Protecting TiS3 Photoanodes for Water Splitting in Alkaline Media by TiO2 Coatings.

Titanium trisulfide (TiS3) nanoribbons, when coated with titanium dioxide (TiO2), can be used for water splitting in the KOH electrolyte. TiO2 shells can be prepared through thermal annealing to regulate the response of TiS3/TiO2 heterostructures by controlling the oxidation time and growth atmosphere. The thickness and structure of the TiO2 layers significantly influence the photoelectrocatalytic properties of the TiS3/TiO2 photoanodes, with amorphous layers showing better performance than crystalline ones. The oxide layers should be thin enough to transfer photogenerated charge through the electrode-electrolyte interface while protecting TiS3 from KOH corrosion. Finally, the performance of TiS3/TiO2 heterostructures has been improved by coating them with various electrocatalysts, NiSx being the most effective. This research presents new opportunities to create efficient semiconductor heterostructures to be used as photoanodes in corrosive alkaline aqueous solutions.

Epidemiology of musculoskeletal tumors in a reference unit. / Epidemiología de los tumores musculoesqueléticos en una unidad de referencia.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to perform an epidemiological analysis of patients presented to the Musculoskeletal Tumors Committee of a reference hospital. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A retrospective analysis of patients with sarcomas treated in a reference Sarcoma Unit between 2009 and 2022 was carried out. RESULTS: A total of 1978 patients were analyzed, of which 1477 (74.67%) were diagnosed as sarcomas. They were divided into 446 (30.20%) bone tumors and 1.031 (69.80%) soft tissue tumors. The most common benign bone tumor was enchondroma (27.23%), giant cell tumor (59.21%) was the most common tumor of intermediate malignancy and the malignant one was osteosarcoma (24.78%). The most frequently observed benign soft tissue tumor was lipoma (50.74%), the atypical lipomatous tumor (53.25%) was the most frequent tumor of intermediate malignancy and the malignant one was sarcoma of uncertain differentiation (38.10%). CONCLUSION: Our study represents the first work on the epidemiology of sarcomas and other musculoskeletal tumors in our country, being very useful to adapt the resources destined for their diagnosis and treatment.

Prevalence of suspected abuse of non-institutionalized older people treated in primary care. PRESENCIA study.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of suspected abuse of non-institutionalised elderly people and the associated variables. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Observational, descriptive, cross-sectional, multicentre study in patients aged 65 years or older, non-institutionalised, consecutively selected in primary care (PC). The EASI questionnaires (Suspected Elderly Abuse Index), the EAI questionnaire (Suspected Abuse Index in patients with cognitive impairment), the Barthel index, and the EUROQOL-5D questionnaire were used with patients, and the CASE questionnaire and the Zarit test were used with caregivers. Socio-demographic, health, and quality of life variables were analysed in all patients. RESULTS: Eight hundred four patients were included, mean age 78.9±7.9 years, 58.3% women. The prevalence of suspected abuse was 11.3% (95% CI: 9.1%-13.9%). Suspected abuse was more frequent in women than in men (14.4% vs. 7.1%; odds ratio (OR)=1.97; 95% CI=1.1-3.4; p=0.016) and in those who lived with two or more people compared to those who lived alone (18.4% vs. 7.3%; OR=2.42; 95% CI=1.1-5.0; p=0.017). Among older patients, the lower their dependency, the lower the prevalence of suspected abuse (30.0% in highly dependent vs. 8.7% in non-dependent: p-trend=0.006); and the better the perceived health status, the lower the prevalence of suspected abuse (29.6% in poor health status vs. 6.9% in optimal health status; p-trend=<0.001). Among caregivers, the prevalence of suspected abuse was 20.4% (95% CI=12.8%-28.0%). A trend of higher prevalence of suspected abuse could be observed with higher scores on the CASE questionnaire (56.3% at high risk and 9.6% with no risk of abuse; p-trend=0.007). In the case of the ZARIT questionnaire with scores below 47, the prevalence of suspected abuse was 9.1%, and for scores above 55, it was 52.6% (p-trend<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The results of the PRESENCIA study show that approximately 1 in 10 patients aged ≥65 meet the criteria for suspected abuse. The probability of abuse increases in women, in patients with greater dependency and in patients with poorer perceived health status. Caregivers with greater overload and greater risk presented a greater suspicion of elder abuse.

Vitamin D3 supplementation in COVID-19 patients with cardiovascular disease and gut dysbiosis.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the vulnerability of particular patient groups to SARS-CoV-2 infection, including those with cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, and intestinal dysbiosis. COVID-19 affects the gut, suggesting diet and vitamin D3 supplementation may affect disease progression. AIMS: To evaluate levels of Ang II and Ang-(1-7), cytokine profile, and gut microbiota status in patients hospitalized for mild COVID-19 with a history of cardiovascular disease and treated with daily doses of vitamin D3. METHODS: We recruited 50 adult patients. We screened 50 adult patients and accessed pathophysiology study 22, randomized to daily oral doses of 10,000IU vitamin D3 (n=11) or placebo (n=11). Plasma levels of Ang II and Ang-(1-7) were determined by radioimmunoassay, TMA and TMAO were measured by liquid chromatography and interleukins (ILs) 6, 8, 10 and TNF-α by ELISA. RESULTS: The Ang-(1-7)/Ang II ratio, as an indirect measure of ACE2 enzymatic activity, increased in the vitamin D3 group (24±5pg/mL vs. 4.66±2pg/mL, p<0.01). Also, in the vitamin D3-treated, there was a significant decline in inflammatory ILs and an increase in protective markers, such as a substantial reduction in TMAO (5±2µmoles/dL vs. 60±10µmoles/dL, p<0.01). In addition, treated patients experienced less severity of infection, required less intensive care, had fewer days of hospitalization, and a reduced mortality rate. Additionally, improvements in markers of cardiovascular function were seen in the vitamin D3 group, including a tendency for reductions in blood pressure in hypertensive patients. CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin D3 supplementation in patients with COVID-19 and specific conditions is associated with a more favourable prognosis, suggesting therapeutic potential in patients with comorbidities such as cardiovascular disease and gut dysbiosis.

Efficacy of microbiological and chemical insecticides as alternatives for control of Myochrous armatus (Baly, 1865) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae).

Myochrous armatus (Baly, 1865) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) causes considerable losses to soybean crops in Brazil and several other South American countries. Applying biological insecticides can be an effective alternative to suppressing this pest. The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of microbiological insecticides formulated from the fungi Beauveria bassiana + Metarhizium anisopliae (Bometil) and B. bassiana alone (Ballvéria), and the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Acera) alone and in combination with the chemical insecticides fipronil, ethiprole and chlorpyrifos, against M. armatus adults. The insecticides based on B. bassiana + M. anisopliae were found to be more pathogenic than those based on B. bassiana, causing cumulative mortality rates in the ten days of 85.0 and 65.0% respectively. In contrast, B. thuringiensis caused 92.5% mortality. These products alone and in combination were effective for control at their lowest concentrations. Therefore, the use of microbiological insecticides individually or in combination with chemical insecticides is a promising alternative for the integrated management of M. armatus.

Assessment of pain relief after four botulinum toxin A injection cycles in patients with post-stroke lower limb spasticity: A prospective, observational study.

INTRODUCTION: Spasticity is common after a stroke and is an independent risk factor for developing pain. BotulinumtoxinA injection is the treatment of choice for focal spasticity. We examined the effect of intramuscular botulinumtoxinA on pain relief in patients in routine clinical practice who were experiencing pain as a primary complaint associated with post-stroke lower limb spasticity. METHODS: Prospective, multicentre, post-marketing observational study. The study period was 16 months. The primary effectiveness variable was the mean change from baseline on the pain 0-10 Numerical Rating Scale after four botulinumtoxinA injection cycles. Secondary endpoints included changes from baseline on the pain 0-100 Visual Analogue Scale, Goal Attainment Scale, modified Ashworth Scale, 10-Meter Walk Test, Penn Spasm Frequency Scale, and 36-item Short-Form Health Survey. RESULTS: Of 186 enrolled patients, 180 (96.8%) received botulinumtoxinA at least once. The mean (standard deviation) pain 0-10 Numerical Rating Scale score decreased significantly (p<0.0001) from 4.9 (2.2) at baseline to 2.5 (2.1) at study end, representing a 50% decrease in pain severity. Relief of pain due to spasticity was supported by improvement from baseline in all secondary variables except the 10-Meter Walk Test. Two adverse events (erysipelas and phlebitis) in one patient were considered likely to be related to botulinumtoxinA injection. CONCLUSION: BotulinumtoxinA appears to provide pain relief as an additional benefit of local treatment in patients with post-stroke lower limb spasticity for whom pain relief is a primary therapeutic goal (a Lay Abstract has been provided as Appendix A).

[Evaluation of spino-pelvic mobility; its importance in preventing total hip replacement dislocation]. / Evaluación de la movilidad espino-pélvica; su importancia para prevenir la luxación de prótesis total de cadera.

Recently, it has been recognized that changes in sagittal alignment and spinopelvic mobility due to alterations of the lumbosacral spine can influence the dislocation of a hip replacement. The biggest difficulties for this problem are: a) the bibliography related to this topic has been written in English and there is confusion in its terminology; b) there is no consensus on what parameters should be used to identify, measure, and estimate the risks of dislocation occurring; c) the basic concepts that interrelate spinal disorders and prosthetic dislocation are not clearly understood; and d) spine and hip surgeons pursue different goals. The objective of this narrative review is to overcome the aforementioned difficulties by using a strategy to answer some questions: Is hip dislocation really a problem? What is the interrelationship between alterations in the pelvic spinal balance and the dislocation of a prosthesis? How is sagittal balance and lumbosacral mobility defined and how can their alterations be measured? What are their compensatory mechanisms to achieve a good functioning and how these mechanisms can be used to correctly orient the acetabulum? To document this review, we consulted the databases of PubMed, Scopus, SciELO and Google Scholar with the keywords: Spinopelvic, Total Hip Arthroplasty, Hip Dislocation, Spine-Pelvis-hip Arthroplasty. The articles that, in the author's opinion, were the most objective and/or relevant for the study of this topic were selected.

Recientemente se ha reconocido que los cambios en alineación sagital y la movilidad espino-pélvica por alteraciones de la columna lumbosacra pueden ejercer influencia en la luxación de una prótesis de cadera. Las mayores dificultades para este problema son: a) que la bibliografía relacionada con este tema se ha escrito en idioma inglés y hay confusiones en su terminología; b) no hay consenso de cuáles son los parámetros que deben utilizarse para identificarla, medirla y para estimar los riesgos de que ocurra una luxación; c) no se conocen con claridad los conceptos básicos que interrelacionen los trastornos de la columna y la luxación protésica; y d) que los cirujanos de columna y artroplásticos de cadera persiguen diferentes objetivos. Esta revisión narrativa persigue como objetivo allanar las dificultades antes mencionadas, utilizando como estrategia contestar algunas preguntas: ¿la luxación de cadera es realmente un problema?; ¿cuál es la interrelación entre las alteraciones en el balance espino-pélvico y la luxación de una prótesis?; ¿cómo se define el balance sagital y la movilidad lumbosacra y cómo se pueden medir sus alteraciones?; ¿cuáles son sus mecanismos compensatorios para lograr un buen funcionamiento, y cómo se pueden aprovechar estos mecanismos para orientar correctamente el acetábulo? Para documentar esta revisión se consultaron las bases de datos de PubMed, Scopus, SciELO y Google Académico con las palabras clave: Spinopelvic, Total Hip Arthroplasty, Hip Dislocation, Spine-Pelvis-hip Arthroplasty. Se seleccionaron los artículos que a juicio del autor fueron los más objetivos y/o relevantes para el estudio de este tema.

[Translated article] Comparative study of deep lipomas and atypical lipomatous tumours: Malignancy risk factors.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The diagnostic suspicion of an atypical lipomatous tumour (ALT) is difficult. The aim of this study is to delve into the most controversial diagnostic aspects of the subject. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Observational, longitudinal and retrospective study of a series of 96 deep adipose tumours (75 lipomas and 21 TLA) from 2006 to 2016: demographic, clinical, imaging and pathological variables were analysed and compared, as well as other variables related to treatment and oncological outcomes of the patients. A descriptive analysis of the collected variables was performed for the statistical study. To evaluate the potential predictor variables of malignancy, a multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed, including those that were statistically significant in the univariate analysis. RESULTS: Older age at diagnosis, lower limb location and larger size were significantly more frequent in ALTs. MRI findings showed no statistically significant differences between the two groups. In multivariate analysis, the same clinical variables were confirmed as predictors of malignancy. In the ROC curve, an optimal cut-off point of 134.0mm was used as a predictor of malignancy. CONCLUSIONS: Advanced age, location in the lower limbs and larger size are risk factors for malignancy in the differential diagnosis of deep lipomas and atypical lipomatous tumours. No radiological variable on MRI reached significance as a predictor of malignancy in our series.

Satisfaction assessment study in patients (and their partners) with/without Peyronie's disease and penile prosthesis implantation.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Among the many treatments for erectile dysfunction, implantation of a penile prosthesis has been associated with high patient satisfaction rates. However, patients with coexistent Peyronie's disease (PD) and refractory erectile dysfunction and/or severe deformities may show different results. The aim of our study was to assess and to compare the level of satisfaction, with an inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP), in men with/without coexistent PD. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A survey study based on a five-item satisfaction questionnaire was submitted to all those live patients implanted in the period 1992-2022 at our center (n=570) and their partners. Ninety-two percent of implants were inflatable devices. Surgeries were mainly performed by two surgeons. The main outcome measure used was the level of patient and partner satisfaction with sexual intercourse after IPP. RESULTS: Of the 570 eligible patients, 479 (84%) completed the survey (393 Non-PD: GROUP 1; 70 non-complex PD-Group 2; 16 complex PD). Eighty-six per cent of patients in Group 1 reported satisfactory sexual intercourse (very or moderately satisfied). Non-complex PD implanted patients (Group 2) reported a global 81% satisfactory sexual intercourse (very or moderately satisfied) (p>0.05). However, when we evaluated the PD subgroup of patients with severe PD who require incision/excision/grafting at the time of implant (Group 3: n=20), only 61% reported satisfactory sexual intercourse (p<0.01) with predominance of moderately satisfied patients over very satisfied: 78% vs. 22%). Additionally, 84% (Group 1), 80% (Group 2) and 54% (Group 3) of partners reported satisfactory intercourses, respectively (p<0.01). Overall, 84% of Group 1 implants and 79% of Group 2 reported that they would undergo the procedure again if the IPP failed (p>0.05; ns). Only 50% of Group 3 patients would do it again. With regard to cosmetic aspects, 48% of the Group 3 implant reported penile shortness or soft glans as the main causes of their dissatisfaction. Only 2.4% of total PP patients expressed difficulty in manipulating the device. CONCLUSION: The presence of PD alone may not impact PP patient and partner satisfaction, but patients with more severe baseline deformity who require incision/grafting may be less satisfied with outcomes including penile length and glans sensation.

Diversity of Anastrepha spp. (Diptera: Tephritidae) in the Chaco Biome.

Species of the genus Anastrepha cause injuries to several fruits and vegetables in the Nearctic and Neotropical regions. Among these species, many are present in Brazil. In this study, we surveyed the existing Anastrepha species in the Brazilian Chaco Biome. We evaluated possible influences of climate and vegetation on the occurrence of Anastrepha spp. For this, we used traps and hydrolyzed protein as bait. Collections were carried out in three distinct floristic compositions in the Chaco biome, from permanently dry areas to flooded sites. We identified Anastrepha fraterculus (Wiedemann, 1830), A. sororcula Zucchi 1979, A. undosa Stone 1942, and A. daciformis Bezzi 1909. The dry and flooded environment did not influence the occurrence of Anastrepha species. The presence of multiple hosts increases the number of species. The richness and abundance of Anastrepha species are lower in the Brazilian Chaco than in other native environments.

Are trunk stability and endurance determinant factors for whole-body dynamic balance in physically active young males? A multidimensional analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Determine if (a) a better trunk stability and endurance are associated with an improved whole-body dynamic balance, and if (b) the assessment tests can be interchanged within each capability. METHODS: Sixty-three physically active young males performed three trunk stability (i.e., the lumbopelvic stability, the unstable sitting and the sudden loading sitting tests), three trunk muscle endurance (i.e., the Biering-Sørensen, the side bridge and the front bridge tests) and four whole-body dynamic balance (i.e., the tandem and the single-leg stance, the Y-Balance, and the single-leg triple hop tests) tests two times. After assessing the reliability of the variables, a Pearson correlation analysis was performed. RESULTS: The correlations between trunk stability and endurance tests with dynamic balance tests were non-significant except for the unstable sitting test with both the tandem (r = 0.502) and the single-leg stance (r = 0.522) tests. Moreover, no relationships were observed between the trunk stability and the trunk muscle endurance tests. Interestingly, no relationships were found between most tests within each capability (i.e., trunk stability, trunk endurance, and dynamic balance) except: (i) the front bridge stability test and the back (r = 0.461) and the side (r = 0.499) bridge stability tests; (ii) the two side bridge endurance tests (r = 0.786); (iii) the tandem and the single-leg stance tests (0.439 ≤ r ≤ 0.463); (iv) the Y-Balance and the single-leg triple hop tests (0.446 ≤ r ≤ 0.477). CONCLUSION: Better trunk function does not seem to be a relevant factor for dynamic balance in young active males. In this population, specific measures are needed as the test interchangeability is questioned.

Comparative study of deep lipomas and atypical lipomatous tumours: Malignancy risk factors. / Estudio comparativo de lipomas profundos y tumor lipomatoso atípico. Factores pronósticos de malignidad.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The diagnostic suspicion of an atypical lipomatous tumour (ALT) is difficult. The aim of this study is to delve into the most controversial diagnostic aspects of the subject. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Observational, longitudinal, and retrospective study of a series of 96 deep adipose tumours (75 lipomas and 21 TLA) from 2006 to 2016: demographic, clinical, imaging and pathological variables were analysed and compared, as well as other variables related to treatment and oncological outcomes of the patients. A descriptive analysis of the collected variables was performed for the statistical study. To evaluate the potential predictor variables of malignancy, a multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed, including those that were statistically significant in the univariate analysis. RESULTS: Older age at diagnosis, lower limb location and larger size were significantly more frequent in ALTs. MRI findings showed no statistically significant differences between the two groups. In multivariate analysis, the same clinical variables were confirmed as predictors of malignancy. In the ROC curve, an optimal cut-off point of 134.0 mm was used as a predictor of malignancy. CONCLUSIONS: Advanced age, location in the lower limbs and larger size are risk factors for malignancy in the differential diagnosis of deep lipomas and atypical lipomatous tumours. No radiological variable on MRI reached significance as a predictor of malignancy in our series.

[Translated article] Mechanical resistance of polylactic acid bone matrices developed by 3D printing for the reconstruction of bone defects.

INTRODUCTION: Bone defects are one of the main limitations in orthopaedic surgery and traumatology. For this reason, multiple bone replacement systems have been developed, either by prosthetic implant or by substitution with osteoforming substances, whose limitations are their survival and lack of structurality, respectively. The objective of this work is the generation of a new material for the creation of biologically active structures that have sufficient tensile strength to maintain the structure during remodelling. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A new filament based on the fusion of natural polylactide acid (PLA) powder was designed for the generation of pieces by means of fused deposition modelling (FDM) on which to carry out tensile mechanical tests of osteosynthesis material. A total of 13 groups with different cortical thickness, filling and layer height were carried out, with 10 tensile tests in each group, defining the tensile breaking limit for each group. The regression lines for each group and their mechanical resistance to traction on the filament used were determined. RESULTS: The filament ratio per contact surface unit with the osteosynthesis used was the main determinant of the mechanical resistance to traction, either at the expense of the increase in cortical thickness or by the increase in the percentage of cancellous bone filling. Layer height had a minor effect on tensile strength. The regression value was high for cortical thickness and cancellous filling, being elements with a predictable biomechanical behaviour. CONCLUSIONS: The new methodology allows the creation of personalised neutral and implantable PLA bone matrices for the reconstruction of large bone defects by means of 3D printing by FDM with a mechanical resistance to traction greater than that of current biological support structures.

Immunogenicity of BNT162b2 vaccine after two and three doses in health personnel and institutionalized elderly people not infected with SARS-CoV-2.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of our research was to compare the evolution of the immune response induced by the BNT162b2 vaccine after the administration of two and three doses in healthcare personnel and in institutionalized elderly people (>65 years of age) without previous SARS-CoV-2 infection. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective observational study was carried out on a convenience sample made up of health workers and institutionalized elderly people, measuring antibodies against S and N proteins of SARS-CoV-2 two and six months after receiving the second vaccine dose, as well as two months after receiving the third dose. RESULTS: A significant reduction of the anti-S humoral immune response was reported six months after the second dose of vaccine in both health workers and residents. The administration of a third dose of vaccine induced a significant increase in this antibody response in both investigated groups reaching a similar proportion of responders two months after this third dose. CONCLUSIONS: Humoral immunity induced by two doses of the BNT162b2 vaccine in persons without prior SARS-CoV-2 infection wanes over time. The administration of a third dose significantly increases anti-S antibodies being highly recommended, especially in people over 65 years of age.

Facilitation of macrofaunal assemblages in marinas by the habitat-forming invader Amathia verticillata (Bryozoa: Gymnolaemata) across a spatiotemporal scale.

Widespread habitat-forming invaders inhabiting marinas, such as the spaghetti bryozoan Amathia verticillata, allow exploring facilitation processes across spatiotemporal contexts. Here we investigate the role of this bryozoan as habitat for native and exotic macrofaunal assemblages across different ecoregions of Western Mediterranean and East Atlantic coasts, and a monthly variation over a year. While only 7 (all peracarid crustaceans) of the 54 associated species were NIS, they dominated macrofaunal assemblages in terms of abundance, raising the potential for invasional meltdown. NIS richness and community structure differed among marinas but not among ecoregions, highlighting the importance of marina singularities in modulating facilitation at spatial scale. Despite facilitation did not depend on bryozoan abundance fluctuations, it was affected by its deciduous pattern, peaking in summer and disappearing in late winter. Monitoring A. verticillata in marinas, especially in summer periods, may improve the detection and management of multiple associated NIS.

Successful cryopreservation in biodegradable containers of sperm from aquaculture Mediterranean fishes.

We aimed to evaluate the efficiency of hard-gelatin and hard-hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) capsules as biodegradable alternative containers to plastic straws in European eel (Anguilla anguilla), gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) and European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) sperm cryopreservation. Sperm samples from each European eel (n = 12) were diluted 1:8:1 (sperm: extender P1+5 % egg yolk: methanol). Gilthead seabream (n = 12) samples were individually diluted in a cryoprotectant solution of 5 % Me2SO + NaCl 1 % plus BSA (10 mg mL-1) at a ratio of 1:6 (sperm: cryoprotectant solution). European sea bass (n = 10) sperm from each male was diluted in non-activating medium (NAM) at a ratio of 1:5.7 (sperm: NAM), and 5 % of Me2SO was added. The diluted European eel and sea bass sperm aliquots (0.5 mL) were individually filled in plastic straws (0.5 mL), hard-gelatin, and HPMC capsules (0.68 mL). Gilthead seabream diluted sperm (0.25 mL) were filled in plastic straws (0.25 mL) and identical capsules described. All samples were frozen in liquid nitrogen vapor and stored in a liquid nitrogen tank. Sperm kinetic parameters were evaluated by CASA-Mot software. Sperm membrane integrity was performed using a Live and Dead KIT and an epifluorescence microscope. To quantify DNA damage, the alkaline comet assay was performed and TailDNA (TD-%) and Olive Tail Moment (OTM) were evaluated by CaspLab software. Sperm cryopreservation of the three Mediterranean species in straws, gelatin, or HPMC capsules reduced the kinetic parameters and cell membrane integrity. Generally, the post-thawing samples cryopreserved in straws and capsules did not differ for the kinetic parameters and cell membrane integrity, except for European sea bass sperm, where the samples stored in gelatin capsules showed higher velocities (VCL - 100; VSL - 76; VAP - 90 µm s-1) than the sperm stored in HPMC capsules (VCL - 87; VSL - 59; VAP - 73 µm s-1). The cryopreservation process did not damage the sperm DNA of European eel and European sea bass, regardless of the containers used. On the other hand, gilthead seabream sperm cryopreserved in gelatin (TD - 9.8 %; OTM - 9.7) and HPMC (TD - 11.1 %; OTM - 11.2) capsules showed higher DNA damage than fresh samples (TD - 3.6 %; OTM - 2.7) and the sperm stored in straws (TD - 4.4 %; OTM - 5.2). The hard-gelatin and HPMC biodegradable capsules can be used as an alternative to straws for European eel, gilthead seabream, and European sea bass sperm cryopreservation.

The novel FAAH inhibitor, MCH1, reduces the infarction area in the motor cortex-related region but does not affect the sensorimotor function or memory and spatial learning in rats exposed to transient middle cerebral artery occlusion.

Macamides, amides of fatty acids first isolated from maca (Lepidium meyenii) are potentially responsible for the reduction of ischemic injury in the stroke animal model followed by maca extract administration. This deduction comes from its ability to inhibit the fatty acid amide hydrolase activity, an enzyme related to the endocannabinoid anandamide hydrolysis. However, no study about the effects of isolated macamides on in-vivo models has been published yet. Our objective was to evaluate the effect of a 10-day 30 mg/kg i.p. MCH1 administration, the macamide with the higher FAAH inhibition capability, on the neurological recovery and brain infarction area of Sprague-Dawley rats exposed to the transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model. Our results showed that the group receiving MCH1 for 10 days did not improve Garcia's neurological score compared to receiving the vehicle only. Likewise, the MCH1 group did not improve their sensorimotor dysfunction as indicated by the latency to detect and remove the tape from the contralateral forepaw in the adhesive removal test, and a similar number of errors with the contralateral forepaw in the foot fault test compared to the vehicle group at the 10th day. Evaluation of the spatial memory and learning using the Barnes test showed longer latency to reach the escape box in the Vehicle and MCH1 groups compared to the control group (no MCAO) only in the retrieval test, while no effect of MCAO procedure or MCH1 administration was observed in the reversal learning test. Despite the lack of behavioral effect of MCH1, analysis of the infarcted areas in the brain using the 2, 3, 5-Triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining method in the seven consecutive coronal sections revealed that the infarcted area in the first (bregma + 4.2 mm) and fifth (bregma -3.8 mm) coronal sections of the MCAO + MCH1 group remained similar to the Control group. These results provide evidence that MCH1 can limit damage from ischemic stroke, although it is not reflected in neurological or sensorimotor behavior and spatial learning and memory.

Evolution of appraisal tool usage preferences in PROSPERO records: a study of non-Cochrane systematic reviews.

OBJECTIVES: This research-on-research substudy uses a data-driven approach to investigate the range of appraisal tools in non-Cochrane systematic reviews and meta-analyses registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO). STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: A comprehensive web scraping of all completed non-Cochrane registrations in PROSPERO from February 2011 to December 2017 was performed. The focus was classifying the appraisal tools based on study type, assessment aspects, and research topics. RESULTS: After analyzing 17,708 complete records, we found a predominant use of methodological quality assessment tools compared to those for reporting quality or risk of bias (RoB). This indicates a greater emphasis on methodological rigor in the studied protocols. Various tools for assessing methodological quality were observed, reflecting the complexity of such evaluations. Instruments designed for evaluating methodological or reporting quality were mainly intended for non-randomized clinical trials or observational studies, unlike RoB tools more commonly used in randomized clinical trials. No distinct trends in tool usage were observed in specific research conditions or domains, suggesting that tool choice is influenced more by study design than research topic. CONCLUSION: This study provides insights into the preferential use of various assessment tools in conducting non-Cochrane systematic reviews, as evidenced in PROSPERO records. The findings reveal various methodological assessment tools, underscoring their versatility across different study designs and research areas.

The icope Intrinsic Capacity Screening Tool: Measurement Structure and Predictive Validity of Dependence and Hospitalization.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the measurement structure of the ICOPE screening tool (IST) of intrinsic capacity and to find out whether the IST as a global measure adds explanatory power over and above its domains in isolation to predict the occurrence of adverse health outcomes such as dependence and hospitalization in community-dwelling older people. DESIGN: Secondary analysis of a cohort study, the Toledo Study of Healthy Ageing. SETTING: Province of Toledo, Spain. PARTICIPANTS: Community-dwelling older people. MEASUREMENTS: Items equal or similar to those of the IST were introduced as a reflective-formative construct in a Structural Equation Model to evaluate its measurement structure and its association with dependence for basic and instrumental activities and hospitalization over a three-year period. RESULTS: A total of 1032 individuals were analyzed. Mean age was 73.5 years (sd 5.4). The least preserved indicators were ability to recall three words (18%) and to perform chair stands (54%). Vision and hearing items did not form a single sensory domain, so six domains were considered. Several cognition items did not show sufficiently strong and univocal associations with the domain. After pruning the ill-behaved items, the measurement model fit was excellent (Satorra-Bentler scaled chi-square: 10.3, degrees of freedom: 11, p=0.501; CFI: 1.000; RMSEA: 0.000, 90% CI: 0.000-0.031, p value RMSEA<=0.05: 1; SRMR: 0.055). In the structural model, the cognition domain items were not associated as expected with age (p values 0.158 and 0.293), education (p values 0.190 and 0.432) and dependence (p values 0.654 and 0.813). The IST included as a composite in a model with the individual domains showed no statistically significant associations with any of the outcomes (dependence for basic activities: 0.162, p=0.167; instrumental: -0.052, p=0.546; hospitalization: 0.145, p=0.167), while only the mobility domain did so for dependence (basic: -0.266, p=0.005; instrumental: -0.138, p=0.019). The model fit of the last version was good (Satorra-Bentler scaled chi-square: 52.1, degrees of freedom: 52, p=0.469; CFI: 1.000; TLI: 1.000; RMSEA: 0.01, 90% CI: 0.000-0.02, p value RMSEA<=0.05: 1; SRMR: 0.071). The IST operationalized as the sum of non-impaired domains was not associated after covariate adjustment (dependence for basic activities: -0.065, p=0.356; instrumental: -0.08, p=0.05; hospitalization: -0.003, p=0.949) either. CONCLUSION: The cognitive domain of the IST, and probably other of its items, may need a reformulation. A global measure of intrinsic capacity such as the IST does not add explanatory power to the individual domains that constitute it. So far, our results confirm the importance of checking the findings of the IST with a second confirmatory step, as described in the WHO's ICOPE strategy.