The Begomovirus Species Melon Chlorotic Leaf Curl Virus is Composed of Two Highly Divergent Strains that Differ in Their Genetic and Biological Properties.

Since the early 1990s, squash production in Costa Rica has been affected by a whitefly-transmitted disease characterized by stunting and yellow mottling of leaves. The squash yellow mottle disease (SYMoD) was shown to be associated with a bipartite begomovirus, originally named squash yellow mild mottle virus (SYMMoV). It was subsequently established that SYMMoV is a strain of melon chlorotic leaf curl virus (MCLCuV), a bipartite begomovirus that causes a chlorotic leaf curl disease of melons in Guatemala. In the present study, the complete sequences of the DNA-A and DNA-B components of a new isolate of the strain MCLCuV-Costa Rica (MCLCuV-CR) were determined. Comparisons of full-length DNA-A sequences revealed 97% identity with a previously characterized isolate of MCLCuV-CR and identities of 90 to 91% with those of isolates of the strain MCLCuV-Guatemala (MCLCuV-GT), which is below or at the current begomovirus species demarcation threshold of 91%. A more extensive analysis of the MCLCuV-CR and -GT sequences revealed substantial divergence in both components and different histories of recombination for the DNA-A components. The cloned full-length DNA-A and DNA-B components of this new MCLCuV-CR isolate were infectious and induced SYMoD in a range of squashes and in pumpkin, thereby fulfilling Koch's postulates for this disease. However, in contrast to MCLCuV-GT, MCLCuV-CR induced mild symptoms in watermelon and no symptoms in melon and cucumber. Taken together, our results indicate that MCLCuV-CR and -GT have substantially diverged, genetically and biologically, and have evolved to cause distinct diseases of different cucurbit crops. Taxonomically, these viruses are at the strain/species boundary, but retain the designation as strains of Melon chlorotic leaf curl virus under current International Committee on Taxonomy guidelines.

Alterations in the proteomic composition of Serratia marcescens in response to manganese (II).

BACKGROUND: Proteomics is an important tool for the investigation of dynamic physiological responses of microbes under heavy metal stress. To gain insight into how bacteria respond to manganese (II) and identify the proteins involved in Mn (II) oxidation, the shotgun proteomics approach was applied to a potential Mn (II)-oxidizing Serratia marcescens strain cultivated in the absence and presence of Mn (II). RESULTS: The LG1 strain, which grew equally well in the two conditions, was found to express a set of proteins related to cellular processes vital for survival, as well as proteins involved in adaptation and tolerance to Mn (II). The multicopper oxidase CueO was identified, indicating its probable participation in the Mn (II) bio-oxidation; however, its expression was not modulated by the presence of Mn (II). A set of proteins related to cell and metabolic processes vital to the cells were downregulated in the presence of Mn (II), while cell membrane-related proteins involved in the maintenance of cell integrity and survival under stress were upregulated under this condition. CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that the LG1 strain may be applied successfully in the bioremediation of Mn (II), and the shotgun approach provides an efficient means for obtaining the total proteome of this species.

Perceptions of individuals with Parkinson's disease about a telerehabilitation protocol performed during the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative study.

PURPOSE: To understand the perceptions and meaning of the experience of individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD) when participating in a telerehabilitation protocol during COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: This is a qualitative descriptive analytical study with a phenomenological basis, regarding the individuals' perceptions of telerehabilitation. The interviews were conducted by a semi-structured interview guide and carried out via recorded phone calls, which were later transcribed, categorized, and analyzed based on the principles of phenomenology according to the propositions of Martins and Bicudo. RESULTS: From the qualitative analysis, four themes that configure the structure of the phenomenon emerged: 1) Expectations regarding physical therapy through telerehabilitation during the pandemic; 2) Experiences of the new routine; 3) Perceptions about oneself in the light of the proposed telerehabilitation program; 4) A view of the protocol. CONCLUSION: Apprehension and fear were present during the implementation of the protocol, however, previous experience with face-to-face physical therapy and the team allowed feelings of happiness, contentment, welcomeness, and satisfaction with the possibility of resuming the activities. The individuals actively participated in the program with commitment and co-responsibility, but the lack of physical contact, limited equipment, and constant concern for the safety and individuality of the participants must be emphasized.

The use of telerehabilitation was a necessary therapeutic alternative during the COVID-19 pandemic period and has currently been consolidated as a complementary resource in the treatment of individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD).The perceptions of people with PD who have experienced telerehabilitation treatment can influence clinical decision-making regarding the use of this tool in this population.Telerehabilitation is useful when distance separates the patient from the healthcare team, it reduces travel time and expenses and can intensify the amount of treatment.According to our interpretation, telerehabilitation requires a good internet connection and restricts physical contact, so hybrid use of rehabilitation modalities (in-person and remote) could be an interesting option.

Exploring mobility dysfunction in people with and without impaired cognition in Parkinson disease.

INTRODUCTION: The relationship between mobility and cognition has been studied in the aging population and associations have been also reported in people with Parkinson's disease (PD). OBJECTIVE: To compare different aspects of gait and balance between individuals with PD who have normal cognition and those with impaired cognition, using both clinical and instrumented measures. METHODS: One-hundred forty-three participants with PD were divided into two groups: 1) normal cognition (n = 71) and 2) impaired cognition (n = 72) based on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) cut-off. Groups were compared using instrumented and clinical measures of gait and balance in the following domains: Sensory Orientation, Anticipatory Postural Adjustments, Automatic Postural Responses and Dynamic Balance for Gait. Instrumented measures were obtained via wearable sensors while performing eight different motor tasks and clinical measures were obtained with the Mini-BESTest. RESULTS: The total Mini-BESTest score was not different between groups. However, the Dynamic Gait domain was worse in individuals with impaired cognition. Among the instrumented measures across domains, all significant group differences were in the Dynamic Gait domain, specifically, dual-task gait speed, dual-task stride length, stance time, and turn velocity. CONCLUSIONS: Dynamic balance during gait was more impaired in people with PD who had abnormal cognition than those with normal cognition, for both clinical and instrumented measures. All other balance domains did not differ between groups, for both instrumented and clinical measures.

Fruit-Based Fermented Beverages: Contamination Sources and Emerging Technologies Applied to Assure Their Safety.

The food and beverage market has become broader due to globalization and consumer claims. Under the umbrella of consumer demands, legislation, nutritional status, and sustainability, the importance of food and beverage safety must be decisive. A significant sector of food production is related to ensuring fruit and vegetable conservation and utilization through fermentation. In this respect, in this review, we critically analyzed the scientific literature regarding the presence of chemical, microbiological and physical hazards in fruit-based fermented beverages. Furthermore, the potential formation of toxic compounds during processing is also discussed. In managing the risks, biological, physical, and chemical techniques can reduce or eliminate any contaminant from fruit-based fermented beverages. Some of these techniques belong to the technological flow of obtaining the beverages (i.e., mycotoxins bound by microorganisms used in fermentation) or are explicitly applied for a specific risk reduction (i.e., mycotoxin oxidation by ozone). Providing manufacturers with information on potential hazards that could jeopardize the safety of fermented fruit-based drinks and strategies to lower or eliminate these hazards is of paramount importance.

Effectiveness of Neurofunctional Physical Therapy on the Quality of Sleep of Individuals with Parkinson's Disease: Case Series.

Objective Sleep disorders are disabling and highly prevalent comorbidities in Parkinson's disease (PD). This study's objective was to verify the effectiveness of neurofunctional physiotherapy in sleep quality, objectively and subjectively assessing it among individuals with PD. Methods A sample of individuals with PD was assessed before and after 32 physiotherapy sessions and three months later (follow-up). The following instruments were used: Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI); Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS); Parkinson's Disease Sleep Scale (PDSS), and actigraphy. Results Nineteen individuals aged 67.37 years old ( ± 8.03) on average were included. No differences were found in any of the variables measured by the actigraphy or the ESS. Improvement was found from pre- to post-intervention in terms of nocturnal movements (p = 0.04; d = 0.46) and total score (p = 0.03; d = 0.53) obtained on the PDSS. Improvement was also found in the PDSS sleep onset/maintenance domain (p = 0.001; d = 0.75) between pre-intervention and follow-up. The participants' total score obtained in the PSQI improved from pre- to post-intervention (p = 0.03; d = 0.44). Significant differences were found in nighttime sleep (p = 0.02; d = 0.51) and nocturnal movements (p = 0.02; d = 0.55), and in the PDSS total score (p = 0.04; d = 0.63) between pre- and post-intervention when only the poor sleepers subgroup (n = 13) was considered, while improvements were found in sleep onset/maintenance (p = 0.003; d = 0.91) between pre-intervention and follow-up. Discussion Neurofunctional physiotherapy was ineffective in improving objective parameters of sleep but was effective in improving the perception of sleep quality subjectively assessed among individuals with PD, especially those who perceived themselves to be poor sleepers.

Expression profile and subcellular localization of HslV, the proteasome related protease from Trypanosoma cruzi.

Trypanosoma cruzi is a rare example of an eukaryote that has genes for two threonine proteases: HslVU complex and 20S proteasome. HslVU is an ATP-dependent protease consisting of two multimeric components: the HslU ATPase and the HslV peptidase. In this study, we expressed and obtained specific antibodies to HslU and HslV recombinant proteins and demonstrated the interaction between HslU/HslV by coimmunoprecipitation. To evaluate the intracellular distribution of HslV in T. cruzi we used an immunofluorescence assay and ultrastructural localization by transmission electron microscopy. Both techniques demonstrated that HslV was localized in the kinetoplast of epimastigotes. We also analyzed the HslV/20S proteasome co-expression in Y, Berenice 62 (Be-62) and Berenice 78 (Be-78) T. cruzi strains. Our results showed that HslV and 20S proteasome are differently expressed in these strains. To investigate whether a proteasome inhibitor could modulate HslV and proteasome expressions, epimastigotes from T. cruzi were grown in the presence of PSI, a classical proteasome inhibitor. This result showed that while the level of expression of HslV/20S proteasome is not affected in Be-78 strain, in Y and Be-62 strains the presence of PSI induced a significantly increase in Hslv/20S proteasome expression. Together, these results suggest the coexistence of the protease HslVU and 20S proteasome in T. cruzi, reinforcing the hypothesis that non-lysosomal degradation pathways have an important role in T. cruzi biology.

The invasion biology of tomato begomoviruses in Costa Rica reveals neutral synergism that may lead to increased disease pressure and economic loss.

Since the late 1980s, tomato production in Costa Rica has been affected by diseases caused by whitefly-transmitted begomoviruses. The first was tomato yellow mottle virus (ToYMoV), a locally evolved New World (NW) bipartite begomovirus associated with the tomato yellow mottle disease (ToYMoD). In the late 1990s, the invasive NW bipartite tomato leaf curl Sinaloa virus (ToLCSiV) was detected in Costa Rica and has become established and associated with ToYMoD. Finally, the invasive Old World (OW) monopartite tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) was detected in Costa Rica in 2012 and has also become established and is causing tomato yellow leaf curl disease (TYLCD). In the present study, we investigated the invasion biology of these tomato-infecting begomoviruses in Costa Rica in terms of (i) their biological and genetic properties and (ii) disease symptoms and viral DNA accumulation in tomato plants having single and mixed infections. We first generated infectious DNA-A and DNA-B clones and agroinoculation systems for ToYMoV and ToLCSiV isolates recovered from archival ToYMoD samples collected in Costa Rica in 1990 and 2002, respectively. Tomato plants agroinoculated with the infectious clones of both viruses developed ToYMoD symptoms, completing Koch's postulates for ToYMoV, and showing that ToLCSiV also causes this disease. However, pseudorecombinants formed between the DNA components of these viruses were not infectious, which is consistent with independent evolution in different lineages and limits genetic interactions. Furthermore, ToYMoV is well-adapted to tomato, has a narrow host range and is mechanically transmissible. The DNA-A component has a recombination event in the hot spot area and induced a symptomless infection in agroinoculated Nicotiana benthamiana and tomato plants. Tomato plants co-infected with two or all three viruses developed more severe symptoms compared with plants infected with each virus alone. Symptoms induced by the NW bipartite ToYMoV and ToLCSiV appeared earlier (∼7 d post-inoculation [dpi]) than those induced by TYLCV (∼10 dpi), but TYLCD symptoms became predominant in single and mixed infections by 14 dpi. Viral DNA accumulation was quantified by qPCR and generally revealed a neutral synergistic interaction in which the viruses co-existed in mixed infections. A transient reduction in accumulation of ToYMoV and ToLCSiV was detected in mixed infections at 7 dpi, whereas TYLCV accumulation was not affected in mixed infections and was uniform among treatments and time points. Together our results suggest that this neutral synergistic interaction will lead to increased begomovirus disease severity in Costa Rica. We discuss this in terms of begomovirus invasion biology and disease management.

Buriti (Mauritia flexuosa L. f.): An Amazonian fruit with potential health benefits.

The Amazon region has a significant biodiversity composed of several fruits with health benefits and distinguished potential for technological application and development of novel products. Buriti (Mauritia flexuosa) is one of the main Amazonian fruits with expressive nutraceutical properties. For this reason, this review aims to elucidate the current state of knowledge on buriti, providing information on its bioactive compounds, nutraceutical, and health potential for both technological and economic development especially in food and pharmaceutical areas. Different parts of buriti are important sources of carotenoids, fatty acids, phenolic compounds, and fibers. Antioxidant, antimicrobial, prebiotic, anti-diabetes, and anti-cancer properties have also been reported. In addition, the buriti oil presents a synergistic effect with antibiotics and it has been also an alternative to artificial dyes. However, there is a lack of information about the in vivo evaluation of the buriti's bioactive compounds providing a clearer elucidation on its biological potential, toxicity information and mechanisms of action. Proper sensory methods and the relationship between sensory quality and consumer perception are also needed to extend the possibility of developing new products. Finally, the use of non-thermal techniques is encouraged to improve the bioavailability of nutraceutical compounds and potentiate their action on human health.

Telehealth For Individuals with Parkinson's Disease During Covid-19 In Brazil: A Prospective Case Series.

Objective: To implement a telerehabilitation prevention, treatment, and follow-up physical therapy protocol for monitoring individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD) and to verify its effectiveness in minimizing the deleterious effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Design: Prospective case series, involving 40 participants with mild to moderate PD recruited from a specialized neurorehabilitation group. The study was divided into four parts: (1) Phone calls to assess the feasibility of participating in remote physical therapy. (2) Social media training. (3) Baseline and post-intervention assessment for functional lower extremity strength, fear of falling, quality of life, depression, anxiety, activities of daily living, verbal fluency. (4) Intervention protocol consisting of 20 remote weekly physical therapy sessions, graphic material for physical and cognitive training, social activities, and education. Conclusion: The telerehabilitation protocol was viable and effective for patients with PD as an alternative to in-person treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Effects of the Long-Term Consumption of a High-Sucrose Diet on microRNA Expression in Visceral Adipose Tissue of Rats.

Noncoding microRNAs are involved in lipid and carbohydrate metabolism pathways and are powerful regulators of gene expression. The goals of this study were to evaluate the temporal expression profiles of miRNAs in rat adipose tissue and predict mRNA−microRNA interactions. Newly weaned Wistar rats were divided into groups fed a standard diet and high-sucrose diet (HSD). The HSD contains 66.86% carbohydrates (40.45% standard diet, 40.45% condensed milk, and 8.58% crystal sugar), and the HSD was provided for 4, 8 and 15-week periods to investigate the expression levels of miRNAs in visceral adipose tissue using RT−qPCR. Target selection, enriched pathways and networks were analyzed in silico. The factor consumption time significantly was associated to decreases (p < 0.05) in the expression levels of the following miRNAs: 124-5p, 125-5p, 126-5p, 200c-3p, and 212-3p in all experimental groups. The factor diet significantly influenced rno-miR-124-5p, 200c-3p, and 212-3p expression (p < 0.05). A significant reduction (p < 0.05) in rno-miR-27a-3p expression was observed. The biological processes involved key pathways regulating fat deposition. Our findings provide important insights into downregulated miRNA expression patterns in visceral adipose tissue, adiposity level, hyperinsulinemia and increased VLDL-c and triglyceride levels.

First characterization of the probiotic potential of lactic acid bacteria isolated from Costa Rican pineapple silages.

BACKGROUND: Agro-industrial waste from tropical environments could be an important source of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) with probiotic potential. METHODS: Twelve LAB isolates were isolated from pineapple silages. The species identification was carried out considering 16S rRNA and pheS genes. Experiments to evaluate the probiotic potential of the isolates included survival under simulated gastrointestinal environment, in vitro antagonistic activity (against Salmonella spp. and Listeria monocytogenes), auto-aggregation assays, antibiotic susceptibility, presence of plasmids, adhesiveness to epithelial cells, and antagonistic activity against Salmonella in HeLa cells. RESULTS: Lacticaseibacillus paracasei, Lentilactobacillus parafarraginis, Limosilactobacillus fermentum, and Weissella ghanensis were identified. Survival of one of the isolates was 90% or higher after exposure to acidic conditions (pH: 2), six isolates showed at least 61% survival after exposure to bile salts. The three most promising isolates, based on survivability tests, showed a strong antagonistic effect against Salmonella. However, only L. paracasei_6714 showed a strong Listeria inhibition pattern; this isolate showed a good auto-aggregation ability, was resistant to some of the tested antibiotics but was not found to harbor plasmids; it also showed a high capacity for adhesion to epithelial cells and prevented the invasion of Salmonella in HeLa cells. After further in vivo evaluations, L. paracasei_6714 may be considered a probiotic candidate for food industry applications and may have promising performance in acidic products due to its origin.

Spatial Distribution of Whitefly Species (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) and Identification of Secondary Bacterial Endosymbionts in Tomato Fields in Costa Rica.

In Costa Rica, tomato (Solanum lycopersicum Linnaeus) Linnaeus (Solanales: Solanaceae) is one of the crops most severely affected by the whiteflies (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) Trialeurodes vaporariorum (Westwood) and the Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) species complex. The objective of this study was to monitor the spatial distribution and diversity of these species and to detect the presence of secondary bacterial endosymbionts in individuals collected in areas of intensive tomato production. In total, 628 whitefly individuals were identified to the species level using restriction analysis (PCR-RFLP) of a fragment of the mitochondrial cytochrome C oxidase I gene (mtCOI). Trialeurodes vaporariorum was the predominant species, followed by B. tabaci Mediterranean (MED). Bemisia tabaci New World (NW) and B. tabaci Middle East-Asia Minor 1 (MEAM1) were present in lower numbers. The mtCOI fragment was sequenced for 89 individuals and a single haplotype was found for each whitefly species. Using molecular markers, the 628 individuals were analyzed for the presence of four endosymbionts. Arsenophonus Gherna et al. (Enterobacterales: Morganellaceae) was most frequently associated with T. vaporariorum, whereas Wolbachia Hertig (Rickettsiales: Anaplasmataceae) and Rickettsia da Rocha-Lima (Rickettsiales: Rickettsiaceae) were associated with B. tabaci MED. This study confirmed that B. tabaci NW has not been completely displaced by the invasive species B. tabaci MED and B. tabaci MEAM1 present in the country. An association was found between whitefly species present in tomato and certain secondary endosymbionts, elevation was the most likely environmental factor to affect their frequency.

High-sugar diet leads to obesity and metabolic diseases in ad libitum -fed rats irrespective of caloric intake.

Objective Provide a comprehensive view of the events surrounding the sugar consumption, under conditions of energy equivalence; through the analysis of behavioral aspects of intake, and of biochemical, metabolic and physiological parameters, as well as the effect of this nutrient on the plasticity of adipose tissue. Materials and methods Newly weaned male Wistar rats were classified in two groups and subjected to the following normocaloric diets: standard chow diet or to high-sugar diet (HSD) ad libitum for 18 weeks. Results The animals submitted to the HSD were associated with a lower caloric intake during the 18 weeks of experimentation. However, the HSD induced a significant increase in body weight, white adipose tissue weight, adiposity index, Lee index, and the levels of triglycerides and very low-density lipoprotein in the serum. In addition, it induced glucose intolerance, insulin resistance and compensatory increase of insulin secretion by pancreatic ß-cells. Also increased heart rate and induced hyperplasia, and hypertrophy of retroperitoneal visceral adipose tissue. In the liver, the HSD was associated with increased hepatic lipid content (i.e., triglycerides and cholesterol) and hepatomegaly. Conclusion The post-weaning consumption of HSD induces an adaptive response in metabolism; however, such an event is not enough to reverse the homeostatic imbalance triggered by the chronic consumption of this macronutrient, leading to the development of metabolic syndrome, irrespective of caloric intake. These findings corroborate recent evidence indicating that sugar is a direct contributor to metabolic diseases independent of a positive energy balance. Arch Endocrinol Metab. 2020;64(1):71-81.

High-sugar diet intake, physical activity, and gut microbiota crosstalk: Implications for obesity in rats.

This study aims to evaluate the effect of long-term high-sugar diet (HSD) intake and regular physical activity on gut microbiota as well as its health impact. Weaned male Wistar rats were fed with standard chow diet (SSD) or HSD ad libitum and subjected or not to regular swimming training with a workload (2% of body weight) for 15 weeks. Feces samples were used on microbiome analysis using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. HSD increased body mass, adipose cushions, and the serum levels of triglycerides and VLDL, also changed the bacteria taxons associated with metabolic disorders (increase taxons belonging to Proteobacteria phylum and decrease Pediococcus genus); the swim training reverted these changes. SSD intake increased the abundance of bacteria associated with metabolization of dietary fiber. Training in association with SSD consumption beneficially modulated the microbiota, increasing the Bacteroidetes, Bacteroidaceae, Porphyromonadaceae, Parabacteroides, and Lactobacillaceae, and decreasing the Firmicute/Bacteroidetes ratio; training was not able to maintain this profile in animals SHD-fed. Physical training modulates the gut microbiota reversing the obesogenic response caused by SHD. However, training itself is not efficient for up-regulating the probiotic bacteria in comparison to its association with a balanced diet.

Manganese alters expression of proteins involved in the oxidative stress of Meyerozyma guilliermondii.

Organisms, in general, respond to environmental stress by altering their pattern of protein expression (proteome), as an alternative to growing in stressful conditions. A strain of Meyerozyma guilliermondii resistant to manganese was isolated from a sample of water collected from mine drainage in southeastern Minas Gerais (Brazil), and demonstrated manganese detoxification capacity. Protein extracts containing the soluble fractions were obtained after growth of the strain in the absence and presence of MnSO4. Tryptic peptides recovered from samples were analyzed by liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Shotgun/bottom-up analyses of the soluble fractions revealed a total of 1257 identified molecules. Treatment with Mn did not affect the growth of yeast but induced changes in the protein profile, with 117 proteins expressed in the absence of Mn and 69 expressed only in its presence. Most of these are annotated as related to DNA repair, oxidoreductase activity, and remodeling of gene expression. This is the first proteomic report of M. guilliermondii, with promising characteristics for Mn bioremediation, and the first of the genus Meyerozyma. This proteomic characterization may help in the understanding of molecular regulatory mechanisms associated with tolerance to excess Mn, and the potential use of biomass in bioremediation processes. SIGNIFICANCE: Environmental pollution by heavy metals such as manganese (Mn2+) has increased as it is a by-product of the mining industry and a potential environmental contaminant. Many studies have explored the use of bacteria for manganese bioremediation, but yeasts have emerged as a promising alternative, displaying faster growth and greater removal efficiency. Previous works of our laboratory showed that Meyerozyma guilliermondii, a non-pathogenic haploid yeast (ascomycete), has excellent removal and accumulation capacity of Mn2+, potentially useful in bioremediation. Nowadays efforts have been devoted to understanding the physiology of metal hyperaccumulation to gain insights into the molecular basis of hyperaccumulation. To obtain a comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanism of Mn2+ hyperaccumulation in M. guilliermondii, proteomic approaches were employed yielding the first compositional proteomic map of total soluble proteins and their differential expression in the presence of Mn2+. We believe our findings are of biotechnological interest concerning the utilization of M. guilliermondii for bioremediation purposes.

Physiotherapy Versus Physiotherapy Plus Cognitive Training on Cognition and Quality of Life in Parkinson Disease: Randomized Clinical Trial.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to verify the effectiveness of physiotherapy associated with cognitive training to improve cognition and quality of life in individuals with Parkinson disease. DESIGN: This is a randomized clinical trial involving 58 individuals with mild to moderate Parkinson disease, randomly distributed into two groups: motor group and cognitive-motor group. Both groups were assessed for cognition and quality of life at the beginning of the study, at the end of the intervention protocols, and 3 mos after the end of the intervention. The following instruments were used to assess cognition and quality of life: Mini-Mental State Examination, Montreal Cognitive Assessment, Verbal fluency test, Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test, Cognitive and perceptual assessment by pictures, Trail Making Test, Clock Drawing Executive Test, and Parkinson Disease Quality of Life Questionnaire. The motor group engaged in motor physiotherapy, whereas the cognitive-motor group underwent combined motor physiotherapy with cognitive training. RESULTS: The intragroup analysis revealed that both groups presented improved cognition (memory and visuospatial function domains) and quality of life after execution of the protocols, but without statistically significant intergroup differences. CONCLUSIONS: When comparing the intervention moments, the two treatment approaches used were effective for the outcomes: memory, visuospatial function, and quality of life in both groups.

Effectiveness of acute transcranial direct current stimulation on non-motor and motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease.

BACKGROUND: Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is an appropriate treatment for Parkinson's disease (PD). It offers promising results and is known to improve symptoms. Nevertheless, consistent parameters need to be established for research purposes. OBJECTIVE: To verify the effectiveness of acute tDCS on non-motor and motor symptoms in PD. METHODS: A double-blind, randomized and sham-controlled study, in which twenty individuals randomly underwent two (one real, one sham) stimulation sessions. The current was applied to the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) for 20 min at 2 mA. Participants were assessed before and after the stimulation using the Trail Making Test (TMT), Verbal Fluency test, Stroop test, Timed Up and Go test and video gait analysis. In the statistical analysis, a two-way variance analysis of repeated measures was applied to the variables time, group and time vs. group interaction, using Sidak's post-hoc test. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences were found for TMT part B in both groups. For the Verbal Fluency test differences were found only within the group that received real stimulation. Additionally, both groups revealed improved reaction time in the congruent, incongruent and total phases of the Stroop test, but a significant difference in the Stroop effect was found only within the group that received real stimulation. CONCLUSION: The results confirm that improvements on cognitive tests are possible after a single session of DLPFC stimulation.

Contação de histórias durante a hospitalização de crianças: percepções das mães à luz do Interacionismo Simbólico / Storytelling during children's hospitalization: mothers' perceptions in the light of Symbolic Interactionism / Narración de cuentos durante la hospitalización infantil: las percepciones de las madres a la luz del Interaccionismo Simbólico

Objetivo: descrever as percepções de acompanhantes sobre o impacto da contação de histórias durante a hospitalização de crianças. Métodos: trata-se de estudo qualitativo, apoiado no Interacionismo Simbólico, desenvolvido na unidade de internação pediátrica de um Hospital Universitário. Foram entrevistadas, entre junho e julho de 2023, nove mulheres, acompanhantes de crianças hospitalizadas, que participaram da atividade semanal de contação de histórias. A análise dos dados foi direcionada pela Análise Temática de Conteúdo. Resultados: a contação de histórias foi significada enquanto um contraponto ao cotidiano entediante e imerso em preocupações que marcam a hospitalização infantil. Emergiram duas categorias temáticas da percepção das mães sobre contação de histórias no contexto da hospitalização de crianças, "Estreitamento das relações entre crianças, acompanhantes e contadores de histórias", que contribuiu para o fortalecimento do vínculo entre acompanhante, criança e equipe multiprofissional e "Momento de acolhimento para as crianças e acompanhantes", que revela o efeito de proporcionar um momento de distração, alegria e conforto para as mães. Conclusão: a contação de histórias promove ambiência propícia para o enfrentamento da doença, proporciona bem-estar, alegria e conforto para as mães acompanhantes. Impacta positivamente no comportamento das crianças e acompanhantes durante a internação e estimula sua continuidade no ambiente domiciliar.

Objective: to describe companions' perceptions of the impact of storytelling during children's hospitalization. Methods: this is a qualitative study, supported by Symbolic Interactionism, developed in the pediatric inpatient unit of a university hospital. Between June and July 2023, nine women, companions of hospitalized children, who participated in the weekly storytelling activity, were interviewed. Data analysis was directed by thematic content analysis. Results: storytelling was meant as a counterpoint to the boring daily life and immersed in concerns that characterize children's hospitalization. Two thematic categories emerged from mothers' perception of storytelling in the context of children's hospitalization, "Strengthening relationships between children, companions and storytellers", which contributed to strengthening the bond between companion, child and multidisciplinary team, and "Moment of welcoming for children and companions", which reveals the effect of providing a moment of distraction, joy and comfort for mothers. Conclusion:storytelling promotes an environment conducive to coping with the disease, providing well-being, joy and comfort for accompanying mothers. It positively impacts the behavior of children and companions during hospitalization and encourages their continuity in home environments.

Objetivo: describir las percepciones de los acompañantes sobre el impacto de la narración de cuentos durante la hospitalización de los niños. Métodos: se trata de un estudio cualitativo, sustentado en el Interaccionismo Simbólico, desarrollado en la unidad de internación pediátrica de un hospital universitario. Entre junio y julio de 2023, fueron entrevistadas nueve mujeres, acompañantes de niños hospitalizados, que participaron de la actividad semanal de cuentacuentos. El análisis de los datos fue guiado por el análisis de contenido temático. Resultados: la narración de cuentos pretendía ser un contrapunto a la vida cotidiana aburrida y sumergida en las inquietudes que caracterizan la hospitalización de los niños. Dos categorías temáticas surgieron de la percepción de las madres sobre la narración de cuentos en el contexto de la hospitalización infantil, "Fortalecimiento de las relaciones entre niños, acompañantes y narradores", que contribuyó a fortalecer el vínculo entre acompañante, niño y equipo multidisciplinario, y "Momento de acogida para niños y acompañantes", que revela el efecto de brindar un momento de distracción, alegría y consuelo a las madres. Conclusión: la narración de cuentos promueve un ambiente propicio para el afrontamiento de la enfermedad, brindando bienestar, alegría y consuelo a las madres acompañantes. Impacta positivamente en el comportamiento de los niños y acompañantes durante la hospitalización y fomenta su continuidad en el ambiente hogareño.

Silage quality and bacterial diversity of silages inoculated with Listeria monocytogenes and Lacticaseibacillus paracasei_6714

Introduction: King grass (Cenchrus purpureus (Schumach.) Morrone, syn. Pennisetum purpuphoides) and pineapple peel (Ananas comosus) silages are food alternatives for livestock in conditions of feed shortage. Objective: To describe the dynamics of the microbiota present in king grass and pineapple silage during the fermentation process using next generation sequencing (NGS) and to evaluate the protective effect of Lacticaseibacillus paracasei_6714 as a silage inoculum against Listeria monocytogenes. Methods: We used an unrestricted randomized design to characterize the microbiota present in silages made from king grass harvested 70 days after regrowth and pineapple peel. We inoculated mixtures of grass and peel with L. paracasei_6714 or L. monocytogenes, or both, with a non-inoculated treatment as control. The nutritional and fermentative profile was evaluated after 30 days. After 15 and 30 days of fermentation, we used 16S rRNA analysis to determine the dynamics and diversity of the microbiota in the inoculated and control silages. Result: Dry matter content and digestibility did not differ significantly; however, there were differences in crude protein, pH and organic acids. We obtained 4432 amplicon sequence variants of Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Bacterioidetes, Actinobacteria, Verrucomicrobia, Planctomycetes and Patescibacteria. The relative abundance of each phylum varied depending on the material and fermentation period. Phylum similarity was over 70 % (but not greater than 50 % with Bray-Curtis at the species level). Conclusion: These bacterial communities seem to have an important role during silage fermentation. Proper management of silage processing can reduce or eliminate pathogenic bacteria.

Introducción: Los ensilajes del pasto king grass (Cenchrus purpureus (Schumach.) Morrone, syn. Pennisetum purpuphoides) y cáscaras de piña (Ananas comosus) son alternativas de alimento para ganado en condiciones de escasez alimentaria. Objetivo: Describir las dinámicas de la microbiota presente en los ensilajes de king grass y piña durante el proceso de fermentación usando secuenciación de próxima generación (NGS) y evaluar el efecto de protección de Lacticaseibacillus paracasei_6714 como inoculante de ensilaje ante Listeria monocytogenes. Métodos: Usamos un diseño aleatorio no restringido para caracterizar la microbiota presente en ensilajes de king Grass cosechados 70 días después de rebrote y de cáscaras de piña. Inoculamos mezclas de pasto y cáscara con L. paracasei_6714 o L. monocytogenes, o ambos, con un tratamiento control sin inocular. El perfil nutricional y de fermentación fue evaluado luego de 30 días. Después de 15 y 30 días de fermentación, usamos un análisis de para determinar la dinámicas y diversidad de la microbiota en los ensilajes inoculados y control. Resultados: Los contenidos de materia seca y digestibilidad, no difirieron significativamente; sin embargo, hubo diferencias en proteína cruda, pH y ácidos orgánicos. Obtuvimos 4 432 secuencias variantes de amplicon de Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Bacterioidetes, Actinobacteria, Verrucomicrobia, Planctomycetes y de Patescibacteria. La abundancia relativa de cada filo vario dependiendo del material y periodo de fermentación. Similitudes de filo fueron mayores al 70 % (pero no mayor que 50 % con Bray-Curtis a nivel de especie). Conclusión: Estas comunidades bacterianas parecen cumplir un papel importante durante la fermentación del ensilaje. Un manejo apropiado del proceso de ensilaje puede reducir o eliminar baterías patogénicas.