Germline proliferation trades off with lipid metabolism in Drosophila.

Little is known about the metabolic basis of life-history trade-offs but lipid stores seem to play a pivotal role. During reproduction, an energetically highly costly process, animals mobilize fat reserves. Conversely, reduced or curtailed reproduction promotes lipid storage in many animals. Systemic signals from the gonad seem to be involved: Caenorhabditis elegans lacking germline stem cells display endocrine changes, have increased fat stores and are long-lived. Similarly, germline-ablated Drosophila melanogaster exhibit major somatic physiological changes, but whether and how germline loss affects lipid metabolism remains largely unclear. Here we show that germline-ablated flies have profoundly altered energy metabolism at the transcriptional level and store excess fat as compared to fertile flies. Germline activity thus constrains or represses fat accumulation, and this effect is conserved between flies and worms. More broadly, our findings confirm that lipids represent a major energetic currency in which costs of reproduction are paid.

A randomized controlled trial to assess the impact of psychoeducation on the quality of life of parents with children with congenital heart defects-Quantitative component.

PURPOSE: To develop, implement and assess the results of psychoeducation to improve the QoL of parents with CHD newborns. METHODS: Participants were parents of inpatient newborns with the diagnosis of non-syndromic CHD. We conducted a parallel RCT with an allocation ratio of 1:1 (intervention vs. control), considering the newborns, using mixed methods research. The intervention group received psychoeducation (Parental Psychoeducation in CHD [PPeCHD]) and the usual routines, and the control group received just the regular practices. The allocation concealment was assured. PI was involved in enrolling participants, developing and implementing the intervention, data collection and data analysis. We followed the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) guidelines. RESULTS: Parents of eight newborns were allocated to the intervention group (n = 15 parents) and eight to the control group (n = 13 parents). It was performed as an intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis. In M2 (4 weeks), the intervention group presented better QoL levels in the physical, psychological, and environmental domains of World Health Organization Quality of Life instrument (WHOQOL-Bref). In M3 (16 weeks), scores in physical and psychological domains maintained a statistically significant difference between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: The PPeCHD, the psychoeducational intervention we developed, positively impacted parental QoL. These results support the initial hypothesis. This study is a fundamental milestone in this research field, adding new essential information to the literature.

Improving the quality of life of parents of patients with congenital abnormalities using psychoeducational interventions: a systematic review.

PURPOSE: To identify psychoeducational interventions that target parents of children with congenital abnormalities (CA) and evaluate their impact on quality of life (QoL). METHODS: The search was conducted in six electronic databases, complemented by references of the studies found, studies of evidence synthesis, a manual search of relevant scientific meetings' abstracts and contact with experts. We included primary studies on parents of children with CA that studied psychoeducational interventions versus standard care. We assessed the risk of bias using Cochrane Collaboration's tool. RESULTS: We included six studies focusing on congenital heart defects (CHD). They described four different psychoeducational strategies. In four studies, statistically significant differences were found. For clinical practice, we considered three interventions as more feasible: the Educational program for mothers, with a group format of four sessions weekly; CHIP-Family intervention, which includes a parental group workshop followed by an individual follow-up booster session; and WeChat educational health program with an online format. CONCLUSIONS: This review is the first that assesses the impact of psychoeducational interventions targeted at parents of children with CA on their QoL. The best approach to intervention is multiple group sessions. Two essential strategies were to give support material, enabling parents to review, and the possibility of an online program application, increasing accessibility. However, because all included studies focus on CHD, generalizations should be made carefully. These findings are crucial to guide future research to promote and improve comprehensive and structured support for families and integrate them into daily practice.

Bagaza Virus in Wild Birds, Portugal, 2021.

Bagaza virus emerged in Spain in 2010 and was not reported in other countries in Europe until 2021, when the virus was detected by molecular methods in a corn bunting and several red-legged partridges in Portugal. Sequencing revealed high similarity between the 2021 strains from Portugal and the 2010 strains from Spain.

Teoria da mente e funções executivas em escolares: revisão sistemática da literatura / Theory of mind and executive functions in schoolchildren: a systematic literature review

Teoria da mente (ToM) é a capacidade de atribuir estados mentais a si mesmo e aos outros, sendo fundamental para o êxito nas interações sociais. Este estudo apresenta uma revisão sistemática da literatura de pesquisas empíricas que contemplaram a relação entre teoria da mente e funções executivas (FE) em crianças escolares (6 a 11 anos de idade). A busca foi realizada nas bases de dados PsycInfo e Lilacs e no banco de teses da Capes. A amostra final foi composta por 14 estudos. Os resultados indicaram a predominância de estudos visando comparar grupos clínicos e crianças com desenvolvimento típico sendo identificadas uma variabilidade de instrumentos de avaliação da ToM e das funções executivas. Foram encontradas associações significativas entre teoria da mente e FE. Evidenciou-se um crescimento das pesquisas nesse domínio investigativo, reforçando a relevância da teoria da mente e das funções executivas para o desenvolvimento humano.(AU)

Theory of mind (ToM) is the ability to attribute mental states to oneself and to others, being crucial for success in social interactions. This study presents a systematic review of the empirical research literature that considered the relationship between theory of mind and executive functions (EF) in school children (6 to 11 years of age). The search was carried out on the PsycInfo and Lilacs databases and on the Capes thesis database. The final sample consisted of 14 studies. The results indicated the predominance of studies aimed at comparing clinical groups and children with typical development, and a range of evaluation tools of ToM and executive functions was identified. Significant associations were found between theory of mind and FE. A growth of research in this field of research was observed, reinforcing the relevance of theory of mind and executive functions for human development.(AU)

Quality of life of parents with children with congenital abnormalities: a systematic review with meta-analysis of assessment methods and levels of quality of life.

PURPOSE: To quantify and understand how to assess the quality of life and health-related QoL of parents with children with congenital abnormalities. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review with meta-analysis. The search was carried out in 5 bibliographic databases and in ClinicalTrials.gov. No restriction on language or date of publication was applied. This was complemented by references of the studies found and studies of evidence synthesis, manual search of abstracts of relevant congresses/scientific meetings and contact with experts. We included primary studies (observational, quasi-experimental and experimental studies) on parents of children with CA reporting the outcome quality of life (primary outcome) of parents, independently of the intervention/exposure studied. RESULTS: We included 75 studies (35 observational non-comparatives, 31 observational comparatives, 4 quasi-experimental and 5 experimental studies). We identified 27 different QoL instruments. The two most frequently used individual QoL instruments were WHOQOL-Bref and SF-36. Relatively to family QoL tools identified, we emphasized PedsQL FIM, IOFS and FQOL. Non-syndromic congenital heart defects were the CA most frequently studied. Through the analysis of comparative studies, we verified that parental and familial QoL were impaired in this population. CONCLUSIONS: This review highlights the relevance of assessing QoL in parents with children with CA and explores the diverse QoL assessment tools described in the literature. Additionally, results indicate a knowledge gap that can help to draw new paths to future research. It is essential to assess QoL as a routine in healthcare providing and to implement strategies that improve it.

Impact in the quality of life of parents of children with chronic diseases using psychoeducational interventions - A systematic review with meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to identify psychoeducational interventions applied to parents of children with chronic diseases and evaluate their impact on their quality of life (QoL). METHODS: It was conducted in six databases, complemented by references from the included studies and other reviews, manual search, and contact with experts. We included primary studies on parents of children with chronic diseases that studied psychoeducational interventions versus standard care. RESULTS: We screened 6604 titles and abstracts, reviewed the full text of 60 records, and included 37 primary studies. Half of the studies were on Asthma. We found three intervention formats: one-to-one (43%), groups (49%), and combined approach with individual and group settings (8%). More than 60% of the included studies found statistically significant differences between the intervention and the control group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Several interventions have shown efficacy in improving parental QoL. Despite that, there is insufficient evidence of interventions' implementation. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: A holistic approach encompassing the patient and the family's biopsychosocial dimensions is fundamental in successfully managing chronic disease in children. It is vital to design and implement interventions accommodating the common issues experienced by children, parents, and families that deal with chronic childhood conditions. Systematic review registration number PROSPERO 2018 CRD42018092135.

Transcriptomic evidence for a trade-off between germline proliferation and immunity in Drosophila.

Life-history theory posits that investment into reproduction might occur at the expense of investment into somatic maintenance, including immune function. If so, reduced or curtailed reproductive effort might be expected to increase immunity. In support of this notion, work in Caenorhabditis elegans has shown that worms lacking a germline exhibit improved immunity, but whether the antagonistic relation between germline proliferation and immunity also holds for other organisms is less well understood. Here, we report that transgenic ablation of germ cells in late development or early adulthood in Drosophila melanogaster causes elevated baseline expression and increased induction of Toll and Imd immune genes upon bacterial infection, as compared to fertile flies with an intact germline. We also identify immune genes whose expression after infection differs between fertile and germline-less flies in a manner that is conditional on their mating status. We conclude that germline activity strongly impedes the expression and inducibility of immune genes and that this physiological trade-off might be evolutionarily conserved.

Habilidades de autorregulação emocional e resolução de problemas interpessoais em pré-escolares: relato de experiência / Emotional self-regulation skills and interpersonal problem-solving skills in preschoolers: experience report / Habilidades de autorregulación emocional y resolución de problemas interpersonales en niños en edad preescolar: relato de experiencia

Este trabalho relata a experiência de um grupo de graduandas, vinculadas ao Programa de Educação Tutorial do Ministério da Educação, sobre a imple-mentação de um projeto de promoção das habilidades de autorregulação emocional e resolução de problemas interpessoais em uma escola de educação infantil. Considera-se a idade pré-escolar como estratégica para intervenções de prevenção e promoção em saúde mental e a escola como o contexto mais propício para intervenções proativas. Participaram aproximadamente 80 alunos, com média de 5 anos de idade, de quatro turmas do segundo período de uma escola municipal de educação infantil da cidade de Juiz de Fora/MG. A intervenção subdividiu-se em dois eixos de trabalho: autorregulação emocional e resolução de problemas interpessoais, realizada mediante seis encontros semanais para cada eixo, com a utilização de recursos lúdicos e audiovisuais. A atividade foi avaliada de forma bastante positiva pelas docentes, que rela-taram a apropriação e utilização dos conteúdos pelas crianças, bem como a sua transposição para a sala de aula. Conclui-se que projetos dessa natureza devem ser estimulados com maior frequência na escola, considerando seu potencial de prevenção de comportamentos agressivos e promoção de desenvolvimento socioemocional na infância.

This paper reports on the experience of a group of students, associated with the Tutorial Education Program of the Ministry of Education in Brazil, with a project to promote emotional self-regulation skills and interpersonal problem--solving skills in a preschool. Pre school is known as a strategic period for prevention and promotion actions in mental health and schools are the most proper environment for proactive actions. About 80 students participated, with an average age of 5 years old, from four second period classes of a public city preschool in the city of Juiz de Fora, state of Minas Gerais. The intervention was subdivided into two axes: emotional self-regulation and interpersonal problem-solving. Each axis was developed through six weekly meetings, using playful and audiovisual resources. The intervention was assessed positively by the teachers, who reported that the children learned and used the concepts, applying them in the classroom. In conclusion, projects like this should be stimulated more often in schools, given their potential for preventing aggressive behaviors and promoting socio-emotional development in early childhood.

Este trabajo relata la experiencia de un grupo de estudiantes de pregrado vinculados al Programa de Educación Tutorial del Ministerio de Educación, en Brasil, acerca de la implementación de un proyecto para promover las habili-dades de autorregulación emocional y resolución de problemas interpersonales en una escuela de educación infantil. La edad preescolar es estratégica para intervenciones de prevención y promoción en salud mental y la escuela es el contexto más propicio para intervenciones proactivas. Participaron aproxi-madamente 80 alumnos, con una edad promedio de 5 años, de cuatro clases del segundo período de una escuela municipal de Educación Infantil de la ciudad de Juiz de Fora, estado de Minas Gerais. La intervención se subdividió en dos ejes de trabajo: autorregulación emocional y resolución de problemas interpersonales, realizada a través de seis encuentros semanales para cada eje, con el uso de recursos lúdicos y audiovisuales. La actividad fue evaluada de manera muy positiva por las profesoras, quienes informaron la apropia-ción y uso del contenido por parte de los niños, así como su transposición a la clase. Se concluye que proyectos de esta naturaleza deben ser estimulados con mayor frecuencia en la escuela, considerando su potencial para prevenir conductas agresivas y promover el desarrollo socioemocional en la infancia.

Gene Coexpression Network Reveals Highly Conserved, Well-Regulated Anti-Ageing Mechanisms in Old Ant Queens.

Evolutionary theories of ageing predict a reduction in selection efficiency with age, a so-called "selection shadow," due to extrinsic mortality decreasing effective population size with age. Classic symptoms of ageing include a deterioration in transcriptional regulation and protein homeostasis. Understanding how ant queens defy the trade-off between fecundity and lifespan remains a major challenge for the evolutionary theory of ageing. It has often been discussed that the low extrinsic mortality of ant queens, that are generally well protected within the nest by workers and soldiers, should reduce the selection shadow acting on old queens. We tested this by comparing strength of selection acting on genes upregulated in young and old queens of the ant, Cardiocondyla obscurior. In support of a reduced selection shadow, we find old-biased genes to be under strong purifying selection. We also analyzed a gene coexpression network (GCN) with the aim to detect signs of ageing in the form of deteriorating regulation and proteostasis. We find no evidence for ageing. In fact, we detect higher connectivity in old queens indicating increased transcriptional regulation with age. Within the GCN, we discover five highly correlated modules that are upregulated with age. These old-biased modules regulate several antiageing mechanisms such as maintenance of proteostasis, transcriptional regulation, and stress response. We observe stronger purifying selection on central hub genes of these old-biased modules compared with young-biased modules. These results indicate a lack of transcriptional ageing in old C. obscurior queens, possibly facilitated by strong selection at old age and well-regulated antiageing mechanisms.

Determination of co-crystal phase purity by mid infrared spectroscopy and multiple curve resolution.

Multivariate Curve Resolution (MCR) was used to determine the phase purity of pharmaceutical co-crystals from mid infrared spectra. An in-silico coformer screening was used to choose one of ten potential coformers. This analysis used quantum chemistry simulation to predict which coformers are thermodynamically inclined to form cocrystals with the model drug, hydrochlorothiazide. The coformer chosen was nicotinamide. An experimental solvent screening by ultrasound assisted slurry co-crystallization was performed to evaluate the capacity of the method to determine phase purity. Afterwards, slurry and slow evaporation co-crystallizations were performed at 10, 25, and 40 °C using 7 solvent systems, and two levels of agitation for the evaporation co-crystallization (on and off). Mid infrared spectroscopy (MIRS) analysis of the products of these co-crystallizations was used to develop an MCR model to determine co-crystal phase purity. The MCR results were compared with a reference co-crystal. Experimental design (DoE) was used to investigate the effect of solvents, temperature, and agitation on the purity of co-crystals produced by slurry and evaporation co-crystallization. DoE revealed that evaporation co-crystallization with agitating at 65 rpm formed co-crystals with greater phase purity. The optimal temperature varied with the solvent used.

Promoção e prevenção em saúde mental na infância: implicações educacionais / Promotion and prevention in child mental health: educational implications / Promoción y prevención en salud mental en la infancia: implicaciones educacionales

Nos últimos anos, um novo paradigma em saúde mental vem se consolidando, impulsionado por novas formas de compreender e intervir sobre os processos de saúde. Uma perspectiva mais abrangente, contextualizada e focada nos processos de saúde ganha força, em detrimento de uma abordagem reducionista, institucionalizante e que enfatizava a doença. Nesse contexto, as práticas de promoção e prevenção em saúde mental ganham espaço, as quais objetivam potencializar a saúde psicológica e evitar o surgimento de problemas a ela associados. Assim, este trabalho pretendeu discutir quais as implicações educacionais deste novo paradigma no que diz respeito à saúde mental de crianças e adolescentes. Inicialmente, traça-se um histórico da atenção à saúde mental infantil no Brasil, evidenciando um longo período de descaso e marginalização em relação a essa população. Posteriormente, são discutidos os pressupostos que fundamentam as ações de promoção e prevenção em saúde mental e o papel da escola nesses processos. Finalmente, são discutidos alguns estudos de revisão sobre a implementação de programas de prevenção e promoção em contexto escolar. Acredita-se que a construção de estratégias destinadas à promoção de saúde mental configura-se como um desafio atual, sobretudo, no contexto educacional.

In recent years, a new mental health paradigm has been consolidating, driven by new ways of understanding and intervening in health processes. A more comprehensive, contextualized, and focused on health process perspective gains strength, instead of a reductionist, institutionalizing one that emphasized the disease. In this context, mental health promotion and prevention practices gain space, which aim, respectively, to enhance psychological health and avoid the emergence of problems associated with it. Thus, this paper intends to discuss the educational implications of this new paradigm regarding the mental health of children and adolescents. Initially, a history of childhood mental health care in Brazil is drawn, evidencing a long period of neglect and marginalization in relation to this population. Subsequently, the assumptions underlying the actions of promotion and prevention in mental health and the role of the school in these processes are discussed. Finally, some review studies on prevention and promotion implementation programs in the school context are discussed. It is believed that the construction of strategies aimed at the promotion of mental health is a current challenge, especially in the educational context.

En los últimos años, un nuevo paradigma en salud mental se viene consolidando, impulsado por nuevas formas de comprender e intervenir sobre los procesos de salud. Una perspectiva más amplia, contextualizada y enfocada en los procesos de salud gana fuerza, en detrimento de un enfoque reduccionista, institucionalizante y que enfatizaba la enfermedad. En este contexto, las prácticas de promoción y prevención en salud mental ganan espacio, las cuales objetivan, respectivamente, potenciar la salud psicológica y evitar el surgimiento de problemas asociados a ella. Así, este trabajo pretende discutir cuáles son las implicaciones educativas de este nuevo paradigma en lo que se refiere a la salud mental de niños y adolescentes. Inicialmente, se traza un histórico de la atención a la salud mental infantil en Brasil, evidenciando un largo período de descaso y marginación en relación a esa población. Posteriormente, se discuten los supuestos que fundamentan las acciones de promoción y prevención en salud mental y el papel de la escuela en esos procesos. Finalmente, se discuten algunos estudios de revisión sobre la implementación de programas de prevención y promoción en contexto escolar. Se cree que la construcción de estrategias destinadas a la promoción de la salud mental se configura como un desafío actual, sobre todo, en el contexto educativo.

Considerations on high-throughput cocrystals screening by ultrasound assisted cocrystallization and vibrational spectroscopy.

For industrial production of cocrystals, screening phase is essential, helping to become the process faster, more effective and efficient, reducing the quantity of reactants used and associated costs. High-throughput screening (HTS) methods can analyze a wide range of compounds simultaneously. As an answer to industrial necessity of more efficient screening methods, different methods must be developed and optimized. Vibrational spectroscopic techniques are fast, non-destructive and non-invasive, do not need pre-treatment of the samples and allow obtaining qualitative and quantitative information. They are useful in cocrystal analysis, once they detect weak interaction as hydrogen bonding, the basis of cocrystal formation. Therefore, its application in the analysis of cocrystal screening methods, together with multivariate analysis, should be studied in detail. For this end, a HTS procedure of hydrochlorothiazide (HTZ) cocrystals is performed using a 96-well plate and ultrasound-assisted cocrystallization. Six coformers were tested considering ratios of HTZ:coformer of 1:1 and 1:2. The cocrystallization products were analyzed by mid infrared spectroscopy and Raman microspectroscopy. Nicotinamide and p-aminobenzoic acid formed cocrystals with HTZ. The systems with arginine showed that the coformer suffered amorphization; however, no proof of the solid state of HTZ was obtained. The results were not conclusive for the system with citric acid. Additionally, in the nicotinamide and citric acid systems, the physical mixture of the plate also reacted without the present of solvent. Overall, the use of mid infrared spectroscopy and multivariate data analysis provided important information on cocrystal formation, purity, and correct ratio assessment.

Promoción de estrategias de aprendizaje en estudiantes de psicología / Promoção de estratégias de aprendizagem em estudantes de psicologia / Promotion of learning strategies for psychology students

As estratégias de aprendizagem são processos autorregulatórios de aquisição e uso do conhecimento que devem ser constantemente estimuladas para um amplo aproveitamento da vida acadêmica. O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar a eficácia de um programa de promoção de estratégias de aprendizagem em universitários. Utilizou-se metodologia quasi-experimental com 20 alunos de Psicologia, distribuídos em grupo experimental e controle, sendo realizados pré-teste, pós-teste e um ndican pós-teste quatro meses após a intervenção. O programa consistiu de oito encontros, focalizando-se a metacognição, administração de recursos internos e contextuais e autorregulação social. O primeiro pós-teste indicou aumento significativo da ndic do grupo experimental, que se manteve no ndican pós-teste, sendo o principal aumento observado na autorregulação de recursos. O grupo controle não modificou significativamente seu escore total ao longo dos pós-testes e ainda apresentou diminuição ndicant tive na autorregulação social. Os resultados indicam eficácia da intervenção e reforçam a relevância de programas dessa natureza.

Las estrategias de aprendizaje son procesos autorregulatorios de adquisición y uso del conocimiento que deben ser constantemente estimuladas para un ndica aprovechamiento de la vida académica. El objetivo del ndica fue evaluar la eficacia de un programa de promoción de estrategias de aprendizaje en universitarios. Se ndican metodología cuasi-experimental con 20 alumnos de Psicología, distribuidos en grupo experimental y control, siendo realizados pre-test, post-test y un ndican post-test cuatro meses tras la intervención. El programa consistió de ocho ndicant t, focalizándose la metacognición, administración de recursos internos y contextuales y autorregulación social. El primer post-test indicó aumento significativo del promedio del grupo experimental, que se mantuvo en el ndican post-test, siendo el principal aumento observado en la autorregulación de recursos. El grupo control no modificó significativamente ndicant total a lo largo de los post-testes y aún ndican disminución ndicant tive en la autorregulación social. Los resultados ndicant eficacia de la intervención y refuerzan la relevancia de programas de esa naturaleza.

Learning strategies are self-regulating processes of knowledge acquisition and use. They must be constantly stimulated so that students can be fully engaged in academic life. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a learning strategy program for university students. A quasi-experimental methodology was used with 20 Psychology students, distributed in experimental and control groups. There was a pretest, a first posttest, and a second posttest four months after the intervention. The program consisted of eight meetings, focusing on metacognition, internal and contextual resource management, and social self-regulation. The first posttest indicated a significant increase in the mean of the experimental group, which remained the same in the second posttest. The main increase was observed in the self-regulation of resources. The control group did not significantly change its total score over the posttests and still showed a significant decrease in social self-regulation. The results indicate the effectiveness of the intervention and reinforce the relevance of such programs.

Dimiristoylphosphatidylcholine/genistein molecular interactions: A physico-chemical approach to anti-glioma drug delivery systems.

Regarding free genistein small delivery to the central nervous system, physico-chemical parameters of dimiristoylphosphatidylcholine liposome-loaded genistein were investigated, as well as its in vitro activity against the DPPH radical and glioma cells. Data obtained by UV-vis spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, Differential Scanning Calorimetry and Dynamic Light Scattering were used to characterize the liposomal system with respect to motion restriction, hydration degree, trans-gauche isomerization and phase state. In vitro antitumoral effects were monitored through conting and viability assays. Genistein hydroxyl group and lipid hydrogen bonds may have important role in dimiristoylphosphatidylcholine phosphate and choline motion restriction. Genistein-induced choline restriction may be also related to a decrease in the group rotation rate. Genistein: dimiristoylphosphatidylcholine system showed higher molecular package at the acyl chains region compaired to empty liposomes, and it may be related to a decrease in gauche bonds quantity and system size. Lipid acyl chain length seems to influence different genistein effects on membranes, due to the presence of gauche conformers. Genistein: dimiristoylphosphatidylcholine liposome was more efficient as DPPH reducting system than the free-Gen. Liposomal system, at genistein 100 µM, was so efficient as the correspondent free-form genistein, probably showing higher stability to cross the blood-brain barrier. Genistein and the lipid did not show an additive activity against glioma cells. Antioxidant and anti-glioma genistein-loaded liposome potential may be related to the isoflavone location and its restriction effect in the lipid molecular motion. Anti-glioma activity may also be related to a decrease of system size and trans-gauche isomerization.

Effects of low-power laser auriculotherapy on the physical and emotional aspects in patients with temporomandibular disorders: A blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the effects of low-power laser auriculotherapy (LA) on the physical and emotional symptoms of patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMDs), in comparison with occlusal splints (OS). DESIGN: Randomized, blinded, prospective, non-inferiority clinical trial. INTERVENTIONS: The patients received OS (control group) or LA (experimental group). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Following the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) guidelines, patients with TMD were evaluated by using axes I and II of the Research Diagnostic Criteria for RDC-TMD. Both intra- and intergroup quantitative variables were analyzed with ANOVA (p < 0.05), while qualitative variables were analyzed with the Kruskal-Wallis (intergroup evaluations; p < 0.05) or Mann-Whitney tests (intragroup analyses; p < 0.05). RESULTS: OS improved five physical symptoms of TMD (pain in the right temporal muscle, right and left masseter muscles, left joint, and left intraoral region), while LA improved six (jaw functioning; pain in left masseter muscle, right and left joints, and right and left intraoral regions). Similarly, OS improved seven emotional symptoms (degree of depression, degree of non-specific physical symptoms, excluding pain, degree of non-specific physical symptoms including pain, average pain value in the past 6 months, presence of depression, intensity and characteristics of pain, non-specific physical symptoms including pain), while LA improved five (degree of non-specific physical symptoms including pain, presence of depression, intensity and characteristics of pain, non-specific physical symptoms including pain, non-specific physical symptoms excluding pain). CONCLUSION: LA improved the physical and emotional symptoms of TMD, with results similar to OS. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: For the physical and emotional symptoms associated with TMD, LA showed similar outcomes as OS.

Vibrational Spectroscopy for Cocrystals Screening. A Comparative Study.

A recurrent problem faced by the pharmaceutical industry when formulating drug products concerns poorly soluble drugs, which, despite having desirable pharmacological activity, present limited bioavailability. Cocrystallization is growing up as a possible approach to tackle this problem. Cocrystals are crystalline materials comprising at least two components, solid at room temperature, and held together by non-covalent bonds. The increasing interest in these compounds is steadily demanding faster, simpler, and more reliable methods for the task of screening new cocrystals. This work aims at comparing the performance of three vibrational spectroscopy techniques (mid infrared, near infrared, and Raman spectroscopy) for cocrystals screening. Presented results are based on hydrochlorothiazide, a poorly soluble drug belonging to class IV of the Biopharmaceutical Classification System. The implemented cocrystal screening procedure tested six coformers (all considered safe for human administration) added according to a drug:coformer ratio of 1:1 and 1:2 and seven solvents with different polarity. The screening method chosen was based on slurry cocrystallization performed by sonication (ultrasound assisted) in a 96-well plate. Results show that all evaluated vibrational spectroscopy techniques provided important information regarding cocrystal formation, including information on the groups involved in the cocrystallization and purity, and can be used for the screening task.

Autoeficácia e Desenvolvimento Positivo dos Jovens: Uma Revisão Narrativa da Literatura / Autoeficacia y Desarrollo Positivo de los Jóvenes: Una Revisión Narrativa de la Literatura / Self-efficacy and Positive Youth Development: A Narrative Review of the Literature

Resumo O Desenvolvimento Positivo dos Jovens (PYD) aborda a promoção da saúde de todos os adolescentes, visando potencializar suas capacidades e ressaltar as qualidades positivas desse período evolutivo, combinadas com recursos do ambiente e de pessoas significativas. Dentre tais qualidades, crenças de autoeficácia satisfatórias são essenciais para a obtenção de uma vida saudável, pois configuram-se como recursos promotores de uma adaptação positiva à vida adulta. Objetivou-se na presente revisão narrativa discutir relações entre crenças de autoeficácia e recursos desenvolvimentais em diferentes domínios sociais. Foram recuperados artigos nas bases de dados SciELO, PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, CAPES e PsycINFO. Empregaram-se os termos de busca autoeficácia e desenvolvimento positivo dos jovens, sem delimitar um intervalo temporal. A produção científica é recente, sendo selecionados 19 estudos que associam autoeficácia e recursos do PYD, com predominância de estudos transversais, e amostras compostas especialmente por jovens do ensino médio. Entre os recursos encontrados, destacam-se competências acadêmicas, físicas, de carreira e suporte social. Isoladamente, autoeficácia e desempenho acadêmico contam com produções científicas mais expressivas, mas a associação entre essas variáveis demanda mais pesquisas. Estudos sobre autoeficácia e PYD são destacados e alguns horizontes são apontados na direção de futuras pesquisas.

Resumen El Desarrollo Positivo de los Jóvenes aborda la promoción de la salud de todos los adolescentes, buscando potenciar sus capacidades y cualidades positivas relacionadas con los recursos del ambiente y con las personas significativas. Dentro de estas cualidades, son necesarias las creencias de autoeficacia para lograr una vida saludable, además estas se constituyen en recursos promotores para adaptarse a la vida adulta. En la presente revisión se tuvo como objetivo discutir las relaciones entre autoeficacia y recursos del desarrollo en diferentes dominios sociales. Fueron recuperados artículos en las bases SciELO, PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, CAPES y PsycINFO. Los términos empleados para la búsqueda fueron autoeficacia y desarrollo positivo de los jóvenes, sin delimitó un intervalo de tiempo. La producción científica es reciente, siendo seleccionados 19 estudios, con predominio de estudios transversales, y muestras compuestas por jóvenes del enseñanza medio. Entre los recursos encontrados se resaltan las competencias académicas, físicas, de carrera e apoyo social. De forma aislada, autoeficacia y desempeño académico cuentan con producciones científicas más expresivas, pero la asociación entre esas dos variables requiere más investigaciones. Estudios sobre autoeficacia y desarrollo positivo se destacan y horizontes se señalan en la dirección de futuras investigaciones.

Abstract Positive Youth Development (PYD) addresses the promotion of the health of all adolescents, aiming to enhance their abilities and highlight the positive qualities of this period of development combined with resources from the environment and from significant people. Among these qualities, satisfactory self-efficacy beliefs are essential for achieving a healthy life, as they constitute resources that promote a positive adaptation to adult life. This narrative review aimed to discuss relationships between self-efficacy beliefs and developmental resources in different social domains. Articles were retrieved from the SciELO, PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, CAPES and PsycINFO databases. The search terms 'self-efficacy' and 'positive youth development' were used, without delimiting the time interval. The scientific production was found to be recent, with 19 studies included that associated self-efficacy and PYD resources. These were predominantly cross-sectional studies, with samples mainly composed of high school students. Among the resources found, academic, physical, career and social support skills were highlighted. Individually, self-efficacy and academic performance presented more scientific productions, however, the association between these variables requires more research. Studies on self-efficacy and PYD are highlighted and some horizons for future research are pointed out.

Pharmaceutical cocrystallization techniques. Advances and challenges.

Cocrystals are homogenous (single-phase) crystalline structures composed by two or more components in a definite stoichiometric ratio bonded together by noncovalent bonds. Pharmaceutical industry has been showing interest in cocrystals due to their ability to improve active pharmaceutical ingredients (API's) properties, such as solubility, dissolution, bioavailability, stability and processability. The necessity for high-throughput screening methods and methods capable of producing cocrystals in an industrial scale still hinders the use of cocrystals by the pharmaceutical industry. The aim of this review is to present an extensive overview of the cocrystallization methods, focusing in the specificities of each technique, its advantages and disadvantages. The review is divided into solvent-based and solvent-free methods. The most appropriate methods to the different stages of cocrystals manufacture, from the screening phase to industrial production are identified. The use of continuous and scalable methods in cocrystal production as well as the implementation of quality-by-design and process analytical technology concepts are also addressed.

In Vitro Anti/Pro-oxidant Activities of R. ferruginea Extract and Its Effect on Glioma Cell Viability: Correlation with Phenolic Compound Content and Effects on Membrane Dynamics.

Rapanea ferruginea antioxidant and antitumoral properties were not explored before in literature. This study aimed to investigate these biological activities for the R. ferruginea leaf extract and correlate them with its phenolic content and influence in biological membrane dynamics. Thus, in this study, anti/pro-oxidative properties of R. ferruginea leaf extract by in vitro DPPH and TBARS assays, with respect to the free radical reducing potential and to its activity regarding membrane free radical-induced peroxidation, respectively. Furthermore, preliminary tests related to the extract effect on in vitro glioma cell viability were also performed. In parallel, the phenolic content was detected by HPLC-DAD and included syringic and trans-cinnamic acids, quercetrin, catechin, quercetin, and gallic acid. In an attempt to correlate the biological activity of R. ferruginea extract and its effect on membrane dynamics, the molecular interaction between the extract and a liposomal model with natural-sourced phospholipids was investigated. Location and changes in vibrational, rotational, and translational lipid motions, as well as in the phase state of liposomes, induced by R. ferruginea extract, were monitored by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance, differential scanning calorimetry, and UV-visible spectroscopy. In its free form, the extract showed promising in vitro antioxidant properties. Free-form extract (at 1000µ g/mL) exposure reduced glioma cell in vitro viability in 40%, as evidenced by MTT tests. Pro-oxidant behavior was observed when the extract was loaded into liposomes. A 70.8% cell viability reduction was achieved with 500 µg/mL of liposome-loaded extract. The compounds of R. ferruginea extract ordered liposome interface and disorder edits a polar region. Phenolic content, as well as membrane interaction and modulation may have an important role in the oxidative and antitumoral activities of the R. ferruginea leaf extract.