Alternative additives associated in the feeding of laying hens: performance, biometrics, bone traits, and economic evaluation-an unsupervised machine learning approach.

Given the current bans on the use of some growth promoting antibiotics in poultry nutrition, the need to use alternative additives which could replace traditional promoters in diets has arisen. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of alternative additives, associated or not, in replacing the antibiotic growth promoter in the diets of laying hens on performance, egg quality, biometry, bone characteristics, and economic viability. A total of 378 birds at 97 weeks of age, weighing 1691 ± 80g with an average production of 79.96 ± 4.9%, were randomly distributed and submitted to different diets: negative control - NC (no additive); positive control - PC, conventional growth promoter (Enramycin); associated organic acids (OA); symbiotic (S); Essential oil (EO); OA + S; and S+EO. The diet did not influence (P > 0.05) performance, egg quality, biometry, and bone traits. However, the use of alternative additives and their associations with the exception of S+OA, provided better economic indices when compared to NC and CP. The first component showed a negative relationship between feed conversion per mass and dozen eggs with gut length, Seedor index, egg production, and egg mass; the second component showed a positive relationship between yolk, pancreas, proventriculus, and gizzard; and, finally, the third component showed that feed consumption has a negative relationship with bone strength and deformity. The first two canonical functions were significant and discriminated 100% of the differences between the diets. Moreover, 50% of the birds were correctly classified in their group of origin, in which the positive control group (83.3%) and OA+S presented the highest rates of correct responses (66.7%). Bone deformity and bowel length were the only two variables with discriminatory power. Natural growth promoters alone or in association do not harm performance, egg quality, digestive organs biometry or bird bone characteristics, in addition to promoting greater economic return. Thus, they can be considered possible substitutes for traditional antibiotics. Finally, unsupervised machine learning methods are useful statistical techniques to study the relationship of variables and point out the main biomarkers of poultry production.

Validation study of the European Portuguese version of the Confusion Assessment Method (CAM).

BACKGROUND: The Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) is the most widely used delirium screening instrument. The aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability and validity of the European Portuguese version of CAM. METHODS: The sample included elderly patients (≥65 years), admitted for at least 48 h, into two intermediate care units (ICMU) of Intensive Medicine and Surgical Services in a university hospital. Exclusion criteria were: score ≤11 on the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), blindness/deafness, inability to communicate and to speak Portuguese. For concurrent validity, a blinded assessment was conducted by a psychiatrist (DSM-IV-TR, as a reference standard) and by a trained researcher (CAM). This instrument was also compared with other cognitive measures to evaluate convergent validity. Inter-rater reliability was also assessed. RESULTS: In this sample (n = 208), 25% (n = 53) of the patients had delirium, according to DSM-IV-TR. Using this reference standard, the CAM had a moderate sensitivity of 79% and an excellent specificity of 99%. The positive predictive value was 95%, indicating a strong ability to confirm delirium with a positive test result, and the negative predictive value was lower (93%). Good convergent validity was also found, in particular with Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) (rs = -0.676; p ≤0.01) and Digit Span Test (DST) forward (rs = -0.605; p ≤0.01), as well as a high inter-rater reliability (diagnostic k = 1.00; single items' k between 0.65 and 1.00). CONCLUSION: Robust results on concurrent and convergent validity and good reliability were achieved. This version was shown to be a valid and reliable instrument for delirium detection in elderly patients hospitalized in intermediate care units.

Properties of Paperboard Coated with Natural Polymers and Polymer Blends: Effect of the Number of Coating Layers.

Paper is one of the packaging materials that presents a biodegradable character, being used in several areas; however, its barrier properties (gases and fat) and mechanics are reduced, which limits its application. Coating papers with synthetic polymers improve these properties, reducing their biodegradability and recyclability. The objective of this work was to develop and characterize coated paperboard, using the tape casting technique, with different ratios of film form agar-agar/chitosan (AA:CHI, 100:0, 50:50, and 0:100) and different numbers of coating layers (operating times for application of 14.25 min and 28.5 min for one and two layers, respectively). A significant reduction in water absorption capacity was found by applying a 0:100 coating (approximately 15%). Considering all coating formulations, the water vapor permeability reduced by 10 to 60% compared to uncoated paperboard, except for two layers coated with 0:100. The tensile index (independent of AA:CHI) was higher in the machine direction (22.59 to 24.99 MPa) than in the cross-section (11.87-13.01 MPa). Paperboard coated only with chitosan showed superior properties compared to the other formulation coatings evaluated.

Assessment of quality and safety aspects of homemade and commercial baby foods.

Dietary Guidelines in some countries recommend avoiding commercially processed baby food, while others encourage the consultation of ingredients and nutritional information. Therefore, the objective of this study was to systematically analyze different baby foods obtained from commercial market and "homemade" produced, in order to verify whether comercial products have low nutritional and unsafety attributes. The samples were analyzed for chemical composition, physicochemical aspects, texture, microbiological and mycotoxin contamination, and pesticide residues. Results showed that, in general, commercial samples have a higher energy density and better ratio of macronutrients. The sodium, pH, and texture of both products were in accordance with the recommendations. None of the baby foods evaluated were contaminated with yeast and molds, total coliforms, or Escherichia coli; however, Salmonella sp. was confirmed in one homemade sample. Pesticide residues were detected in all analyzed baby food samples; however, at lower levels than the limit of quantification. Ochratoxin A was detected in one homemade baby food sample (5.76 µg /kg). Considering the samples evaluated, commercial baby food samples appeared to be safer in relation to microbiological, pesticide residue standards, and mycotoxin contamination. Therefore, it could be concluded that the quality of commercial and homemade baby foods still needs to be improved, as well as more studies related to a critical analyses of both types of processes used.

The Use of Virtual and Computational Technologies in the Psychomotor and Cognitive Development of Children with Down Syndrome: A Systematic Literature Review.

Individuals with Down syndrome (DS) have numerous comorbidities due to trisomy 21. However, virtual reality-based therapy (VRT) has been used nowadays as a learning and visual motor tool in order to facilitate the development and learning process of this group. The aim of this article was to carry out an integrative review of the literature on the use of virtual and computational technologies in the stimulation of children with DS. A search was carried out according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) through single key words or their combinations using AND or OR operators: "Down syndrome" AND ("development" OR "cognition" OR "visomotor" OR "digital game" OR "virtual reality"). Eventually, 18 articles were included in our review. The games used in the research were able to stimulate, through the visual field, global motor skills, balance, body scheme and spatial organization, in addition to the learning of mathematical concepts, in order to directly influence the autonomous life activities, language skills, social skills and educational aspects of people with DS. Electronic games contribute to the teaching-learning relationship and stimulate neuropsychomotor and cognitive functions and development in children with DS.

Plastic ingestion in aquatic-associated bird species in southern Portugal.

Excessive use of plastics in daily life and the inappropriate disposal of plastic products are severely affecting wildlife species in both coastal and aquatic environments. Birds are top-predators, exposed to all threats affecting their environments, making them ideal sentinel organisms for monitoring ecosystems change. We set a baseline assessment of the prevalence of marine plastic litter affecting multi-species populations of aquatic birds in southern Portugal. By examining 160 stomach contents from 8 species of aquatic birds, we show that 22.5% were affected by plastic debris. Plastic was found in Ciconia ciconia, Larus fuscus and L. michahellis. Ciconia ciconia ingested the highest amount (number of items and total mass) of plastic debris. Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS, silicones) was the most abundant polymer and was recorded only in C. ciconia. Plastic ingestion baseline data are of crucial importance to evaluate changes through time and among regions and to define management and conservation strategies.

Bipolaris marantae sp. nov., A Novel Helminthosporoid Species Causing Foliage Blight of the Garden Plant Maranta leuconeura in Brazil.

A severe leaf spot, turning to foliage blight, was observed on leaves of Maranta leuconeura growing in a garden in Brazil (state of Rio de Janeiro) in 2015. A dematiaceous hyphomycete bearing a morphology typical of a helminthosporoid fungi was regularly found in association with diseased tissues. The fungus was isolated and pathogenicity was demonstrated through the completion of Koch's postulates. A morphology and molecular analysis led to the conclusion that the fungus belonged to the genus Bipolaris, which is characterized by having fusiform conidia, externally thickened and truncate hila and a bipolar pattern of germination. Additionally, homology of internal transcribed spacer and GAPDH sequences with sequences of other Bipolaris species, confirmed its generic placement. A phylogenetic study also indicated clearly that the fungus on M. leuconeura is phylogenetically distinct from related species of this genus, leading to the proposal of the new species Bipolaris marantae.

Characterization of oral disintegrating film of peanut skin extract-Potential route for buccal delivery of phenolic compounds.

This paper aimed to develop and characterize oral disintegrating films (ODF) based on gelatin and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) incorporated with peanut skin extract (PSE) as phenolic compounds vehicle. Films were prepared by casting technique varying the polymer ratio (GEL:HPMC 100:0, 25:75, 50:50, 75:25, 0:100) and PSE concentration (20 and 30g/100g film-forming solution). Formulations with high content of gelatin presented insoluble complex possibly due to cross-linking between gelatin and polyphenols. For formulations which gelatin was in a minority or equal concentration of HPMC, the increase in the PSE concentration favored the association of rich phases in gelatin and HPMC. This also increased inter- and intramolecular bonding which led to a more compact matrix and reduction of films elongation and tensile strength around 45%. The HPMC film with PSE (20%) presented tensile strength of 26.63±1.89MPa, elongation of 4.97±0.41%, contact angle of 67.17±0.41° and disintegration time of 17.87±1.77s. In the in vitro release profile, 80% of phenolics were released in 5min, and in accelerated stability test the films retained 60% of the total phenolic compounds. HPMC-based film can be a good alternative to vehicle the active compounds present in peanut skin.

Evidence for rangewide panmixia despite multiple barriers to dispersal in a marine mussel.

Oceanographic features shape the distributional and genetic patterns of marine species by interrupting or promoting connections among populations. Although general patterns commonly arise, distributional ranges and genetic structure are species-specific and do not always comply with the expected trends. By applying a multimarker genetic approach combined with Lagrangian particle simulations (LPS) we tested the hypothesis that oceanographic features along northeastern Atlantic and Mediterranean shores influence dispersal potential and genetic structure of the intertidal mussel Perna perna. Additionally, by performing environmental niche modelling we assessed the potential and realized niche of P. perna along its entire native distributional range and the environmental factors that best explain its realized distribution. Perna perna showed evidence of panmixia across >4,000 km despite several oceanographic breaking points detected by LPS. This is probably the result of a combination of life history traits, continuous habitat availability and stepping-stone dynamics. Moreover, the niche modelling framework depicted minimum sea surface temperatures (SST) as the major factor shaping P. perna distributional range limits along its native areas. Forthcoming warming SST is expected to further change these limits and allow the species to expand its range polewards though this may be accompanied by retreat from warmer areas.

Gelatin/hydroxypropyl methylcellulose matrices - Polymer interactions approach for oral disintegrating films.

Oral disintegrating film represents an optimal alternative for delivery system of active compounds. The choice of film-forming polymer is the first step in the development of oral disintegrating films and the knowledge of molecular interactions in this matrix is fundamental to advance in this area. Therefore, this study aimed to characterize gelatin and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) films and their blends as matrices of oral disintegrating films. The films were produced by casting technique and were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, mechanical properties, contact angle, time disintegration and bioadhesive strength. Differential scanning calorimetry showed that enthalpy of fusion and melting temperatures of the blends films were lower than those of the gelatin film, which may be associated with the lack of intra-chain interactions also observed in the Fourier transform infrared spectra. In blends, a less compact cross-section structure was observed in scanning electron microscopy images compared with isolated polymer films. The addition of HPMC increased the elongation, hydrophilicity and in vitro bioadhesive force and decreased in vitro disintegration time, important properties in the development of oral disintegrating films. Although the mixture of the polymers showed no synergistic behavior, this study may contribute to the development of new applications for polymeric matrices in the pharmaceutical industry.

Drying of Acerola (Malpighia emarginata D. C.) by-Product: Evolution of Active Compounds in Function of Time

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the behavior of active compounds concentration present in the industrial by-product of acerola during drying using convective dehydration at 40, 50 and 60 °C. For this, flavones and flavonols, total proanthocyanidins, vitamin C, total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity as function of drying time were determined. The drying data were adjusted using the models of Page, Lewis, Henderson & Pabis, Modified Page and Logarithmic. In relation to the applied models, Page model presented the best fit. Acerola by-products dried at 40 °C showed higher concentrations of active compounds and higher antioxidant capacity. Although the drying process provoked changes in concentration of the active compounds, in the studied temperature range, significant concentrations of those bioactive compounds were observed. Thus, acerola by-product may present potential for application in different foods.

A Eficácia de um Programa de Treino de Trampolins na Proficiência Motora de Crianças com Transtorno do Espectro do Autismo1 / The Efficacy of a Training Program on Trampolines in Motor Proficiency of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

RESUMO: crianças com transtorno do espectro do autismo (TEA) apresentam um desempenho motor inferior às crianças em geral. Com este estudo pretende-se avaliar a eficácia de um programa de treino de trampolins, com a duração de 20 semanas, na proficiência motora e índice de massa corporal (IMC) de crianças com TEA. Participaram um total de 17 crianças (entre os 4 e os 10 anos de idade) com diagnóstico de TEA, que foram distribuídas por dois grupos: grupo experimental (n=6), e controlo (n=11). O grupo experimental foi submetido a uma sessão de treino de trampolins por semana com uma duração de 45 minutos. O grupo de controlo compreende crianças cuja atividade física foi limitada ao currículo obrigatório. A proficiência motora foi avaliada através da bateria de testes Bruininks - Oseretsky. O IMC foi calculado recorrendo à fórmula internacionalmente referenciada. Para análise de variância de medidas repetidas (ANOVA). Ambos os grupos apresentaram características idênticas na avaliação inicial. No que se refere à proficiência motora foram evidentes e significativas as melhorias no GE após o programa de trampolins de 20 semanas (p<0.001). No grupo de controlo embora se tenham observado melhorias significativas estas não apresentaram significado estatístico (p>0.05). Relativamente ao IMC não se registraram alterações significativas em ambos os grupos com a realização do programa de trampolins (p>0.05). Em face deste quadro de resultados é possível concluir que a participação em um programa de trampolins com a duração de 20 semanas contribuiu para melhorar significativamente a proficiência motora de crianças com TEA.

ABSTRACT: Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have a lower motor performance in comparison to children in general. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of a trampoline training program, which lasts 20 weeks, the motor proficiency and body mass index (BMI) of children with ASD. The study included a total of 17 children with ASD aged between 4 and 10 years old, 6 children on trampolines training - experimental group (EG), and the remaining 11 in the control group (CG). Experimental group underwent trampoline training sessions for a week, for 45 minutes. Control Group was limited to the compulsory curriculum. The motor proficiency was assessed by the motor proficiency test Bruininks - Oseretsky. The body mass index (BMI) was calculated using the formula referenced internationally. The analysis of variance for repeated measures (ANOVA) was used for data analysis. Both groups had similar characteristics at initial assessment. Regarding motor skill, improvements were evident and significant in CG after the 20-week trampolines program (p <0.001). In the control group, although there significant improvements were observed, they did not show statistical significance (p> 0.05). Regarding BMI, no significant changes were observed in both groups after the completion of trampolines program (p> 0.05). With the results, it is possible to conclude that participation in a trampolines program for 20 weeks contributed to significantly improve motor proficiency of children with ASD.

Avaliação dos Efeitos de Programas de Intervenção de Atividade Física em Indivíduos com Transtorno do Espectro do Autismo / Assessment of the Effects of Intervention Programs of Physical Activity in Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder

A prática regular de atividade física influencia a saúde e o bem-estar, com papel importante na prevenção de várias doenças crônicas, como doenças cardiovasculares, acidente vascular cerebral, hipertensão, obesidade, diabetes, osteoporose, dentre outras. As vantagens da prática de exercício físico por pessoas com deficiências de desenvolvimento, especificamente de pessoas com transtorno do espetro do autismo (TEA), têm sido estudadas, mas dados as diferentes metodologias e abordagens presentes na literatura, há necessidade de fazer uma compilação das diferentes investigações existentes que permitam concluir quais os efeitos de diferentes tipos de exercício em pessoas com TEA. O objetivo deste artigo é reunir os principais estudos que foram realizados nos últimos anos no âmbito da atividade física em indivíduos com (TEA) e retirar as conclusões acerca dos mesmos. São apresentados 18 estudos, num total de 140 crianças e adultos com várias variantes desta síndrome e que participaram em atividades individualmente ou em grupo. Foram realizadas diversas atividades tais como jogos, natação, corrida, passeios terapêuticos, hidroginástica. As intervenções pretenderam estudar a influência das atividades propostas no comportamento agressivo e estereotipado, funcionamento social, resistência, qualidade de vida e stress, aptidão física e resistência. Os programas de intervenção revelaram melhorias significativas, mostrando as potencialidades do exercício em pessoas com TEA.

Regular physical activity influences health and well-being, with an important role in the prevention of several chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, stroke, hypertension, obesity, diabetes, osteoporosis. The advantages of physical exercise for people with developmental disabilities, specifically people with autism-spectrum disorder (ASD) have been studied, but given the different methodologies and approaches in the literature, there is the need to make a compilation of the different existing research that might allow us to conclude which are the effects of the different types of exercise in people with ASD. The purpose of this article is to bring together the main studies that have been conducted in the latest years in the context of physical activity in individuals with ASD and draw conclusions about them. Eighteen studies are presented, with a total of 140 children and adults with various variants of this syndrome, who participated in individual activities or in groups. Various activities, such as games, swimming, jogging, therapeutic walks, aerobics were performed. Interventions intended to study the influence of the activities proposed in aggressive and stereotyped behavior, social functioning, strength, quality of life and stress, physical fitness and endurance. Intervention programs revealed significant improvement, showing the benefits of exercise for people with ASD.

Controle postural e sistema vestíbulo-oculomotor em atletas de tiro esportivo da modalidade pistola / Posture control and vestibular oculomotor system in pistol sport shooters

INTRODUÇÃO: O tiro esportivo desenvolve nos atletas destreza, concentração e equilíbrio. A estabilidade do atirador depende da resistência deste contra perturbações internas e externas que afetem seu equilíbrio. OBJETIVO: Avaliar o controle postural e sistema vestíbulo-oculomotor de atletas atiradores de pistola. MÉTODO: Análise descritiva do tipo transversal. Avaliaram-se oito atletas com idade média de 37 anos (dp ± 8,11), afiliados à Confederação Brasileira de Tiro Esportivo. Utilizou-se prontuário sociodemográfico; estabilometria associada a simulador de tiro e sistema de videonistagmoscopia computadorizada. RESULTADOS: Observou-se em todos os voluntários, dominância motora à direita; metade deles atira com os dois olhos abertos; tempo médio de prática de 14 anos (dp ± 9) e média de treino semanal de 14 horas (dp ± 13). Metade relatou lesão associada ao tiro. Na estabilometria observou-se correlação nas velocidades anteroposterior e mediolateral.À videonistagmoscopia, nenhum atleta apresentou alteração patológica. CONCLUSÃO: O controle postural dos atletas avaliados possui alterações significativas para as velocidades de deslocamento do centro de pressão nas direções anteroposterior e mediolateral. O sistema vestíbulo-oculomotor não mostrou correlação com o controle postural e se apresentou sem alterações funcionais para todos os voluntários.

INTRODUCTION: Shooting sports develop dexterity, concentration and balance in the athletes. The stability of the shooter is dependent on his/her resistance against internal and external disturbance that affects his/her balance. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the posture control and vestibular-oculomotor system of athletic pistol shooters. METHODS: A cross-sectional descriptive analysis. Eight subjects (mean age of 37 years; SD ± 8.11), affiliated to the Brazilian Shooting Confederation were evaluated. A sociodemographic questionnaire, besides stabilometry associated with the shooting simulator and videonistagmoscopic computerized system were used. RESULTS: All volunteers presented right motor dominance; half shot with both eyes open; average practice time is 14 years (SD ± 9) and weekly training average is of 14 hours (SD ± 13). Half athletes reported injuries associated with shooting. Stabilometric correlation presented correlation in the anteroposterior and mediolateral velocities. None of the athletes presented pathological alteration in the videonistagmoscopic evaluation. CONCLUSION: Posture control of the assessed athletes presents significant changes to the displacement of the center of pressure velocities in the anterior-posterior and medial-lateral directions. The vestibulo-ocular system was not correlated with posture control and functional changes were not observed in any of the volunteers.