Evaluating the association between receipt of a winter fuel cash transfer and older people's care needs, quality of life, and housing quality: Evidence from England.

BACKGROUND: Exposure to cold temperatures is known to be associated with deterioration of physical and mental health as well as poorer well-being in many countries. The Winter Fuel Payment, an unconditional direct cash transfer of value between £250-£300, was designed to help older people in England cover heating costs during the winter months, to counteract the particular vulnerability of older people to the effects of cold weather. AIMS: We evaluated the impact of the Winter Fuel Payment scheme on subsequent prevalence of care needs such as being unable to eat or shower independently, quality of life and the likelihood of having cold-related housing conditions. We also explored the potential effects of the Winter Fuel Payment across different sub-samples (poorer/richer individuals, those living in newer/older properties, and in the North/South of England) to explore whether its benefits (if any) are spread equally across the eligible population. DATA AND METHODS: We used a regression discontinuity design approach with age as running variable to analyse seven waves of a nationally representative sample, the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing, covering the period 2002/2003 to 2016/2017, and consisting of 24,651 observations. RESULTS: The Winter Fuel Payment had no overall effect on the outcomes of interest (care needs, quality of life, and cold-related housing problems). However, the Payment increased quality of life for poorer individuals, for those living in Northern regions of England, and for those living in newer dwellings. The likelihood of living in a property with at least one cold-related housing problem also decreased for those living in newer properties. CONCLUSIONS: Findings from this research provide important insights into the effectiveness of a winter cash transfer among the older population in England, and they are potentially relevant for other nations looking for strategies to deal with cold seasons and poorly insulated homes. In particular, this evaluation contributes to the 'universality versus targeting' policy debate and has implications for the development of energy-efficient policies.

"Cocaine Shark": First report on cocaine and benzoylecgonine detection in sharks.

Cocaine (COC) and benzoylecgonine (BE), the main COC metabolite, have been detected in aquatic ecosystems. Studies focusing on wild fish are, however, very limited, and no reports concerning elasmobranchs are available. This study investigated COC and BE levels in Brazilian Sharpnose sharks (Rhizoprionodon lalandii) (n = 13) using LC-MS/MS. All samples (13/13) tested positive for COC, with 92 % (12/13) testing positive for BE. COC concentrations (23.0 µg kg-1) were over 3-fold higher than BE (7.0 µg kg-1). COC levels were about three-fold significantly higher in muscle (33.8 ±â€¯33.4 g kg-1) compared to liver (12.2 ±â€¯14.2 µg kg-1). Females presented higher COC concentrations in muscle (40.2 ±â€¯35.8 µg kg-1) compared to males (12.4 ±â€¯5.9 µg kg-1). Several positive statistical correlations were noted between COC and BE (rho = 0.84) in females, indicating systemic COC transport and metabolization, as well as between BE and weight (rho = 0.62), and between COC and the Condition Factor (rho = 0.73). A strong correlation was noted between BE and COC in the muscle of non-pregnant females (rho = 1.00). This study represents the first COC and BE report in free-ranging sharks, and the findings point to the potential impacts of the presence of illicit drugs in environments.

New morpholine-containing pyrimidinones act on α-adrenoceptors.

Drugs that act on α-adrenoceptors may contain morpholine and pyrimidinone heterocycles. The aim of this study was to synthesize a series of pyrimidinones (S6a-e and S8) and characterize their α-adrenoceptor activity. Cytotoxicity assays (MTT and LDH) were performed in A7r5 and HUVECs. Concentration-effect curves to phenylephrine (Phe) were performed in rat aortic rings in the presence of compounds S6a-e and S8 or vehicle. Nitric oxide (NO) production and NO stable metabolic products, nitrite and nitrate, expressed as total nitrogen oxides (NOx) were assessed in HUVECs by confocal microscopy with the DAF-2DA probe and by the Griess reaction, respectively. Molecular docking simulations were performed using the 6a compound and α2A-adrenoceptor. In the evaluated conditions, the percentage of viable cells and the release of LDH were similar between control cells and cells exposed to the tested pyrimidinones. S6d, S6e, S8, and the positive control prazosin (but not S6a, S6b, and S6c) decreased Phe-induced contractions in endothelium-denuded aortic rings. S6a, S6b, and S6c decreased Phe-induced contractions in endothelium-intact aortic rings. The effect of S6a was abolished by L-NAME. NO production and NOx levels were inhibited in the presence of the α2 receptor antagonist yohimbine and the NOS inhibitor L-NAME. The 6a docking simulation estimated that the mean binding free energy of the compound was lower than the estimated value for yohimbine. These data suggest that S6d, S6e, and S8 may be α1-adrenoceptor antagonists while S6a acts as an agonist of α2-adrenoceptors.

Atypical cellular neurothekeoma of the oral mucosa: A rare case report and literature review.

Cellular neurothekeoma (CN) is a benign dermal neoplasm that most often affects the head and neck region and rarely occurs in the oral mucosa. We report a rare case of CN with atypical features on the floor of the mouth and summarize the reported cases of oral CN in English-language literature. A 62-year-old woman presented with a 6-month history of a painless mass on the floor of the mouth. Histopathological analysis of the excised specimen revealed a proliferation of neoplastic cells with oval to spindle morphology arranged in a vaguely nested and multinodular architecture separated by scarce hyaline collagen within a predominantly myxoid-rich stroma. The tumor cells were positive for NSE, and CD63 (NKI/C3), and negative for S100 protein, CD34, and SMA. Thus, the final diagnosis was CN. In addition, we summarized all clinicopathological data on oral CNs reported in the English-language literature. Nineteen cases were reviewed. Among them, only one case affected the floor of the mouth of a young girl, in contrast to the present case that occurred in an elderly woman. CN is particularly rare in this location and may be a diagnostic challenge for oral pathologists due to its rarity and morphological similarity with other lesions.

Antibiofilm effect of biogenic silver nanoparticle alone and combined with polymyxin B against carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii.

Acinetobacter baumannii is a bacteria associated with nosocomial infections and outbreaks, difficult to control due to its antibiotic resistance, ability to survive in adverse conditions, and biofilm formation adhering to biotic and abiotic surfaces. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the antibiofilm activity of biogenic silver nanoparticle (Bio-AgNP) and polymyxin B alone and combined in biofilms formed by isolates of carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii (CR-Ab). In the biofilm formation inhibition assay, CR-Ab strains were exposed to different concentrations of the treatments before inducing biofilm formation, to determine the ability to inhibit/prevent bacterial biofilm formation. While in the biofilm rupture assay, the bacterial biofilm formation step was previously carried out and the adhered cells were exposed to different concentrations of the treatments to evaluate their ability to destroy the bacterial biofilm formed. All CR-Ab isolates and ATCC® 19606™ used in this study are strong biofilm formers. The antibiofilm activity of Bio-AgNP and polymyxin B against CR-Ab and ATCC® 19606™ demonstrated inhibitory and biofilm-disrupting activity. When used in combination, Bio-AgNP and polymyxin B inhibited 4.9-100% of biofilm formation in the CR-Ab isolates and ATCC® 19606™. Meanwhile, when Bio-AgNP and polymyxin B were combined, disruption of 6.8-77.8% of biofilm formed was observed. Thus, antibiofilm activity against CR-Ab was demonstrated when Bio-AgNP was used alone or in combination with polymyxin B, emerging as an alternative in the control of CR-Ab strains.

Will the white blood cells tell? A potential novel tool to assess broiler chicken welfare.

This study assessed qualitative and quantitative leukocyte evaluation as potential broiler chicken welfare indicators, contributing to the limited literature on white blood cell (WBC) morphology as a diagnostic tool for welfare. Broiler chicken welfare within four poultry houses (PH) 1 to 4, each on a different farm, was assessed using on-field indicators of affective states and health, and WBC morphology was examined. Affective states were evaluated using the Qualitative Behavior Assessment (QBA), with 25 behavioral expressions scored on a visual analogue scale (VAS) and grouped into two categories. Health indicators included assessments of lameness, footpad dermatitis, dermatitis on the breast and abdominal areas, hock burn, and feather cleaning. Blood samples were collected, differential leukocyte counts were performed, and a cell score was created for the recognition, classification, and interpretation of morphologic diversity of heterophils and lymphocytes. The heterophil to lymphocyte ratio (H/L) was also determined. Descriptive statistics and generalized linear models for binomial responses were used to analyze the results. PH4 differed from the other farms, showing a higher frequency of birds within QBA group 1 ('Attentive'to 'Desperate'), while birds in PH1, PH2, and PH3 were more frequent in QBA group 2 ('Relaxed' to 'Positively occupied'). Elevated proportions of heterophils in birds from PH4 (0.61, CI95%: 0.58; 0.64) and PH3 (0.60, CI95%: 0.57; 0.63) suggested higher stress levels and inflammatory responses. Birds in PH2 and PH4 exhibited higher frequencies of health issues such as dermatitis and lameness, and higher proportions of abnormalities in WBC number and morphology. PH3 and PH4 exhibited higher H/L ratios of 3.03 and 2.58, respectively, consistent with the on-field health and behavioral indicators. Blood samples from birds in PH2 and PH4 showed a proportion of 90% toxic change in heterophils, while in PH1 and PH3 it was 70%, indicating high levels of abnormal WBC morphology across all PHs. The findings emphasize the multifactorial nature of welfare impairments, including environmental conditions, health, and affective states. This highlights the need for indicators that reflect multiple welfare impacts, such as WBC counts and morphological alterations, which can serve as powerful tools in the complex task of assessing animal welfare.

Omega-3 Attenuates Disrupted Neurotransmission and Partially Protects Metabolic Dysfunction Caused by Obesity in Wistar Rats.

Omega-3 (n3) is a polyunsaturated fatty acid well known for its anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties. Obesity is linked to chronic inflammation that disrupts metabolism, the intestine physiology and the central nervous system functioning. This study aims to determine if n3 supplementation can interfere with the effects of obesity on the mitochondrial activity, intestinal barrier, and neurotransmitter levels in the brain of Wistar rats that received cafeteria diet (CAF). We examined adipose tissue, skeletal muscle, plasma, intestine, and the cerebral cortex of four groups: CT (control diet), CTn3 (control diet with n3 supplementation), CAF, and CAFn3 (CAF and n3). Diets were offered for 13 weeks, with n3 supplementation in the final 5 weeks. Adipose tissue Electron Transport Chain complexes I, II, and III showed higher activity in CAF groups, as did complexes III and IV in skeletal muscle. Acetate levels in plasma were reduced in CAF groups, and Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was higher in the CAF group but reduced in CAFn3 group. Claudin-5 in the intestine was lower in CAF groups, with no n3 supplementation effect. In the cerebral cortex, dopamine levels were decreased with CAF, which was reversed by n3. DOPAC, a dopamine metabolite, also showed a supplementation effect, and HVA, a diet effect. Serotonin levels increased in the CAF group that received supplementation. Therefore, we demonstrate disturbances in mitochondria, plasma, intestine and brain of rats submitted to CAF and the potential benefit of n3 supplementation in endotoxemia and neurotransmitter levels.

Vertical root fracture diagnosis in teeth with metallic posts: Impact of metal artifact reduction and sharpening filters.

Purpose: This study examined the influence of a metal artifact reduction (MAR) tool, sharpening filters, and their combination on the diagnosis of vertical root fracture (VRF) in teeth with metallic posts using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Materials and Methods: Twenty single-rooted human premolars - 9 with VRF and 11 without - were individually placed in a human mandible. A metallic post composed of a cobalt-chromium alloy was inserted into the root canal of each tooth. CBCT scans were then acquired under the following parameters: 8 mA, a 5×5 cm field of view, a voxel size of 0.085 mm, 90 kVp, and with MAR either enabled or disabled. Five oral and maxillofacial radiologists independently evaluated the CBCT exams under each MAR mode and across 3 sharpening filter conditions: no filter, Sharpen 1×, and Sharpen 2×. The diagnostic performance was quantified by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), sensitivity, and specificity. These metrics were compared using 2-way analysis of variance with a significance level of α=5%. Intra- and inter-examiner agreement were assessed using the weighted kappa test. Results: Neither MAR nor the application of sharpening filters significantly impacted AUC or specificity (P>0.05). However, sensitivity increased when MAR was combined with Sharpen 1× and Sharpen 2× (P=0.015). The intra-examiner agreement ranged from fair to substantial (0.34-0.66), while the inter-examiner agreement ranged from fair to moderate (0.27-0.41). Conclusion: MAR in conjunction with sharpening filters improved VRF detection; therefore, their combined use is recommended in cases of suspected VRF.

The TSC22D, WNK, and NRBP gene families exhibit functional buffering and evolved with Metazoa for cell volume regulation.

The ability to sense and respond to osmotic fluctuations is critical for the maintenance of cellular integrity. We used gene co-essentiality analysis to identify an unappreciated relationship between TSC22D2, WNK1, and NRBP1 in regulating cell volume homeostasis. All of these genes have paralogs and are functionally buffered for osmo-sensing and cell volume control. Within seconds of hyperosmotic stress, TSC22D, WNK, and NRBP family members physically associate into biomolecular condensates, a process that is dependent on intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs). A close examination of these protein families across metazoans revealed that TSC22D genes evolved alongside a domain in NRBPs that specifically binds to TSC22D proteins, which we have termed NbrT (NRBP binding region with TSC22D), and this co-evolution is accompanied by rapid IDR length expansion in WNK-family kinases. Our study reveals that TSC22D, WNK, and NRBP genes evolved in metazoans to co-regulate rapid cell volume changes in response to osmolarity.

Reproductive biology as a tool to elucidate taxonomic delimitation: How different can two highly specialized subspecies of Parodia haselbergii (cactaceae) be?

Reproductive isolation is one of the mechanisms of speciation. The two currently accepted subspecies of Parodia haselbergii (P. haselbergii subsp. haselbergii and P. haselbergii subsp. graessneri) were studied regarding flower traits, phenology, breeding systems and pollination. In addition, a principal component analysis with 18 floral characters and germination tests under controlled conditions were performed for both taxa. Pollination was studied in the field, in two localities of Southern Brazil. Pollinators were recorded through photos and film. Breeding system experiments were performed by applying controlled pollinations to plants excluded from pollinators. Both taxa mostly differ in asynchronous flowering periods, floral traits (including floral part measurements and nectar concentration) and pollinators. The flowers of both subspecies are functionally protogynous and perform remarkably long lifespans (≥ 15 days), both traits being novelties for Cactaceae. Whereas the reddish flowers of P. haselbergii subsp. haselbergii (nectar concentration: ca. 18%) are pollinated by hummingbirds of Thalurania glaucopis, the greenish flowers of P. haselbergii subsp. graessneri (nectar concentration: ca. 29%) are pollinated by Augochlora bees (Halictidae). Both subspecies are self-compatible, yet pollinator-dependent. The principal component analysis evidenced that both subspecies are separated, regarding flower traits. The seeds of both subspecies performed differently in the germination tests, but the best results were recovered at 20 °C and germination considerably decreased around 30 °C. In conclusion, all these results support that both taxa are in reproductive isolation, and can be treated as different species.

Corrigendum: Are face transplant candidates choosing autonomously? A preliminary method to evaluate autonomous choosing in psychosocial and bioethical assessments.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/frtra.2024.1346667.].

Assessing the Risk Stratification of Breast Cancer Polygenic Risk Scores in a Brazilian Cohort.

Polygenic risk scores (PRSs) for breast cancer have a clear clinical utility in risk prediction. PRS transferability across populations and ancestry groups is hampered by population-specific factors, ultimately leading to differences in variant effects, such as linkage disequilibrium and differences in variant frequency (allele frequency differences). Thus, locally sourced population-based phenotypic and genomic data sets are essential to assess the validity of PRSs derived from signals detected across populations. Here, we assess the transferability of a breast cancer PRS composed of 313 risk variants (313-PRS) in a Brazilian trihybrid admixed ancestries (European, African, and Native American) whole-genome sequenced cohort, the Rare Genomes Project. We computed 313-PRS in the Rare Genomes Project (n = 853) using the UK Biobank (UKBB; n = 264,307) as reference. We show that although the Brazilian cohorts have a high European ancestry (EA) component, with allele frequency differences and to a lesser extent linkage disequilibrium patterns similar to those found in EA populations, the 313-PRS distribution is inflated when compared with that of the UKBB, leading to potential overestimation of PRS-based risk if EA is taken as a standard. Interestingly, we find that case controls lead to equivalent predictive power when compared with UKBB-EA samples with area under the receiver operating characteristic curve values of 0.66 to 0.62 compared with 0.63 for UKBB.

Relationship between maternal biological features, environmental factors, and newborn neuromotor development associated with visual fixation abilities.

Newborn visual fixation abilities predict future cognitive, perceptive, and motor skills. However, little is known about the factors associated with the newborn visual fixation, which is an indicator of neurocognitive abilities. We analyzed maternal biological and environmental characteristics associated with fine motor skills (visual tracking) in 1 month old infants. Fifty-one infants were tested on visual tracking tasks (Infant Visuomotor Behavior Assessment Scale/ Guide for the Assessment of Visual Ability in Infants) and classified according to visual conducts scores. Differences between groups were compared considering motor development (Alberta Infant Motor Scale) maternal mental health (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and Hamilton Anxiety Scale); home environment (Affordances in the Home Environment for Development Scale); maternal care (Coding Interactive Behavior); breastmilk composition (total fatty acids, proteins, and cortisol); and maternal metabolic profile (serum hormones and interleukins). Mothers of infants with lower visual fixation scores had higher levels of protein in breastmilk at 3 months. Mothers of infants with better visual conduct scores had higher serum levels of T4 (at 1 month) and prolactin (at 3 months). There were no associations between visual ability and motor development, home environment, or maternal care. Early newborn neuromotor development, especially visual and fine motor skills, is associated with maternal biological characteristics (metabolic factors and breastmilk composition), highlighting the importance of early detection of maternal metabolic changes for the healthy neurodevelopment of newborns.

Are face transplant candidates choosing autonomously? A preliminary method to evaluate autonomous choosing in psychosocial and bioethical assessments.

This report proposes a framework for evaluating the validity of informed consent and autonomy in face transplant candidates, taking into account the risk of depression and non-compliance. Traditional factors like decisional capacity, disclosure, comprehension, voluntariness, and agreement are insufficient for assessing valid informed consent in individuals whose self-worth relies on public perception, potentially leading to self-harm if societal worth is undermined. Reliance on self-esteem, rather than inherent personal value, poses risks of depression, poor treatment adherence, and deferential vulnerability. We suggest a qualitative analysis of self-worth, self-esteem, self-trust, and self-respect to better assess the autonomy of face transplant candidates in their decision-making process.

The profile of patients with postpartum hemorrhage admitted to the obstetric intensive care: a cross-sectional study.

Objective: In Brazil, postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is a major cause of maternal morbidity and mortality. Data on the profile of women and risk factors associated with PPH are sparse. This study aimed to describe the profile and management of patients with PPH, and the association of risk factors for PPH with severe maternal outcomes (SMO). Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Instituto de Medicina Integral Prof. Fernando Figueira (IMIP) obstetric intensive care unit (ICU) between January 2012 and March 2020, including patients who gave birth at the hospital and that were admitted with PPH to the ICU. Results: The study included 358 patients, of whom 245 (68.4%) delivered in the IMIP maternity, and 113 (31.6%) in other maternity. The mean age of the patients was 26.7 years, with up to eight years of education (46.1%) and a mean of six prenatal care. Uterine atony (72.9%) was the most common cause, 1.6% estimated blood loss, 2% calculated shock index (SI), 63.9% of patients received hemotransfusion, and 27% underwent hysterectomy. 136 cases of SMO were identified, 35.5% were classified as maternal near miss and 3.0% maternal deaths. Multiparity was associated with SMO as an antepartum risk factor (RR=1.83, 95% CI1.42-2.36). Regarding intrapartum risk factors, abruptio placentae abruption was associated with SMO (RR=2.2 95% CI1.75-2.81). Among those who had hypertension (49.6%) there was a lower risk of developing SMO. Conclusion: The principal factors associated with poor maternal outcome were being multiparous and placental abruption.

Effect of Light Quality on the seed Germination and Development of Coffee Seedlings (Coffea arabica).

Coffee (Coffea arabica) cultivation is vital to the global economic, social and cultural life of farmers. However, senescent and disease-susceptible plantations affect coffee productivity. Therefore, it is crucial to improve biotechnological strategies such as micropropagation to increase the number of plants for replanting. In this study, the dark condition (T1) and different light qualities (T0-white light 400-700 nm; T2-red light 660 nm and T3-blue light 460 nm) were evaluated to optimize the in vitro propagation of 4 and 9 month-old coffee seeds. The results showed that red light had the highest percentage, an outstanding germination rate index, which may suggest that in the case of coffee seeds could be involved phytochromes that promote germination in a red light quality. In summary, the ideal conditions for in vitro micropropagation of coffee are under white and red light condition.

Investigating the Chemical Profile of Underexplored Parts of Dipteryx alata (Baru) Using the PS-MS Technique.

The baru (Dipteryx alata Vog.), a fruit native to the Cerrado biome, is well-known for its almonds, which are extensively exploited and exported. Unfortunately, the remaining parts of this fruit are often discarded. This study investigates the fixed chemical constituents of the baru, including the bark, pulp, endocarp, and almonds, using the PS-MS technique in positive and negative ionization modes. Notably, this research presents the first chemical profile of baru almonds in both their raw and roasted states. The analysis identified 57 compounds reported for the first time in a baru and 24 common compounds. The majority of these compounds are classified as flavonoids. In both ionization modes, the peel exhibited a higher proportion of phenolic compounds, although the chemical compounds varied among the peel, pulp, almond, and endocarp. These findings highlight the perspective of bioeconomy and biotechnology. By staggering baru fruit production alongside extractivists, we can optimize the utilization of all parts of the fruit. Furthermore, given the knowledge of the biological properties of flavonoids and the baru composition, we recommend additional studies to analyze their potential in preventing chronic non-communicable diseases.

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy and spectrum of predisposing conditions: a 20-year retrospective cohort study in a tertiary center in São Paulo, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Epidemiological studies on predisposing conditions and outcomes of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) cases have been carried out exclusively in high-income countries. We aim to report and compare the main characteristics and outcomes of patients with PML and several underlying diseases in a referral center in a middle-income country. METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study of PML cases admitted to a tertiary care hospital in São Paulo, Brazil during 2000-2022. Demographic and PML-specific variables were recorded. One-year case-fatality rate and factors associated with death were identified using a multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression model. RESULTS: Ninety-nine patients with PML were included. HIV infection (84.8%) and malignancy (14.1%) were the most prevalent underlying conditions. Other predisposing diseases were autoimmune/inflammatory diseases (5.1%) and solid organ transplantation (1.0%). One (1.0%) patient had liver cirrhosis and another (1.0%) patient was previously healthy. Focal motor deficits (64.2%) and gait instability (55.1%) were the most common signs. The one-year case-fatality rate was 52.5% (95% CI 42.2-62.7). The one-year case-fatality rate (95% CI) in patients with or without malignancy (85.7%, 95% CI 57.2-98.2% and 47.1%, 95% CI 36.1-58.2%, respectively) were statistically different (P = 0.009). Crude and adjusted Cox regression models identified malignancy as independently associated with death (adjusted HR = 3.92, 95% CI 1.76-8.73, P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: HIV/AIDS was the predisposing condition in 84.8% of PML cases. The one-year case-fatality rate was 52.5% and having a malignancy was independently associated with death. This study reports emerging data on the epidemiology and outcome of PML in a middle-income country.