Amizade e deficiência: análise das redes de conhecimento / Friendship and disability: An analysis of knowledge networks

Resumo Introdução: A amizade influencia positivamente o desenvolvimento humano. Todavia, pessoas com deficiencia enfrentam dificuldades para construir e manter esse vínculo. Este estudo objetiva explorar e analisar as redes de conhecimento da literatura sobre amizade e deficiencia de 2017 a 2022. Método: Utilizando critérios Prisma, a busca foi realizada nas bases de dados Scopus e Web of Science. Os softwares VOSviewer e Pajek foram usados para construir e analisar as redes. Resultados: Foram analisados 68 artigos. Os Estados Unidos lideram em publicaçoes, entretanto o Reino Unido é mais influente na rede. As principais investigaçoes na área sao: transtorno do espectro autista, deficiencia intelectual, inclusao social, habilidades sociais e violencia contra a pessoa com deficiencia. Documentos influentes abordam análise temática em psicologia, amizade de pessoas com transtorno do espectro autista e deficiencia intelectual. Conclusões: Os mapas de conhecimento e análise de redes ajudam a explorar a literatura, o que permite compreender tendencias, estrutura intelectual base e correlações científicas.

Abstract Introduction: Friendship positively influences human development. However, people with disabilities face difficulties in building and maintaining this bond. This study aims to explore and analyze the knowledge networks in the literature on friendship and disabilities from 2017 to 2022. Method: Using PRISMA criteria, the search was conducted in the Scopus and Web of Science databases. VOSviewer and Pajek software were used to construct and analyze the networks. Results: Sixty-eight articles were analyzed. The United States leads in publications, but the United Kingdom is more influential in the network. The main research areas are autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, social inclusion, social skills, and violence against people with disabilities. Influential documents address thematic analysis in psychology, and friendship among individuals with autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disability. Conclusions: Knowledge maps and network analysis help explore the literature, allowing an understanding of trends, the foundational intellectual structure, and scientific correlations.

Social support, network, and relationships among coaches in different sports: a systematic review.

Introduction: The study aims to analyze scientific publications on the association between social networks, social relationships, and social support for sports coaches. It seeks to identify the types and levels of social support provided by various agents, and to understand the impact of this support on coaches' wellbeing. The goal is to help coaches better utilize social support, thereby enhancing their quality of life, work, and performance. Methods: This study systematically reviewed 11 scientific articles to investigate the association between social support, social networks, and social relationships in sports coaches. It aimed to identify the types and levels of social support offered to coaches by family members, peers, and friends. Our research utilized the PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews and assessed study quality using the STROBE Statement. Eligibility was determined by the PECOS criterion based on the search strategy terms. Results: Our findings indicate that social support has significant positive effects on sports coaches. It enhances selfcompassion, prevents burnout symptoms, boosts job and life satisfaction, and reduces stress levels. Organizational support, characterized by clear guidelines, guidance, and autonomy, yielded positive outcomes. Conversely, the absence of social support correlated with negative outcomes for coaches, including lower self-compassion, increased stress and burnout symptoms, reduced job and life satisfaction, and heightened work-family conflict. Coaches' social networks encompassed family members, peers, friends, and other sources, with friends perceived as the most influential. Maintaining an effective social support network is crucial for coaches' performance and psychological wellbeing. Discussion: This systematic review emphasizes the importance of social support for coaches in both their personal and professional lives, noting its positive effects and the negative consequences of its absence. Given the demanding nature of coaching, improving social support systems can enhance coaches' wellbeing and the success of sports activities.

Thermophilic and mesophilic anaerobic digestion of soybean molasses: A performance vs. stability trade-off.

One of the factors that has a direct impact on anaerobic digestion is the applied organic loading rate (OLRA). Increasing OLRA can boost methane production but can also cause process failure. As a result, establishing the appropriate OLRA for the procedure is critical. This study evaluated the effect of increasing the OLRA using soybean molasses in a thermophilic anaerobic reactor (R-Thermo), as well as the effect of feeding strategy and co-processing with okara. Furthermore, the performance versus stability trade-off between R-Thermo and mesophilic anaerobic digestion (R-Meso) was investigated. The increase of OLRA from 10 to 15 and 20 kg-COD/m³/d led to a decrease in COD removal efficiency (90, 86, and 75%), methane yield (12.0, 11.6, and 9.9 mol-CH4/kg-COD) and an increase in total volatile acids concentration (251, 456, and 1393 mg-HAc/L, respectively). At 15 kg-COD/m³/d, R-Meso performed similarly to R-Thermo, and at 20 kg-COD/m3/d, R-Meso outperformed (81% COD removal efficiency, 9.3 mol-CH4/kg-CODrem and 154.5 mol-CH4/m3/d). Temperature greatly influenced the distribution of metabolic pathways, as shown by thermodynamic and kinetic analyses, thus impacting bacterial diversity. At 55 °C, amongst the bacterial genera, Tepidiphilus stood out (>28.2%), followed by Acetomicrobium, Coprothermobacter and Candidatus_Caldatribacterium. The OLRA clearly impacted the archaeal community; Methanothermobacter (77.4%) was favored over Methanosarcina (14.8%). Under thermophilic temperature, it seems that syntrophic acetate oxidation (SAO) bacteria might have competed for substrate with acetoclastic methanogens, while in R-Meso microorganisms responsible for the initial steps of organic matter breakdown, such as members of the Firmicutes and Proteobacteria phyla (at least 67%), were dominant. In summary, R-Meso, characterized by a more uniform distribution of metabolic pathways, as well as a diverse and well-adapted microbial consortium, have exhibited enhanced stability and outperformed R-Thermo at high-loads.

A Quantitative Evaluation of the Influence of Chemical Variables of Biomasses of Poplar SRC Commercial Clones in Torrefaction.

This study aimed to evaluate the influence in torrefaction of the chemical structure of biomasses from nine poplar commercial SRC clones, evaluated through analytical pyrolysis. The chemical data were integrated into a dataset including LHV gain, representative of torrefaction aptitude and six chemical variables obtained through analytical pyrolysis, which were: (i) CH2Cl2 extractives; (ii) total extractives; (iii) Py-lignin; (iv) holocellulose; (v) (syringil/guaiacyl) ratio; and (vi) (pentosan/hexosan) ratio. Significant univariate and bivariate linear relations were obtained with LHV gain from torrefaction as dependent variable vs. Py-lignin, CH2Cl2 extractives and (cP/cH) ratio. Representative results were: (i) a negative correlation of -0.82 and -0.76 between LHV gain and the (pentosan/hexosan) ratio and Py-lignin, respectively, and (ii) a positive correlation of 0.79 between LHV gain and CH2Cl2 extractive amounts. Factorial and discriminant analysis allowed for clustering the tested clones in three groups, evidencing relevant influences of (S/G) ratio, Py-lignin, and, to a lesser extent, (cP/cH) ratio in the classification of these groups, clearly showing the impact of chemical variables of feedstock in torrefaction. The results contribute: (i) to the validation of use of the expedite analytical pyrolysis technique for classification of biomasses in accordance with their torrefaction aptitude and, thereby, (ii) to optimizing strategies in technological issues as diverse as poplar clone genetic breeding and modeling biomass torrefaction and pyrolysis.

Historical land use changes lead to massive loss of soil carbon stocks in a recovering, semiarid mangrove.

Land use changes lead to substantial releases of carbon from the soil into the atmosphere. In carbon-rich ecosystems, like mangrove forests, this carbon loss may be more intense. This study evaluated soil carbon stocks in a mangrove area historically impacted by salt farming, which is under ecosystem recovery, in the semiarid coast of Northeastern Brazil. The neotropical mangrove sites in the Pacoti River showed marked spatial variability in soil density, texture, organic carbon concentration, nitrogen, and stable isotope signatures (δ13C and δ15N) among sampled sites. Carbon stocks in the top meter layer ranged from only 12 Mg C ha-1 (degraded area) to 283 Mg C ha-1 (preserved Rhizophora mangle stands). The carbon stocks in the well-preserved sites are close to the national and global average, highlighting the importance of semiarid mangroves as efficient carbon sinks and emphasizing the urgency for protection and restoration in light of the ongoing climate emergency.

Structural insights into terminal arabinosylation biosynthesis of the mycobacterial cell wall arabinan.

The emergence of drug-resistant strains exacerbates the global challenge of tuberculosis caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). Central to the pathogenicity of Mtb is its complex cell envelope, which serves as a barrier against both immune system and pharmacological attacks. Two key components of this envelope, arabinogalactan (AG) and lipoarabinomannan (LAM) are complex polysaccharides that contain integral arabinan domains important for cell wall structural and functional integrity. The arabinofuranosyltransferase AftB terminates the synthesis of these arabinan domains by catalyzing the addition of the addition of ß-(1→2)-linked terminal arabinofuranose residues. Here, we present the cryo-EM structures of Mycobacterium chubuense AftB in its apo and donor substrate analog-bound form, determined to 2.9 Å and 3.4 Å resolution, respectively. Our structures reveal that AftB has a GT-C fold transmembrane (TM) domain comprised of eleven TM helices and a periplasmic cap domain. AftB has an irregular tube-shaped cavity that bridges the two proposed substrate binding sites. By integrating structural analysis, biochemical assays, and molecular dynamics simulations, we elucidate the molecular basis of the reaction mechanism of AftB and propose a model for catalysis.

Finishing and polishing systems influence the roughness and color stability of acrylic and bis-acryl composite resins.

Background: To evaluate the effect of different finishing and polishing systems on the surface roughness and color changes of bis-acryl (Protemp 4 - 3M ESPE- St. Paul, USA; Structur 3 - Voco, Cuxhaven, Germany) and chemically activated acrylic materials (Duralay - Reliance, SP, Brazil). Material and Methods: Specimens (10 x 2 mm) thick were prepared for each material. The specimens were subjected to polishing and finishing procedures with aluminum oxide discs (Diamond Master - FGM, Joinville, Santa Catarina, Brazil) and spiral rubber disks (Sof-Lex - 3M ESPE, Germany). The control did not receive any polishing and finishing procedures. Surface roughness and color measurement values were obtained after the finishing and polishing procedures and immediately after 30 days of storage in water, coffee, and red wine. Data for each material were analyzed by One-Way ANOVA (p<0.05). Results: The polishing with aluminum oxide discs was able to affect the initial surface roughness values of chemically activated acrylic material (p<0.05). After immersion in staining solutions, lower ∆E values were only observed for the bis-acryl composite resins compared to the control group (p<0.05). Conclusions: The finishing and polishing systems influenced the surface roughness and color stability of the materials tested. The chemically activated acrylic resin showed lower surface roughness and higher color stability than the bis-acryl materials. Key words:Acrylic resin, bis-acryl resin, provisional restoration.

Comprehensive dynamics of bacterial and fungal diversity throughout concentrated chicken broth processing: Integrating culture-dependent and independent techniques.

This study presents comprehensive insights into the microbiological profile across all concentrated chicken broth processing stages, utilizing a combination of amplicon sequencing based on metataxonomic and culturing techniques. Samples were systematically collected throughout the production chain, with each batch yielding 10 samples per day across eight different dates. These samples underwent thorough analysis, including 16S rRNA and ITS sequencing (n = 30), culture-dependent microbiological tests (n = 40), and physical-chemical characterization (n = 10). Culturing analysis revealed the absence of Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella spp. at any stage of processing, counts of various microorganisms such as molds, yeasts, Enterobacteria, and others remained below detection limits. Notably, spore counts of selected bacterial groups were observed post-processing, indicating the persistence of certain species, including Bacillus cereus and Clostridium perfringens, albeit in low counts. Furthermore, the study identified a diverse array of bacterial and fungal species throughout the processing chain, with notable occurrence of spore-forming bacteria. The presence of spore-forming bacteria in the final product, despite thermal processing, suggests the need for enhanced strategies to mitigate their introduction and persistence in the processing premises. Thus, this study offers valuable insights into microbial dynamics and diversity through processing concentrated chicken broth.

Inference of stature using segmental measures in comparison with directly measured height in children and adolescents: an analytical cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: In the clinical routine of pediatricians, height is the most reliable indicator for assessing growth. However, there are situations where it is not possible to measure this parameter directly, making the estimation of height or length a useful alternative. The main goal of this study is to identify which segmental measure, including upper arm length (UAL), tibial length (TL), and knee-heel length (KHL), provides the stature estimate that most closely approximates directly measured height in the study participants. METHODS: Analytical cross-sectional study of the anthropometric and segmental measures of 248 participants, aged 0 to 14 years old, using Stevenson's and Kihara's equations to estimate indirectly measured height. RESULTS: The segmental measure that provided a measurement that deviated the least from the actual height was the KHL, followed by TL, both calculated using Stevenson's equations. CONCLUSION: The use of segmental measures to infer a child's stature is valuable in clinical practice, particularly in bedridden and incapacitated patients. Based on the present findings, the KHL and TL segments yielded more accurate results than the UAL.

Anti-inflammatory and antiophidic effects of extract of Hymenaea eriogyne benth and structure-activity relationship prediction of the major markers in silico.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Hymenaea eriogyne Benth (Fabaceae) is popularly known as "Jatobá". Despite its use in folk medicine to treat inflammatory disorders, there are no descriptions that show its anti-inflammatory potential. AIM OF THE STUDY: In this sense, this study aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and antivenom action of bark and leaves extract of H. eriogyne. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The in vivo anti-inflammatory activity was conducted by carrageenan-induced paw edema and zymosan-induced air pouch models, evaluating the edematogenic effect, leukocyte migration, protein concentration, levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, malondialdehyde (MDA) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity. The antivenom potential was investigated in vitro on the enzymatic action (proteolytic, phospholipase and hyaluronidase) of Bothrops brazili and B. leucurus venom, as well as in vivo on the paw edema model induced by B. leucurus. Furthermore, the influence of its markers (astilbin and rutin) on MPO activity was investigated in silico. For molecular docking, AutodockVina, Biovia Discovery Studio, and Chimera 1.16 software were used. RESULTS: The extracts and bark and leaves of H. eriogyne revealed a high anti-inflammatory effect, with a reduction in all inflammatory parameters evaluated. The bark extract showed superior results when compared to the leaf extract, suggesting the influence of the astilbin concentration, higher in the bark, on the anti-inflammatory action. In addition, only the H. eriogyne bark extract was able to reduce MDA, indicating an associated antioxidant effect. Regarding the in vitro antivenom action, the extracts (bark and leaves) revealed the ability to inhibit the proteolytic, phospholipase and hyaluronidase action of both bothropic venom, with a greater effect against B. leucurus venom. In vivo, extracts from the bark and leaves of H. eriogyne (50-200 mg/kg) showed antiedematogenic activity, reducing the release of MPO and pro-inflammatory cytokines, indicating the presence of bioactive components useful in controlling the inflammatory process induced by the venom. In the in silico assays, astilbin and rutin showed reversible interactions of 9 possible positions and orientations towards MPO, with affinities of -9.5 and -10.4 kcal/mol and interactions with Phe407, Gln91, His95 and Arg239, important active pockets of MPO. Rutin demonstrated more effective types of interactions with MPO. CONCLUSION: This approach reveals for the first time the anti-inflammatory action of H. eriogyne bark and leaf extracts in vivo, as well as its antiophidic potential. Moreover, the distinct effect of pharmacogens as antioxidant agents and distinct effect of astilbin and rutin under MPO sheds light on the different anti-inflammatory mechanisms of bioactive compounds present in H. eriogyne extracts, with high potential for the prospection of new pharmacological agents.

The hydrogen sulfide donor 4-carboxyphenyl-isothiocyanate decreases blood pressure and promotes cardioprotective effect through reduction of oxidative stress and nuclear factor kappa B/matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 axis in hypertension.

AIMS: Our aim was to evaluate whether the hydrogen sulfide (H2S) donor, 4-carboxyphenyl-isothiocyanate (4-CPI), exerts cardioprotective effect in the two kidney- one clip (2K-1C) rats through oxidative stress and MMP-2 activity attenuation and compare it with the classical H2S donor, Sodium Hydrosulfide (NaHS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Renovascular hypertension (two kidneys-one clip; 2K-1C) was surgically induced in male Wistar rats. After two weeks, normotensive (2K) and hypertensive rats were intraperitoneally treated with vehicle (0.6 % dimethyl sulfoxide), NaHS (0.24 mg/Kg/day) or with 4-CPI (0.24 mg/Kg/day), for more 4 weeks. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) was evaluated weekly by tail-cuff plethysmography. Heart function was assessed by using the Millar catheter. Cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis were evaluated by hematoxylin and eosin, and Picrosirius Red staining, respectively. The H2S was analyzed using WSP-1 fluorimetry and the cardiac oxidative stress was measured by lucigenin chemiluminescence and Amplex Red. MMP-2 activity was measured by in-gel gelatin or in situ zymography assays. Nox1, gp91phox, MMP-2 and the phospho-p65 subunit (Serine 279) nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) levels were evaluated by Western blotting. KEY FINDINGS: 4-CPI reduced blood pressure in hypertensive rats, decreased cardiac remodeling and promoted cardioprotection through the enhancement of cardiac H2S levels. An attenuation of oxidative stress, with inactivation of the p65-NF-κB/MMP-2 axis was similarly observed after NaHS or 4-CPI treatment in 2K-1C hypertension. SIGNIFICANCE: H2S is a mediator that promotes cardioprotective effects and decreases blood pressure, and 4-CPI seems to be a good candidate to reverse the maladaptive remodeling and cardiac dysfunction in renovascular hypertension.

A Novel Treatment for Convex Lateral Crura: The Inverted Spanning Suture.

Rhinoplasty is one of the most complex and challenging procedures in plastic surgery, even for experienced surgeons. Among the steps leading to an aesthetic and functional nose, there is the nasal tip improvement. Today's approach to nasal tip is the product of different techniques shifting through time, mainly from a resection tendency, to preservation and suture use to reshape cartilages. Addressing the lateral crura is vital to an aesthetic nasal tip and it is frequently obtained by adequate suture techniques. The alar-spanning suture described by Perkins is one of such. Regardless of its importance, it was not able to improve convex crura in some cases. The inverted alar-spanning suture (ISS) is an adaptation designed to treat those cases with the suture alone. ISS is a novel technique that can lead to better results treating the convex lateral crura by distributing the force vector in a more effective way. New techniques in rhinoplasty have multiplied, bringing this procedure to a new level and keeping up with the updated notion of restoration instead of excision the ISS is a new, precise, approach to an old problem.

Sjögren: unique surname, two men, four syndromes and one disease.

Henrik and Torsten Sjögren (/'ʃoʊɡrən/ or SHOH-grən) were two Swedish physicians living in the same period, but completely unrelated, except for their notable contributions to Medicine. The first one described keratoconjunctivitis sicca, afterward called Sjögren's syndrome, and a fishing net aspect retinal pigmentation affecting visual acuity, nowadays known as Sjögren reticular dystrophy. The last one contributed to the understanding of Spielmeyer-Sjögren disease, Marinesco-Sjögren, and Sjögren-Larsson syndromes, all related to genetic disorders and neurological symptoms. In this paper, we aim to describe each disorder, in order to avoid any misunderstanding in diagnosis and for historical record.

Henrik e Torsten Sjögren (/ˈʃoʊɡrən/ ou SHOH-grən) foram dois médicos suecos que viveram na mesma época, mas não tinham nenhuma relação entre si, exceto por suas notáveis contribuições à medicina. O primeiro descreveu a ceratoconjuntivite sicca, posteriormente chamada de síndrome de Sjögren, e uma pigmentação da retina com aspecto de rede de pesca que afeta a acuidade visual, hoje conhecida como distrofia reticular de Sjögren. O último contribuiu para a compreensão da doença de Spielmeyer-Sjögren, das síndromes de Marinesco-Sjögren e Sjögren-Larsson, todas relacionadas a distúrbios genéticos e sintomas neurológicos. Neste artigo, pretendemos descrever cada desordem, a fim de evitar qualquer mal-entendido no diagnóstico e para registro histórico.

Comparison of ddRADseq and EUChip60K SNP genotyping systems for population genetics and genomic selection in Eucalyptus dunnii (Maiden).

Eucalyptus dunnii is one of the most important Eucalyptus species for short-fiber pulp production in regions where other species of the genus are affected by poor soil and climatic conditions. In this context, E. dunnii holds promise as a resource to address and adapt to the challenges of climate change. Despite its rapid growth and favorable wood properties for solid wood products, the advancement of its improvement remains in its early stages. In this work, we evaluated the performance of two single nucleotide polymorphism, (SNP), genotyping methods for population genetics analysis and Genomic Selection in E. dunnii. Double digest restriction-site associated DNA sequencing (ddRADseq) was compared with the EUChip60K array in 308 individuals from a provenance-progeny trial. The compared SNP set included 8,011 and 19,008 informative SNPs distributed along the 11 chromosomes, respectively. Although the two datasets differed in the percentage of missing data, genome coverage, minor allele frequency and estimated genetic diversity parameters, they revealed a similar genetic structure, showing two subpopulations with little differentiation between them, and low linkage disequilibrium. GS analyses were performed for eleven traits using Genomic Best Linear Unbiased Prediction (GBLUP) and a conventional pedigree-based model (ABLUP). Regardless of the SNP dataset, the predictive ability (PA) of GBLUP was better than that of ABLUP for six traits (Cellulose content, Total and Ethanolic extractives, Total and Klason lignin content and Syringyl and Guaiacyl lignin monomer ratio). When contrasting the SNP datasets used to estimate PAs, the GBLUP-EUChip60K model gave higher and significant PA values for six traits, meanwhile, the values estimated using ddRADseq gave higher values for three other traits. The PAs correlated positively with narrow sense heritabilities, with the highest correlations shown by the ABLUP and GBLUP-EUChip60K. The two genotyping methods, ddRADseq and EUChip60K, are generally comparable for population genetics and genomic prediction, demonstrating the utility of the former when subjected to rigorous SNP filtering. The results of this study provide a basis for future whole-genome studies using ddRADseq in non-model forest species for which SNP arrays have not yet been developed.

Accurate identification of Helicoverpa armigera-Helicoverpa zea hybrids using genome admixture analysis: implications for genomic surveillance.

Helicoverpa armigera, the cotton bollworm moth, is one of the world's most important crop pests, and is spreading throughout the New World from its original range in the Old World. In Brazil, invasive H. armigera has been reported to hybridize with local populations of Helicoverpa zea. The correct identification of H. armigera-H. zea hybrids is important in understanding the origin, spread and future outlook for New World regions that are affected by outbreaks, given that hybridization can potentially facilitate H. zea pesticide resistance and host plant range via introgression of H. armigera genes. Here, we present a genome admixture analysis of high quality genome sequences generated from two H. armigera-H. zea F1 hybrids generated in two different labs. Our admixture pipeline predicts 48.8% and 48.9% H. armigera for the two F1 hybrids, confirming its accuracy. Genome sequences from five H. zea and one H. armigera that were generated as part of the study show no evidence of hybridization. Interestingly, we show that four H. zea genomes generated from a previous study are predicted to possess a proportion of H. armigera genetic material. Using unsupervised clustering to identify non-hybridized H. armigera and H. zea genomes, 8511 ancestry informative markers (AIMs) were identified. Their relative frequencies are consistent with a minor H. armigera component in the four genomes, however its origin remains to be established. We show that the size and quality of genomic reference datasets are critical for accurate hybridization prediction. Consequently, we discuss potential pitfalls in genome admixture analysis of H. armigera-H. zea hybrids, and suggest measures that will improve such analyses.

Unravelling the combined impacts of drought and Cu in barley plants - double trouble?

The occurrence of drought in soils, particularly in those contaminated by metals, poses a current threat to crops, as these factors can interact and induce unique stress responses. Therefore, this study mainly focused on understanding the crosstalk between drought and copper (Cu) stress in the physiology of the barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) plant. Using a bifactorial experimental design, seedlings were grown in a natural soil under the following treatments: plants continuously irrigated in uncontaminated soil for 14 days (control); plants continuously irrigated in Cu-contaminated soil (115 mg Cu kg-1) for 14 days (Cu); plants only irrigated during the initials 7 days of growth in uncontaminated soil (drought); plants co-exposed to Cu and drought (combined). After 14 days of growth, the results revealed that drought prevented Cu bioaccumulation in barley roots, which were still severely affected by the metal, both individually and in combination with the water deficit. Furthermore, individual and combined exposure to these stressors resulted in impaired photosynthetic performance in barley plants. Despite the increased activation of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant defence mechanisms, particularly in the green organs, the plants co-exposed to both stress factors still showed higher oxidative damage, severely impacting biomass production.

Gas-diffusion microextraction combined with HPLC-DAD for the comprehensive analysis of volatile carbonyl compounds in wood-based panels.

This work presents a novel application of gas-diffusion microextraction (GDME) combined with high-performance liquid chromatography with diode-array detection (HPLC-DAD) for the comprehensive analysis of volatile carbonyl compounds released from wood-based panels. GDME is a simple, fast, and environmentally friendly technique that allows the simultaneous extraction and derivatization of volatile carbonyls directly from solid samples. Commercial particleboards were analysed together with particleboard panels specifically produced using controlled conditions, materials, and reagents, to evaluate the differences in the emission profile of volatile carbonyl compounds. The effect of different production parameters, such as the type of wood particle, resin, and moisture content, on the emission profile of volatile carbonyls from particleboards was investigated using principal component analysis (PCA). The results showed that GDME-HPLC-DAD could successfully differentiate particleboards according to their emission of carbonyl compounds, such as formaldehyde, furfural, benzaldehyde, and other aliphatic carbonyls. Besides the differences on the emission of formaldehyde caused by the type of resin used, UF (urea-formaldehyde) and mUF (UF fortified with melamine), it was found that pine (Pinus pinaster Ait.) particleboards exhibit higher emissions of compounds such as acetaldehyde or hexanal when compared to the higher emissions of compounds such as furfural or benzaldehyde on the recycled particleboards.

Tonic noradrenergic input to neurons in the dorsal raphe nucleus mediates food intake in male mice.

The dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) is essential for the control of food intake. Efferent projections from the DRN extend to several forebrain regions that are involved in the control of food intake. However, the neurotransmitters released in the DRN related to the control of food intake are not known. We have previously demonstrated that a tonic α1 action on DRN neurons contributes to satiety in the fed rats. In this study we investigated the participation of norepinephrine (NE) signaling in the DRN in the satiety response. Intra-DRN administration of NE causes an increase in the 2-hour food intake of sated mice, an effect that was blocked by previous administration of yohimbine, an α2 antagonist. Similarly, Intra-DRN administration of clonidine, an α2 agonist, increases food intake in sated mice. This result indicates that in the satiated mice exogenous NE acts on α2 receptors to increase food intake. Furthermore, administration of phenylephrine, an α1 agonist, decreases food intake in fasted mice and prazosin, an α1 antagonist, increases food intake in the sated mice. Taken together these results indicate that, in a satiated condition, a tonic α1 adrenergic action on the DRN neurons inhibits food intake and that exogenous NE administered to the DRN acts on α2 adrenergic receptors to increase food intake. These data reinforce the intricate neuronal functioning of the DRN and its effects on feeding.

Simultaneous determination of carbonyl compounds related to thermal treatment and oxidative stability of infant formulas by gas-diffusion microextraction and high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection.

Infant formulae are the only possible alternative to breastfeeding during the first year of life, so it is crucial to assure their innocuousness. Infant formula undergoes heat treatments to ensure safety and shelf life. However, such processes impact health as they lead to the formation of malondialdehyde, acrolein, and α-dicarbonyl compounds, related to Maillard reaction. Thus, there is a need for improved analytical methods to ensure the safety, quality, and nutritional value of infant formulae, and also exploring the potential of specific compounds as indicators for quality control and monitoring purposes. We developed and validated a novel, efficient, and cost-effective method using gas-diffusion microextraction for the simultaneous quantification of carbonyl compounds in infant formula. Malondialdehyde, acrolein, glyoxal, methylglyoxal, and diacetyl were detected as o-phenylenediamine derivatives using HPLC with UV detection. Parameters influencing extraction efficiency were studied using an asymmetric screening design. The validated method has shown excellent linearity, sensitivity, accuracy, and precision. It was applied to analyze 26 infant formula samples, including starter, follow-up, and special formulated powdered infant formula. Methylglyoxal was found in all samples (0.201-3.153 µg mL-1), while malondialdehyde was present only in certain starter formulas (1.033-1.802 µg mL-1). Acrolein (0.510-3.246 µg mL-1), glyoxal (0.109-1.253 µg mL-1), and diacetyl (0.119-2.001 µg mL-1) were detected in various sample types. Principal components and hierarchical cluster analyses have showcased distinct sample clustering based on analyte contents. This study presents a novel methodology for the analysis of markers of thermal treatment and oxidative stability in infant formula. It contributes to the characterization of the products' composition and quality control of infant formulae, thereby enhancing their safety and nutritional adequacy. This study also presents the first reported quantification of acrolein in infant formula and introduces the application of the acrolein-o-phenylenediamine derivative for food analysis.

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.