Alunos canhotos de odontologia da cidade de Uberlândia: perfil, ergonomia e dores osteomusculares / Left-handed dentistry students in the city of Uberlândia: profile, ergonomics and muscular pain

Os dentistas são um grupo de alto risco para o desenvolvimento de doenças de desordens musculoesqueléticas e tendo em vista que o sistema de produção industrial desenvolve produtos que atendem a maioria da população destra, os estudantes canhotos precisam se adequar a uma formação acadêmica, usando instrumentais, cadeiras odontológicas eoutros objetos projetados para destros. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo a coletade informações sobre os canhotos nos cursos de Odontologia da cidade de Uberlândia ­Minas Gerais. Foram incluídos todos os alunos canhotos matriculados no ano de 2022 e que estavam cursando ou já cursaram disciplinas com atividades laboratoriais ou clínicas. Questionários foram aplicados para identificação do perfil, das dificuldades, da ergonomia e das dores osteomusculares dos alunos canhotos em suas atividades. Os dados foram em seguida tabulados e passaram por análise estatística. Da quantidade total de alunos das três instituições (n=1.578), foram entrevistados 45 (2,8%) alunos canhotos, sendo a maioria feminina (80%), na qual identificou-se um posicionamento inadequado do operador canhoto quando comparado ao preconizado pela ISO-FDI, além da limitação de movimento na presença de auxiliar (82,2%). Os locais com maior frequência de dor/desconforto foram: pescoço (79%), costas superior esquerda (63%) e inferior esquerda (61%) e punhos/ mãos esquerda (56%). A intensidade da dor variou entre alguma, moderada e bastante. O impedimento de realizar atividades diárias foi relatado por 17% dos alunos (n=7) e destes somente 1 buscou atendimento médico. Não houve diferença estatística na comparação entre instituição pública e privada. Diante dos resultados, concluiu-se que os canhotos representam minoria dos alunos de Odontologia e apresentam várias regiões de dor/ desconforto devido às adaptações e posturas erradas durante os atendimentos. Apesar de grande parte apresentar dor, poucos tiveram impedimento de atividades rotineiras ou procuraram ajuda médica(AU)

Dentists are a high risk group for the development of musculoskeletal disorders and considering that the industrial production system develops products that serve the majority of the right-handed population, lefthanded students need to adapt to an academic training, using instruments, dental chairs and other objects designed for right-handers. This study aimed to collect information about left-handers in Dentistry courses in the city of Uberlândia - Minas Gerais. All left- handed students enrolled in the year 2022 and who were taking or had taken courses with laboratory or clinical activities were included. Questionnaires were applied to identify the profile, difficulties, ergonomics and musculoskeletal pain of left-handed students in their activities. The data were tabulated and then undergo statistical analysis. Of the total number of students from the three institutions (n=1,578), 45 (2.8%) left-handed students were interviewed, the majority being female (80%), in which an inadequate positioning of the left-handed operator was identified when compared to the recommended one by ISO-FDI, in addition to limitation of movement in the presence of an assistant (82.2%). The places with the highest frequency of pain/discomfort were: neck (79%), upper left back (63%) and lower left back (61%) and left wrists/hands (56%). The intensity of pain varied between some, moderate and a lot. The impediment to carrying out daily activities was reported by 17% of the students (n=7) and of these, only 1 sought medical attention. There was no statistical difference when comparing public and private institutions. In view of the results, it was concluded that left-handers represent a minority of dentistry students and have several regions of pain/discomfort due to adaptations and wrong postures during consultations. Although most of them had pain, few were prevented from performing routine activities or sought medical help(AU)

Evaluación de la capacidad funcional en actividades básicas de la vida diaria de adultos mayores residentes en hogares de Asunción, Paraguay

Introducción: El envejecimiento poblacional y el aumento de enfermedades crónicas han incrementado la prevalencia de discapacidad en adultos mayores. Evaluar la capacidad funcional en actividades básicas de la vida diaria (ABVD) es esencial para mantener la independencia y calidad de vida. Este estudio se enfocó en evaluar la capacidad funcional de adultos mayores en ABVD en el ámbito familiar de Asunción en el año 2023. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo, de corte transversal, en noviembre del 2023, con 91 adultos mayores (≥65 años) de Asunción, en hogares familiares. Se aplicaron encuestas mediante Google Formulario y se utilizó el Índice de Barthel para medir la capacidad funcional. El muestreo fue no probabilístico por bola de nieve. Se empleó estadística descriptiva e inferencial, con un nivel de significancia de p≤0,05. Se respetaron los aspectos éticos de la investigación. Resultados: Participaron 91 adultos mayores, con una edad promedio de 79 años±8,2. El 62,6% fueron mujeres y 41,8% del grupo de edad de 75 a 84 años. Según el Índice de Barthel, el 59,3% necesita ayuda para cortar alimentos y el 34,1% depende de otra persona para la higiene personal. El 28,6% tiene incontinencia en deposiciones y el 30,8% en micción. La puntuación promedio del Índice de Barthel fue 68,5±33,9, indicando dependencia leve en el 61,5% de los participantes. El 77% de los adultos mayores reciben cuidados de un familiar. Conclusión: Un alto porcentaje de los adultos mayores mostró algún grado de dependencia, especialmente en actividades de alimentación e higiene. La edad avanzada y el sexo femenino se asociaron con mayores niveles de dependencia. La mayoría de los adultos mayores dependieron de familiares para su cuidado, destacando la necesidad de fortalecer las redes de apoyo y capacitar a los cuidadores informales.

Introduction: Population aging and the increase in chronic diseases have raised the prevalence of disability in older adults. Evaluating functional capacity in basic activities of daily living (BADL) is essential to maintaining independence and quality of life. This study focused on evaluating the functional capacity of older adults in BADL within the family setting of Asunción in 2023. Material and methods: An observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in November 2023, with 91 older adults (≥65 years) from Asunción, in family homes. Surveys were administered via Google Forms, and the Barthel Index was used to measure functional capacity. The sampling was non-probabilistic snowball sampling. Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed, with a significance level of p≤0.05. Ethical aspects of the research were respected. Results: Ninety-one older adults participated, with an average age of 79 years±8.2. Of these, 62.6% were women and 41.8% were in the age group of 75 to 84 years. According to the Barthel Index, 59.3% needed help cutting food, and 34.1% depended on another person for personal hygiene. Additionally, 28.6% had bowel incontinence, and 30.8% had urinary incontinence. The average Barthel Index score was 68.5±3.9, indicating mild dependence in 61.5% of participants. Furthermore, 77% of older adults received care from a family member. Conclusion: A high percentage of older adults showed some degree of dependence, especially in activities related to feeding and hygiene. Advanced age and female sex were associated with higher levels of dependence. Most older adults relied on family members for care, highlighting the need to strengthen support networks and train informal caregivers.

Achieving Enteral Autonomy in Children with Intestinal Failure Following Inpatient Admission: A Case Series.

We describe cases of intestinal failure wherein inpatient admission was critical toward enteral autonomy. We performed a retrospective chart review of 6 children with long-term parenteral nutrition dependence who were weaned from parenteral nutrition after admission. Admissions included feeding and medication titration, interdisciplinary care, and a home parenteral nutrition team consultation.

Changes in Noradrenergic Synthesis and Dopamine Beta-Hydroxylase Activity in Response to Oxidative Stress after Iron-induced Brain Injury.

Noradrenaline (NA) levels are altered during the first hours and several days after cortical injury. NA modulates motor functional recovery. The present study investigated whether iron-induced cortical injury modulated noradrenergic synthesis and dopamine beta-hydroxylase (DBH) activity in response to oxidative stress in the brain cortex, pons and cerebellum of the rat. Seventy-eight rats were divided into two groups: (a) the sham group, which received an intracortical injection of a vehicle solution; and (b) the injured group, which received an intracortical injection of ferrous chloride. Motor deficits were evaluated for 20 days post-injury. On the 3rd and 20th days, the rats were euthanized to measure oxidative stress indicators (reactive oxygen species (ROS), reduced glutathione (GSH) and oxidized glutathione (GSSG)) and catecholamines (NA, dopamine (DA)), plus DBH mRNA and protein levels. Our results showed that iron-induced brain cortex injury increased noradrenergic synthesis and DBH activity in the brain cortex, pons and cerebellum at 3 days post-injury, predominantly on the ipsilateral side to the injury, in response to oxidative stress. A compensatory increase in contralateral noradrenergic activity was observed, but without changes in the DBH mRNA and protein levels in the cerebellum and pons. In conclusion, iron-induced cortical injury increased the noradrenergic response in the brain cortex, pons and cerebellum, particularly on the ipsilateral side, accompanied by a compensatory response on the contralateral side. The oxidative stress was countered by antioxidant activity, which favored functional recovery following motor deficits.

Estimating taxonomic and functional structure along a tropical estuary: linking metabolic traits and aspects of ecosystem functioning.

Microbial life forms are among the most ubiquitous on Earth, yet many remain understudied in Caribbean estuaries. We report on the prokaryote community composition of the Urabá Estuary in the Colombian Caribbean using 16S rRNA gene-transcript sequencing. We also assessed potential functional diversity through 38 metabolic traits inferred from 16S rRNA gene data. Water samples were collected from six sampling stations at two depths with contrasting light-penetration conditions along an approximately 100 km transect in the Gulf of Urabá in December 2019. Non-metric multidimensional scaling analysis grouped the samples into two distinct clusters along the transect and between depths. The primary variables influencing the prokaryote community composition were the sampling station, depth, salinity, and dissolved oxygen levels. Twenty percent of genera (i.e., 58 out 285) account for 95% of the differences between groups along the transect and among depths. All of the 38 metabolic traits studied showed some significant relationship with the tested environmental variables, especially salinity and except with temperature. Another non-metric multidimensional scaling analysis, based on community-weighted mean of traits, also grouped the samples in two clusters along the transect and over depth. Biodiversity facets, such as richness, evenness, and redundancy, indicated that environmental variations-stemming from river discharges-introduce an imbalance in functional diversity between surface prokaryote communities closer to the estuary's head and bottom communities closer to the ocean. Our research broadens the use of 16S rRNA gene transcripts beyond mere taxonomic assignments, furthering the field of trait-based prokaryote community ecology in transitional aquatic ecosystems.IMPORTANCEThe resilience of a dynamic ecosystem is directly tied to the ability of its microbes to navigate environmental gradients. This study delves into the changes in prokaryote community composition and functional diversity within the Urabá Estuary (Colombian Caribbean) for the first time. We integrate data from 16S rRNA gene transcripts (taxonomic and functional) with environmental variability to gain an understanding of this under-researched ecosystem using a multi-faceted macroecological framework. We found that significant shifts in prokaryote composition and in primary changes in functional diversity were influenced by physical-chemical fluctuations across the estuary's environmental gradient. Furthermore, we identified a potential disparity in functional diversity. Near-surface communities closer to the estuary's head exhibited differences compared to deeper communities situated farther away. Our research serves as a roadmap for posing new inquiries about the potential functional diversity of prokaryote communities in highly dynamic ecosystems, pushing forward the domain of multi-trait-based prokaryote community ecology.

Exchange-correlation kernel for perturbation dependent auxiliary functions in auxiliary density perturbation theory.

CONTEXT: Analytic exchange-correlation kernel formulations are of the outermost importance for density functional theory (DFT) perturbation calculations. In this paper, the working equation for the exchange-correlation kernel of the generalized gradient approximation (GGA) for perturbation dependent auxiliary functions is derived and discussed in the framework of auxiliary density functional theory (ADFT). The presented new formulation is extended to the unrestricted approach, too. A comprehensive discussion of the implementation of the GGA ADFT kernel, using either the native exchange-correlation functional implementations in deMon2k or the ones from the LibXC library, is given. Calculations with analytic exchange-correlation kernels are compared to their finite difference counterparts. The obtained results are in quantitative agreement. Nevertheless, analytic GGA ADFT kernel implementations show substantial improvement in the computational performance. Similar results are reported for analytic second derivatives of effective core potential (ECP) and model core potential (MCP) matrix elements when compared to their finite difference counterparts in molecular frequency analyses. METHOD: All calculations are performed in the framework of ADFT as implemented in deMon2k. In the ADFT analytic frequency calculations, auxiliary density perturbation theory was used. The underlying two-center exchange-correlation kernel matrix elements are calculated by numerical integration either with analytic or finite difference kernel expressions. Validation calculations are performed with the VWN and PBE functionals employing DFT-optimized DZVP basis sets in conjunction with automatically generated GEN-A2 auxiliary density function sets. In the (Pt3Cu)n cluster benchmark calculations, the RPBE functional was used. For Pt atoms, the quasi-relativistic LANL2DZ effective core potential with the corresponding valence basis set was employed, whereas for Cu atoms, the all-electron DFT-optimized TZVP basis was applied. The auxiliary density was expanded by the automatically generated GEN-A2* auxiliary function set. We run all benchmark calculations in parallel on 24 cores.

Effects of a veterinary functional music-based enrichment program on the psychophysiological responses of farm pigs.

Intensification of swine production can predispose pigs to chronic stress, with adverse effects on the neuroendocrine and immune systems that can lead to health problems, poor welfare, and reduced production performance. Consequently, there is an interest in developing tools to prevent or eliminate chronic stress. Music is widely used as a therapeutic strategy for stress management in humans and may have similar benefits in non-human animals. This study evaluated the effects of a music-based auditory enrichment program in pigs from a multidimensional perspective by assessing psychophysiological responses. Two experimental groups of 20 pigs each were selected for the study: one enriched, exposed to a program of functional veterinary music designed for pigs, and a control group without auditory stimulation. Qualitative behavior assessment (QBA) and skin lesions indicative of agonistic behavior were used to evaluate the psychological determinants underlying the observed behaviors. Physiological assessment included hemograms, with the determination of the neutrophil:lymphocyte ratio and daily measurements of cortisol and salivary alpha-amylase levels. The results demonstrated a positive effect of a music-based auditory program on psychophysiological responses. Therefore, this strategy developed for environmental enrichment may be beneficial in reducing stress and contributing to the welfare and health of pigs under production conditions.

The Revalorization of Fishery By-Products: Types, Bioactive Compounds, and Food Applications.

Recently, fish consumption has been increasing; subsequently, the number of by-products has also increased. However, generated residues are frequently discarded, and an appropriate management is necessary to properly use all fish by-products. Fishery by-products are well known for their content of bioactive compounds, such as unsaturated fatty acids, amino acids, minerals, peptides, enzymes, gelatin, collagen, and chitin. Several studies have reported that fishery by-products could provide significant properties, including antioxidant, antihypertensive, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antiobesity. Consequently, fish discards are of considerable interest to different industrial sectors, including food, nutraceuticals, medical, and pharmacology. In the food industry, the interest in using fishery by-products is focused on hydrolysates as food additives, collagen and gelatin as protein sources, chitin and chitosan to form edible films to protect food during storage, and oils as a source of Omega-3 and useful as antioxidants. Although different studies reported good results with the use of these by-products, identifying new applications in the food sector, as well as industrial applications, remains necessary.

Beyond head and wings: Unveiling influence of diet, body size, and phylogeny on the evolution of the femur in phyllostomid bats.

Phyllostomidae, the most diverse family of Neotropical bats, encompass 230 species with varied dietary habits and food acquisition methods. Their feeding niche diversification has shaped skull and wing morphologies through natural selection, reflecting food processing and flight strategies. Yet, evolution of bat hindlimbs, especially in phyllostomids, remains little understood. Previous studies highlighted the femur's morphology as a key to understanding the evolution of quadrupedalism in yangochiropteran bats, including the adept walking observed in vampire bats (Desmodontinae). Here, we aimed to describe the femoral morphological variation in Phyllostomidae, correlating this with body size and assessing the effects of phylogenetic history, dietary habits, and hindlimb usage. Analyzing 15 femoral traits from 45 species across 9 subfamilies through phylogenetically informed methods, we discovered a significant phylogenetic structure in femoral morphology. Allometric analysis indicated that body mass accounts for about 85% of the variance in phyllostomid femoral size and about 11% in femoral shape. Relatively smaller femurs showed to be typical in Stenodermatinae, Lonchophyllinae, and Glossophaginae, in contrast to the larger femurs of Phyllostominae, Desmodontinae, Micronycterinae, and Lonchorrhininae. Furthermore, extensive femur shape variation was detected, with the most distinct morphologies in vampire bats, followed by frugivorous species. Adaptive evolutionary models related to diet more effectively explained variations in femoral relative size and shape than stochastic models. Contrary to the conventional belief of limited functional demand on bat femurs, our findings suggest that femoral morphology is significantly influenced by functional demands associated with diet and food capture, in addition to being partially structured by body size and shared evolutionary history.

l-Arginine supplementation for pregnant and lactating sows may improve the performance of piglets: A systematic review.

The objective was to conduct a systematic review to clarify the effects of l-arginine supplementation in pregnant and lactating sows on plasma hormone levels, milk production and composition, the body condition of sows and piglet performance. In April 2023, an online search and a systematic search were performed in the following databases: Embase, Scopus, SciELO, Web of Science, PubMed and Science Direct. The combinations of keywords used were sow and arginine and lactation; sow and arginine and lactating; sow and arginine and gestation; sow and arginine and gestating; sow and arginine and pregnancy; sow and arginine and reproduction; piglet and arginine; and sow and arginine and mammary gland. In total, 21 scientific articles with original data were selected according to preestablished criteria. Among the 21 articles, seven (33%) reported measurements of some plasma hormones, and among these, six reported an increase in the levels of at least one hormone, namely, estradiol, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), insulin, follicle stimulating hormone, growth hormone or prolactin, with l-arginine supplementation. The parameters of milk were evaluated in 11 studies (52%), one reported an increase in protein content, and one reported an increase in IGF-1 content in milk with supplementation of this amino acid. Of the 14 studies that evaluated the performance parameters of piglets, only four reported improvements in some parameters of piglets from sows that received supplementation. Dietary supplementation of arginine for sows in the final third of gestation and/or lactation may alter the plasma levels of some hormones, which may reflect in greater development of the mammary gland tissue and, consequently, promote benefits on the performance of piglets. However, more studies are needed to evaluate the real impact of this amino acid supplementation on the physiology of the sows, in general, and the performance of suckling piglets.

Kañihua (Chenopodium pallidicaule Aellen), an ancestral Inca seed and optimal functional food and nutraceutical for the industry: Review.

The Andean kañihua seed (Chenopodium pallidicaule Aellen) is widely used as an ancestral nutraceutical with great industrial potential and is a little-researched seed. It has high biological and nutritional value due to its protein content of 15-19 %, optimal balance of essential amino acids, essential fatty acids, mineral content, vitamins, and non-bitter saponin content. It is a potential source of peptides with different pharmacological activities such as antimicrobials, antioxidants, antihypertensives, and antidiabetics, among others. It has been a functional food in the Altiplano of Peru and Bolivia since the time of the Incas (between the 12th and 16th centuries) and is a functional food proposal for the world. In this bibliographic review, we present a detailed scientific description of the botanical characteristics, genetics, phytochemical composition, bioactives, and nutritional value. The potential uses at an industrial, medical, pharmacological, and biotechnological level and current advances in scientific research on the kañihua seed. In addition, it is an alternative grain to guarantee food security in terms of quantity, quality, and opportunity.

Functional and structural assessment of an experimental section gap graded modified with sugarcane bagasse ash.

Gap-graded aggregate combined with asphalt rubber presents a high-performance alternative for roads with heavy traffic loads, offering advantages over conventional mixtures in terms of permanent deformation (rutting), fatigue life, and texture. In this study, the conventional filler in the well-established mixture was substituted with sugarcane bagasse bottom ash (SCBA) at a proportion of 5% of the total mineral aggregates. The objective was to enhance the mechanical performance of the asphalt coating while ensuring proper disposal of this waste material. Compared to conventional filler, SCBA is less dense, has smaller dimensions, and exhibits greater roughness, thereby affecting the volumetric parameters of the Marshall mix design. Consequently, the volume of voids in mineral aggregates and voids filled with asphalt increased while maintaining the same volume of air voids (5.3%). Consequently, there was a notable increase in Marshall Stability (40%) and Indirect Tensile Test (22%) mechanical parameters. Following laboratory analysis, the modified mixtures were applied as asphalt coating on a high-traffic highway (BR-158). Field specimens revealed an 18% increase in the Resilience Modulus (4088 MPa; 3478 MPa). Additionally, its Flow Number exhibited a 73% increase (16,707; 9681), and its permanent deformation rate was 28% lower within 10,000 cycles in the dynamic creep test. This was further supported by an 11% reduction in permanent deformation rate in the Hamburg Wheel Tracking Device (HWTD) within 20,000 cycles (3.2 mm; 3.6 mm). In conclusion, the partial replacement of conventional filler with sugarcane bagasse ash within the established granulometric range has demonstrated technical feasibility both in laboratory and field settings.

Feasibility of Telerehabilitation-Monitored Functional Electrical Stimulation on Walking and Quality of Life in People With Multiple Sclerosis: A Case Series.

BACKGROUND: Foot drop in people with multiple sclerosis (MS) commonly leads to decreased mobility and quality of life (QOL). Functional electrical stimulation (FES) of the peroneal nerve can improve the gait of people with foot drop, yet various barriers restrict widespread use. The purpose of this case series was to examine the feasibility of a telerehabilitation-monitored FES device and report changes in functional mobility and QOL in people with moderate MS-related disability. METHODS: FES use was progressed over 8 weeks via 3 telerehabilitation sessions. Feasibility of telerehabilitation was assessed by percentage of telerehabilitation visits completed and participant-reported satisfaction. At baseline and study completion, functional mobility with and without FES were assessed by the Timed 25-Foot Walk (T25FW), Timed Up and Go (TUG), and 2-Minute Walk Test (2MWT), Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale (MSIS-29), and the 12-item Multiple Sclerosis Walking Scale (MSWS-12). Fatigue was assessed via the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS) before and after the intervention. RESULTS: Eleven participants (mean age = 50.4 years [SD 10.8]; 2 males) completed the study. All (33/33) telerehabilitation visits were completed and participants attained high levels of satisfaction with no adverse events. At 8 weeks, compared to baseline, there were clinically meaningful improvements on the T25FW, 2MWT, and TUG for 45%, 55%, and 82% of participants, respectively. Clinically meaningful improvements on the MSIS-29 and MSWS-12 were also recorded for 64% and 36% of participants, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Telerehabilitation was safe and feasible for FES intervention, and improvements in functional mobility and QOL were observed. Telerehabilitation to monitor FES may improve access and reduce patient burden; therefore, studying its efficacy is warranted.

Alginate coatings applied on apple cubes as a vehicle for Lacticaseibacillus casei: probiotic viability and overall quality of a new functional product.

BACKGROUND: Worldwide, vegan and vegetarian lifestyles, as well as food allergies and intolerance (e.g. lactose intolerance and milk protein allergy) demand the development of alternatives to dairy-based probiotic foods. In the present study, probiotic Lacticaseibacillus casei CECT 9104 was added to alginate-based edible coatings enriched with inulin and oligofructose and applied to fresh-cut apple. Microbiological, physicochemical and sensory quality parameters of the apple cubes were monitored during 8 days of refrigerated storage. Lacticaseibacillus casei was tested for its antagonistic effect against inoculated Listeria innocua and Escherichia coli O157:H7. The viability of the probiotic strain during refrigerated storage and after simulated gastrointestinal digestion (GID) was evaluated. RESULTS: After 8 days of storage, 9.52-9.64 log colony-forming units (CFU) g-1 of L. casei were detected in apple samples. The functional apple cubes retained 8.31-8.43 log CFU g-1 of the probiotic after GID, without a significant effect of prebiotic addition. The microbiological quality and nutritional properties were maintained by the use of active coatings, whereas the sensory quality decreased after 8 days of storage. A bactericidal effect was exerted by the probiotic strain loaded in the coating against L. innocua artificially inoculated on apple cubes. Escherichia coli O157:H7 counts were reduced by 2.5 log after 8 days. CONCLUSION: This study has demonstrated the suitability of apple cubes as an alternative matrix to milk for carrying probiotic L. casei CECT 9104 and prebiotics, offering a promising alternative for the development of plant-based functional foods. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Exorbital Lacrimal Gland Ablation and Regrafting Induce Inflammation but Not Regeneration or Dry Eye.

The study evaluated the regenerative responses of the lacrimal functional unit (LFU) after lacrimal gland (LG) ablation. The LG of Wistar rats was submitted to G1) partial LG ablation, G2) partial ablation and transplantation of an allogeneic LG, or G3) total LG ablation, (n = 7-10/group). The eye wipe test, slit lamp image, tear flow, and histology were evaluated. RT-PCR analyzed inflammatory and proliferation mediators. The findings were compared to naïve controls after 1 and 2 months (M1 and M2). G3 presented increased corneal sensitivity, and the 3 groups showed corneal neovascularization. Histology revealed changes in the LG and corneal inflammation. In the LG, there was an increase in MMP-9 mRNA of G1 and G2 at M1 and M2, in RUNX-1 at M1 and M2 in G1, in RUNX-3 mRNA at M1 in G1, and at M2 in G2. TNF-α mRNA rose in the corneas of G1 and G2 at M2. There was an increase in the IL-1ß mRNA in the trigeminal ganglion of G1 at M1. Without changes in tear flow or evidence of LG regeneration, LG ablation and grafting are unreliable models for dry eye or LG repair in rats. The surgical manipulation extended inflammation to the LFU.

Arazá: Eugenia stipitata Mc Vaught as a Potential Functional Food.

Arazá is a fruit native to the Amazonian region with characteristic properties such as aroma, texture, color, and marked acidity. Additionally, the fruit is rich in bioactive compounds in its three fractions (seed, pulp, and peel), such as ascorbic acid, phenolic compounds (and their derivatives), and carotenoids, which have been extensively investigated in the literature for their beneficial properties for human health. However, it is a little-known fruit, and the role it can play in health-promoting activities related to the treatment and prevention of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) when incorporated into the diet is also unknown. Therefore, it is necessary to know the profile of bioactive compounds and the biological properties Arazá possesses, which is the aim of this review.

The Cashew Pseudofruit (Anacardium occidentale): Composition, Processing Effects on Bioactive Compounds and Potential Benefits for Human Health.

The fruit of the cashew, a tree belonging to the family Anacardiaceae, is composed of approximately 10% nut (cashew) and 90% stalk or pseudofruit, usually discarded in situ and fermented in the soil. This review identifies cashew pseudofruit's physicochemical characteristics and bioactive compounds and their possible relationship to health benefits. Different processing techniques have been used to preserve the pseudofruit, and the effect of these techniques on its nutrients is also reviewed in this work. Cashew is a highly perishable product with moisture content above 80% w/w and 10% w/w sugars. It also has a high content of polyphenols, flavonoids, and tannins and high antioxidant properties that are best preserved by nonthermal processing techniques. The pseudofruit presents the high inhibitory activity of α-amylase and lipase enzymes, has anti-inflammatory and body weight reduction properties and healing activity, and controls glucose levels, insulinemia, and insulin resistance. For all these reasons, cashews have been promoted as a propitious food/ingredient for preventive and therapeutic management of different pathologies such as diabetes, dyslipidemia, obesity, hypertension, fatty liver, and acne. Moreover, it has positive effects on the intestinal microflora, among others. This pseudofruit has a high potential for the development of functional foods.

Valorization of Taioba Products and By-Products: Focusing on Starch.

Unconventional food plants, popularized in Brazil as PANC, remain underutilized globally. In that sense, this study aims to explore the nutritional and functional properties of taioba (Xanthosoma sagittifolium), a plant with edible leaves and tubers, and to investigate its potential for industrial-scale application as a source of starch. A systematic review was carried out and meta-analysis following the PRISMA guidelines was conducted based on a random effects synthesis of multivariable-adjusted relative risks (RRs). The searches were carried out in seven search sources, among which were Web of Science, Elsevier's Science Direct, Wiley Online Library, Springer Nature, Taylor & Francis, Hindawi, Scielo, ACS-American Chemical Society, and Google Scholar. The systematic review was guided by a systematic review protocol based on the POT strategy (Population, Outcome, and Types of studies), adapted for use in this research. Mendeley was a resource used for organization, to manage references, and to exclude duplicates of studies selected for review. The findings revealed that taioba leaves are abundant in essential nutrients, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Additionally, the tubers offer rich starch content along with vitamins and minerals like iron, potassium, and calcium, making them an ideal substitute for conventional sources on an industrial scale. This research highlights the significance of studying the functionalities, applicability, and integration of this PANC in our diets, while also emphasizing its capability as a substitute for traditional starch varieties. Moreover, exploiting this plant's potential adds value to Amazonian resources, reduces import costs, and diversifies resource utilization across multiple industrial sectors.

Functional prediction based on 16S rRNA metagenome data from bacterial microbiota associated with macroalgae from the Peruvian coast.

Macroalgae are vital reservoirs for essential epibiotic microorganisms. Among these are growth-promoting bacteria that support the growth and healthy development of their host macroalgae, and these macroalgae can be utilized in agriculture as biostimulants, offering an alternative to traditional agrochemicals. However, to date, no comparative studies have been conducted on the functional profile and bacterial diversity associated with coastal macroalgae of Peru. In this study, we employed amplicon sequencing of the V3-V4 region of 16S rRNA gene in twelve host macroalgae collected from two rocky shores in central Peru to compare their bacterial communities. The results revealed high bacterial diversity across both sites, but differences in microbial composition were noted. The phyla Bacteroidota and Pseudomonadota were predominant. The functional prediction highlighted 44 significant metabolic pathways associated with the bacterial microbiota when comparing host macroalgae. These active pathways are related to metabolism and genetic and cellular information processing. No direct association was detected between the macroalgal genera and the associated microbiota, suggesting that the bacterial community is largely influenced by their genetic functions than the taxonomic composition of their hosts. Furthermore, some species of Chlorophyta and Rhodophyta were observed to host growth-promoting bacteria, such as Maribacter sp. and Sulfitobacter sp.

Exercise Volume Can Modulate the Regenerative Response to Spinal Cord Injury in Mice.

Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) causes debilitating motor and sensory deficits that impair functional performance, and physical rehabilitation is currently the only established therapeutic reality in the clinical setting. In this study, we aimed to assess the effect of exercise of different volume and timing of intervention on functional recovery and neuromuscular regeneration in a mouse model of compressive SCI. Mice were assigned to one of four groups: laminectomy only (SHAM); injured, without treadmill training (SCI); injured, treadmill trained for 10 min until day 56 postinjury (TMT1); and injured, treadmill trained for two 10-min cycles with a 10-min pause between them until day 28 postinjury followed by the TMT1 protocol until day 56 postinjury (TMT3). On day 7 postinjury, animals started an eight-week treadmill-training exercise protocol and were trained three times a week. TMT3 mice had the best results in terms of neuroregeneration, functional recovery, and muscle plasticity as measured by functional and morphometric parameters. In conclusion, the volume of exercise can modulate the quality of the regenerative response to injury, when started in the acute phase and adjusted according to the inflammatory window.