A network-based approach to understanding gene-biological processes affecting economically important traits of Nelore cattle.

This study aimed to build gene-biological process networks with differentially expressed genes associated with economically important traits of Nelore cattle from 17 previous studies. The genes were clustered into three groups by evaluated traits: group 1, production traits; group 2, carcass traits; and group 3, meat quality traits. For each group, a gene-biological process network analysis was performed with the differentially expressed genes in common. For production traits, 37 genes were found in common, of which 13 genes were enriched for six Gene Ontology (GO) terms; these terms were not functionally grouped. However, the enriched GO terms were related to homeostasis, the development of muscles and the immune system. For carcass traits, four genes were found in common. Thus, it was not possible to functionally group these genes into a network. For meat quality traits, the analysis revealed 222 genes in common. CSRP3 was the only gene differentially expressed in all three groups. Non-redundant biological terms for clusters of genes were functionally grouped networks, reflecting the cross-talk between all biological processes and genes involved. Many biological processes and pathways related to muscles, the immune system and lipid metabolism were enriched, such as striated muscle cell development and triglyceride metabolic processes. This study provides insights into the genetic mechanisms of production, carcass and meat quality traits of Nelore cattle. This information is fundamental for a better understanding of the complex traits and could help in planning strategies for the production and selection systems of Nelore cattle.

The effects of re-irradiation on the chemical and morphological properties of permanent teeth.

This study aimed to assess the in vitro effects of re-irradiation on enamel and dentin properties, simulating head and neck cancer radiotherapy retreatment. Forty-five human permanent molars were classified into five groups: non-irradiated; irradiated 60 Gy, and re-irradiated with doses of 30, 40, and 50 Gy. Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS) were employed for analysis. Raman spectroscopy assessed intensity, spectral area, and specific peaks comparatively. Statistical analysis involved Kolmogorov-Smirnov and One-Way ANOVA tests, with Tukey's post-test (significance level set at 5%). Significant changes in irradiated, non-irradiated, and re-irradiated enamel peaks were observed, including phosphate (438 nm), hydroxyapatite (582 nm), phosphate (960 nm), and carbonate (1070 nm) (p < 0.05). Re-irradiation affected the entire tooth (p > 0.05), leading to interprismatic region degradation, enamel prism destruction, and hydroxyapatite crystal damage. Dentin exhibited tubule obliteration, crack formation, and progressive collagen fiber fragmentation. EDX revealed increased oxygen percentage and decreased phosphorus and calcium post-reirradiation. It is concluded that chemical and morphological changes in irradiated permanent teeth were dose-dependent, exacerbated by re-irradiation, causing substantial damage in enamel and dentin.

Brazilian National Network of Alternative Methods (RENAMA) 10th Anniversary: Meeting of the Associated Laboratories, May 2022.

The Brazilian National Network of Alternative Methods (RENAMA), which is linked to the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, is currently comprised of 51 laboratories from CROs, academia, industry and government. RENAMA's aim is to develop and validate new approach methodologies (NAMs), as well as train researchers and disseminate information on their use - thus reducing Brazilian, and consequently Latin American, dependence on external technology. Moreover, it promotes the adoption of NAMs by educators and trained researchers, as well as the implementation of good laboratory practice (GLP) and the use of certified products. The RENAMA network started its activities in 2012, and was originally comprised of three central laboratories - the National Institute of Metrology, Quality and Technology (INMETRO); the National Institute of Quality Control in Health (INCQS); and the National Brazilian Biosciences Laboratory (LNBio) - and ten associated laboratories. In 2022, RENAMA celebrated its 10th anniversary, a milestone commemorated by the organisation of a meeting attended by different stakeholders, including the RENAMA-associated laboratories, academia, non-governmental organisations and industry. Ninety-six participants attended the meeting, held on 26 May 2022 in Balneário Camboriú, SC, Brazil, as part of the programme of the XXIII Brazilian Congress of Toxicology 2022. Significant moments of the RENAMA were remembered, and new goals and discussion themes were established. The lectures highlighted recent innovations in the toxicological sciences that have translated into the assessment of consumer product safety through the use of human-relevant NAMs instead of the use of existing animal-based approaches. The challenges and opportunities in accepting such practices for regulatory purposes were also presented and discussed.

Transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation to treat urgency urinary incontinence in older women: 12-month follow-up of a randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Urgency urinary incontinence (UUI) is highly prevalent in elderly individuals and has a great impact on quality of life. Transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (TTNS) can be an effective treatment option for UUI in older women. METHODS: This is a single-center randomized clinical trial with a 12-month follow-up involving 106 women > 60 years of age. Kegel exercises and bladder retraining were performed alone or in combination with TTNS, which consisted of using a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator for 30 min once a week for 12 weeks with the following settings: continuous mode, 10 Hz, 200 ms, and 10 to 50 mA (according to hallux mobilization). Responders to therapy who experienced failure during follow-up were invited for a 3-week protocol with the same parameters as those used for the initial therapy. Patients were evaluated at baseline, 4 weeks after the 12-week protocol, and every 3 months for 12 months, through subjective satisfaction questionnaires, a 3-day bladder diary and the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form. King's Health Questionnaire was applied pretreatment and 4 weeks after the last session of the 12-week protocol. RESULTS: A total of 101 women completed the initial 12-week protocol. TTNS patients reported 66.7% subjective global satisfaction vs. 32.0% in the control group (p < 0.001). The TTNS group showed statistically significant improvement in quality of life (QoL) and UUI parameters compared with the control group. Forty-eight patients were satisfied after the 12-week protocol and completed the 12-month follow-up (32 in the TTNS group and 16 in the control group). A total of 80.5% of responders to TTNS were still satisfied at the end of the 12-month follow-up vs. 30.8% in the control group (p = 0.009). CONCLUSION: TTNS is effective at the 12-month follow-up for the treatment of UUI in elderly women.

Characterization and effect of nanocomplexed fluoride solutions on the inhibition of enamel demineralization created by a multispecies cariogenic biofilm model.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the in vitro caries preventive effect of nanocomplexed solutions of hydroxypropyl-ß-cyclodextrin and γ-cyclodextrin associated with titanium tetrafluoride (TiF4) after different complexation times (12 or 72 h). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Enamel blocks were randomly distributed in 9 groups (n = 11): negative control, hydroxypropyl-ß-cyclodextrin, γ-cyclodextrin, TiF4, hydroxypropyl-ß-cyclodextrin:TiF4 12 h, hydroxypropyl-ß-cyclodextrin:TiF4 72 h, γ-cyclodextrin:TiF4 12 h, γ-cyclodextrin:TiF4 72 h, and NaF (positive control). The solutions were applied for 1 min and the blocks were exposed to a biofilm model. Nanocompounds were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray powder diffraction. The percentage of surface microhardness loss (%SML), mineral density changes (ΔZ), lesion depth, surface morphology (scanning electron microscopy-SEM), and chemical characterization (energy-dispersive spectroscopy-EDS) were assessed. RESULTS: No oxidation was observed, and the formation of the nanocomplexes was evidenced by changes in the melting point compared to pure cyclodextrins and the loss of crystallinity of the materials. Hydroxypropyl-ß-cyclodextrin:TiF4 72 h resulted in lower %SML than negative control, hydroxypropyl-ß-cyclodextrin, γ-cyclodextrin, and TiF4 (p < 0.05). NaF differed from all groups (p < 0.05), except for hydroxypropyl-ß-cyclodextrin:TiF4 72 h (p = 0.83). ΔZ of hydroxypropyl-ß-cyclodextrin:TiF4 72 h was higher than negative control, hydroxypropyl-ß-cyclodextrin, γ-cyclodextrin, γ-cyclodextrin:TiF4 1 2 h, γ-cyclodextrin:TiF4 72 h, and NaF (p < 0.05) and similar to TiF4 and hydroxypropyl-ß-cyclodextrin:TiF4 12 h (p > 0.05). SEM/EDS detected Ti in the blocks subjected to TiF4-products. CONCLUSION: The hydroxypropyl-ß-cyclodextrin:TiF4 72 h solution showed caries preventive effect on the surface and subsurface of the enamel. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: A hydroxypropyl-ß-cyclodextrin nanosystem, in association with TiF4 after 72 h of complexation, may be a promising agent for the prevention of enamel demineralization.

Adaptation accuracy of milled lithium disilicate crowns: A 2D and 3D microCT analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the effects of the scanning techniques and the crystallization in the internal and marginal adaptation of milled lithium disilicate crowns by two techniques computer microtomography analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixteen polyurethane teeth prepared for a complete crown were divided into two groups according to the scanner method (n = 8): indirect (IND), dental stone models were scanned with laser-surface scanner, and direct (DIR), digital typodont creates with an intraoral scanner. Internal and marginal gap were evaluated by micro-computed tomography (microCT). The replica technique (RT) was applied for analysis of total volume (TV) and marginal volume (MV) gap in microCT. The data showed normal distribution (Shapiro-Wilk test). One-way ANOVA (scanner techniques) with repeated measures (crystallization) was performed. Multiple comparisons were performed with Bonferroni adjustment (α = .05). RESULTS: The axial gap showed a significant difference between the times (P = .017) for lower values after crystallization. The vertical marginal gap presented a significant difference in times for higher value after crystallization (P = .001). The marginal horizontal gap IND was greater than DIR after crystallization (P = .001) and IND before lower than after crystallization. For TV was not significant difference and MV in DIR was reduction (P = .002) after crystallization. CONCLUSION: Crystallization changes the relationship between the crown and tooth, reducing internal gap and preventing the adequate fit in indirect and direct scanning. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The measure gap under technological methodology is useful for adjust clinical parameters prosthetic in the CAD/CAM and the applicability of the new possibilities of analysis.

Design, synthesis and pharmacological assessment of new pyrazole compounds.

AIMS: This study investigated the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of new pyrazole compounds LQFM011(5), LQFM043(6) and LQFM044(7) as well as the mechanisms of action and acute in vitro toxicity. MAIN METHODS: The antinociceptive activity was evaluated using the acetic acid-induced abdominal writhing test, formalin-induced pain test and the Randall-Selitto test. The anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated using models of paw oedema and pleurisy induced by carrageenan; cell migration, the levels of tumour necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) enzyme activity were evaluated. In addition, the ability to inhibit phospholipase A2 (PLA2) in vitro and docking in PLA2 were used. Acute oral systemic toxicity in mice was evaluated through the neutral red uptake assay. KEY FINDINGS: The synthesised compounds (5-7), delivered via gavage (p.o.) at 70, 140 or 280 µmol/kg, decreased the number of writhings induced by acetic acid; the three compounds (280 µmol/kg p.o.) reduced the paw licking time in the first and second phase of the formalin test and decreased the nociceptive threshold variation in the Randall-Selitto test. Furthermore, this dose reduced oedema formation, leucocyte migration (specifically through reduction in polymorphonuclear cell movement) and increased mononuclear cells. MPO activity and the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α were decreased. Evaluation of PLA2 inhibition via the docking simulation revealed more interactions of LQFM043R(6) and LQFM044(7), data that corroborated the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of PLA2 inhibition in vitro. Therefore, LQFM011(5), LQFM043(6) and LQFM044(7) were classified with the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) as category 4.

Apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a caspase-1 recruitment domain (ASC) contributes to osteoblast differentiation and osteogenesis.

The role of apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a caspase-1 recruitment domain (ASC) in bone healing remains to be understood. To address this issue, we investigated the requirement of inflammasome-related genes in response to bone morphogenetic protein 7 (BMP7)-induced osteoblast differentiation in vitro. To validate the importance of ASC on osteogenesis, we subjected wild-type (WT) and ASC knockout C57BL/6 mice (ASC KO) to tibia defect to evaluate the bone healing process (up to 28 days). Our in vitro data showed that there is an involvement of ASC during BMP7-induced osteoblast differentiation, concomitant to osteogenic biomarker expression. Indeed, primary osteogenic cells from ASC KO presented a lower osteogenic profile than those obtained from WT mice. To validate this hypothesis, we evaluated the bone healing process of tibia defects on both WT and ASC KO mice genotypes and the ASC KO mice were not able to fully heal tibia defects up to 28 days, whereas WT tibia defects presented a higher bone de novo volume at this stage, evidencing ASC as an important molecule during osteogenic phenotype. In addition, we have shown a higher involvement of runt-related transcription factor 2 in WT sections during bone repair, as well as circulating bone alkaline phosphatase isoform when both were compared with ASC KO mice behavior. Altogether, our results showed for the first time the involvement of inflammasome during osteoblast differentiation and osteogenesis, which opens new avenues to understand the pathways involved in bone healing.

Mineral density changes in bovine carious dentin after treatment with bioactive dental cements: a comparative micro-CT study.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the potential of conventional glass ionomer cement (GIC), Biodentine™, MTA, and Portland cement to induce mineral density changes in carious dentin compared to zinc oxide eugenol control cement (ZOE). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty blocks of bovine root dentin were prepared and a biofilm model using ATCC strains of S.mutans, S.sobrinus, and L.casei was used to promote artificial dentin lesions. After demineralization, the blocks were randomly divided into the five cement groups. Half of the surface of each specimen received the tested material and the other half was covered with wax (control). Samples were stored in phosphate buffered saline solution for 30 days and after that were scanned in a micro-CT with standardized parameters. Dentin mineral density changes were calculated using differences in plot profiles of the exposed and control carious dentin. Friedman's test, followed by Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used with 5% significance. RESULTS: Mean ΔZ values for the cements were 48.63 ± 19.09 for the control (ZOE), 63.31 ± 32.59 for Biodentine™, 114.63 ± 72.92 for GIC, 109.56 ± 66.28 for MTA, and 106.88 ± 66.02 for Portland cement. All cements showed a statistically significant increase in ΔZ values compared to the control, but Biodentine™ values were statistically significantly lower compared to GIC and the other calcium silicate cements. CONCLUSIONS: Tested materials present potential to induce mineral density changes in carious bovine dentin. MTA, Portland, and GIC showed higher bioactivity potential than Biodentine™. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Based on minimally invasive concept, materials with remineralization potential can be used to preserve diseased but still repairable dental tissue.

Effect of spray-drying and extrusion on physicochemical characteristics of sweet potato starch.

This study aimed to understand the physicochemical characteristics of sweet potato starch following spray-drying and extrusion processes for desirable applications. Spray-dried starch showed formation of agglomerates and decreased in average granular size from 16.5 µm of the native starch granules to 14.1 µm. Spray-drying reduced the percentage crystallinity from 25.3 to 22.6% and showed a slight decrease in the molecular weight of amylopectin from 3.1 to 2.6 × 108 g mol-1. In addition, changes in the pasting and gelatinization properties, higher final viscosity (454.4 RVU), and less enthalpy change (8.73 J g-1) were reported after spray-drying. Thus, spray-drying resulted in partially gelatinized starch, which can be selected for making more viscous products. Extruded sweet potato starch displayed an amorphous structure, showed total loss of crystallinity, and significant reduction in molecular weight of amylopectin to 0.41 × 108 g mol-1, reflecting complete gelatinization of starch granules during extrusion. Extruded starch showed significant changes in pasting properties, including a display cold viscosity (9.4 RVU). Therefore, extruded starch was suitable for products that require quick solubility and a low final viscosity. Thus, the spray-drying and extrusion processes produce sweet potato starches with particular characteristics that can be used for different and potential applications in industries.

The impact of continuous renal replacement therapy on renal outcomes in dialysis-requiring acute kidney injury may be related to the baseline kidney function.

BACKGROUND: Many controversies exist regarding the management of dialysis-requiring acute kidney injury (D-AKI). No clear evidence has shown that the choice of dialysis modality can change the survival rate or kidney function recovery of critically ill patients with D-AKI. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study investigating patients (≥16 years old) admitted to an intensive care unit with D-AKI from 1999 to 2012. We analyzed D-AKI incidence, and outcomes, as well as the most commonly used dialysis modality over time. Outcomes were based on hospital mortality, renal function recovery (estimated glomerular filtration rate-eGFR), and the need for dialysis treatment at hospital discharge. RESULTS: In 1,493 patients with D-AKI, sepsis was the main cause of kidney injury (56.2%). The comparison between the three study periods, (1999-2003, 2004-2008, and 2009-2012) showed an increased in incidence of D-AKI (from 2.56 to 5.17%; p = 0.001), in the APACHE II score (from 20 to 26; p < 0.001), and in the use of continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) as initial dialysis modality choice (from 64.2 to 72.2%; p < 0.001). The mortality rate (53.9%) and dialysis dependence at hospital discharge (12.3%) remained unchanged over time. Individuals who recovered renal function (33.8%) showed that those who had initially undergone CRRT had a higher eGFR than those in the intermittent hemodialysis group (54.0 × 46.0 ml/min/1.73 m2, respectively; p = 0.014). In multivariate analysis, type of patient, sepsis-associated AKI and APACHE II score were associated to death. For each additional unit of the APACHE II score, the odds of death increased by 52%. The odds ratio of death for medical patients with sepsis-associated AKI was estimated to be 2.93 (1.81-4.75; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Our study showed that the incidence of D-AKI increased with illness severity, and the use of CRRT also increased over time. The improvement in renal outcomes observed in the CRRT group may be related to the better baseline kidney function, especially in the dialysis dependence patients at hospital discharge.

Chemical composition of potato tubers: the effect of cultivars and growth conditions.

The aim of the study involved evaluating the chemical composition of tubers of five potato cultivars that were grown under the same cultural practices in soils with low, medium, and high availability of phosphorus. The experimental designs corresponded to a randomized block with four replicates. Tuber samples were analyzed in terms of moisture, ash, protein, lipid, total sugar, fiber, starch, and phosphorus contents. The results suggested that increased availability of phosphorus in soil allowed the production of tubers with higher dry matter content, lower total sugar content, and a higher percentage of starch and protein. Hence, the aforementioned parameters constitute important factors corresponding to the nutritional and industrial quality of potatoes. Increased phosphorus availability in soil can promote significant changes in the composition of potato tubers, and thereby in potential uses of tubers.

Cassava derivatives in ice cream formulations: effects on physicochemical, physical and sensory properties.

In the present study, the effects of derivatives of cassava, maltodextrin and bagasse, on the physicochemical, physical and sensory properties of ice creams were investigated. The content of cassava maltodextrin increased significantly the content of carbohydrate and total soluble solids and decreased lipids content. The effect of cassava bagasse was more pronounced than the maltodextrin on physical and sensory parameters. Increased percentage of cassava bagasse in formulation led to decrease of overrun, melting and luminosity, but increased hardness and unfreezable water. Sensory attributes were mainly influenced by cassava bagasse inclusion. The results suggested the potential use of cassava derivatives in ice cream formulations. Ice creams with low percentage of cassava bagasse (1.5) and intermediate values of cassava maltodextrin (3.65%) had good nutritional, technological and sensorial acceptance.

Action of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy on heterotypic biofilm: Candida albicans and Bacillus atrophaeus.

The increase in survival and resistance of microorganisms organized in biofilms demonstrates the need for new studies to develop therapies able to break this barrier, such as photodynamic therapy, which is characterized as an alternative, effective, and non-invasive treatment. The objective was to evaluate in vitro the effect of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy on heterotypic biofilms of Candida albicans and Bacillus atrophaeus using rose bengal (12.5 µM) and light-emitting diode (LED) (532 nm and 16.2 J). We used standard strains of B. atrophaeus (ATCC 9372) and C. albicans (ATCC 18804). The biofilm was formed in the bottom of the plate for 48 h. For the photodynamic therapy (PDT) experimental groups, we added 100 µL of rose bengal with LED (P+L+), 100 µL of rose bengal without LED (P+L-), 100 µL of NaCl 0.9 % solution with LED (P-L+), and a control group without photosensitizer or LED (P-L-). The plates remained in agitation for 5 min (pre-irradiation) and were irradiated with LED for 3 min, and the biofilm was detached using an ultrasonic homogenizer for 30 s. Serial dilutions were plated in BHI agar and HiChrom agar and incubated at 37 °C/48 h. There was a reduction of 33.92 and 29.31 % of colony-forming units per milliliter (CFU/mL) for C. albicans and B. atrophaeus, respectively, from the control group to the group subjected to PDT. However, statistically significant differences were not observed among the P+L+, P+L-, P-L+, and P-L- groups. These results suggest that antimicrobial photodynamic therapy using rose bengal (12.5 µM) with a pre-irradiation period of 5 min and LED for 3 min was not enough to cause a significant reduction in the heterotypic biofilms of C. albicans and B. atrophaeus.

Effects of cardiopulmonary resuscitation training on mortality rates after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: An out-of-hospital cardiac arrest occurs at a rate of 67-170 cases per 100 000 inhabitants per year in Europe. The early recognition of the occurrence of a cardiac arrest, placing an emergency call, performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and performing defibrillation are the most important response measures. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to assess the effects of laypersons' CPR training with respect to CPR initiation rates, cardiovascular mortality rates, survival rate and the use of an automated external defibrillator. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: The literature search will be performed in the following databases: MEDLINE, Web of Science, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Studies, CINAHL, HBI, TESEO and NTX. Intervention studies and quasi-experimental studies in which CPR training interventions were performed will be included. We will exclude studies in which the participants do not meet the inclusion criteria, without a control group and in which the methodology of the intervention applied is unclear. There will be no restrictions on publication date or language of publication. The risk of bias will be assessed using the Risk of Bias in Non-randomized Studies of Interventions tool for randomised controlled trials (RCT), non-RCT and quasi-experimental trials. Data analysis and synthesis will be performed using RevMan V.5.4.1 software. The findings will be reported in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidance. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethical approval is not required, as only secondary data will be used. The findings will be published in a journal and presented at conferences. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42022365288.

Factors associated with mortality of elderly people due to COVID-19: Protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic has become a significant health crisis, marked by high mortality rates on a global scale, with mortality from the disease being notably concentrated among the elderly due to various factors. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the biological and non-biological factors associated with COVID-19 mortality rates among the elderly worldwide. METHODS: The following databases will be consulted: PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, Web of Science and ScienceDirect. Longitudinal observational studies (cohort and case-control-risk factors) will be included. The risk of bias, defined as low, moderate, high, will be assessed using the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) Quality Assessment Tool for observational cohort and cross-sectional studies. Two independent authors will conduct the searches, and any possible disagreements will be resolved by a third author. Heterogeneity between study results will be assessed using a standard X2 test with a significance level of 0.05, and an I2 value will be calculated to further assess heterogeneity. The random effects model for meta-analyses will be adopted to distribute the weight between the studies and standardize their contributions. The meta-analyses will be conducted using RevMan software. DISCUSSION: Despite the numerous publications on COVID-19 mortality among the elderly, there is still a gap in knowledge, as there is no systematic review and meta-analysis that summarizes the main biological and non-biological associated factors globally. CONCLUSION: The results of this study will consolidate the latest evidence and address gaps in the overall understanding of biological or non-biological associated factors. This knowledge will facilitate the development of appropriate health strategies for this demographic group and pave the way for further research. TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO (CRD42023400873).

Chitosan/carboxymethylcellulose polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs) are an effective material for dye and heavy metal adsorption from water.

Granular macroscopic chitosan/carboxymethylcellulose polyelectrolytic complexes (CHS/CMC macro-PECs) were produced and tested as adsorbents for six pollutants often present in wastewaters: sunset yellow (YS), methylene blue (MB), Congo red (CR) and safranin (S), cadmium (Cd2+) and lead (Pb2+). The optimum adsorption pH values at 25 °C were 3.0, 11.0, 2.0, 9.0, 10.0, and 9.0 for YS, MB, CR, S, Cd2+, and Pb2+, respectively. Kinetic studies indicated that the pseudos-econd order model best represented the adsorption kinetics of YS, MB, CR, and Cd2+, whereas the pseudo-first order model was the most suitable for S and Pb2+ adsorption. The Langmuir, Freundlich, and Redlich-Peterson isotherms were fitted to experimental adsorption data, with the Langmuir model providing the best fit. The maximum adsorption capacity (qmáx) of CHS/CMC macro-PECs for the removal of YS, MB, CR, S, Cd2+, and Pb2+ was 37.81, 36.44, 70.86, 72.50, 75.43, and 74.42 mg/g, respectively (corresponding to 98.91 %, 94.71 %, 85.73 %, 94.66 %, 98.46 %, and 97.14 %). Desorption assays showed that CHS/CMC macro-PECs can be regenerated after adsorbing any of the six pollutants studied, with possibility of reuse. These results provide an accurate quantitative characterization of the adsorption of organic and inorganic pollutants on CHS/CMC macro-PECs, indicating a novel technological applicability of these two inexpensive, easy-to-obtain polysaccharides for water decontamination.

Extended reality as a health education strategy of adolescents at school: protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Extended reality (XR) is the ensemble of interactive experiences based on a computer-simulated environment that encompasses virtual reality and augmented reality and has been proven to be potentially innovative in the field of health education with adolescents. The objective of this study is to present a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol that seeks to evaluate the main effects of interventions that use XR on health parameters (food intake, sound quality and physical activity) of adolescent students. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: The literature search will be performed in the following databases: MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, ERIC, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, Cochrane, LILACS, APA and ADOLEC. Intervention studies (clinical trials-randomised or non-randomised) and quasi-experimental studies will be included. The risk of bias will be assessed using the Risk of Bias in Non-randomized Studies of Interventions tool for randomised controlled trials (RCTs), non-RCTs and quasi-experimental trials. Two independent researchers will conduct all the assessments, and any disagreements will be consulted with a third reviewer. Data analysis and synthesis will be performed using RevMan V.5.4.1 software. The study will be conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols guideline. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethical approval and human consent were not required, as this is a protocol for a systematic review and only secondary data will be used. The findings will be published in a journal and presented at conferences. In case of any changes to this protocol, it will be updated in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses website, and the modifications will be explained in the final report of this review. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42022373876.