Between-devices agreement in obtaining raw bioelectrical parameters after a lifestyle intervention targeting weight loss in former athletes.

It is unclear if different bioelectrical impedance (BI) devices provide similar results regarding raw parameters [Resistance (R), Reactance (Xc), Phase Angle (PhA), and Impedance (Z)] for the same population/individual undergoing a weight loss intervention. The aim was to evaluate the cross-sectional and longitudinal agreement of raw data obtained by two BI devices in former athletes with overweight/obesity. Fifty-nine participants [mean (SD): 43.5 (9.2) years, 30.5 (4.0) kg/m2, 42% females] were included. All the assessments were performed before and after a 4-months lifestyle intervention targeting weight loss (WL). BI parameters were assessed at 50 kHz by two devices: a BI spectroscopy (Xitron Technologies, 4200B, San Diego, USA) and a phase-sensitive single-frequency device (BIA 101 AKERN, Florence, Italy). Cross-sectionally, BIS provided lower mean values for all parameters (0.4% for R, 1.6% for Xc, 1.0% for PhA and 0.4% for Z, p <0.001) compared to SF-BIA. In individuals with a WL≥2.5% (n =18), no longitudinal differences were found in any of the raw parameters between devices (p≥0.128) and there was no proportional bias (p≥0.408). Despite small baseline differences in raw BI parameters, both devices agreed in tracking changes over time at the group level but interpretation should be careful at the individual level.

Pigments in an iridescent bacterium, Cellulophaga fucicola, isolated from Antarctica.

An iridescent yellow pigmented bacterium isolated from the Antarctic continent, named Cellulophaga fucicola strain 416, was found to be able to tolerate UV-B radiation. Its crude pigment extract was tested for antioxidant capacity, UV light stability and phototoxicity profile against murine fibroblast lines. The pigments were further isolated and chemically identified by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography with photodiode array and mass spectrometry detectors. The results showed that the pigment extract presented weak stability under exposure to UV light, a phototoxic profile in the 3t3 Neutral Red Uptake test and a very high antioxidant activity, suggesting that it could be used as food and feed colourants. Zeaxanthin and two isomers of zeaxanthin, ß-cryptoxanthin and ß-carotene, were identified using a C18 column. These five carotenoids were the major pigments isolated from C. fucicola 416. In conclusion, the identification of pigments produced by the bacterial strain under study may help us understand how bacteria thrive in high UV and cold environments, and opens avenues for further biotechnological application towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly way of pigment exploitation.

The role of US in the evaluation of clinically suspected ulnar collateral ligament injuries of the thumb: spectrum of findings and differential diagnosis.

Injury to the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) complex of the thumb is a common traumatic lesion that requires prompt imaging evaluation for adequate treatment. In this article, we review the role of ultrasound in diagnosis and illustrate the spectrum of both static and dynamic findings related to the UCL injuries. We also describe a number of alternative diagnoses in the vicinity of the first metacarpophalangeal joint that may present clinically as pseudoligamentous lesions in a trauma setting.

Chemical Characterization and Biotechnological Applicability of Pigments Isolated from Antarctic Bacteria.

Considering the global trend in the search for alternative natural compounds with antioxidant and sun protection factor (SPF) boosting properties, bacterial carotenoids represent an opportunity for exploring pigments of natural origin which possess high antioxidant activity, lower toxicity, no residues, and no environmental risk and are readily decomposable. In this work, three pigmented bacteria from the Antarctic continent, named Arthrobacter agilis 50cyt, Zobellia laminarie 465, and Arthrobacter psychrochitiniphilus 366, were able to withstand UV-B and UV-C radiation. The pigments were extracted and tested for UV absorption, antioxidant capacity, photostability, and phototoxicity profile in murine fibroblasts (3T3 NRU PT-OECD TG 432) to evaluate their further potential use as UV filters. Furthermore, the pigments were identified by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-photodiode array detector-mass spectrometry (UPLC-PDA-MS/MS). The results showed that all pigments presented a very high antioxidant activity and good stability under exposure to UV light. However, except for a fraction of the A. agilis 50cyt pigment, they were shown to be phototoxic. A total of 18 different carotenoids were identified from 23 that were separated on a C18 column. The C50 carotenes bacterioruberin and decaprenoxanthin (including its variations) were confirmed for A. agilis 50cyt and A. psychrochitiniphilus 366, respectively. All-trans-bacterioruberin was identified as the pigment that did not express phototoxic activity in the 3T3 NRU PT assay (MPE < 0.1). Zeaxanthin, ß-cryptoxanthin, ß-carotene, and phytoene were detected in Z. laminarie 465. In conclusion, carotenoids identified in this work from Antarctic bacteria open perspectives for their further biotechnological application towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly way of pigment exploitation.

Validação da Recovery Assessment Scale (RAS) no Brasil para avaliar a capacidade de superação das pessoas com esquizofrenia / Validation of the Recovery Assessment Scale (RAS) in Brazil in people with schizophrenia

RESUMO Objetivo Adaptar para o Brasil e investigar a confiabilidade e validade da Recovery Assessment Scale (RAS) em pessoas com esquizofrenia. Métodos Etapa 1 – foi realizada tradução profissional para o português, adaptação e retrotradução da RAS. Etapa 2 – estudo-piloto em um grupo de 12 pessoas com esquizofrenia para garantir compreensão dos itens da escala. Etapa 3 – As pessoas com esquizofrenia (N = 104) foram submetidas à versão brasileira da RAS e a instrumentos de funcionalidade, qualidade de vida e sintomas para busca de evidências de validade. Resultados Os resultados revelaram bons índices de consistência interna e de precisão teste e reteste dos instrumentos. Foram estabelecidas evidências de validade convergente entre a RAS e medidas de qualidade de vida (r = 0,58; p < 0,001), funcionamento ocupacional (r = 0,40; p < 0,001), habilidades de vida independente (r = 0,24; p < 0,02), gravidade (CGI, r = -0,31; p < 0,003) sintomas da esquizofrenia: PANSS total (r = -0,21; p < 0,05), PANSS negativa (r = -0,28; p < 0.007), PANSS positiva (r = -0.08; p = 0,437)] e depressão [Calgary (r = -0,27; p < 0,01)]. A análise fatorial exploratória revelou seis fatores, sendo quatro destes similares a estudos prévios. Conclusão A partir deste estudo, considerou-se que a palavra “superação” reflete melhor o conceito de “recovery”. A versão brasileira da escala RAS é um instrumento válido e reprodutível para aferir a capacidade de “superação” das pessoas com esquizofrenia.

ABSTRACT Objective To adapt and investigate the validity reliability study of the Brazilian version of the Recovery Assessment Scale-RAS in people with schizophrenia. Methods Stage 1 – professional translation to Portuguese, adaptation, and back-translation of the RAS; Stage 2 – RAS was presented to 12 outpatients with schizophrenia to evaluate if they would be able to understand and respond to the instrument; Stage 3 – patients with schizophrenia (n = 104) were assessed with the Brazilian version of the RAS, functional outcomes measures, quality of life and symptoms scales. Results Results showed good internal consistency and retest reliability, and convergent validity between the RAS and quality of life measures (r = 0.58; p < 0.001), occupational functioning (r = 0.40; p < 0.001), independent living skills (r = 0.24; p < 0,02), functionality (CGI, r = -0.31; p < 0.003) and symptoms of schizophrenia, including PANSS total score total (r = -0.21; p < 0.05), PANSS negative (r = -0.28; p < 0.007), PANSS positive (r = -0.08; p = 0.48), and Calgary Depression Scale (r = -0.27; p < 0.01)]. Exploratory factor analysis yielded six factors, four of these very similar to previous studies. Conclusion This study suggests that the word “superação” (“overcome”) better reflects the concept of “recovery” in Brazilian Portuguese. The Brazilian version of RAS is a valid and reliable instrument to evaluate the process of recovery in people with schizophrenia.