Bacterial assemblages structure in intensive cultivations of the microalga Tetradesmus obliquus.

The present study shows the characterization of the bacterial communities associated with different systems during the cultivation of the microalga Tetradesmus obliquus. For that, sequential cultivation was performed in three different systems: (1) Photobioreactor bench-scale; (2) flat-panel photobioreactor; and (3) thin-layer cascade. Cultures were monitored daily for growth parameters and biomass samples were collected for characterization of bacterial communities using metagenomic. A total of 195,177 reads were produced, resulting in the identification of 72 OTUs. In the grouping of bacterial communities, 3 phyla, 6 classes, 28 families, and 35 taxa were found. The bacteria Brevundimonas and Porphyrobacter had a higher relative abundance compared with other taxa found. These taxa were present in all cultivation systems forming a possible core community. Bacterial communities associated with different cultivation systems of the microalga T. obliquus showed an increase in taxa richness and diversity in the super-intensive and intensive systems.

Do Changes in Fitness Status, Testosterone Concentration, and Anthropometric Characteristics Across a 16-Month Training Period Influence Technical Performance of Youth Soccer Players During Small-Sided Games?

ABSTRACT: Rodrigues Lopes, RA, Aoki, MS, Carling, C, Vaz Ronque, ER, and Moreira, A. Do changes in fitness status, testosterone concentration, and anthropometric characteristics across a 16-month training period influence technical performance of youth soccer players during small-sided-games? J Strength Cond Res 36(5): 1404-1409, 2022-This study examined the influence of changes in physical capacity, testosterone concentration, and anthropometric characteristics across a 16-month training period on technical performance of youth players during small-sided games (SSG). Thirty-five elite youth players (14.3 ± 0.2 years, 170 ± 6.2 cm, and 61 ± 6 kg) were assessed on 3 occasions (T1, T2, and T3) over the period. A multivariate canonical correlation (MCC) was used to assess the multiple associations between the criterion variable (SSG technical performance) and the predictor variable (physical capacity represented by the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 [Yo-Yo IRT1], testosterone concentration, and anthropometric characteristics). Changes between T1 and T3 were retained for MCC analysis. Multivariate canonical correlation analysis revealed 2 significant functions (R2 = 0.42 and 0.36) indicating a significant relationship between predictor and criterion variables. Changes in Yo-Yo IRT1 performance were the main contributor to the predictor variable, whereas the frequency of tackles/interceptions contributed mostly to the criterion variable (SSG technical performance). These results showed that technical performance in SSG was influenced by changes in Yo-Yo IRT1 performance, suggesting the importance of monitoring in conjunction, intermittent exercise capacity, and technical performance in SSG in youth soccer players. In addition, the stability in technical performance during SSG observed over the experimental period suggests that practitioners could use SSG as a tool for systematic real-world monitoring of technical performance rather than isolated practice drills.

The secreted acid trehalase encoded by the CgATH1 gene is involved in Candida glabrata virulence.

BACKGROUND: Candida glabrata yeast is the second cause of candidiasis worldwide. Differs from other yeasts since assimilates only glucose and trehalose (a characteristic used in rapid identification tests for this pathogen) by secreting into the medium a highly active acid trehalase encoded by the CgATH1 gene. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to characterise the function of the acid trehalase in the physiopathology of C. glabrata. METHODS: Gene deletion was performed to obtain a mutant ath1Δ strain, and the ability of the ath1Δ strain to grow in trehalase, or the presence of trehalase activity in the ath1Δ yeast cells, was verified. We also tested the virulence of the ath1Δ strain in a murine model of infection. FINDINGS: The ath1Δ mutant strain grows normally in the presence of glucose, but loses its ability to grow in trehalose. Due to the high acid trehalase activity present in wild-type cells, the cytoplasmic neutral trehalase activity is only detected in the ath1Δ strain. We also observed a significantly lower virulence of the ath1Δ strain in a murine model of infection with either normal or immunocompromised mice. MAIN CONCLUSIONS: The acid trehalase is involved in the hydrolysis of external trehalose by C. glabrata, and the enzyme also plays a major virulence role during infectivity.

Analysis of the Survival of Dental Implants Installed in Reconstructed Maxilla With Autogenous Iliac Crest Graft: 7- to 9-Year Follow-Up.

The aim of this study was to analyze the survival of dental implants installed in maxillae reconstructed with autogenous iliac crest grafts and to assess patient satisfaction with the treatment by means of a questionnaire. The study conducted medical record reviews and clinical/radiographic assessments of 10 patients with severe maxillary atrophy who had undergone reconstruction with autogenous iliac crest grafts and rehabilitation with dental implants between 2008 and 2011. Patients were assessed for the survival of the implants, considering implant diameter and length, smoking status, diagnosis of diabetes, type of loss, and region of implant loss. In addition, a questionnaire with specific questions on the patients' satisfaction with the treatment was administered. Seventy-six implants were installed in the sampled patients, and only 1 loss was observed (late loss in the anterior maxilla region) after an average follow-up of 7.9 years, which corresponds to a 98.60% survival rate. The installed implants were of the most frequently used dimension (3.75 × 10 mm). One sampled patient was diabetic, and a second patient was both diabetic and a smoker. No loss of implants was observed in these 2 patients. All patients reported being completely satisfied with the treatment and would undergo the procedure again or refer it to a friend/relative. Six patients reported regular maintenance of the prosthesis, and only 3 had changed the prosthesis prior to the time of questionnaire administration. The results of this limited study with a restricted sample population suggest that the reconstruction of the maxilla with an autogenous iliac crest graft provides both adequate implant survival and patient satisfaction.

V diagram as a tool for analytical integration of theoretical, conceptual, and methodological knowledge in health care. / O diagrama V como ferramenta de integração analítica de conhecimentos teórico-conceituais e metodológicos na saúde.

OBJECTIVE: To produce a reflection on the ability of the V diagram to integrate theoretical, conceptual, and methodological knowledge obtained from complex, non-explicitly identifiable systems, models, and theories. METHODS: Reflection study with an analytical characteristic. RESULTS: The V Diagram is presented as an instrument that can ensure an integrated analysis between theoretical and conceptual knowledge (worldview and philosophy, theories, principles, constructs, and concepts), and the analysis or production of methodological knowledge (data records, transformations, knowledge assertions, and value assertions). Examples are related to the Unified Health System (SUS), and care in Psychosocial Care Centers for Alcohol and Drugs. CONCLUSIONS: V diagram is an instrument capable of producing an integrated analysis of the knowledge contained in productions linked to complex and non-explicitly identifiable models and theories as a theoretical model, theory or framework applying deductive and inductive procedures.

A Middleware with Comprehensive Quality of Context Support for the Internet of Things Applications.

Context aware systems are able to adapt their behavior according to the environment in which the user is. They can be integrated into an Internet of Things (IoT) infrastructure, allowing a better perception of the user's physical environment by collecting context data from sensors embedded in devices known as smart objects. An IoT extension called the Internet of Mobile Things (IoMT) suggests new scenarios in which smart objects and IoT gateways can move autonomously or be moved easily. In a comprehensive view, Quality of Context (QoC) is a term that can express quality requirements of context aware applications. These requirements can be those related to the quality of information provided by the sensors (e.g., accuracy, resolution, age, validity time) or those referring to the quality of the data distribution service (e.g, reliability, delay, delivery time). Some functionalities of context aware applications and/or decision-making processes of these applications and their users depend on the level of quality of context available, which tend to vary over time for various reasons. Reviewing the literature, it is possible to verify that the quality of context support provided by IoT-oriented middleware systems still has limitations in relation to at least four relevant aspects: (i) quality of context provisioning; (ii) quality of context monitoring; (iii) support for heterogeneous device and technology management; (iv) support for reliable data delivery in mobility scenarios. This paper presents two main contributions: (i) a state-of-the-art survey specifically aimed at analyzing the middleware with quality of context support and; (ii) a new middleware with comprehensive quality of context support for Internet of Things Applications. The proposed middleware was evaluated and the results are presented and discussed in this article, which also shows a case study involving the development of a mobile remote patient monitoring application that was developed using the proposed middleware. This case study highlights how middleware components were used to meet the quality of context requirements of the application. In addition, the proposed middleware was compared to other solutions in the literature.

Sandwich Osteotomies to Treat Vertical Defects of the Alveolar Ridge.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the vertical bone gain after osteotomy sandwich. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fourteen patients (mean age, 41 years) underwent 17 procedures of osteotomy sandwich. Of these 17 procedures, 15 involved reconstructive surgery and 2 involved the repositioning of implants. The patients were submitted to computed tomography before the surgical procedure and 4 months after the completion of the graft, with measurements taken to assess the vertical gain that had been achieved. RESULTS: The results confirmed a satisfactory vertical gain in all cases (mean, 5.12 mm). The use of autogenous graft or biomaterial particles (in isolation) between the osteotomized segments proved to be viable. Three patients reported postoperative paresthesia, which healed spontaneously after 3 months. One patient exhibited dehiscence due to not following the postoperative recommendations. Forty implants were installed in the grafted regions, and 2 implants were repositioned. CONCLUSION: The technique of sandwich osteotomy was found to be effective for height gain, and different materials can be used between the osteotomized segments.

Is the technical performance of young soccer players influenced by hormonal status, sexual maturity, anthropometric profile, and physical performance?

The aim of this study was to examine the influence of hormonal status, anthropometric profile, sexual maturity level, and physical performance on the technical abilities of 40 young male soccer players during small-sided games (SSGs). Anthropometric profiling, saliva sampling, sexual maturity assessment (Tanner scale), and physical performance tests (Yo-Yo and vertical jumps) were conducted two weeks prior to the SSGs. Salivary testosterone was determined by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. Technical performance was determined by the frequency of actions during SSGs. Principal component analyses identified four technical actions of importance: total number of passes, effectiveness, goal attempts, and total tackles. A multivariate canonical correlation analysis was then employed to verify the prediction of a multiple dependent variables set (composed of four technical actions) from an independent set of variables, composed of testosterone concentration, stage of pubic hair and genitalia development, vertical jumps and Yo-Yo performance. A moderate-to-large relationship between the technical performance set and the independent set was observed. The canonical correlation was 0.75 with a canonical R2 of 0.45. The highest structure coefficient in the technical performance set was observed for tackles (0.77), while testosterone presented the highest structure coefficient (0.75) for the variables of the independent set. The current data suggest that the selected independent set of variables might be useful in predicting SSG performance in young soccer players. Coaches should be aware that physical development plays a key role in technical performance to avoid decision-making mistakes during the selection of young players.

IL-10 is required for polarization of macrophages to M2-like phenotype by mycobacterial DnaK (heat shock protein 70).

Macrophages are key cells in the innate immune system. They phagocytose pathogens and cellular debris, promote inflammation, and have important roles in tumor immunity. Depending on the microenvironment, macrophages can polarize to M1 (inflammatory) or M2 (anti-inflammatory) phenotypes. Extracellular DnaK (the bacterial ortholog of the mammalian Hsp70) from Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) was described to exert immune modulatory roles in an IL-10 dependent manner. We have previously observed that endotoxin-free DnaK can polarize macrophages to an M2-like phenotype. However, the mechanisms that underlie this polarization need to be further investigated. IL-10 has been described to promote macrophage polarization, so we investigated the involvement of this cytokine in macrophages stimulated with extracellular DnaK. IL-10 was required to induce the expression of M2 markers - Ym1 and Fizz, when macrophages were treated with DnaK. Blockade of IL-10R also impaired DnaK induced polarization, demonstrating the requirement of the IL-10/IL-10R signaling pathway in this polarization. DnaK was able to induce TGF-ß mRNA in treated macrophages in an IL-10 dependent manner. However, protein TGF-ß could not be detected in culture supernatants. Finally, using an in vivo allogeneic melanoma model, we observed that DnaK-treated macrophages can promote tumor growth in an IL-10-dependent manner. Our results indicate that the IL-10/IL-10R axis is required for DnaK-induced M2-like polarization in murine macrophages.

Brazilian nursing specific situation, middle and micro-range theories: a bibliometric study.

OBJECTIVES: to map the nursing theories developed in stricto sensu graduate programs in nursing in Brazil. METHODS: a bibliometric study, carried out on the Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel Theses and Dissertations Portal in October 2023. The controlled descriptors "Nursing Theory" and "Nursing Models" and the uncontrolled descriptors "Theories" and "Middle-Range Theory" were used. Selected studies were cataloged for analysis, which was conducted by the study authors, who have a doctoral degree and expertise in research on nursing theories. RESULTS: thirty-nine nursing theories were mapped, with a predominance of middle-range theories (79.5%), focusing on nursing diagnostic concepts and use of the theoretical-methodology strategy of theoretical-causal validity. CONCLUSIONS: the study identified nursing theories developed in Brazil, recognizing trends, development strategies, theorized objects of disciplinary interest and investments necessary for practical application in Brazilian contexts.

Benchmarking mobile applications for the health of people with Diabetes Mellitus.

OBJECTIVE: to map the content and features of mobile applications on the management of Diabetes Mellitus and their usability on the main operating systems. METHOD: benchmarking research. The mapping of apps, content, and resources on the Play Store and App Store platforms was based on an adaptation of the Joanna Briggs Institute's scoping review framework. For the usability analysis, the apps were tested for two weeks and the System Usability Scale instrument was used, with scores between 50-67 points being considered borderline, between 68-84, products with acceptable usability and above 85, excellent user acceptance and, for the analysis, descriptive statistics. RESULTS: the most prevalent contents were capillary blood glucose management, diet, oral drug therapy, and insulin therapy. As for resources, diaries and graphs were the most common. With regard to usability, two apps were considered to have excellent usability; 34, products with acceptable usability; 29, the resource may have some flaws but still has acceptable usability standards and 6, with flaws and no usability conditions. CONCLUSION: the content and resources of mobile applications address the fundamental points for managing Diabetes Mellitus with user-friendly resources, with usability acceptable to users and have the potential to assist in the management of Diabetes Mellitus in patients' daily lives.

Clinical validity of the nursing diagnosis risk for unstable blood glucose level in persons with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A case-control study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess clinical-causal validity evidence of the nursing diagnosis, risk for unstable blood glucose level (00179), in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus. METHODS: A case-control study was conducted in 5 primary healthcare units, involving 107 subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus, 60 in the case group and 47 in the control group. Causality was determined by the association between sociodemographic and clinical factors, risk factors related to the nursing diagnosis, and the occurrence of unstable blood glucose level. An association was considered when the risk factor had a p-value of <0.05 and odds ratio >1. RESULTS: Risk factors, such as stress, inadequate physical activity, and low adherence to therapeutic regimen, were prevalent in the sample. Time since diagnosis between 1-5 and 6-10 years, multiracial ethnicity, and the risk factor of low adherence to therapeutic regimen increased the likelihood of the outcome. Completion of high school education was identified as a protective factor. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical validation of the nursing diagnosis, risk for unstable blood glucose level, has been successfully established, revealing a clear association between sociodemographic and clinical factors and the risk factors inherent to the nursing diagnosis. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: The results contribute to advancing scientific knowledge related to nursing education, research, and practice and provide support for the evolution of nursing care processes for individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a evidência de validade clínico­causal do diagnóstico de enfermagem, risco para nível instável de glicose no sangue (00179), em indivíduos com diabetes mellitus tipo 2. MÉTODO: Foi realizado um estudo caso­controle em cinco unidades básicas de saúde, envolvendo 107 indivíduos com diabetes mellitus tipo 2, 60 no grupo caso e 47 no grupo controle. A causalidade foi determinada pela associação entre fatores sociodemográficos e clínicos, fatores de risco relacionados ao diagnóstico de enfermagem e a ocorrência de nível instável de glicose no sangue. Uma associação foi considerada quando o fator de risco tinha um valor de p < 0.05 e odds ratio > 1. RESULTADOS: Fatores de risco como estresse, atividade física inadequada e baixa adesão ao regime terapêutico foram predominantes na amostra. O tempo desde o diagnóstico entre 1 e 5 anos e 6 a 10 anos, a etnia parda e o fator de risco baixa adesão ao regime terapêutico aumentaram a probabilidade do resultado. A conclusão do ensino médio foi identificada como um fator de proteção. CONCLUSÕES: A validação clínica do diagnóstico de enfermagem, risco para nível instável de glicose no sangue, foi estabelecida com sucesso, revelando uma clara associação entre fatores sociodemográficos e clínicos e os fatores de risco inerentes ao diagnóstico de enfermagem. IMPLICAÇÕES PARA A PRÁTICA DE ENFERMAGEM: Os resultados contribuem para o avanço do conhecimento científico relacionado à educação, à pesquisa e à prática de enfermagem e fornecem suporte para a evolução dos processos de cuidados de enfermagem para indivíduos com diabetes.

Combining genomic data and infection estimates to characterize the complex dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variants in the US.

Omicron surged as a variant of concern in late 2021. Several distinct Omicron variants appeared and overtook each other. We combined variant frequencies and infection estimates from a nowcasting model for each US state to estimate variant-specific infections, attack rates, and effective reproduction numbers (Rt). BA.1 rapidly emerged, and we estimate that it infected 47.7% of the US population before it was replaced by BA.2. We estimate that BA.5 infected 35.7% of the US population, persisting in circulation for nearly 6 months. Other variants-BA.2, BA.4, and XBB-together infected 30.7% of the US population. We found a positive correlation between the state-level BA.1 attack rate and social vulnerability and a negative correlation between the BA.1 and BA.2 attack rates. Our findings illustrate the complex interplay between viral evolution, population susceptibility, and social factors during the Omicron emergence in the US.

Extracellular Hsp70 inhibits pro-inflammatory cytokine production by IL-10 driven down-regulation of C/EBPß and C/EBPδ.

PURPOSE: Extracellular Hsp70 has anti-inflammatory potential, demonstrated in different models of inflammatory diseases. We investigated probable mechanisms used by Hsp70 to down-regulate pro-inflammatory cytokines. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analysed cytokine mRNA levels in bone marrow-derived murine dendritic cells treated with Hsp70, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and peptidoglycan (PGN) or OVA (an irrelevant protein control), hypothesising that this was mediated by C/EBPß and C/EBPδ transcription factors. We also tested the involvement of TLR2, IL-10, ERK and STAT3, using genetically deficient mice and pharmacological inhibitors. RESULTS: C/EBPß and C/EBPδ levels were inhibited in bone marrow derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) treated with Hsp70, and that correlated with inhibition of TNF-α, IFN-γ and MCP-1. Such inhibition was not observed in TLR2 or IL-10 knockout mice, and was also abrogated upon pretreatment of cells with ERK and JAK2/STAT3 inhibitors. CONCLUSIONS: C/EBPß and C/EBPδ transcription factors are inhibited by Hsp70 treatment, and their inhibition occurs via the TLR2-ERK-STAT3-IL-10 pathway in BMDCs, mediating the anti-inflammatory effects of Hsp70.

Prospective clinical assessment of pulp sensitivity after chin bone harvesting.

PROPOSAL: Evaluate pulp vitality of mandibular teeth after chin bone harvesting. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty patients underwent chin bone harvesting and accompanied for 12 months, being submitted to testing for pulp vitality with Endo Ice refrigerant spray to produce a local temperature of -50 °C. The statistical analysis was executed with McNemar test with P value < 0.05. RESULTS: Results show that canine teeth are most susceptible to alterations; 68.82% (181) of the teeth tested showed no loss of pulp sensitivity to cold 30 days after surgery (P < 0.05), and at the end of the study, that figure had risen to 100% (263) of all teeth included in the sample. CONCLUSIONS: Pulp vitality testing showed that 31.18% (82) of teeth experienced some loss of sensitivity, but by 12 months after surgery, all teeth had recuperated their pulp sensitivity to cold unaided.

Classification of crispness of food materials by deep neural networks.

Crispness is a textural characteristic that influences consumer choices, requiring a comprehensive understanding for product customization. Previous studies employing neural networks focused on acquiring audio through mechanical crushing of crispy samples. This research investigates the representation of crispy sound in time intervals and frequency domains, identifying key parameters to distinguish different foods. Two machine learning architectures, multi-layer perceptron (MLP) and residual neural network (ResNet), were used to analyze mel frequency cepstral coefficients (MFCC) and discrete Fourier transform (DFT) data, respectively. The models achieved over 95% accuracy "in-sample" successfully classifying fried chicken, potato chips, and toast using randomly extracted audio from ASMR videos. The MLP (MFCC) model demonstrated superior robustness compared to ResNet and predicted external inputs, such as freshly toasted bread acquired by a microphone or ASMR audio of toast in milk. In contrast, the ResNet model proved to be more responsive to variations in DFT spectrum and unable to predict the similarity of external audio sources, making it useful for classifying pretrained "in-samples". These findings are useful for classifying crispness among individual food sources. Additionally, the study explores the promising utilization of ASMR audio from Internet platforms to pretrain artificial neural network models, expanding the dataset for investigating the texture of crispy foods.

Architectural accessibility and perception of falls of elderly people in the peridomicile: mixed method.

OBJECTIVE: To describe contents, structure and origin of social representations about falls by elderly people, the peridomiciliary structural conditions that predispose to falls, and to relate the implications of these empirical evidence on the routine of the elderly in the architectural context. METHOD: Convergent mixed method by triangulation. Qualitative approaches(structural, n=195 and procedural, n=40of the Theory of Social Representations) and quantitative (descriptive sectional, n=183) were used. Elderly people enrolled in primary care were interviewed at home in 2018. Analysis techniques: categorical-thematic, prototypical, statistical, and deductive according to Leininger. RESULTS: Categories of analysis: 1) Peridomicile: fall scenario and 2) Aging and vulnerability: risk of falls in peridomicile. The following environmental characteristics were precursors to falls: uneven floors, holes, unevenness and objects in the pathway. Feelings and behaviors allocated in the possible central core are associated, justifying falls, and determining their causes. CONCLUSION: There was an association between the peridomiciliary architectural environment and the predictive characteristics of the risk of falls.