The impact of biomolecule interactions on the cytotoxic effects of rhenium(I) tricarbonyl complexes.

Rhenium complexes show great promise as anticancer drug candidates. Specifically, compounds with a Re(CO)3(NN)(py)+ core in their architecture have shown cytotoxicity equal to or greater than that of well-established anticancer drugs based on platinum or organic molecules. This study aimed to evaluate how the strength of the interaction between rhenium(I) tricarbonyl complexes fac-[Re(CO)3(NN)(py)]+, NN = 1,10-phenanthroline (phen), dipyrido[3,2-f:2',3'-h]quinoxaline (dpq) or dipyrido[3,2-a:2'3'-c]phenazine (dppz) and biomolecules (protein, lipid and DNA) impacted the corresponding cytotoxic effect in cells. Results showed that fac-[Re(CO)3(dppz)(py)]+ has higher Log Po/w and binding constant (Kb) with biomolecules (protein, lipid and DNA) compared to complexes of fac-[Re(CO)3(phen)(py)]+ and fac-[Re(CO)3(dpq)(py)]+. As consequence, fac-[Re(CO)3(dppz)(py)]+ exhibited the highest cytotoxicity (IC50 = 8.5 µM for HeLa cells) for fac-[Re(CO)3(dppz)(py)]+ among the studied compounds (IC50 > 15 µM). This highest cytotoxicity of fac-[Re(CO)3(dppz)(py)]+ are probably related to its lipophilicity, higher permeation of the lipid bilayers of cells, and a more potent interaction of the dppz ligand with biomolecules (protein and DNA). Our findings open novel avenues for rational drug design and highlight the importance of considering the chemical structures of rhenium complexes that strongly interact with biomolecules (proteins, lipids, and DNA).

Influence of the pilates method on postural balance parameters in older women: An exploratory single-arm trial.

BACKGROUND: Human aging is a natural, biological, progressive, dynamic and complex process that involves morphological, physiological and social changes. Alterations such as decreased postural balance increase the risk of falls and exercise has shown benefits. One of the possible exercise modalities for this population is Pilates. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effects of Pilates on parameters of static and dynamic postural balance in older women. METHODS: Women aged 60 years or over were evaluated at three time points (pre-training, mid-training, and post-training). Postural balance was assessed using the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), the Timed Up and Go test (TUG), and a force platform. The Pilates exercise protocol consisted of 16 sessions, twice a week, lasting 50 min each. Normality of the data was determined by the Shapiro-Wilk test. Repeated measures ANOVA followed by the Bonferroni post hoc test was used for comparison between assessments. Statistical significance was set at p ≤ 0.05. RESULTS: Fourteen older women were included. Assessment on the force platform revealed no significant differences for most of the variables evaluated. There was a significant difference in SPPB scores and TUG times pre- and post-treatment (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Pilates training significantly improved dynamic postural balance evaluated by the TUG and SPPB but did not significantly improve static balance evaluated by the force platform, although the values have decreased in most assessments.

Correction: Intraductal radiofrequency ablation plus biliary stent versus stent alone for malignant biliary obstruction: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1055/a-2204-8316.].

Machine learning in the classification of asian rust severity in soybean using hyperspectral sensor.

Traditional monitoring of asian soybean rust severity is a time- and labor-intensive task, as it requires visual assessments by skilled professionals in the field. Thus, the use of remote sensing and machine learning (ML) techniques in data processing has emerged as an approach that can increase efficiency in disease monitoring, enabling faster, more accurate and time- and labor-saving evaluations. The aims of the study were: (i) to identify the spectral signature of different levels of Asian soybean rust severity; (ii) to identify the most accurate machine learning algorithm for classifying disease severity levels; (iii) which spectral input provides the highest classification accuracy for the algorithms; (iv) to determine a sample size of leaves that guarantees the best accuracy for the algorithms. A field experiment was carried out in the 2022/2023 harvest in a randomized block design with a 6x3 factorial scheme (ML algorithms x severity levels) and four replications. Disease severity levels assessed were: healthy leaves, 25 % severity, and 50 % severity. Leaf hyperspectral analysis was carried out over a wide range from 350 to 2500 nm. From this analysis, 28 spectral bands were extracted, seeking to distinguish the spectral signature for each severity level with the least input dataset. Data was subjected to machine learning analysis using Artificial Neural Network (ANN), REPTree (DT) and J48 decision trees, Random Forest (RF), and Support Vector Machine (SVM) algorithms, as well as a traditional classification method (Logistic Regression - LR). Two different input datasets were tested for each algorithm: the full spectrum (ALL) provided by the sensor and the 28 spectral bands (SB). Tests with different sample sizes were also conducted to investigate the algorithms' ability to detect severity levels with a reduced sample size. Our findings indicate differences between the spectral curves for the severity levels assessed, which makes it possible to differentiate between healthy plants with low and high severity using hyperspectral sensing. SVM was the most accurate algorithm for classifying severity levels by using all the spectral information as input. This algorithm also provided high classification accuracy when using smaller leaf samples. This study reveals that hyperspectral sensing and the use of ML algorithms provide an accurate classification of different levels of Asian rust severity, and can be powerful tools for a more efficient disease monitoring process.

Intraductal radiofrequency ablation plus biliary stent versus stent alone for malignant biliary obstruction: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background and study aims Recurrent biliary stent occlusion and tumor ingrowth remain a major concern among patients with malignant biliary obstruction (MBO) with significant impact on patient morbidity and survival. Intraductal radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has emerged as a promising treatment that seeks to extend stent patency. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of RFA on overall survival (OS) and stent patency among patients with unresectable MBO. Methods A comprehensive search of electronic databases was performed for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing RFA plus biliary stent (RFA+S) versus biliary stent alone (S-alone). Outcomes assessed included overall survival, stent patency, and adverse events (AEs) with mean difference (MD) calculated from pooled proportions. Subgroup analyses were performed for hilar strictures and cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). Results Six RCTs (n=439 patients) were included and demonstrated improved survival among patients who received RFA+S (MD 85.80 days; 95% confidence interval [CI] 35.02-136.58; I 2 =97%; P <0.0009). The pooled MD for total stent patency was 22.25 days (95% CI 17.38-61.87; I 2 =97%; P =0.27). There was no difference in AEs between RFA+S vs S-alone ( P >0.05). On subgroup analyses, RFA+S was associated with improved stent patency (MD 76.73 days; 95% CI 50.11-103.34; I 2 =67%; P <0.01) and OS (MD 83.14 (95% CI 29.52-136.77; I 2 =97%; P <0.01] for CCA. For hilar strictures, stent patency was improved among patients with RFA+S [MD 83.71 days (95% CI 24.85-142.56; I 2 =84%; P <0.01]. Conclusions RFA+S improved OS in the treatment of MBO when compared with S-alone. Moreover, the RFA therapy prolonged stent patency in hilar strictures and CCA, with similar rates of AEs.

Construção e validação de tecnologia educativa sobre nutrição enteral em unidade de terapia intensiva adulto / Construcción y validación de tecnología educativa sobre nutrición enteral en unidad de cuidados intensivos / Construction and validation of educational technology on enteral nutrition in adult intensive care unit

Objetivo: construir e validar um vídeo educativo para o manejo de terapia de nutrição enteral em unidade de terapia intensiva adulto. Método: estudo quantitativo aplicado, dividido em duas etapas principais: construção do vídeo, seguindo o referencial para criação de vídeo e, validação por concordância de nove juízes. Resultados: o índice de validade de conteúdo geral do estudo foi de 0,96, porém de todos os itens analisados três apresentaram índice de 0,77 e dois de 0,88. Conclusão: o vídeo validado é relevante e cumpre o objetivo a que se destina. Adiciona-se que, por partir de um pacote de medidas previamente implementado, dificulta a aplicação em todas as realidades.

Objective: to develop and validate an educational video for the management of enteral nutrition therapy in the adult intensive care unit. Method:this is a quantitative applied study, divided into two main stages: construction of the video, following the framework of video creationand validation by agreement of nine judges. Results:the study's overall content validity index was 0.96, but of all the items analyzed, three had an index of 0.77 and two of 0.88. Conclusion:the validated video is relevant and fulfills its purpose. In addition, because it is based on a package of measures that has been previously implemented, it is difficult to apply in all situations.

Objetivo:construiry validar un vídeo educativo para el manejo de la terapia nutricional enteral en la unidad de cuidados intensivos paraadultos. Método:se trata de un estudio cuantitativo aplicado, dividido en dos etapas principales: construcción del vídeo, siguiendo el marco de construir videosy validación por acuerdo de nueve jueces. Resultados:el índice global de validez de contenido del estudio fue de 0,96, pero de todos los ítems analizados, tres tuvieron un índice de 0,77 y dos de 0,88. Conclusión:el vídeo validado es pertinente y cumple su propósito. Además, al estar basado en un paquete de medidas previamente implementado, es difícil de aplicar en todas las realidades.

Multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter spp. from hospital intensive care units in Brazilian Amazon.

Acinetobacter spp. are one of the main pathogens responsible for healthcare-associated infections and are associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality globally, mainly because of their high capacity to present and develop resistance to antimicrobials. To identify species of the Acinetobacter and their resistance profiles from samples collected from hospitalized patients, health professionals and hospital environmental sources in the intensive care units of different public reference hospitals in Porto Velho City, Rondônia, Western Brazilian Amazon. Isolates were identified using microbiological and molecular techniques. The antimicrobial susceptibility profile was determined by disk diffusion. A total of 201 Acinetobacter spp. isolates were identified, of which 47.3% originated from hospital structures, 46.8% from patients and 6% from healthcare professionals. A. baumannii and A. nosocomialis were the most prevalent, with frequency of 58.7% and 31.8%, respectively. Regarding the susceptibility profile, it was observed that 56.3% were classified as multidrug-resistant and 76.2% of the samples belonging to A. baumannii were resistant to carbapenems. In contrast, 96.9% were susceptible to polymyxin B and 91.3% to doxycycline. The data presented here can be used to guide and strengthen the control of multidrug-resistant infections caused by Acinetobacter spp., in addition to improving providing information from a traditionally unassisted region of Brazil.

Complex Intrahepatic Lithiasis: A Case Report of Combined Treatment With Surgical Exploration of the Bilioenteric Anastomosis and Laser Lithotripsy by Cholangioscopy.

Intrahepatic lithiasis, or hepatolithiasis, is an endemic disease in southeast Asia, although, with immigration from Eastern countries, the incidence of this pathology is rising worldwide. The Latin American experience demonstrates morbidity and mortality compatible with other Western countries, but minimally invasive procedures are lacking. We demonstrate a case of a combined surgical and endoscopic approach for stone clearance. We present a case of a 47-year-old female patient with biliary enteric anastomosis to treat recurrent pyogenic cholangitis resulting from intrahepatic lithiasis. The patient was admitted to the emergency room, presented with a new episode of cholangitis, and submitted to transcutaneous hepatobiliary drainage. The multidisciplinary approach, including the endoscopic and surgical teams, successfully performed the stone clearance with laser lithotripsy and stone removal by open access. The postoperative period was uneventful, and the patient did not present any sign of recurrence after one year. A combined surgical and endoscopic approach achieved short-term clinical and technical success in this novel case. Moreover, individualizing cases requiring open surgical access is feasible, which allows a combined endoscopic approach with safety.

Contradictory electric energy policies and its impacts on the renewability of the electric matrix: Brazil as a case study.

This unprecedented analysis of the factors that determine the performance of Brazil electric energy contradictory policies identifies the irregular path followed by one of the largest national oil companies in the world. As high convenience comparative case study, the increase and decrease of production and investment within the context of the Brazilian electric matrix in the last 20 years can shed light on Petrobras' disparities in relation to itself and in relation to external variables over time such as policies and investment choices, international oil prices and exploration cost.

Pure Cut or Endocut for Biliary Sphincterotomy? A Multicenter Randomized Clinical Trial.

INTRODUCTION: Adverse events (AE) after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) are not uncommon and post-ERCP acute pancreatitis (PEP) is the most important one. Thermal injury from biliary sphincterotomy may play an important role and trigger PEP or bleeding. Therefore, this study evaluated the outcomes of 2 electric current modes used during biliary sphincterotomy. METHODS: From October 2019 to August 2021, consecutive patients with native papilla undergoing ERCP with biliary sphincterotomy were randomized to either the pure cut or endocut after cannulation. The primary outcome was PEP incidence. Secondary outcomes included intraprocedural and delayed bleeding, infection, and perforation. RESULTS: A total of 550 patients were randomized (272 pure cut and 278 endocut). The overall PEP rate was 4.0% and significantly higher in the endocut group (5.8% vs 2.2%, P = 0.034). Univariate analysis revealed >5 attempts ( P = 0.004) and endocut mode ( P = 0.034) as risk factors for PEP. Multivariate analysis revealed >5 attempts ( P = 0.005) and a trend for endocut mode as risk factors for PEP ( P = 0.052). Intraprocedural bleeding occurred more often with pure cut ( P = 0.018), but all cases were controlled endoscopically during the ERCP. Delayed bleeding was more frequent with endocut ( P = 0.047). There was no difference in perforation ( P = 1.0) or infection ( P = 0.4999) between the groups. DISCUSSION: Endocut mode may increase thermal injury leading to higher rates of PEP and delayed bleeding, whereas pure cut is associated with increased intraprocedural bleeding without clinical repercussion. The electric current mode is not related to perforation or infection. Further RCT assessing the impact of electric current on AE with overlapping preventive measures such as rectal nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and hyperhydration are needed. The study was submitted to the Brazilian Clinical Trials Platform ( http://www.ensaiosclinicos.gov.br ) under the registry number RBR-5d27tn.

Trend and spatial clustering of medical education in Brazil: an ecological study of time series from 2010 to 2021.

CONTEXT: Studies that analyze the temporal trend and spatial clustering of medical education indicators are scarce, especially in developing countries such as Brazil. This analysis is essential to subsidize more equitable policies for the medical workforce in the states and regions of Brazil. Thus, this study aimed to analyze the temporal trend and identify spatial clusters of medical education indicators in Brazil disaggregated by public and private education, states, and regions. METHODS: A time-series ecological study was conducted using data from the Higher Education Census of the Ministry of Education from 2010 to 2021. The study analyzed vacancy density indicators of active and former students/100,000 population, disaggregated by public and private education, 27 states, and 5 regions in Brazil. Prais-Winsten regression was used for trend analyses of indicators. Hot Spot Analysis (Getis-Ord Gi*) was used to identify spatial clusters of indicators. RESULTS: The number of medical schools increased by 102.2% between 2010 and 2021. A total of 366 medical schools offered 54,870 vacancies at the end of 2021. Vacancy density and active and former students increased significantly in the period, but this increase was greater in private institutions. Most states and regions showed an increasing trend in the indicators, with higher increase percentages in private than in public schools. Hot spot spaces changed over time, concentrated in the southeast, center-west, and north at the end of 2021. Medical education remains uneven in Brazil, with a low provision in regions with low socioeconomic development, academic structure, and health services, represented by regions in the north and northeast. CONCLUSIONS: There is a growing trend in medical education indicators in Brazil, especially in the private sector. Spatial clusters were found predominantly in the southeast, center-west, and north. These results indicate the need for more equitable medical education planning between the regions.

Self-Expandable Metal Stent (SEMS) Versus Lumen-Apposing Metal Stent (LAMS) for Drainage of Pancreatic Fluid Collections: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Background and aim Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided drainage is the gold standard approach for the treatment of encapsulated pancreatic collections (EPCs) including pseudocyst and walled-off pancreatic necrosis (WON), and is associated with an equivalent clinical efficacy to surgical drainage with fewer complications and less morbidity. Drainage may be achieved via several types of stents including a fully covered self-expandable metallic stent (SEMS) and lumen-apposing metal stent (LAMS). However, to date there have been no randomized trials to compare these devices. This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of the SEMS versus LAMS for EUS-guided drainage of EPCs. Methods A phase IIB randomized trial was designed to compare the SEMS versus LAMS for the treatment of EPCs. Technical success, clinical success, adverse events (AEs), and procedure time were evaluated. A sample size of 42 patients was determined. Results There was no difference between the two groups in technical (LAMS 80.95% vs 100% SEMS, p=0.107), clinical (LAMS 85.71% vs 95.24% SEMS, p=0.606) or radiological success (LAMS 92.86% vs 83.33% SEMS, p=0.613). There was no difference in AEs including stent migration rate and mortality. The procedure time was longer in the LAMS group (mean time 43.81 min versus 24.43 min, p=0.001). There was also a difference in the number of intra-procedure complications (5 LAMS vs 0 SEMS, p=0.048). Conclusion SEMS and LAMS have similar technical, clinical, and radiological success as well as AEs. However, SEMS has a shorter procedure time and fewer intra-procedure complications compared to non-electrocautery-enhanced LAMS in this phase IIB randomized controlled trial (RCT). The choice of the type of stent used for EUS drainage of EPCs should consider device availability, costs, and personal and local experience.

Use of Intrinsic Capacity Domains as a Screening Tool in Public Health.

The World Health Organization (WHO) created the concept of Integrated Care for Older People and one of its constructs is intrinsic capacity (IC). The study aimed to carry out a screening with the tools designated by the WHO to assess the IC domains and whether they can be used as indicators for decision-making on integrated care for older people based on risk categorization. The interaction between the risk category and the domain scores was verified. One hundred and sixty three (163) community-dwelling older people of both genders were evaluated. Domains assessed: cognitive, psychological, vitality, locomotion, and sensory. Scores indicating a low, moderate and high risk were assigned to each domain. For all domains, there were individuals in all risk groups. Effect of risk on the domains: cognitive [χ2(2) = 134.042; p < 0.001], psychological [χ2(2) = 92.865; p < 0.001], vitality [χ2(2) = 129.564; p < 0.001], locomotion [χ2(2) = 144.101; p < 0.001], and sensory [χ2(2) = 129.037; p < 0.001]. Scores of the CI domains were affected by the risk category. There were individuals in all risk groups, demonstrating the importance of screening as a public health strategy, making it possible to know which risk category each elderly person belongs to and thus develop strategies in the short-, medium- and long-term.

Quetiapine effect on depressive-like behaviors, oxidative balance, and inflammation in serum of rats submitted to chronic stress.

Major depressive disorder (MDD) etiology is still not completely understood, and many individuals resist the traditional treatments. Chronic exposure to stressful events can contribute to development and progression and be involved in biological changes underlying MDD. Among the biological mechanisms involved, inflammatory changes and oxidative balance are associated with MDD pathophysiology. Quetiapine, a second-generation antipsychotic, induces a better therapeutic response in individuals refractory to traditional treatments. The main objectives of this research were as follows: to evaluate the effect of chronic mild stress (CMS) on depressive-like behaviors, oxidative stress, and inflammation in adult rats; to evaluate the possible antidepressant, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects of quetiapine. The animals were submitted to CMS protocols. At the end of the CMS, the animals were submitted to a chronic treatment for 14 days with the following drugs: quetiapine (20 mg/kg), imipramine (30 mg/kg), and escitalopram (10 mg/kg). At the end of the treatments, the animals were evaluated in the open field tests, anhedonia (splash test), and forced swimming. The animals were euthanized after the behavioral tests, and serum samples were collected. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels were analyzed. CMS induced an increase in depressive-like behaviors, and quetiapine significantly reduced these behaviors. MPO activity and IL-6 levels increased in the serum of animals submitted to CMS. Quetiapine significantly reduced MPO activity and IL-6 levels. These results corroborate other evidence, indicating that chronic stress is a relevant phenomenon in the etiology of depression and suggesting that quetiapine induces an antidepressant effect because it reduces oxidative and inflammatory mechanisms.

Homemade endoscopic vacuum therapy device for the management of transmural gastrointestinal defects.

OBJECTIVES: Endoscopic vacuum therapy (EVT) possesses a unique mechanism of action providing a less invasive alternative for the management of transmural gastrointestinal defects (TGID). This study evaluates the efficacy and safety of a novel homemade EVT (H-EVT) for the treatment of TGID. METHODS: Retrospective multicenter study including patients who underwent H-EVT for TGID between January 2019 and January 2022. Main outcomes included technical and clinical success as well as safety outcomes. Subgroup analyses were included by defect location and classification. Logistic regression analyses were performed to determine predictors for successful closure. RESULTS: A total of 144 patients were included. Technical success was achieved in all patients, with clinical success achieved in 88.89% after a mean of 3.49 H-EVT exchanges over an average of 23.51 days. After excluding 10 cases wherein it was not possible to achieve negative pressure, successful closure occurred in 95.52% of patients. Time to clinical success was less for defects caused by endoscopic (hazard ratio [HR] 0.63; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.33-1.20) compared to surgical procedures and for patients with simultaneous intracavitary and intraluminal H-EVT placement (HR 0.70; 95% CI 0.55-0.91). Location and classification of defect did not impact clinical success rate. Simultaneous placement of both an intraluminal and intracavitary H-EVT (odds ratio 3.08; 95% CI 1.19-7.95) was a significant predictor of clinical success. Three device-related adverse events (2.08%) occurred. CONCLUSIONS: The use of the H-EVT is feasible, safe, and effective for the management of TGID.

Multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter spp. from hospital intensive care units in Brazilian Amazon

Abstract Acinetobacter spp. are one of the main pathogens responsible for healthcare-associated infections and are associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality globally, mainly because of their high capacity to present and develop resistance to antimicrobials. To identify species of the Acinetobacter and their resistance profiles from samples collected from hospitalized patients, health professionals and hospital environmental sources in the intensive care units of different public reference hospitals in Porto Velho City, Rondônia, Western Brazilian Amazon. Isolates were identified using microbiological and molecular techniques. The antimicrobial susceptibility profile was determined by disk diffusion. A total of 201 Acinetobacter spp. isolates were identified, of which 47.3% originated from hospital structures, 46.8% from patients and 6% from healthcare professionals. A. baumannii and A. nosocomialis were the most prevalent, with frequency of 58.7% and 31.8%, respectively. Regarding the susceptibility profile, it was observed that 56.3% were classified as multidrug-resistant and 76.2% of the samples belonging to A. baumannii were resistant to carbapenems. In contrast, 96.9% were susceptible to polymyxin B and 91.3% to doxycycline. The data presented here can be used to guide and strengthen the control of multidrug-resistant infections caused by Acinetobacter spp., in addition to improving providing information from a traditionally unassisted region of Brazil.

Endoscopic Treatment of Complex Walled-Off Necrosis in Necrotizing Pancreatitis With Two Simultaneous Lumen-Apposing Metal Stents: A Case Report.

Organized pancreatic and peripancreatic collections are complications of pancreatitis and should be treated when symptomatic or complicated. When feasible, the endoscopic ultrasound approach presents high efficacy and low morbidity and mortality, making it the first likely option. Among the available accessories for endoscopic drainage, the lumen-apposing metal stent can be a better option, with a low migration rate; furthermore, it allows endoscopic necrosectomy. Here, we present the case of complex walled-off necrosis treated with two lumen-apposing metal stents in the same procedure. A 41-year-old male patient with walled-off necrosis presented with delayed gastric emptying and obstruction of the main biliary duct. Magnetic resonance imaging and endoscopic ultrasound revealed two non-communicating collections. We opted for endoscopic ultrasound-guided drainage with the deployment of two simultaneous lumen-apposing metal stents: one transduodenal and the other transgastric, with clinical improvement. After three weeks, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography showed a biliary fistula communicating with the periduodenal collection, which was treated with a biliary plastic stent. An endoscopic necrosectomy was performed, and the metal stents were removed. Control magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated improvement. The patient was asymptomatic at the six-month follow-up. The treatment of symptomatic complex walled-off necrosis remains a challenge and may require multiple endoscopic approaches; moreover, surgical treatment may be necessary in case of failure. In the present report, we demonstrate that the deployment of two lumen-apposing metal stents in the same procedure is feasible when necessary as it was associated with technical success and short-term clinical success.

Pantanal yacare (Caiman yacare) tail fillets subjected to traditional hot smoking and liquid smoke.

BACKGROUND: The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of hot smoking and liquid smoke on process yield, physicochemical properties, microbiological parameters, fatty acid profile, benzo(a)pyrene levels, and sensory profile of Pantanal yacare tail fillets. The fillets were subjected to two types of smoking processes: hot smoking and liquid smoke flavoring. RESULTS: The process yield of liquid-smoked fillets was higher (69.8%) compared to hot-smoked fillets (58.0%). All fillets were with good microbiological quality and low benzo(a)pyrene levels and were well accepted by consumers. The hot-smoked fillets and the liquid-smoked fillets presented 456.2 and 589.7 g kg-1 moisture, 262.3 and 263.7 g kg-1 crude protein, 218 and 85 g kg-1 total lipids, and 26.0 and 20.9 g kg-1 ash, respectively. The major fatty acids identified in the smoked tail fillets were palmitic, stearic, oleic, and linoleic acids. CONCLUSION: The liquid-smoked fillets had lower lipid content, and higher process yield because of lower losses; thus, they proved to be more advantageous and practical to obtain than the hot-smoked fillets. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Pelvic floor muscle training and postural balance in elderly women: An exploratory single arm trial.

INTRODUCTION: To investigate the influence of a training of mobility, gait speed and postural balance of pelvic floor muscles (PFM). METHODS: A single-arm clinical trial study was approved and registered at the Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry (RBR-4rxhd4). Eighteen women over the age of 60 with pelvic floor dysfunction complaints were subjected to 10 sessions of functional electrical stimulation and digital palpation of PFM. Mobility and gait speed were evaluated by the Timed up and Go and the 10-m walk tests respectively. Standing balance was evaluated using a force plate. RESULTS: No significant differences were found in mobility, gait speed, and standing balance. PFM contraction worsened mobility, gait speed, and standing balance performance. CONCLUSIONS: The training protocol enhanced PFM strength and endurance, but the improved ability to recruit PFM did not positively affect balance, mobility, and gait speed.