Obtention and Characterization of Microcrystalline Cellulose from Industrial Melon Residues Following a Biorefinery Approach.

Residual melon by-products were explored for the first time as a bioresource of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) obtention. Two alkaline extraction methods were employed, the traditional (4.5% NaOH, 2 h, 80 °C) and a thermo-alkaline in the autoclave (2% NaOH, 1 h, 100 °C), obtaining a yield of MCC ranging from 4.76 to 9.15% and 2.32 to 3.29%, respectively. The final MCCs were characterized for their chemical groups by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), crystallinity with X-ray diffraction, and morphology analyzed by scanning electron microscope (SEM). FTIR spectra showed that the traditional protocol allows for a more effective hemicellulose and lignin removal from the melon residues than the thermo-alkaline process. The degree of crystallinity of MCC ranged from 51.51 to 61.94% and 54.80 to 55.07% for the thermo-alkaline and traditional processes, respectively. The peaks detected in X-ray diffraction patterns indicated the presence of Type I cellulose. SEM analysis revealed microcrystals with rough surfaces and great porosity, which could remark their high-water absorption capacity and drug-carrier capacities. Thus, these findings could respond to the need to valorize industrial melon by-products as raw materials for MCC obtention with potential applications as biodegradable materials.

Exploring the fate of phlorotannins from Laminaria digitata across the gastrointestinal tract: Insights into susceptibility and bioactivity prior and post gastrointestinal digestion.

Phlorotannins are phenolic compounds exclusive from brown macroalgae endowed with promising bioactive properties. However, considering that diet is their main route of entrance to our system, gastrointestinal digestion might affect such bioactive properties. Here, phlorotannin extracts obtained from Laminaria digitata were submitted to simulated gastrointestinal digestion to evaluate its impact on their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Overall, a reduction of the total phlorotannin content along the gastrointestinal tract was noticed, although the antioxidant activity measured in vitro via NO● and O2●- scavenging assays, maintained almost the same. The crude extract (70 % v/v acetone) exhibited superior inhibition of NO● release on lipopolysaccharide-stimulated cells after digestion. In contrast, the opposite occurred to the phlorotannin-purified extract, indicating that the digestive process favors the anti-inflammatory properties of the former but not the latter. Data collected from UHPLC-MS analysis revealed that the fuhalol and carmalol-type compounds were completely absent from the digested phlorotannin-purified extract, which could partly explain its lower anti-inflammatory activity compared with its non-digested counterpart. Overall, this study contributes to a better understanding of the impact of gastrointestinal digestion on the bioactivity profile of L. digitata phlorotannins, demonstrating that fuhalols and carmalols are particularly susceptible to the digestive process.

Clinical and laboratorial performance of rehabilitation of endodontically treated teeth: A systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: This systematic review aimed to analyze the clinical (survival rate, failure risk, or fracture) and laboratory performance (fracture mode or failure) of rehabilitations of endodontically treated teeth, with and without posts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic search was conducted in the Pubmed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, and OpenGrey databases up to March 2023, according to PRISMA guidelines. In vitro and clinical studies that compared the clinical and laboratory performance of endodontically treated teeth with and without intraradicular posts were included. Studies selection, data extraction, and risk of bias analysis were performed. RESULTS: Thirty-one in vitro and 7 clinical studies were included. For in vitro studies, fiberglass post (n = 24) was the most mentioned. The follow-up time of the clinical studies ranged from 1 to 17 years, with the fiber-reinforced composite post (n = 3) being the most evaluated, and only failure risk proved to be more favorable for using intraradicular posts. CONCLUSION: Rehabilitations of endodontically treated teeth with and without intraradicular retainers showed no difference in fracture resistance and failure mode, evaluated by in vitro studies. Clinical studies showed no difference in survival rate, but failure risk proved to be more favorable for the use of posts. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This analysis revealed significant variability between results, however, most laboratory and clinical studies revealed no difference with using the post. Furthermore, it is important to emphasize the need to evaluate the coronary remnant and the general characteristics of the tooth in each situation.

Preventing and Treating Pain and Anxiety during Needle-Based Procedures in Children with Cancer in Low- and Middle-Income Countries.

Introduction: Children with cancer experience significant pain and anxiety during needle-based procedures. Undertreated pain in children has long-lasting consequences and reduces the efficacy of subsequent analgesic efforts. A validated quality improvement (QI) intervention, known as the "Children's Comfort Promise", includes (1) topical anesthetics, (2) sucrose or breastfeeding for infants, (3) comfort positioning, and (4) distraction techniques, and has been shown to be highly effective in decreasing procedural pain and anxiety in children. However, there is limited data about the adoption, adaptation, and implementation of these interventions in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Methods: A QI pilot project utilizing the Model for Improvement of the "Global Comfort Promise" was implemented in four global pediatric cancer hospitals (Lima, Peru; Barretos, Brazil; Pietermaritzburg, South Africa; and Manila, Philippines). Between August 2021 and January 2023, the pilot sites identified a specific aim, co-designed the measurement strategy with St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and adopted, adapted, and implemented the project at their individual sites. Results: A total of 2,185 different procedures were recorded in the first year of implementation. Most patients were less than 10 years old (60.5%) and solid tumors (37.9%) were the most common diagnosis. Overall, healthcare professionals (98.3%) were satisfied with the procedures. Parents and patients reported that only 33.7% of patients experienced pain during the procedure. All (100%) parents and patients felt the healthcare teams adequately addressed their child's pain. Median self-reported adherence to ≥2 interventions was 98.0%. Challenges to the implementation of the QI initiative included lack of training, turnover of the medical staff, maintaining staff enthusiasm, and access to topical anesthetics. Each site had unique change ideas to implement the initiative. Conclusions: This multi-site, multi-country QI initiative was feasible and was successfully adopted, adapted, and implemented in the LMIC context to improve procedural pain in children (Global Comfort Promise). Additionally, this intervention resulted in high satisfaction of both healthcare professionals and patients/families. Further work is needed to overcome the challenges of topical anesthetic access and education of the workforce. Additional plans include modifying the Global Comfort Promise to include high-quality communication and expanding to additional sites with further refinement of the implementation strategy.

Liposome-siderophore conjugates loaded with moxifloxacin serve as a model for drug delivery against Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease that annually affects millions of people, and resistance to available antibiotics has exacerbated this situation. Another notable characteristic of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the primary causative agent of TB, is its ability to survive inside macrophages, a key component of the immune system. In our quest for an effective and safe treatment that facilitates the targeted delivery of antibiotics to the site of infection, we have proposed a nanotechnology approach based on an iron chelator. Iron chelators are the primary mechanism by which bacteria acquire iron, a metal essential for their metabolism. Four liposomes were synthesized and characterized using the dynamic light scattering technique (DLS), nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). All of these methods revealed the presence of spherical particles, approximately 200 nm in size. NTA indicated a concentration of around 1011 particles/mL. We also developed and validated a high-performance liquid chromatography method for quantifying Moxifloxacin to determine encapsulation efficiency (EE) and release profiles (RF). The EE was 51.31 % for LipMox and 45.76 % for LipIchMox. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) confirmed the phagocytosis of liposomal vesicles by macrophages. Functionalizing liposomes with iron chelators can offer significant benefits for TB treatment, such as targeted drug delivery to intracellular bacilli through the phagocytosis of liposomal particles by cells like macrophages.

Adverse Effects of Natural Products in the Oral Mucosa and Face: A Scoping Review.

Objective: This scoping review aimed to map the adverse reactions in the oral mucosa and face caused by the use of natural products. Methodology: This review was performed according to the Joanna Briggs Institute Manual for Evidence Synthesis and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines, with a protocol registered in the Open Science Framework (DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/R57D8). The search was carried out systematically using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, LILACS, and LIVIVO databases, as well as gray literature through Google Scholar and OpenGrey. Reports of clinical cases on the adverse effects of natural products on the oral mucosa or perioral region of the face resulted from inappropriate use or self-medication were included. Data from the included studies were described in a narrative form. Results: Seven hundred and six studies were identified, and after removing duplicates and applying the eligibility criteria, 28 studies were included. The year of publication ranged from 1976 to 2022. The studies were conducted in 19 countries. Fifty patients were mentioned in the included studies and 34 were female (68%). The natural products most related to adverse reactions were propolis (n = 17), with manifestations such as perioral eczema, edema, erosions, erythema, allergic contact dermatitis, and garlic (n = 9), with manifestations such as chemical burn, burning sensation, vesicles and blisters, crusts, and ulcerations. Conclusion: Propolis and garlic were the natural products with the most reported adverse effects on the oral mucosa and perioral region.

Accuracy of respiratory muscle assessments to predict weaning outcomes: a systematic review and comparative meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Several bedside assessments are used to evaluate respiratory muscle function and to predict weaning from mechanical ventilation in patients on the intensive care unit. It remains unclear which assessments perform best in predicting weaning success. The primary aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to summarize and compare the accuracy of the following assessments to predict weaning success: maximal inspiratory (PImax) and expiratory pressures, diaphragm thickening fraction and excursion (DTF and DE), end-expiratory (Tdiee) and end-inspiratory (Tdiei) diaphragm thickness, airway occlusion pressure (P0.1), electrical activity of respiratory muscles, and volitional and non-volitional assessments of transdiaphragmatic and airway opening pressures. METHODS: Medline (via Pubmed), EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library and CINAHL were comprehensively searched from inception to 04/05/2023. Studies including adult mechanically ventilated patients reporting data on predictive accuracy were included. Hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristic (HSROC) models were used to estimate the SROC curves of each assessment method. Meta-regression was used to compare SROC curves. Sensitivity analyses were conducted by excluding studies with high risk of bias, as assessed with QUADAS-2. Direct comparisons were performed using studies comparing each pair of assessments within the same sample of patients. RESULTS: Ninety-four studies were identified of which 88 studies (n = 6296) reporting on either PImax, DTF, DE, Tdiee, Tdiei and P0.1 were included in the meta-analyses. The sensitivity to predict weaning success was 63% (95% CI 47-77%) for PImax, 75% (95% CI 67-82%) for DE, 77% (95% CI 61-87%) for DTF, 74% (95% CI 40-93%) for P0.1, 69% (95% CI 13-97%) for Tdiei, 37% (95% CI 13-70%) for Tdiee, at fixed 80% specificity. Accuracy of DE and DTF to predict weaning success was significantly higher when compared to PImax (p = 0.04 and p < 0.01, respectively). Sensitivity and direct comparisons analyses showed that the accuracy of DTF to predict weaning success was significantly higher when compared to DE (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: DTF and DE are superior to PImax and DTF seems to have the highest accuracy among all included respiratory muscle assessments for predicting weaning success. Further studies aiming at identifying the optimal threshold of DTF to predict weaning success are warranted. TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42020209295, October 15, 2020.

Impact of washing and freezing on nutritional composition, bioactive compounds, antioxidant activity and microstructure of mango peels.

Mango peels are widely produced and highly perishable. Disinfectant washing and freezing are among the most used methods to preserve foods. However, their impact on products' properties is conditioned by the foods' features. This study evaluated for the first time the phytochemical composition, antioxidant activity, and microstructure of mango peels washed with peracetic acid (27 mg/mL for 19 min) and frozen at -20 °C for 30 days. Washing decreased the content of vitamin C (-7%), penta-O-galloyl-ß-d-glucose (-23 %), catechin (-30 %), and lutein (-24 %), but the antioxidant activity was preserved. Freezing changed mango peels' microstructure, increased free phenolic compounds, namely acid gallic (+36 %) and catechin (+51 %), but reduced bound phenolic compounds (-12 % to -87 %), bound phenolic compounds' antioxidant activity (-51 % to -72 %), and violaxanthin (-51 %). Both methods were considered adequate to conserve mango peels since fiber and the main bioactive compounds (free mangiferin, free gallic acid, and ß-carotene) remained unchanged or increased.

Scoping review: Effect of surface treatments on bond strength of resin composite repair.

OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the existing evidence on surface treatment techniques employed in resin composite repair and their effect on the repair short- and long-term bond strength. DATA AND SOURCE: This scoping review was performed under the PRISMA-ScR guidelines for scoping reviews and registered on the Open Science Framework platform. STUDY SELECTION: A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, and Scopus and grey literature up to September 2022 without language or date restriction. In vitro studies comparing mechanical surface and/or chemical treatments on repair bond strength of resin composite were included. Studies evaluating experimental adhesive systems or resin composites were excluded. Selection of studies and data extraction were performed. Data from selected studies was qualitatively analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 76 studies were included in the qualitative analysis. Among the mechanical treatments, alumina blasting was the most frequently used, followed by silica coating and diamond bur. As for chemical treatments, dentin bonding systems were the most frequently evaluated, followed by universal adhesive systems and silane/ceramic primer. The combination of mechanical and chemical pre-treatments increased the repair bond strength of resin composite in both short- and long-term simulated aging scenarios. The evidence obtained from the included studies was classified as moderate quality, mainly due to the medium risk of bias observed across most of the studies. CONCLUSION: The techniques used to treat the surface of resin composites for repair are diverse. Incorporating a combination of mechanical and chemical pre-treatments resulted in superior repair bond strength of resin composite materials under both short- and long-term simulated aging conditions. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The analysis of evidence revealed significant variability among protocols for repairing resin composites. Utilizing both mechanical and chemical pre-treatment methods is important for enhancing the bond strength of resin composites during both short- and long-term simulated aging situations.

Auditoria de contas: impacto de glosas ocorrido a falta de anotações de enfermagem / Audit of accounts: impact of glosses due to lack of nursing notes

A auditoria foi instituída no sistema de saúde para organizar, planejar e direcionar os recursos financeiros, tendo como maior parte das glosas hospitalares, justificada por ausência de anotações, principalmente ações das equipes de enfermagem e médica. É importante lembrar que os registros de enfermagem estão vinculados à grande parte do pagamento de materiais, medicamentos e procedimentos, principais fontes de lucratividade das instituições hospitalares. Sendo Assim, o principal meio de assegurar o recebimento do valor gasto é através das corretas anotações de enfermagem. Este estudo teve como objetivo de realizar um levantamento bibliográfico, sobre os impactos causado pelo registro de enfermagem referente as glosas hospitalares. Trata-se de uma pesquisa de revisão integrativa, classifica-se como qualitativa, do tipo exploratória e retrospectiva, foram avaliados vários artigos publicados com a temática sobre anotações de enfermagem e glosas. Conforme análise dos artigos selecionados para o estudo, evidenciou-se que existe a falta de anotações, checagem e carimbo por parte da equipe, refletindo em glosas durante o processo de faturamento hospitalar.(AU)

The audit was instituted in the health system to organize, plan and direct financial re-sources, with most of the hospital glosses, justified by the absence of notes, mainly ac-tions of the nursing and medical teams. It is important to remember that nursing records are linked to a large part of the payment for materials, medications and procedures, the main sources of profitability for hospital institutions. Therefore, the main means of ensur-ing receipt of the amount spent is through the correct nursing notes. This study aimed to carry out a bibliographic survey on the impacts caused by the nursing record referring to hospital glosses. This is an integrative review research, it is classified as qualitative, ex-ploratory and retrospective, several articles published with the theme of nursing notes and glosses were evaluated. According to the analysis of the articles selected for the study, it was evidenced that there is a lack of notes, checking and stamping by the team, reflecting in glosses during the hospital billing process.(AU)

La auditoría fue instituida en el sistema de salud para organizar, planificar y direccionar los recursos financieros, con la mayor parte de las glosas hospitalarias, justificadas por la ausencia de notas, principalmente de las acciones de los equipos de enfermería y médicos. Es importante recordar que los registros de enfermería están vinculados a gran parte del pago de materiales, medicamentos y procedimientos, principales fuentes de rentabilidad de las instituciones hospitalarias. Por lo tanto, el principal medio de garantizar la recepción del importe gastado es a través de las notas de enfermería correctas. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo realizar una pesquisa bibliográfica sobre los impactos causados por el registro de enfermería referente a las glosas hospitalarias. Se trata de una investigación de revisión integradora, se clasifica como cualitativa, ex-ploratoria y retrospectiva, se evaluaron varios artículos publicados con el tema de notas de enfermería y glosas. De acuerdo con el análisis de los artículos seleccionados para el estudio, se evidenció la falta de anotaciones, verificación y sellado por parte del equipo, reflejándose en glosas durante el proceso de facturación hospitalaria.(AU)

Política nacional de humanização nas ações do acolhimento dos profissionais de saúde em unidade de terapia intensiva / National humanization policy in welcoming healthcare professionals in intensive care units

Atualmente a humanização é ponto de pauta nos encontros nacionais e internacionais da área da saúde, assim, cada vez mais enfermeiros nas Unidades de Terapia Intensiva têm se preoucupado com sua prática e implementação em suas unidades. Considerando esta preoucupação, houve através das políticas públicas, a necessidade de promover um ambiente que proporcionasse melhores condições de bem-estar, integridade física e mental do paciente e também de seus familiares. O presente estudo foi desenvolvido com o objetivo de descrever a implementação da politica nacional de humanização nas ações do acolhimento, avaliando fatores que interferem para que uma efetiva humanização da assistência. O propósito é proporcionar, de forma humanizada, acolhimento ao paciente e também á sua família nesses ambientes. Para o desenvolvimento do tema foi escolhida como forma de trabalho de revisão bibliográfica sistemática. Foi feito levantamento de artigos publicados na base de dados da Biblioteca Virtual de Saúde (BVS), utilizando-se os descritores "Enfermagem", "Terapia intensiva" e "Humanização" no período de 2003 a 2013. Ao final do levantamento, obteve-se um total de dez artigos sendo que destes, sete foram analisados por satisfazerem aos critérios de inclusão estabelecidos. Os fatores encontrados estavam relacionados ao paciente e seus familiares, a questões da equipe de enfermagem e a questões estruturais das instituições de saúde, revelando o caráter multidimensional da humanização. Conclui-se que a humanização é um aspecto fundamental aos seres humanos. Portanto, não deve apenas estar na pauta os discursos, mas efetivamente ser aplicada no contexto de trabalho das ações/intervenções de enfermagem. Para tanto, embora haja vários fatores interferindo, é preciso compreender as ações em várias esferas para resolvê-los.(AU)

Currently humanization is point agenda in national and international meetings of health, thus increasing nurses in Intensive Care Units have been worried for its practice and implementation in their units. Considering this preoucupação, was through public policies, the need to promote an environment that would provide better welfare, physical and mental integrity of the patient and also their families. The presesnte study was developed with the aim of describing the implementation of the national policy of humanization in the actions of the host, assessing factors that influence that an effective quality care. The purpose is to provide, in a humane way, welcome to the patient and also to her family in these environments. To develop the theme was chosen as a way to work a systematic literature review. A survey was done of papers published in the database of the Virtual Health Library (VHL), using the key words "Nursing", "Intensive care" and "Humanization" in the period 2003-2013. At the end of the survey, we obtained a total of ten items and of these, seven were analyzed to meet the established criteria for inclusion. The factors found were related to the patient and their family, the issues of the nursing staff and the structural issues of health institutions, revealing the multidimensional nature of humanization. We conclude that humanization is a key aspect to humans. So it should not just be on the agenda of the talks, but effectively be applied in the context of labor actions / nursing interventions. Therefore, although there are several factors interfering, it takes compeender actions in various spheres to solve them.(AU)

La humanización está actualmente en la agenda de las reuniones nacionales e internacionales de salud, por lo que cada vez más enfermeras de las Unidades de Cuidados Intensivos se han preocupado por su práctica e implementación en sus unidades. Considerando esta preocupación, las políticas públicas han hecho necesario promover un ambiente que proporcione mejores condiciones para el bienestar y la integridad física y mental de los pacientes y sus familiares. Este estudio se realizó con el objetivo de describir la implementación de la política nacional de humanización en las áreas de acogida, evaluando los factores que interfieren en la humanización efectiva de la atención. El objetivo es proporcionar una acogida humanizada a los pacientes y sus familias en estos entornos. Para desarrollar el tema, se optó por una revisión bibliográfica sistemática. Se realizó una encuesta de artículos publicados en la base de datos de la Biblioteca Virtual en Salud (BVS), utilizando los descriptores "Enfermería", "Cuidados Intensivos" y "Humanización" de 2003 a 2013. Al final de la encuesta, se obtuvieron un total de diez artículos, siete de los cuales fueron analizados por cumplir los criterios de inclusión establecidos. Los factores encontrados estaban relacionados con los pacientes y sus familias, cuestiones del personal de enfermería y cuestiones estructurales de las instituciones sanitarias, lo que revela el carácter multidimensional de la humanización. La conclusión es que la humanización es un aspecto fundamental para el ser humano. Por lo tanto, no debe figurar únicamente en el orden del día de los discursos, sino aplicarse efectivamente en el contexto de las acciones/intervenciones de enfermería. Para ello, aunque existan varios factores que interfieren, es necesario comprender las acciones en diversas esferas para resolverlos.(AU)

Effect of simulated brushing with dentifrices on surface roughness and the mass loss of acrylic resin: A systematic review and meta-analysis of in vitro studies.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Brushing with dentifrice is the most commonly used denture cleaning method. However, it can result in the mass loss of acrylic resin and an increase in surface roughness, which favors the adherence of microorganisms. PURPOSE: The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis of in vitro studies was to assess the influence of simulated brushing by using dentifrices and water on surface roughness and the mass loss of acrylic resins. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Searches were performed in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Lilacs, Embase, Open Gray, and Google Scholar databases in September 2022. The study selection process, data extraction, and risk of bias analysis were performed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The protocol of this systematic review was registered in the Open Science Framework (DOI number 10.17605/OSF.IO/QD4GH). Meta-analysis was performed by using a random effects model (α=.05) in the RevMan (Cochrane Collaboration) software program. RESULTS: A total of 14 studies were included in the qualitative synthesis and 2 studies in the quantitative synthesis. The manual toothbrush was the most analyzed (n=9), followed by the electric toothbrush (n=5) and denture brush (n=1). Denture base resin (n=8) was evaluated more than acrylic resin for the abrasiveness of toothpaste (n=6). Most studies used conventional toothpaste (n=12), whereas 6 used specific dentifrices. The period of brushing corresponding to 1 year was the most predominant (n=6). Surface roughness (n=13) was evaluated more than mass loss (n=4). In general, dentifrices resulted in greater surface roughness than water. According to meta-analysis results, brushing by using dentifrices reported higher mass loss values than brushing with distilled water (P<.05). CONCLUSIONS: Brushing acrylic resins with dentifrice was more abrasive than brushing with water.

Effect of freezing of gait and dopaminergic medication in the biomechanics of lower limbs in the gait of patients with Parkinson's disease compared to neurologically healthy.

INTRODUCTION: This study aims to evaluate the effects of medication, and the freezing of gait (FoG) on the kinematic and kinetic parameters of gait in people with Parkinson's disease (pwPD) compared to neurologically healthy. METHODS: Twenty-two people with a clinical diagnosis of idiopathic PD in ON and OFF medication (11 FoG), and 18 healthy participants (control) were selected from two open data sets. All participants walked on the floor on a 10-meter-long walkway. The joint kinematic and ground reaction forces (GRF) variables of gait and the clinical characteristics were compared: (1) PD with FoG (pwFoG) and PD without FoG (pwoFoG) in the ON condition and control; (2) PD with FoG and PD without FoG in the OFF condition and control; (3) Group (PD with FoG and PD without FoG) and Medication. RESULTS: (1) FoG mainly affects distal joints, such as the ankle and knee; (2) PD ON showed changes in the range of motion of both distal and proximal joints, which may explain the increase in step length and gait speed expected with the use of L-Dopa; and (3) the medication showed improvements in the kinematic and kinetic parameters of the gait of people with pwFoG and pwoFoG equally; (4) pwPD showed a smaller second peak of the vertical component of the GRF than the control. CONCLUSION: The presence of FoG mainly affects distal joints, such as the ankle and knee. PD presents a lower application of GRF during the impulse period than healthy people, causing lower gait performances.

Synthesis and Anti-Mycobacterium tuberculosis Activity of Imidazo[2,1-b][1,3]oxazine Derivatives against Multidrug-Resistant Strains.

The emergence of multidrug-resistant strains of M. tuberculosis has raised concerns due to the greater difficulties in patient treatment and higher mortality rates. Herein, we revisited the 2-nitro-6,7-dihydro-5H-imidazo[2,1-b][1,3]oxazine scaffold and identified potent new carbamate derivatives having MIC90 values of 0.18-1.63 µM against Mtb H37Rv. Compounds 47-49, 51-53, and 55 exhibited remarkable activity against a panel of clinical isolates, displaying MIC90 values below 0.5 µM. In Mtb-infected macrophages, several compounds demonstrated a 1-log greater reduction in mycobacterial burden than rifampicin and pretomanid. The compounds tested did not exhibit significant cytotoxicity against three cell lines or any toxicity to Galleria mellonella. Furthermore, the imidazo[2,1-b][1,3]oxazine derivatives did not show substantial activity against other bacteria or fungi. Finally, molecular docking studies revealed that the new compounds could interact with the deazaflavin-dependent nitroreductase (Ddn) in a similar manner to pretomanid. Collectively, our findings highlight the chemical universe of imidazo[2,1-b][1,3]oxazines and their promising potential against MDR-TB.

Impact of gastrointestinal digestion simulation on brewer's spent grain green extracts and their prebiotic activity.

Brewer's spent grain (BSG) is a by-product of the beer industry and a potential source of bioactive compounds. In this study, two methods of extracting bioactive compounds from brewer's spent grain were used - solid-to-liquid conventional extraction (SLE) and solid-to-liquid ohmic heating extraction (OHE) coupled with two ratio combinations of solvents: 60 % and 80 % ethanol:water (v/v). The bioactive potential of the BSG extracts was assessed during the gastrointestinal tract digestion (GID) and the differences in their antioxidant activity, total phenolic content and characterization of the polyphenol profile was measured. The SLE extraction using 60 % ethanol:water (v/v) was the extraction method with higher antioxidant activity (33.88 mg ascorbic acid/g BSG - initial; 16.61 mg ascorbic acid/g BSG - mouth; 15.58 mg ascorbic acid/g BSG - stomach; 17.26 mg ascorbic acid/g BSG - duodenum) and higher content in total phenolics (13.26 mg gallic acid/g BSG - initial; 4.80 mg gallic acid/g BSG - mouth; 4.88 mg gallic acid/g BSG - stomach; 5.00 mg gallic acid/g BSG - duodenum). However, the OHE extraction using 80 % ethanol:water (v/v), had a higher bioaccessibility index (99.77 % for ferulic acid, 72.68 % for 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, 65.37 % for vanillin, 28.99 % for p-coumaric, 22.54 % for catechin) values of polyphenols. All the extracts enhanced (except for SLE for 60 % ethanol:water (v/v) at 2 and 1.5 %, and for 80 % ethanol:water (v/v) at 2 % with Bifidobacterium animalis spp. lactis BB12, where no growth was observed) the growth of the probiotic microorganisms tested (Bifidobacterium animalis B0 - O.D.'s between 0.8240 and 1.7727; Bifidobacterium animalis spp. lactis BB12 - O.D.'s between 0.7219 and 0.8798; Lacticaseibacillus casei 01 - O.D.'s between 0.9121 and 1.0249; and Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-5 - O.D.'s between 0.8595 and 0.9677), demonstrating a potential prebiotic activity of BSG extracts.

Occurrence Rate and Outcomes of Weaning Groups According to a Refined Weaning Classification: A Retrospective Observational Study.

OBJECTIVES: The weaning according to a new definition (WIND) classification groups mechanically ventilated (MV) patients into "short weaning," "difficult weaning," "prolonged weaning," and "no weaning." The aims of the study were: 1) to describe the weaning group distribution, 2) to evaluate if "short weaning" patients can be divided into groups with distinct characteristics and outcomes depending on the MV duration, and 3) to study 1-year outcomes related to weaning groups. DESIGN: Retrospective observational study. SETTING: Tertiary center with a mixed, mainly surgical ICU population. PATIENTS: MV patients admitted between April 11, 2018, and April 10, 2019. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: A refined WIND classification was used, dividing "short weaning" patients into patients MV less than or equal to 24 hours, "short weaning a," and those MV greater than 24 hours, "short weaning b." Data were collected from electronic medical records. Of 1,801 MV patients, 65% were categorized as "short weaning a," 13% "short weaning b," 8% "difficult weaning," 6% "prolonged weaning," and 8% "no weaning." "Short weaning a" patients were older, more frequently male, and had lower disease severity compared with "short weaning b." Weaning duration (days: 0 [0-0] to 14 [10-21]), weaning success rate (99-69%), ICU length of stay (days: 2 [1-4] to 28 [19-48]), ICU mortality (1-37%), and hospital length of stay (days: 10 [7-18] to 48 [27-89]) and hospital mortality (4-42%; all p < 0.01) increasingly worsened from "short weaning a" to "prolonged weaning." One-year mortality increased from "short weaning a" (9%) to "short weaning b" (27%), "difficult weaning" (39%), and "prolonged weaning" (49%). In adjusted analyses, weaning groups remained independently associated with 1-year mortality. CONCLUSIONS: The high proportion of "short weaning" patients in this mainly surgical ICU population could be divided into two groups with distinct characteristics. This refined WIND classification allowed to enhance prognostication, also beyond hospitalization, highlighting the need to further optimize the weaning process.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on dental trauma attendance: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to analyze the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on dental trauma patient attendance. The study was registered in the PROSPERO system, using the CRD42021288398 protocol. Searching was performed in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, Lilacs, and OpenGrey databases, using the following keywords: "Tooth injuries," "Dental trauma," "Traumatic Dental injury," and "COVID-19". We included observational studies evaluating dental trauma in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Quality assessment was performed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for Cross-Sectional Studies. Meta-analysis was performed in RevMan 5.4 software with Odds Ratios as a pooled measure of effect, with a 95% confidence interval, and using random-effects modeling. After applying the eligibility criteria, 32 studies were included for qualitative analysis, in which 10 were used to assess the frequency of dental trauma diagnoses in dental emergencies. Despite the decrease of visits during COVID-19, the analysis revealed no difference between the pandemic and pre-pandemic periods. Regarding the type of dental trauma, two of the studies revealed no differences for the periods before and during the pandemic. This study revealed that the COVID-19 pandemic has not impacted the frequency or type of dental trauma compared to previous periods.

Tomato Processing By-Products Valorisation through Ohmic Heating Approach.

Tomato by-products from processing industries have a higher potential to be reused as a source of bioactive compounds. Reliable national data on tomato by-products and physicochemical characterisation that will inform and find effective planning on tomato waste management in Portugal is absent. To help obtain this knowledge, selected Portugal companies were recruited to obtain representative samples of by-products generation, and physicochemical composition was evaluated. Furthermore, an environmental-friendly method (the ohmic heating (OH) method, which allows the recovery of bioactive compounds in absence of hazardous reagents) was also used and compared with conventional methods to explore new safe value-added ingredients. Total antioxidant capacity and total and individual phenolic compounds were also evaluated by spectrophotometric and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), respectively. Tomato processing by-products have revealed a higher potential since both collected samples from companies were rich in protein (between 16.3 to 19.4 g/100 g DW, with fibre content ranging from 57.8 to 59.0 g/100 g DW). In addition, these samples contain 17.0 g/100 g of fatty acids (mainly polyunsaturated, monounsaturated and saturated, such as linoleic, oleic, and palmitic acid, respectively). Also, they present mainly chlorogenic acid and rutin as phenolic compounds. After understanding its composition, the OH was applied to determine added-value solutions to tomato by-products. With extractions, two types of fractions were obtained, namely liquid fraction rich in phenols, free sugars, and carotenoids and a solid fraction rich in fibre bound to phenols and carotenoids. This treatment has been shown to have the ability to preserve carotenoids, such as lycopene relative to conventional methods. Nevertheless, new molecules were identified by LC-ESI-UHR-OqTOF-MS analysis, such as phene-di-hexane and N-acethyl-D-tryptophan. According to the results, the OH boosts the potential of tomato by-products and can be directly introduced into the process, contributing to the circular economy and zero by-products.

Preheating of dental composite resins: A scoping review.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this scoping review was to analyze the available evidence on the preheating process and its effects on physicochemical properties of composite resins. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic search was performed in August 2021 using PubMed/Medline, Embase, Scopus, and ISI Web of Science databases and gray literature without language or date restriction. Inclusion criteria were in vitro studies that assessed the physicochemical properties and marginal adaptation of preheated composite. Exclusion criteria were studies with experimental composite, literature reviews, clinical studies. Data from selected studies were qualitatively analyzed. RESULTS: In total, 104 studies were found from which 39 were included. The most used composite resin was Filtek Z350 XT (3 M/ESPE), preheated at 68°C in a Calset device (AdDent Inc., Danbury, CT, USA) for 5 or 15 min. Most studies showed decreased viscosity, increased conversion degree and microhardness of composite resins, and better marginal adaptation of direct and indirect restorations. Also, flexural strength was not affected, and data about bond strength were inconclusive due to heterogeneity among studies. CONCLUSION: The parameters used for preheating composite resins are heterogeneous. Preheating decreased viscosity, increased the conversion degree and microhardness of composite resins, and improved the marginal adaptation of direct and indirect restorations. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The analysis of evidence showed a high heterogeneity among preheating protocols. Preheating may benefit the handling and physicochemical properties of composite resins.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on dental trauma attendance: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to analyze the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on dental trauma patient attendance. The study was registered in the PROSPERO system, using the CRD42021288398 protocol. Searching was performed in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, Lilacs, and OpenGrey databases, using the following keywords: "Tooth injuries," "Dental trauma," "Traumatic Dental injury," and "COVID-19". We included observational studies evaluating dental trauma in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Quality assessment was performed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for Cross-Sectional Studies. Meta-analysis was performed in RevMan 5.4 software with Odds Ratios as a pooled measure of effect, with a 95% confidence interval, and using random-effects modeling. After applying the eligibility criteria, 32 studies were included for qualitative analysis, in which 10 were used to assess the frequency of dental trauma diagnoses in dental emergencies. Despite the decrease of visits during COVID-19, the analysis revealed no difference between the pandemic and pre-pandemic periods. Regarding the type of dental trauma, two of the studies revealed no differences for the periods before and during the pandemic. This study revealed that the COVID-19 pandemic has not impacted the frequency or type of dental trauma compared to previous periods.