Water-soluble oat extract enriched with mango peel flour: preparation, characterization and application in Greek yogurt.

This study aimed to produce water-soluble oat extract enriched with mango peel flour (MPF) as a source of active compounds and to use this ingredient as a partial substitute for whole milk in Greek yogurt (GY) for its nutritional enrichment. Enriched water-soluble oat extracts (EWSOE) were produced with different concentrations of MPF (0%, 1%, 1.5% and 2%) and characterized in relation to pH, titratable acidity, soluble proteins and total phenolics. Three GY formulations were prepared by partially replacing whole milk with EWSOE and the best formulation (in relation to sensory analyzes and phenolics compounds) was selected for storage study, chemical characterization, and sensory acceptance testing. MPF addition increased soluble proteins and total phenolics in EWSOE. GY formulations prepared with EWSOE had similar sensory scores. During storage, GY prepared with EWSOE containing 2% MPF exhibited changes in pH and titratable acidity and a reduction in total phenolics. Color parameters, cholesterol, and fatty acid composition did not change over 21 days of storage. The major fatty acids in GY were oleic and palmitic acids. The selected product had low lactose content (1.2%), achieved satisfactory sensory acceptance in relation to the evaluated attributes, and had lipid (~6.19%) and protein (~3.96%) contents within regulatory requirements. Additionally, EWSOE is a valuable ingredient in GY preparation, offering beneficial nutritional and functional properties.

The Prevalence of Comorbidities and Their Association With Disability Progression in Individuals With Multiple Sclerosis: A Study From Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Comorbidities negatively impact the course of multiple sclerosis (MS). Identifying them is essential, as they represent potentially modifiable prognostic factors that can adversely influence the disease course. However, comorbidity prevalence remains underexplored in certain populations, including in individuals in Brazil. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, we describe the frequency of comorbidities and their correlation with MS disability progression in a Brazilian population by reviewing the medical records of patients from a single MS center in Brazil. Preexisting comorbidities and those present at the time of MS diagnosis were screened. We assessed the prevalence of comorbidities, their prevalence ratios (PR) and the association between them, their number, and the confirmed disability worsening (CDW) that emerged during the follow-up visits. RESULTS: Comorbidities were present in 68.9% of individuals. The most prevalent comorbidities included cardiovascular diseases (19.3%), migraine (13.3%), psychiatric disorders (12.4%), smoking (12.4%), autoimmune diseases (12.0%), respiratory diseases (10.3%), and neoplasms (5.6%). Patients with 1 comorbidity and those with multiple comorbidities (≥ 3) had a significant PR for CDW (2.67, P = .01; 1.25, P = .03, respectively). Cardiovascular and autoimmune diseases presented significant PR for CDW (2.28, P = .03; 4.2, P = .004, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Comorbidities are more prevalent among Brazilian individuals with MS than in the general population and are associated with disease progression. Identifying and managing them may mitigate their adverse effects on disease course.

Analysis of agreement between specialists for the evaluation of radiological findings of necrotizing enterocolitis.

OBJECTIVE: The analysis of abdominal radiography is essential for the diagnosis and management of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in newborns (NB). Studies, however, show a lack of agreement among physicians in the interpretation of images. This study aims to evaluate the agreement in the radiological interpretation of the NEC between examiners from different specialties (interexaminer analysis) and between the same examiner at different times (intraexaminer analysis). METHODS: Cross-sectional study for concordance analysis using plain radiographs of the abdomen of NB with suspected or confirmed NEC. The study included two neonatologists (Neo), two surgeons (SU), and two radiologists (RD). The participants filled out a form with questions about the radiographic findings; regarding the presence of intestinal loop distension, the specialists answered subjectively (yes or no) and objectively (calculation of the ratio between loop diameter and lumbar vertebrae measurements). Kappa coefficients were calculated for agreement analysis. RESULTS: A total of 90 radiological images were analyzed. For the interexaminer evaluation, the agreement was low (kappa<0.4) in 30 % of the answers (Neo versus SU), 38 % (Neo versus RD), and 46 % (SU versus RD). In the intraexaminer evaluation, the neonatologist and the surgeon presented substantial or almost perfect agreement in 92 % of the answers, and the radiologist in 77 %. In the evaluation of intestinal loop distention, the greatest agreement between the specialties occurred when done objectively. CONCLUSION: The results confirmed the low intra- and interexaminer agreement in the radiological analysis of the NEC, reinforcing the importance of standardizing the methods of radiological interpretation of the disease.

Impact of COVID-19 on pediatric dental care in two epicenters: Italy and Brazil.

The study aimed to compare the adherence of Brazilian and Italian pediatric dentists to the biosafety measures and operative protocols recommended by the health authorities during COVID-19 pandemic and to classify the participants according to their risk of infection. An online questionnaire with 34 questions about sociodemographic and occupational data, dental practice organization, biological risk management, and clinical operative protocols was sent to Brazilian and Italian pediatric dentists using a convenience sampling strategy. Chi-square test and multivariate analysis (two-step cluster) were performed (α = 5%). Of 641 respondents (377 Brazilians and 264 Italians), most were female (94% and 70%, respectively), aged 20-39 years (63%), with over 10 years of professional experience (58% and 49%, respectively). Based on adherence to recommended biosafety measures, participants were classified as "safer" (n = 219) or "less safe" (n = 422). Adherence to recommended protocols by the majority of participants resulted in low contagion rates (Brazilians = 5%; Italians = 12.5%). Participants with extensive professional experience in the dental setting exhibited a greater tendency to implement multiple adaptations (three or more) in their practice. Most participants (Brazilians = 92%; Italians = 80.7%) adopted the recommended minimal intervention dentistry approaches, with the use of fissure sealants and the use of non-rotary instruments for caries removal the most frequently techniques used among Brazilians (36%) and Italians (66%), respectively. Two different profiles of pediatric dentists were identified based on the biosafety protocols adopted during the pandemic. In addition, changes were implemented in the dental care provided to children, with focus on the minimal intervention dentistry.

Feelings expressed by professionals caring for children and teenagers victims of sexual violence.

OBJECTIVE: to describe the feelings expressed by health professionals when caring for child and adolescent victims of sexual violence from the theoretical perspective of Symbolic Interactionism. METHOD: qualitative research carried out with 30 female health professionals. An instrument was used consisting of closed questions for sociodemographic data and a script with open questions for interviews. The data was organized and analyzed using Nvivo software version 12, according to Bardin's proposal, from the perspective of Symbolic Interactionism in the work of Charles Morris. The project was approved by the Research Ethics Committee. RESULTS: five thematic categories emerged, revealing feelings of empathy, fear, indignation, suffering, and consternation. These feelings remained in the interviewees' memories, making caring for child and adolescent victims of sexual violence a moving and difficult experience that deeply marks the life of the health professional. CONCLUSION: there is a need to adopt strategies to support the mental health of professionals who work in services that provide general care to children and adolescents, considering that there is a possibility that they will provide care to child and adolescent victims of sexual violence in compliance with pre-existing public policies. HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Feelings stem from individual impressions in line with social interaction. (2) Caring for child and adolescent victims has a negative impact on professionals' emotions. (3) Service managers need to pay attention to the health of professionals who assist victims.

Assessing pet owners' willingness to embrace insects in pet food.

Alternative diets for pets have gained attention in recent years due to concerns about sustainability and environmental impact. One emerging option is the inclusion of edible insects in pet food. This study aimed to survey dog (DO) and cat (CO) owners regarding their willingness to feed insect-based pet food (IBPF) to their pets and to identify potential motivating factors. A total of 435 valid responses were evaluated, with 66% being DO and 58% CO. Of those, 24% owned both dogs and cats. About half of DO (52%) and 62% of CO were positive about IBPF. CO had a higher acceptance of IBPF than DO (p < 0.05). Moreover, both DO and CO showed a significant increase in acceptance if IBPF has been proven to provide sustainable and nutritional benefits (p < 0.01). CO adhering to a specific diet themselves showed a significantly higher acceptance of IBPF (p < 0.05), however it was independent of the type of diet. Additionally, 32% of DO and 34% of CO reported prior experience with eating edible insects themselves, and a positive entomophagy experience increased DO's (p = 0.108) and CO's (p < 0.01) acceptance of IBPF. Furthermore, the interest in entomophagy resulted in increased acceptance of IBPF by both DO and CO who had not yet tried insects (p < 0.01). In conclusion, pet owners demonstrated a favourable perception of IBPF and showed a willingness to incorporate these products into their pets' diets. CO displayed a more positive perception compared to DO, suggesting a beneficial focus on the feline niche. To enhance overall acceptance, emphasizing sustainability and conducting further research to establish the nutritional benefits of IBPF are crucial. The findings of this study provide valuable insights for pet food manufacturers and marketers to develop strategies and products aligned with the preferences and needs of pet owners.

Valorization of Carapa guianensis Aubl. seeds treated by compressed n-propane.

This study evaluated the oil content obtained from andiroba seeds by pressurized n-propane at different conditions of temperature (25, 35, and 45 °C) and pressure (40, 60, and 80 bar), and conventional extraction technique using n-hexane as the solvent. Kinetic extraction curves were fitted using Sovová's mathematical model. The chemical characterization of the oil was reported as well as the protein content in the extraction by-product. Pressurized extractions conducted at 25 °C provided the highest oil recovery (~45 wt%) from the seeds. The increase in pressure at 25 ºC favored obtaining oil with higher Stigmasterol contents, however, the Squalene content was higher in the oil obtained at 40 bar. The oils with the highest concentration phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity were obtained at 80 bar. Extraction with n-propane provided oils with higher levels of phenolic compounds, however, with antioxidant activity similar to conventional extraction. For all evaluated extractions, the product showed a predominance of oleic and palmitic acids, with similar values of oxidative stability. The extraction of the by-product with the highest soluble protein content was obtained under mild processing conditions (25 °C and 40 bar) with n-propane.

Exploring spatial and temporal symptoms of the freshwater salinization syndrome in a rural to urban watershed.

The freshwater salinization syndrome (FSS), a concomitant watershed-scale increase in salinity, alkalinity, and major-cation and trace-metal concentrations, over recent decades, has been described for major rivers draining extensive urban areas, yet few studies have evaluated temporal and spatial FSS variations, or causal factors, at the subwatershed scale in mixed-use landscapes. This study examines the potential influence of land-use practices and wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) effluent on the export of major ions and trace metals from the mixed-use East Branch Brandywine Creek watershed in southeastern Pennsylvania, during the 2019 water year. Separate analysis of baseflow and stormflow subsets revealed similar correlations among land-use characteristics and streamwater chemistry. Positive associations between percent impervious surface cover, which ranged from 1.26 % to 21.9 % for the 13 sites sampled, and concentrations of Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, and Cl- are consistent with road-salt driven reverse cation exchange and weathering of the built environment. The relative volume of upstream WWTP was correlated with Cu and Zn, which may be derived in part from corroded water-conveyance infrastructure; chloride to sulfate mass ratios (CSMR) ranged from ~6.3 to ~7.7× the 0.5 threshold indicating serious corrosivity potential. Observed exceedances of U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Na+ and Cl- drinking water and aquatic life criteria occurred in winter months. Finally, correlations between percent cultivated cropland and As and Pb concentrations may be explained by the persistence of agricultural pesticides that had been used historically. Study results contribute to the understanding of FSS solute origin, fate, and transport in mixed-use watersheds, particularly those in road salt-affected regions. Study results also emphasize the complexity of trace-metal source attribution and explore the potential for FSS solutes to affect human health, aquatic life, and infrastructure.

Educational interventions for the prevention and management of adverse events following immunisation: a systematic review. / Intervenções educativas para prevenção e conduta dos eventos adversos pós-vacinação: uma revisão sistemática.

This study investigated educational interventions for the prevention and management of adverse events following immunisation. This a systematic review was conducted by examining observational studies, with no restriction as to language or year, registered in PROSPERO with the identifier CRD42022313144 and by searching the MEDLINE, LILACS, Embase, CINAHL and Scopus databases. Two researchers selected the studies, extracted the data and assessed the risk of study bias; disagreements were resolved by a third researcher. A total of six articles met the inclusion criteria of the systematic review and the studies reported significant post-intervention improvements in staff conduct in relation to immunisation. It was concluded that educational strategies that lead to continued professional development in relation to vaccination in primary care were effective in reducing and/or eradicating immunisation errors and adverse events following immunisation.

O estudo tem como objetivo investigar as intervenções educativas para a prevenção e conduta dos eventos adversos pós-vacinação. Trata-se de uma revisão sistemática realizada por meio da análise de estudos observacionais sem restrição de idioma e ano com registro no PROSPERO pelo identificador CRD42022313144 e busca nas bases de dados MEDLINE, LILACS, Embase, CINAHL e Scopus. Dois pesquisadores selecionaram os estudos, extraíram os dados e avaliaram o risco de viés, as discordâncias foram resolvidas por um terceiro pesquisador. Atenderam os critérios de inclusão da revisão sistemática um total de seis artigos e os estudos apresentaram melhoras significativas pós-intervenção na conduta dos profissionais em relação à imunização. Conclui-se que o fornecimento de estratégias educativas de educação permanente no âmbito vacinal da atenção primária é eficaz para reduzir e/ou erradicar os erros de imunização e eventos adversos pós-vacinação.

Duration of vaccine protection against breakthrough infections during five COVID-19 waves among healthcare workers primarily vaccinated with CoronaVac.

We aimed to characterise vaccine-induced protection against COVID-19 during five waves caused by Variants of Concern (VOCs). This is a nested case-control study of 3,972 HCW primarily vaccinated with CoronaVac (98%) that evaluated symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 breakthrough infections (BI) in almost two-years follow-up until the 3rd Omicron wave. Predictors of protection against SARS-CoV-2 BI were analysed using conditional logistic regression models. We included 1,491 SARS-CoV-2 breakthrough cases, mostly mild, and 2,962 controls. Most participants (90%) had received at least one booster before the onset of the Omicron waves, mainly BNT162b2. A multivariate logistic regression showed that vaccine-induced protection against BI wanes after six months regardless of the number of monovalent booster doses. Additionally, booster dose with BNT162b2 showed a trend for higher protection compared to CoronaVac during the Omicron waves. In conclusion, immunity of monovalent booster doses against SARS-CoV-2 is short-lasting. Individuals previously vaccinated with an inactivated vaccine should receive a BNT162B2 booster dose.

Advancing ethanol content determination in hydrogels: non-destructive and operational methods for health and criminal inspections.

The significance of accurate determination of ethanol content in hydrogel formulations was accentuated during COVID-19 pandemic coinciding with the heightened demand for sanitizing agents. The present article proposes three robust methodologies for this purpose: Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, and Densitometry with matrix effect correction by Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIR). All three methods demonstrated outstanding linearity (R2 ≥ 0.99) and minimal errors (< 1.7%), offering simplicity and operational efficiency. FTIR and Raman, being non-destructive and requiring minimal preparation, enable practical on-site analysis capabilities, underscoring the potential of the spectroscopic methods to expedite health investigations and inspections, empowering on-site ethanol determination, and relieving the burden on official laboratories. Additionally, the densitometry with NIR-based approach showcased superior accuracy and precision compared to spectroscopic methods, meeting validation criteria while offering operational advantages over the costly official distillation-based method. Therefore, it stands as a reliable and reproducible technique for comprehensive health and criminal compliance assessments, making it a compelling alternative for both industry and official laboratories.

Hepatocytes and the art of killing Plasmodium softly.

The Plasmodium parasites that cause malaria undergo asymptomatic development in the parenchymal cells of the liver, the hepatocytes, prior to infecting erythrocytes and causing clinical disease. Traditionally, hepatocytes have been perceived as passive bystanders that allow hepatotropic pathogens such as Plasmodium to develop relatively unchallenged. However, now there is emerging evidence suggesting that hepatocytes can mount robust cell-autonomous immune responses that target Plasmodium, limiting its progression to the blood and reducing the incidence and severity of clinical malaria. Here we discuss our current understanding of hepatocyte cell-intrinsic immune responses that target Plasmodium and how these pathways impact malaria.

Polymeric Nanocapsules Loaded with Lidocaine: A Promising Formulation for Topical Dental Anesthesia.

Lidocaine is the most commonly used local anesthetic worldwide, known for its rapid onset and moderate duration of anesthesia. However, it is short-lived and does not effectively promote effective topical anesthesia in the oral cavity when used alone. Our aim was to investigate whether an approximate 50% encapsulation of lidocaine in poly(ε-caprolactone) nanocapsules (LDC-Nano) would be able to increase its permeation and analgesic efficacy and reduce cytotoxicity. In this study, we characterized LDC-Nano and conducted MTT tests with HaCaT cells to assess their in vitro cytotoxicity. Additionally, in vitro permeation assays across the pig esophageal epithelium and the anesthetic efficacy of the hind paw incision model in rats were performed. Plain lidocaine (LDC) was compared with LDC-Nano and lidocaine hydrochloride plus epinephrine (LDC-Epi). The physicochemical characteristics of LDC-Nano were satisfactory (pH: 8.1 ± 0.21; polydispersity index: 0.08 ± 0.01; mean diameter (nm): 557.8 ± 22.7; and encapsulation efficiency (%): 51.8 ± 1.87) and remained stable for up to 4 months. LDC-Nano presented similar in vitro cytotoxicity to LDC but was higher than LDC-Epi (LD50: LDC = 0.48%; LDC-Nano = 0.47%; and LDC-Epi = 0.58%; p < 0.0001). Encapsulation increased the permeability coefficient about 6.6 times and about 7.5 the steady-state flux of lidocaine across the mucosal epithelium. Both encapsulation and epinephrine improved anesthesia duration, with epinephrine demonstrating superior efficacy (100% of animals were anesthetized up to 100, 30, and 20 min when LDC-Epi, LDC-nano, and LDC were used, respectively). Although LDC-Epi demonstrated superior in vivo anesthetic efficacy, the in vitro permeation and cytotoxicity of LDC-Nano indicate promising avenues for future research, particularly in exploring its potential application as a topical anesthetic in the oral cavity.

Eugenia uniflora (pitanga) juice as a new alternative vehicle for Limosilactobacillus fermentum ATCC 23271: evaluation of antioxidant and anti-infective effects.

Probiotic-containing foods are among the most appreciated functional foods; however, probiotic-based dairy products cannot be consumed by people who are lactose intolerant, allergic to milk, or vegetarian or vegan individuals. Thus, new non-dairy matrices have been tested for probiotics delivery. This study evaluated the growth and viability of Limosilactobacillus fermentum ATCC 23271 and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus ATCC 9595 in Pitanga juice (Eugenia uniflora L.). The effects of the fermentation on the antioxidant and anti-infective properties of the juice were also analyzed. The E. uniflora juice allowed lactobacilli growth without supplementation, reaching rates around 8.4 Log CFU/mL and producing organic acids (pH values < 4) after 72 h of fermentation. The strain remained viable after 35 days of refrigerated storage. Fermentation by these bacteria increases the antioxidant capacity of the juice. The central composite rotational design was employed to evaluate the effects of bacterial inoculum and pulp concentration on growth and organic acids production by L. fermentum ATCC 23271. The strain was viable and produced organic acids in all tested combinations. L. fermentum-fermented juice and its cell-free supernatant significantly increased the survival of Tenebrio molitor larvae infected by enteroaggregative Escherichia coli 042. The results obtained in this study provide more insights into the potential of Pitanga juice to develop a functional non-dairy probiotic beverage with antioxidant and anti-infective properties.

O acolhimento singular e o cuidado contínuo após a tentativa de suicídio: a contribuição do Centro de Atenção Psicossocial Infantojuvenil / The singular reception and continuous care after the suicide attempt: the contribution of Psychosocial Care Center of Children and Youth / La acogida singular y la atención continuada tras el intento de suicidio: la aportación del Centro de Atención Psicosocial a la Infancia y la Adolescencia

INTRODUÇÃO: O suicídio ainda é marcado por diversos estigmas e preconceitos que dificultam a compreensão desse problema de saúde pública, impedindo assim a percepção de fatores que possam ser de risco ou de proteção em casos de tentativa de tirar a própria vida. Por isso, a busca de informações pode ser de grande valia no entendimento e permite a criação de estratégias de cuidado desse sujeito em sofrimento psíquico. OBJETIVO: Discutir os processos de cuidado e acolhimento de pessoas em sofrimento mental, devido a tentativa de suicídio, sob a perspectiva de uma estagiária de Psicologia de um Centro de Atenção Psicossocial Infantojuvenil (CAPSij). MÉTODO: Relato de experiência, de caráter qualitativo, sobre a prática interventiva da Psicologia de um CAPSij em Vitória (ES). RESULTADOS E DISCUSSÃO: A literatura corrobora com os serviços prestados pelo CAPSij em situação de risco de suicídio, tendo em vista as rupturas de visões estigmatizadas que complementam a assistência em saúde, e se tornam um fator de proteção. CONSIDERAÇÕES FINAIS: O CAPSij prima pelo cuidado e assistência humanizada não limitante, contribuindo para o fortalecimento desse sujeito em crise suicida como um ser de direitos, trazendo um novo olhar de autonomia, singularidade e protagonismo.

INTRODUCTION: Suicide is still marked by several stigmas and prejudices that make it difficult to understand this public health problem, thus preventing the perception of factors that may be risky or protective in cases of an attempt to take one's own life. Therefore, the search for information can be of great value in understanding and allowing the creation of care strategies for this subject in psychological distress. OBJECTIVE: To discuss the processes of care and reception of people in mental suffering due to a suicide attempt, from the perspective of a Psychology intern at a Centro de Atenção Psicossocial Infantojuvenil ­ CAPSij (Child and Adolescent Psychosocial Care Center). METHOD: Qualitative experience report on the interventional practice of Psychology at a CAPSij in Vitória (ES). RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The literature corroborates the services provided by CAPSij in situations of suicide risk, given the ruptures of stigmatized views that complement health care, and become a protective factor. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: CAPSij strives for non-limiting humanized care and assistance, contributing to the strengthening of this subject in a suicidal crisis as a being with rights, bringing a new perspective of autonomy, singularity and protagonism.

INTRODUCCIÓN: El suicidio aún está marcado por varios estigmas y prejuicios que dificultan la comprensión de este problema de salud pública, impidiendo así la percepción de factores que pueden ser de riesgo o protectores en casos de tentativa de suicidio. Por lo tanto, la búsqueda de información puede ser de gran valor en la comprensión y permitió la creación de estrategias de atención para este sujeto en sufrimiento psicológico. OBJETIVO: Discutir los procesos de atención y acogida de personas en sufrimiento psíquico por tentativa de suicidio, en la perspectiva de una interna de Psicología en un Centro de Atenção Psicossocial Infantojuvenil ­ CAPSij (Centro de Atención Psicosocial de Niños y Adolescentes). MÉTODO: Informe cualitativo de experiencia en la práctica intervencionista de Psicología en un CAPSij de Vitória (ES). RESULTADOS Y DISCUSIÓN: La literatura corrobora los servicios prestados por el CAPSij en situaciones de riesgo suicida, frente a las rupturas de visiones estigmatizadas que complementan la atención en salud, y se convierten en factor protector. CONSIDERACIONES FINALES: El CAPSij apuesta por la atención y asistencia humanizada y no limitativa, contribuyendo al fortalecimiento de este sujeto en crisis suicida como ser con derechos, aportando una nueva perspectiva de autonomía, singularidad y protagonismo.

Impact of genetic background as a risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease: A protocol for a nationwide genetic case-control (CV-GENES) study in Brazil.

Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease (ASCVD) represents the leading cause of death worldwide, and individual screening should be based on behavioral, metabolic, and genetic profile derived from data collected in large population-based studies. Due to the polygenic nature of ASCVD, we aimed to assess the association of genomics with ASCVD risk and its impact on the occurrence of acute myocardial infarction, stroke, or peripheral artery thrombotic-ischemic events at population level. CardioVascular Genes (CV-GENES) is a nationwide, multicenter, 1:1 case-control study of 3,734 patients in Brazil. Inclusion criterion for cases is the first occurrence of one of the ASCVD events. Individuals without known ASCVD will be eligible as controls. A core lab will perform the genetic analyses through low-pass whole genome sequencing and whole exome sequencing. In order to estimate the independent association between genetic polymorphisms and ASCVD, a polygenic risk score (PRS) will be built through a hybrid approach including effect size of each Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP), number of effect alleles observed, sample ploidy, total number of SNPs included in the PRS, and number of non-missing SNPs in the sample. In addition, the presence of pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants will be screened in 8 genes (ABCG5, ABCG8, APOB, APOE, LDLR, LDLRAP1, LIPA, PCSK9) associated with atherosclerosis. Multiple logistic regression will be applied to estimate adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI), and population attributable risks will be calculated. Clinical trial registration: This study is registered in clinicaltrials.gov (NCT05515653).

One more step in solving the Chydorus puzzlea morphological comparison between Chydorus tilhoi Rey & Saint-Jeans, 1969 and Chydorus sphaericus (O.F. Mller, 1776) (Crustacea: Cladocera).

A number of species of Chydorus Leach, 1816 (Crustacea: Cladocera) need improvements in their taxonomy much more than any other genus within the family Chydoridae Dybowsky & Grochowski, 1894 emend. Frey, 1967, which makes the systematics of the genus still a puzzle that lacks several pieces. Here, we redescribe the African species Chydorus tilhoi Rey & Saint-Jeans, 1969 and compare its morphology with that of Chydorus sphaericus (O.F. Mller, 1776). The two taxa might be easily differentiated because C. tilhoi has a single and relatively large major head pore with a wide rim, labral keel elongated with a large spine, and postabdomen with postanal part elongated, narrowing distally and with denticles near its anal margin, organized in groups. These morphological traits are absent in C. sphaericus. Chydorus tilhoi and C. sphaericus also differ in the morphology of the first (Inner Distal Lobe setae), third (exopodite proportion), and fifth (exopodite shape) limbs. Based on the literature and our observations, the limb morphology of C. tilhoi has important similarities with that of C. breviceps, C. nitidulus and C. dentifer, and their translocation to a new genus seems to be a fundamental piece in the puzzle of Chydorus.

Full-fat corn germ improves the performance and milk fat yield of Girolando cows fed sugarcane bagasse and cactus cladodes as forage sources.

We investigated the effects of replacing ground corn with full-fat corn germ (FFCG) on milk production, milk composition, and nutrient use in cows fed sugarcane bagasse and cactus cladodes. Ten multiparous Girolando cows (average body weight 500 ± 66 kg, 90 ± 15 days in milk) were distributed in a replicated 5 × 5 Latin Square and assigned to five dietary treatments containing 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, or 100% of full-fat corn germ in substitution to ground corn. Full-fat corn germ increased fat-corrected milk yield by 2.2 kg/day and the synthesis of fat, lactose, and total solids in milk by 94.4, 60.0, and 201.10 g/day, respectively (p < 0.05). Cows fed corn germ quadratically increased (p < 0.05) dry matter intake by 1.01 kg/day, with the intake of crude protein and total digestible nutrients following the same pattern. Conversely, the substitution of corn for full-fat corn germ linearly reduced (p < 0.05) the total non-fiber carbohydrate intake from 5.79 to 4.40 kg/d. Except for ether extract and non-fiber carbohydrates, full-fat corn germ did not alter (p > 0.05) nutrient digestibility. Cows fed corn germ excreted less (p < 0.05) urea-N in milk and urine N. These results demonstrate that full-fat corn germ can partially replace ground corn to enhance the milk production efficiency of crossbred cows fed cactus cladodes and sugarcane bagasse. Furthermore, including sugarcane bagasse in FFCG-supplemented diets prevents milk fat depression in cows fed cactus cladodes.

Health Management of an HIV Testing and Counseling Center: Nursing Contributions.

OBJECTIVES: to analyze the role of nursing in the establishment of an HIV/AIDS Testing and Counseling Center in a Brazilian municipality. METHODS: a historical study utilizing primary sources, including documents and oral accounts, involving a total of ten participants. The study encompasses the years 1997 and 1998. The research took place at the Testing and Counseling Center in São João de Meriti. Data was collected from March to May 2022. RESULTS: nursing made significant contributions through the development of training initiatives led by nurses, who were also responsible for individual and group counseling, as well as HIV testing requests. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: nursing played a crucial role in the center and in the management of Sexually Transmitted Infections, being involved in all stages of treatment in accordance with current public health policy.

Hepatic nutrient and hormone signaling to mTORC1 instructs the postnatal metabolic zonation of the liver.

The metabolic functions of the liver are spatially organized in a phenomenon called zonation, linked to the differential exposure of portal and central hepatocytes to nutrient-rich blood. The mTORC1 signaling pathway controls cellular metabolism in response to nutrients and insulin fluctuations. Here we show that simultaneous genetic activation of nutrient and hormone signaling to mTORC1 in hepatocytes results in impaired establishment of postnatal metabolic and zonal identity of hepatocytes. Mutant hepatocytes fail to upregulate postnatally the expression of Frizzled receptors 1 and 8, and show reduced Wnt/ß-catenin activation. This defect, alongside diminished paracrine Wnt2 ligand expression by endothelial cells, underlies impaired postnatal maturation. Impaired zonation is recapitulated in a model of constant supply of nutrients by parenteral nutrition to piglets. Our work shows the role of hepatocyte sensing of fluctuations in nutrients and hormones for triggering a latent metabolic zonation program.