichloromethane fractions, there being 35% more 20E in the aerial part (APD) than in the roots (RD). Added to the higher concentration of 20E, the APD fraction also presented more promising results than the RD fraction in anticholinesterase and antioxidant analyses, indicating that their effects may be related to the concentration of 20E. These same fractions showed no hemolytic effects but were cytotoxic in high concentrations. These new findings contribute to scientific information about P. glomerata and open more perspectives for the understanding of its therapeutic properties, allowing the association of biological activity with the presence of 20E.

Performance Trajectory Related to Age, Classification, and Sex in Elite Kayak Para Canoe Athletes.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study is to verify the performance trajectory related to age, classification (KL: kayak level; M: male; F: female), and sex of elite kayak Para canoe athletes. DESIGN: This is a retrospective cohort study. RESULTS: Race results and athletes' data were retrieved from publicly available online databases for 17 competitions and 102 finals between 2015 and 2022. Race time reduced over the years except for KL3-M class. There was a reduction in the relative difference between KL2-M and KL3-M over the years ( r = -0.83, 95% confidence interval = -0.34 to -0.97, P ≤ 0.05). In addition, no significant differences were found in race times relative differences between KL2-F and KL3-F over the years. Although the correlation between age and performance was only found to be statistically significant in the KL3-F class, the ages of all classes (35.2, 32.6, 29.5, 34.6, 37.6, and 30.6 yrs for males and females KL1, KL2, and KL3, respectively) were higher than those in Olympic canoeing (27.8 yrs). CONCLUSIONS: Race times have improved overall since 2015, but not for the KL3-M class. Nevertheless, because of the stochastic ages of the finalist athletes, it was not possible to determine the age at which peak performance is achieved in all classes. Kayak Para canoe classes should be monitored in the coming years to determine whether interventions are necessary to improve differentiation.

Association of Frailty and Complications Following Prostate Biopsy: Results From a Population-Based, Privately Insured Cohort.

INTRODUCTION: Prostate needle biopsy (PNBx) is essential for prostate cancer diagnosis, yet it is not without risks. We sought to assess patients who underwent PNBx using a claims-based frailty index to study the association between frailty and postbiopsy complications from a large population-based cohort. We hypothesized that increased frailty would be associated with adverse outcomes. METHODS: Using Market Scan, we identified all men who underwent PNBx from 2010 to 2015. Individuals were stratified by claims-based frailty index into 2 prespecified categories: not frail, frail. Complications occurring within 30 days from prostate biopsy requiring emergency department, clinic, or hospital evaluations constituted the primary outcome. Unadjusted and adjusted analyses identified patient covariates associated with complications. RESULTS: We identified 193,490 patients who underwent PNBx. The mean age was 57.6 years (SD: 5.0). In all, 5% were prefrail, mildly frail, or moderately to severely frail. The rate of overall complications increased from 11.1% for not frail to 15.5% for frail men. After adjusting for covariates, individuals with any degree of frailty experienced a higher risk of overall complication (odds ratio [OR]: 1.29; P < .001), clinic (OR: 1.26; P < .001) and emergency department visits (OR: 1.32; P = .02), and hospital readmissions (OR: 1.41; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Frailty was associated with a higher risk of complications for patients undergoing PNBx. Frailty assessment should be integrated into shared decision-making to limit the provision of potentially harmful care associated with prostate cancer screening.

Randomized clinical trial of aspirin as prophylaxis for thromboembolism in hip arthroplasty / Ensaio randomizado da aspirina na profilaxia do tromboembolismo em artroplastia do quadril

ABSTRACT Objective: This study aims to evaluate aspirin as a chemical prophylaxis (200 mg) in total hip arthroplasty. Methods: the study compared two groups and used ultrasonography (USG) to screen for low-deep venous thrombosis. Group 1 received 600 mg (control), and Group 2 received 200 mg of (intervention), associated with the use of elastic compression stockings and early walking Results: fourteen patients were allocated to Group A (200mg), and 16 to Group B (600mg); in group A (200mg), 3 cases with thrombus below the popliteal vein were detected at the first USG examination. All of them are in the left lower limb (21.4%). In group B (600 mg), 5 cases were identified after the first exam (31.2%). All cases were asymptomatic and followed the protocol with prophylaxis only with Aspirin. Conclusion: In the statistical data, there were no differences in the presence of thrombus between the 200- and 600 mg groups, which is credited to using low-dose aspirin in low doses (200mg). Hematimetric levels returned to baseline levels and suggested there was no chronic or acute bleeding related to the use of aspirin. The manuscript was prepared according to the CONSORT guideline 2010. Level of Evidence I; Longitudinal Randomized Comparative Clinical Study.

RESUMO Objetivo: Este estudo pretende avaliar a aspirina como profilaxia química (200 mg) na artroplastia total do quadril. Métodos: estudo comparando dois grupos com diferentes doses de aspirina e utilizando a ultrassonografia (USG) para rastreamento da trombose venosa profunda baixa. O grupo 1, 650 mg ao dia de aspirina (controle) e o grupo 2, 200 mg de aspirina ao dia na mesma posologia (intervenção) e associados ao uso de meias elásticas de compressão e deambulação precoce. Resultados: quatorze pacientes foram alocados no grupo A (200 mg) e 16 no grupo B (650 mg). No grupo A foram detectados 3 casos com trombos abaixo da veia poplítea ao USG sendo 21,4%. Já no grupo B, 5 casos foram identificados após o primeiro exame (31,2%). Todos assintomáticos e sem sinais de sangramento ativo ou queda da hematimetria no momento da detecção dos trombos. Conclusão: os dados sugerem não haver diferença na incidência de trombo em ambos os grupos, não sendo a profilaxia com a aspirina dose-dependente. Os níveis hematimétricos retornaram aos níveis iniciais o que sugere não ter havido sangramento crônico ou agudo relacionado ao uso. Nível de Evidência I; Estudo Clínico Randomizado Longitudinal Comparativo.

Evaluation of the presence of Th1 response through T-bet and IFN-gamma immunohistochemical expression in lower lip and oral tongue squamous cell carcinomas.

INTRODUCTION: Evaluate the immunohistochemical expression of T-bet and IFN-γ in lower lip (LLSCC) and oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (OTSCC), verifying the presence of Th1 responses in lesions with different clinical conditions. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Thirty OTSCC and 30 LLSCC were analyzed by immunohistochemistry. T-bet was quantitatively assessed by parenchyma cell and stroma quantification, and IFN-γ was semi-quantitatively analyzed: 1:0-25%; 2:26-50%; 3:51-75%; 4:> 75% immunopositive cells. Histological differentiation degrees were categorized as well differentiated (WD), moderately differentiated (MD), or poorly differentiated (PD). RESULTS: OTSCC presented the highest number of T-bet+, parenchyma (p: 0.006), stroma (p: 0.156), parenchyma/stroma (p: 0.015), with no relationship to histological malignancy grade. IFN-γ higher concentrations in LLSCC were detected in parenchyma, stroma and in parenchyma/stroma (p: 0.000), as well as greater immunoreactivity in WD and MD (p: 0.001). In OTSCC, a positive and statistically significant correlation was observed between T-bet+ in parenchyma and IFN-γ in stroma(r: 0.388; p: 0.034), in addition to a statistically significant positive correlation between T-bet in parenchyma compared to stroma(r: 0.411; p: 0.024) and for IFN-γ in both parenchyma and stroma(r: 0.775; p: 0.000) in LLSCC. Higher T-bet+ was observed in OTSCCs, although higher IFN-γ was detected in LLSCCs. CONCLUSION: Thus, we suggest that, even though LLSCC presented lower T-bet+, the favorable microenvironment in these lesions led to an expressive activation of IFN-γ by T-bet+, considerably acting on Th1 differentiation and in antitumor activity, which, admittedly, present less aggressive behavior, reinforcing once again the important role of this cytokine and its use in strategy to fight cancer.

Thyroid dysfunction alters gene expression of proteins related to iron homeostasis and metabolomics in male rats.

Thyroid hormones (THs) are crucial in bodily functions, while iron is essential for processes like oxygen transport. Specialized proteins maintain iron balance, including ferritin, transferrin, ferroportin, and hepcidin. Research suggests that THs can influence iron homeostasis by affecting mRNA and protein expression, such as ferritin and transferrin. Our study focused on male rats to assess mRNA expression of iron homeostasis-related proteins and metabolomics in thyroid dysfunction. We found altered gene expression across various tissues (liver, duodenum, spleen, and kidney) and identified disrupted metabolite patterns in thyroid dysfunction. These findings highlight tissue-specific effects of thyroid dysfunction on essential iron homeostasis proteins and provide insights into associated metabolic changes. Our research contributes to understanding the intricate interplay between thyroid hormones and iron balance. By unveiling tissue-specific gene expression alterations and metabolic disruptions caused by thyroid dysfunction, our work lays a foundation for future investigations to explore underlying mechanisms and develop targeted strategies for managing iron-related complications in thyroid disorders.

Perinatal N(G)-Nitro-L-arginine methyl ester administration decreases anxiety- and depression-like behaviors in adult mice.

OBJECTIVE: We hypothesized that perinatal manipulations of the nitrergic system would affect adult animal behaviors. METHODS: We tested this hypothesis by perinatally administering N(G)-Nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), a non-specific antagonist of nitric oxide synthase for 15 days and assessed anxiety- and depression-like behaviors in adult mice. At 70 days of age, the mice were subjected to a battery of tests consisting of the open-field, light/dark box, forced swim, and tail-flick tests. The tests were performed at two-day intervals, and the order of the tests within the battery was determined according to the progressive invasiveness degree. RESULTS: L-NAME-treated animals exhibited decreased anxiety-like behavior in the light/dark box and open field tests, with no change in locomotor activity. Additionally, they demonstrated decreased depression-like behavior in the forced swim test and no change in pain perception in the tail-flick test. CONCLUSION: The nitrergic system is possibly involved in neural circuitry development that regulates behaviors since blocking perinatal nitric oxide production decreases anxiety- and depression-like behaviors in adult mice.

Plant-Based Fermented Beverages: Development and Characterization.

The production of plant-based fermented beverages has been currently focused on providing a functional alternative to vegan and/or vegetarian consumers. This study primarily targeted the development and characterization of fermented beverages made up of hydrosoluble extracts of oats, almonds, soybeans, Brazil nuts, and rice. The fermentation was carried out by lactic cultures of Bifidobacterium BB-12, Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-5, and Streptococcus thermophilus. Plant extracts were fermented at 37 °C for 12 h, with and without sucrose supplementation. The physicochemical and microbiological stability of the extracts was monitored for 28 days at 5 ± 1 °C. The composition of the fermented beverages was subsequently determined. The pH values measured at the beginning and the end of the extracts' fermentation ranged between 6.45 and 7.09, and 4.10 to 4.97, respectively. Acidity indices, expressed as a percentage of lactic acid, ranged from 0.01 to 0.06 g/100 mL at the beginning of the fermentation, and from 0.02 to 0.33 g/100 mL upon fermentation being concluded. Most fermented extracts achieved viable lactic acid bacteria counts exceeding 106 CFU/mL during storage. Sucrose supplementation did not alter the rate of bacterial growth. The findings showed that the complete replacement of dairy ingredients with water-soluble plant extracts is a potential alternative for developing a functional fermented plant-based beverage.