Effect of coconut processing by-product graded feeding on carcass traits and meat quality of lambs.

The inclusion of by-product coconut mesocarp skins (CMS) in diets was evaluated in feedlot lambs. The objective of this study was to evaluate CMS levels effects on carcass traits and meat quality of lambs. Thirty-five male lambs with an initial body weight of 16.9 ± 2.93 kg were distributed in a completely randomized design with five CMS levels in total dry matter (0; 4.8; 9.6; 14.4 and 19.2%) and fed during 71 d until slaughter. High levels of CMS decreased the intake of dry matter and negatively affected the performance of lambs. Fat and protein contents of Longissimus lumborum muscle (P < 0.05) and the saturated fatty acid (FA) decreased (P < 0.001) whereas polyunsaturated FA increased (P < 0.01) with the inclusion of CMS. The ratio t10/t11-18:1 increased with the inclusion of CMS (P < 0.001). The instrumental color descriptors were unaffected by CMS levels. According to the effects on the investigated meat quality traits we recommend up to 4.8% CMS in diets of confined lambs.

Correlation between nasal anatomical characteristics in newborns and short binasal prong dimensions

Abstract Objective: To correlate the nasal anatomical characteristics of newborns with the dimensions of short binasal prongs. Method: Observational, cross-sectional study carried out in two hospitals in southern Brazil. The authors evaluated 1620 newborns with neonatal data and nasal dimensions. To measure the dimensions of the nasal region, the authors considered the width of the medial columella, the right nostril diameter, and the left nostril diameter. These data were correlated with the dimensions of two models of short binasal prongs. Results: Of the total newborns evaluated, 807 were female (49.8%), and 813 were male (50.2%). The majority were white (96.2%). The mean gestational age was 37.4 ± 2.9 weeks, ranging from 22 to 42 weeks. The birth weight was 2946.8 ± 699.3 g, ranging from 490.0 to 4740.0 g. Most of the nasal measures were significantly larger than both prong model measurements. Conclusion: The sizes of short binasal prongs available on the Brazilian market do not match the nasal anatomical characteristics of newborns.

Quality and sensory milk traits of goats grazing Caatinga or confined receiving either corn or spineless cactus-based diets in the Brazilian semiarid environment.

This study aimed to evaluate the yield, physical-chemical properties, fatty acid (FA) profile, and sensory traits of goat milk under different nutritional strategies in a Brazilian semiarid environment. Eighteen lactating crossbred dairy goats were distributed in a completely randomized design with three nutritional strategies: Caatinga strategy (1.5% of body weight with a concentrate supplementation), Corn-based confined strategy, and Spineless Cactus confined strategy. Daily milk yield was recorded, and milk samples were collected from all animals. Goats fed the spineless cactus-based diet presented a higher milk yield than goats feed the other strategies. Moreover, milk from goats fed with a spineless Cactus confined strategy presented higher saturated FA (SFA), and a lower proportion of cis- monounsaturated FA, trans-monounsaturated FA, and c9,t11-18:2 than milk from goats feed the other strategies. Milk from goats in the pasture system presented the highest proportions of 18:2n-6, 18:3n-3, and thus of polyunsaturated FA, when compared with milk from confined goats. We assume that milk from goats grazing in Caatinga pastures presents more benefits to human health due to the positive effects of this diet on the milk's fat content and FA profile, and this feeding strategy also results in a better sensory evaluation that may increase the acceptability of goat milk by consumers. All nutritional strategies evaluated herein and adopted in the semiarid region of Brazil are recommended for maintaining the yield, physical-chemical properties, and acceptability of milk goats.

Satisfaction of Health Professionals Regarding the Short Binasal Prong Used as a Non-Invasive Ventilation Interface in Neonatology.

Purpose: To evaluate the health professionals' satisfaction regarding the short binasal prong used in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU), evaluate the difficulties related to its use, and present possible improvements in the design of this device. Patients and Methods: Observational, cross-sectional study with prospective data collection carried out in the NICU of a public hospital in southern Brazil. This research was presented into two stages. In the first stage, the Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with Assistive Technology was applied with 90 health professionals to evaluate the satisfaction regarding the short binasal prong. In the second stage, the health professional's experiences and difficulties in using the binasal prongs in 14 newborns (NBs) that required non-invasive ventilation was collected. The short binasal prongs used was the Fanem® brand and the CPAP circuit was Gabisa Medical International (GMI®). Finally, improvements and recommendations were presented to optimize the device's design. Results: The mean score of the health professionals' satisfaction with short binasal prongs was 3.8 ± 0.6. Ease of adjustment (3.27) and dimensions (3.62) variables had the worst scores. The main difficulties pointed out by health professionals were: circuit disconnection (57.1%), the size of the prong did not correspond to NBs' anatomical characteristics (35.7%), air leakage (21.4%), and difficulty in fixing and positioning the prong in the NB (14.28%). The improvements suggested were: appropriate prong sizes based on the anatomical characteristics of the NBs; adjustable distance between insertion and base catheters; manufactured with malleable material, however not easily foldable; curved and adjustable insertion catheters and functional system of tracheas' connection. Conclusion: The dissatisfaction of health professionals with the dimensions and prongs adjustments and the difficulties faced in clinical practice indicate the need for improvements in these interfaces. The recommendations presented in this study may contribute to optimizing the design of the binasal prong in the future.

Cicatrization of oncological wounds by autologous fibrin biopolymer dressing treatment: a case series.

INTRODUCTION: Traditional therapies used to treat chronic wounds are often expensive and, in general, are not adequate to support healing. A promising alternative to conventional dressings is the autologous biopolymer FM, full of cytokines and growth factors that accelerate the healing process of wounds of various etiologies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The authors report 3 cases in which FM was used to treat chronic oncological wounds that had been conventionally treated for more than 6 months with no sign of healing. RESULTS: Among the 3 reported cases, there was complete healing of 2 wounds. The other lesion did not heal, mainly due to the location (at the base of the skull). However, it significantly reduced its area, extension, and depth. No adverse effects or hypertrophic scar formation were recorded, and the patients reported an absence of pain from the second week of FM application. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed FM dressing approach was effective in healing and speeding up tissue regeneration. It can also be considered one of the most versatile delivery systems to the wound bed, as it is an excellent carrier of growth factors and leukocytes.

Coconut fruit pulp by-product in the diet of sheep.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the inclusion of coconut fruit pulp by-product (CPB) on the intake, apparent digestibility, nitrogen balance, and ruminal parameters of sheep. Five intact, male, non-descript lambs with a mean initial body weight of 25.5 ± 1.68 kg were assigned to a Latin square design (5 × 5) of five treatments consisting of CPB inclusion levels, in five proportions of 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% dry matter (DM), in diets consisting of sugarcane bagasse as forage, with corn and soybean meal. Each period lasted 15 days for adaptation followed by 6 days for data collection. The inclusion of CPB linearly decreased (P < 0.05) the intake of DM, crude protein, non-fibre carbohydrates, neutral detergent fibre (NDF), and DM digestibility. The inclusion of CPB linearly increased (P < 0.05) the ether extract digestibility, but did not influence (P > 0.05) the NDF digestibility. There was a linear reduction (P < 0.05) in the absorbed nitrogen (N) and retained N (g/day); however, a quadratic increase (P < 0.05) for N absorbed (% consumed) as well as ammonia nitrogen was observed. There was a quadratic increase (P < 0.05) for propionate (mMol/L and %) and the ratio of acetate, propionate and butyrate (mMol/L and %) with the inclusion of CPB in the diet. Based on these findings, it was recommended to incorporate CPB up to the level of 5% in the diet of sheep.

Lambs fed diets containing by-product from coconut processing: histomorphometry characteristics in the digestive and renal systems.

This study aimed to evaluate the histological characteristics in the digestive and renal systems of lambs fed diets containing coconut by-product (CB). A total of 35 male lambs with an initial weight of 16.9 ± 2.93 kg were distributed in a completely randomized design with five levels of CB in the diet (0; 4.8; 9.6; 14.4 and 19.2% in total dry matter). Samples of the liver, kidney, rumen, and intestine were histomorphometrically evaluated, and the data were submitted to regression analysis, at a 5% error probability. The inclusion of CB linearly decreased the dry matter intake and caused a quadratic effect for the height of ruminal papillae, absorption area, epithelium thickness, as well as for average daily gain. The inclusion of CB linearly increased the mucous layer and reduced the submucosal layer, as well as promoted a decrease in goblet cells in the small intestine. The inclusion of CB did not influence hepatic glycogen; additionally, the histopathological examination did not reveal liver damage or congestion, vacuolization, and necrosis of the renal tissue. Therefore, our results indicate that CB can be included in lambs diet up to the level of 7.2% without causing changes in the histomorphometry characteristics of the gastrointestinal tract and changes in liver and kidney tissue that compromise animal performance.

Effects of antidepressant drug therapy with or without physical exercise on inflammatory biomarkers in major depressive disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

OBJECTIVE: To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of antidepressant drug therapy (with or without physical exercise) on peripheral inflammatory markers in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). METHODS: MEDLINE, PyscINFO, Embase, and Google Scholar databases were searched until May 2020. Randomized trials that measured at least one inflammatory biomarker and included adult outpatients with MDD under antidepressant drug therapy (any drug) with or without physical exercise (any modality) were eligible. Results were summarized using the standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) under a random-effects model. The Cochrane risk of bias tool (2010) was used to evaluate the risk of bias in the included trials. RESULTS: Sixty-three trials were identified, encompassing data from 3482 patients, and 20 investigated biomarkers. Trials had biases across multiple domains, rising concerns primarily to selection bias/performance bias/detection bias/attrition bias. SMDs between pre- and post-results indicated a significant reduction in the levels of IL-2 (SMD, - 0.25; 95% CI, - 0.41 to - 0.09, P = 0.002), IL-6 (SMD, - 0.19; 95% CI, - 0.35 to - 0.025, P = 0.024), IL-10 (SMD, - 0.32; 95% CI, - 0.57 to - 0.07, P = 0.011), and serum cortisol (SMD, - 0.35; 95% CI, - 0.58 to - 0.12, P = 0.002). Evidence supporting the influence of physical exercise combined with antidepressant drugs on peripheral inflammatory markers in MDD is sparse and heterogeneous. CONCLUSION: There is some evidence that antidepressant drug therapy is associated with an overall positive reduction in inflammatory markers, but the evidence is heterogeneous. Further research linking how inflammatory biomarkers modulate physiology related to antidepressant response is required. TRIAL REGISTRATION: CRD42020220735.

Práticas educativas em saúde junto aos familiares de crianças com necessidades especiais de saúde: revisão integrativa / Educational practices in health with families of children with special health nedds: integrative review / Prácticas educativas em salud con familias de niños con necesidades especiales de salud: revisión integrativa

Objetivo: identificar a produção científica sobre práticas educativas em saúde junto aos familiares de crianças com necessidades especiais de saúde. Métodos: revisão integrativa da literatura desenvolvida em cinco recursos informacionais nos meses de janeiro e fevereiro de 2021. Resultados: incluíram-se nove artigos na síntese qualitativa, dentre os quais a maioria foi nacional, com delineamento metodológico descritivo e com nível VI de evidência. As práticas educativas em saúde encontradas foram: atividades grupais como rodas de conversa e grupos de diálogo, tecnologias educacionais em formato de cartilha, além de práticas integrativas como massagem e atividades musicais. Conclusão: a literatura científica sobre a adoção de práticas educativas em saúde que auxiliem o cuidado domiciliar às crianças com necessidades especiais e suas famílias ainda é limitada, indicando-se a necessidade de produções que potencializem esta modalidade de assistência. Assim, sugere-se o desenvolvimento de novas pesquisas e desenvolvimento de tecnologias educacionais voltadas para essa temática

Objective: to identify the scientific production on educational practices in health with the families of children with special health needs. Methods: integrative literature review developed in five informational resources in January and February 2021. Results:nine articles were included in the qualitative synthesis, among which the majority were national, with descriptive methodological design and level VI of evidence. The health educational practices found were: group activities such as conversation circles and dialogue groups, educational technologies in booklet format, in addition to integrative practices such as massage and musical activities. Conclusion: the scientific literature on the adoption of educational practices in health that help home care for children with special needs and their families is still limited, indicating the need for productions that enhance this type of care. Thus, the development of new research and development of educational technologies aimed at this theme is suggested

Objetivo: identificar la producción científica sobre prácticas educativas en salud con las familias de niños con necesidades especiales de salud. Métodos: revisión integradora de la literatura desarrollada en cinco recursos informativos en enero y febrero de 2021. Resultados: se incluyeron nueve artículos en la síntesis cualitativa, entre los cuales la mayoría fueron nacionales, con diseño metodológico descriptivo y nivel de evidencia VI. Las prácticas educativas en salud encontradas fueron: actividades grupales como círculos de conversación y grupos de diálogo, tecnologías educativas en formato folleto, además de prácticas integradoras como masajes y actividades musicales. Conclusión: la literatura científica sobre la adopción de prácticas educativas en salud que ayuden a la atención domiciliaria de los niños con necesidades especiales y sus familias es aún limitada, lo que indica la necesidad de producciones que potencien este tipo de atención. Así, se sugiere el desarrollo de nuevas investigaciones y desarrollo de tecnologías educativas orientadas a esta temática

Performance and carcass characteristics of lambs fed diets containing different types of carbohydrates associated with polyunsaturated fatty acids

This study aimed to evaluate the productive performance and carcass characteristics of lambs fed diets with different types of carbohydrates associated with polyunsaturated fatty acids. Thirty castrated male lambs (20.5 ± 7.6 kg) were used, distributed in a randomized block design under three experimental diets: High proportion of non-fibrous carbohydrates (NFC) diet; High NFC diet + spineless cactus (high proportion of NFC and spineless cactus) and Low NFC diet (low proportion of NFC), in a 60 day experimental period. The variables of nutrient intake, performance, and carcass characteristics were evaluated. The animals fed the High NFC + spineless cactus diet presented a higher dry matter intake, organic matter, mineral matter, crude protein, and total carbohydrates intake (p <0.05). Carcass characteristics and weight of commercial cuts were improved in High NFC and High NFC + spineless cactus diets (p <0.05), on the other hand we observed a total fat weight reduction in animals fed with High NFC + spineless cactus. The results indicate that high levels of NFC positively influence animal performance, where the type of carbohydrate influences nutrient intake, also affecting carcass characteristics.(AU)

Clinical Applications of Additive Manufacturing Models in Neurosurgery: a Systematic Review

Introduction Three-dimensional (3D) printing technologies provide a practical and anatomical way to reproduce precise tailored-made models of the patients and of the diseases. Those models can allow surgical planning, besides training and surgical simulation in the treatment of neurosurgical diseases. Objective The aim of the present article is to review the scenario of the development of different types of available 3D printing technologies, the processes involved in the creation of biomodels, and the application of those advances in the neurosurgical field. Methods We searched for papers that addressed the clinical application of 3D printing in neurosurgery on the PubMed, Ebsco, Web of Science, Scopus, and Science Direct databases. All papers related to the use of any additivemanufacturing technique were included in the present study. Results Studies involving 3D printing in neurosurgery are concentrated on threemain areas: (1) creation of anatomical tailored-made models for planning and training; (2) development of devices and materials for the treatment of neurosurgical diseases, and (3) biological implants for tissues engineering. Biomodels are extremely useful in several branches of neurosurgery, and their use in spinal, cerebrovascular, endovascular, neuro-oncological, neuropediatric, and functional surgeries can be highlighted. Conclusions Three-dimensional printing technologies are an exclusive way for direct replication of specific pathologies of the patient. It can identify the anatomical variation and provide a way for rapid construction of training models, allowing the medical resident and the experienced neurosurgeon to practice the surgical steps before the operation.

The lifestyle of Brazilian medical students: What changed and how it protected their emotional wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Adopting healthy lifestyle pillars promotes longer lives free from major chronic diseases. The COVID-19 pandemic imposed behavioural changes and psychological burdens. The aim of this study was to assess changes in medical students' six lifestyle pillars that were imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. METHOD: This cross-sectional study included 548 Brazilian medical students' digitally collected demographic data and lifestyle characteristics from before and during the pandemic. RESULTS: The pandemic had a neutral impact on sleep quality and a predominantly negative impact on interpersonal relationships, exercise and eating. Approximately 67.5% students decreased their tobacco and alcohol use. Spirituality was maintained at 66%. Those who reported having emotional wellbeing (27.9%) during the pandemic fulfilled a higher number of pre-pandemic lifestyle pillars (median [IQR]) when compared with those who reported an absence of wellbeing (4 [3-4] pillars, compared with 3 [2-4], P = 0.006). DISCUSSION: The results reinforce the importance of adhering to as many lifestyle pillars as possible to preserve emotional wellbeing during periods of stress such as those experienced during the pandemic.

Incidence and Severity of Nasal Injuries in Preterm Infants Associated to Non-Invasive Ventilation Using Short Binasal Prong.

Short binasal prongs can cause skin and mucosal damage in the nostrils of preterm infants. The objective of this study was to investigate the incidence and severity of nasal injuries in preterm infants during the use of short binasal prongs as non-invasive ventilation (NIV) interfaces. A prospective observational study was carried out in the public hospital in a Southern Brazil. The incidence and severity of internal and external nasal injuries were evaluated in 28 preterm infants who required NIV using short binasal prongs for more than 24 hours. In order to identify possible causes of those nasal injuries, the expertise researcher physiotherapist has been carried empirical observations, analyzed the collected data, and correlated them to the literature data. A cause and effect diagram was prepared to present the main causes of the nasal injury occurred in the preterm infants assessed. The incidence of external nasal injuries was 67.86%, and internal ones 71.43%. The external nasal injuries were classified as Stage I (68.42%) and Stage II (31.58%). All the internal injuries had Stage II. The cause and effect diagram was organized into 5 categories containing 17 secondary causes of nasal injuries. There was a high incidence of Stage II-internal nasal injury and Stage I-external nasal injury in preterm infants submitted to NIV using prongs. The injuries genesis can be related to intrinsic characteristics of materials, health care, neonatal conditions, professional competence, and equipment issues.

Spineless cactus varieties resistant to carmine cochineal (Dactylopiussp. ) on the composition and sensory properties ofgoat milk

The physical-chemical characteristics and sensory attributes of milk are variable. This study aimed to evaluate how spineless cactus varieties resistant to carmine cochineal (Dactylopius sp.) influences the composition and sensory characteristics of goat milk. Twelve lactating goats with body weights of 51.35 ± 3.75 kg were distributed in a 4 × 4 Latin square, with three simultaneous squares composed of four animals, four periods, and four experimental diets: Control - goats fed tifton grass hay and concentrate; SCOE - goats fed the Orelha-de-elefante spineless cactus, tifton hay, and concentrate; SCB – goats fed the Baiana spineless cactus, tifton hay, and concentrate; SCM – goats fed the Miúda spineless cactus, tifton hay, and concentrate. The levels of protein and non-greasy solids and the sensory attributes of the milk (odor, butter flavor, and global acceptance) did not differ between the treatments (p > 0.05). The lipid content of the milk was reduced in the SCOE treatment compared to the control (p = 0.0014). The milk obtained from animals fed the SCOE and SCM treatments had a stronger flavor (p < 0.05). These results suggest that varieties of spineless cactus resistant to carmine cochineal can be used as goat feed without affecting milk production or global acceptance.

Spineless cactus varieties resistant to carmine cochineal (Dactylopiussp. ) on the composition and sensory properties ofgoat milk

The physical-chemical characteristics and sensory attributes of milk are variable. This study aimed to evaluate how spineless cactus varieties resistant to carmine cochineal (Dactylopius sp.) influences the composition and sensory characteristics of goat milk. Twelve lactating goats with body weights of 51.35 ± 3.75 kg were distributed in a 4 × 4 Latin square, with three simultaneous squares composed of four animals, four periods, and four experimental diets: Control - goats fed tifton grass hay and concentrate; SCOE - goats fed the Orelha-de-elefante spineless cactus, tifton hay, and concentrate; SCB goats fed the Baiana spineless cactus, tifton hay, and concentrate; SCM goats fed the Miúda spineless cactus, tifton hay, and concentrate. The levels of protein and non-greasy solids and the sensory attributes of the milk (odor, butter flavor, and global acceptance) did not differ between the treatments (p > 0.05). The lipid content of the milk was reduced in the SCOE treatment compared to the control (p = 0.0014). The milk obtained from animals fed the SCOE and SCM treatments had a stronger flavor (p < 0.05). These results suggest that varieties of spineless cactus resistant to carmine cochineal can be used as goat feed without affecting milk production or global acceptance.(AU)

Subclinical hypomagnesemia: Prevalence and causes in dairy cows in the semiarid region of the state of Paraíba, Brazil / Hipomagnesemia subclínica: Prevalência e causas em vacas leiteiras da região semiárida no estado da Paraíba, Brasil

In dairy farming, cows display important metabolic changes during the transition period, particularly high-production cows, which need nutrients in greater quantity to meet the required demand. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of subclinical hypomagnesemia in pre- and post-partum dairy cows inserted in milk-production systems in the Sousa microregion and the district of São João do Rio do Peixe, both in the State of Paraíba, Brazil. As such, visits were made every two weeks to 34 rural properties, where the team collected 357 blood samples by venepuncture, 106 from pre-partum lactating cows and 251 from lactating cows in the post-partum period. It was found that the properties supplied three types of mineral supplement: a single supplement of NaCl, a supplement of NaCl + mineral base, and a commercial supplement. The cows receiving the commercial mineral supplement had the highest prevalence (10.53%) of the disorder, even showing a significant difference (P < .05) between the other types of supplement. In relation to reproductive period, it was found that the post-partum cows had a higher prevalence of subclinical hypomagnesemia (9.96%) than did the pre-partem cows (8.49%); there was, however, no significant difference (P > .05) between the two. Studies such as this are fundamental for alerting rural and technical producers to the occurrence of subclinical hypomagnesemia in the region, in addition to the damage caused by metabolic disorders.(AU)

Na bovinocultura leiteira, as vacas apresentam mudanças metabólicas importantes durante o período de transição, principalmente aquelas de alta produção, que necessitam de nutrientes em maior quantidade para suprir a demanda requerida. Este estudo teve como objetivo determinar a prevalência de hipomagnesemia subclínica no pré e pós-parto em vacas leiteiras inseridas em sistemas de produção de leite na microrregião de Sousa-PB e município de São João do Rio do Peixe-PB. Para isso foram realizadas visitas quinzenais a 34 propriedades rurais, onde a equipe coletou 357 amostras de sangue por meio de punção venosa, sendo 106 provenientes de vacas em lactação que se encontravam no período de pré-parto e 251 de vacas em lactação inseridas no período de pós-parto. Verificou-se que as propriedades forneciam três tipos de suplemento mineral: suplementação exclusiva com NaCl; suplementação com NaCl + núcleo mineral; e suplementação comercial. As vacas que recebiam a suplementação mineral do tipo comercial corresponderam aquelas com maior prevalência (10,53%) de ocorrência do distúrbio, apresentando ainda diferença significativa (P < 0,05) entre as demais formas de suplementação. Em relação ao período reprodutivo em que as vacas se encontravam, notou- se que aquelas do pós-parto apresentaram maior prevalência de hipomagnesemia subclínica (9,96%) em relação às vacas do pré-parto (8,49%). Porém não houve diferença significative (P > 0,05) entre ambas. Estudos como esse tornam-se fundamentais para alertar produtores rurais e técnicos sobre a ocorrência da hipomagnesemia subclínica na região, além dos prejuízos que os distúrbios metabólicos acarretam.(AU)

Gingival fibroblasts behavior on bioactive zirconia and titanium dental implant surfaces produced by a functionally graded technique.

Adding a biological apatite layer to the implant surface enhances bone healing around the implant. Objective This study aimed to characterize the mechanical properties and test human gingival fibroblasts behavior in contact with Zirconia and Titanium bioactive-modified implant materials. Methodology 6 groups were considered: Titanium (Ti6Al4V), Ti6Al4V with 5% HA and 5% ßTCP, Zirconia (YTZP), YTZP with 5% HA and 5% ßTCP. For each group, we produced discs using a novel fabrication method for functionally graded materials, under adequate conditions for etching and grit-blasting to achieve equivalent surface microroughness among the samples. Surface roughness (Ra, Rz), water contact angle, shear bond strength, and Vickers hardness were performed. Human gingival fibroblasts immortalized by hTERT gene from the fourth passage, were seeded on discs for 14 days. Cell viability and proliferation were assessed using a resazurin-based method, and cellular adhesion and morphology using field emission gun scanning electron microscopy (FEG-SEM). After 3 days of culture, images of fluorescent nucleic acid stain were collected by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Results Results were presented as mean ± standard deviation (SD). We compared groups using one-way ANOVA with Tukey's post-hoc test, and significance level was set at p<0.05. After 14 days of culture, cell viability and proliferation were significantly higher in YTZP group than in other groups (p<0.05). Samples of YTZP-ßTCP presented significantly higher wettability (p<0.05); yet, we observed no improvement in cell behavior on this group. Fibroblast spreading and surface density were more evident on YTZP specimens. Adding calcium-phosphate bioactive did not alter the tested mechanical properties; however, Ti6Al4V material shear bond strength was statistically higher than other groups (p<0.05). Conclusion Adding bioactive materials did not improve soft-tissue cell behavior. When compared to other zirconia and titanium groups, pure zirconia surface improved adhesion, viability and proliferation of fibroblasts. Cell behavior seems to depend on surface chemical composition rather than on surface roughness.

Hydrocolloid versus silicone gel for the prevention of nasal injury in newborns submitted to noninvasive ventilation: A randomized clinical trial.

PURPOSE: To compare the effectiveness of the hydrocolloid and the silicone gel on the nasal protection of the newborns (NBs) during the use of noninvasive ventilation (NIV). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-three NBs were selected. They were randomly divided into three groups of 11 NBs, according to the type of nasal protection used: hydrocolloid, thick silicone gel, and thin silicone gel. The stage of the nasal injury and need for exchanging nasal protection were assessed before the connection to the NIV and every 24 h until the physician's authorization for NIV's suspension. RESULTS: The mean gestational age was 32.03 ± 3.93 weeks, and the median birth weight was 1760 g (750-3535 g). The incidence of nasal injury using hydrocolloid, thick silicone gel, and a thin silicone gel group was 36.36%, 81.81%, and 72.72%, respectively (p = 0.06). Regarding the injury stage, there was no statistical significance between the three study groups. The hydrocolloid protection type had the best adhesion (p = 0.03) on the NBs' skin. CONCLUSIONS: Although this study was conducted by local practice patterns, the results showed that the hydrocolloid could be the best choice to prevent the nasal septum base injury in the NB submitted to NIV.

Nasal Prongs: Risks, Injuries Incidence and Preventive Approaches Associated with Their Use in Newborns.

PURPOSE: To assess the incidence of nasal injury in newborns submitted to non-invasive ventilation (NIV) via binasal prongs, to identify risks that come with using this interface, and to present actions for nasal injury prevention. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Observational and descriptive study performed in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of a public hospital in the south of Brazil. This research was divided into three stages. In the first one, nasal injury incidence was assessed in 148 newborns, using data collection from medical records. In the second stage, injury incidence, severity and a preliminary analysis of risks associated with the prescription of binasal prongs were analyzed in 33 newborns who required NIV. In the third stage. recommendations were presented to prevent nasal injury during NIV with short binasal prong. RESULTS: The incidence of nasal injury in the first stage was 37.16%, and 63.64% in the second one. As for severity, 68.42% of the injuries showed Stage I severity, and 31.58% Stage II. The main risks associated with the use of binasal prongs were inappropriate prong size, inappropriate prong model, interface reuse, prolonged NIV use exclusively with binasal prongs, incorrect prong position and NIV circuit pulled. A total of 17 preventive approaches were recommended: 13 related to newborns care and not dependent on prior investment. Among them: to choose appropriate prong size; to keep the prong and the NIV circuit well positioned and periodically massages with circular movements in the nasal septum and columella. CONCLUSION: The inappropriate prong size, interface reuse, prong model, prolonged NIV use with binasal prong and incorrect prong and NIV circuit position may be associated with the high occurrence of injury in the NICU studied. Simple approaches concerning clinical staff care actions towards the newborn in NIV, which do not require a financial investment, can prevent nasal injury.

Autologous Matrix of Platelet-Rich Fibrin in Wound Care Settings: A Systematic Review of Randomized Clinical Trials.

Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) consists of a matrix that provides the necessary elements for wound healing, acting as a biodegradable scaffold for cell migration, proliferation, and differentiation, in addition to the delivery of growth factors and angiogenesis. This study aims to determine the effectiveness of the autologous PRF in the treatment of wounds of different etiologies. We carried out a systematic review of randomized clinical trials, guided by the recommendations of the Cochrane Collaboration using the following databases: Pubmed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, and CENTRAL. The search strategy resulted in the inclusion of ten studies that evaluated the use of PRF dressings for the healing of acute or chronic wounds of multiple etiologies. Among the 172 participants treated with PRF in wounds of varying etiologies and different segment times, 130 presented favorable events with the use of the intervention. Among the 10 studies included, only two of them did not demonstrate better results than the control group. The studies showed clinical heterogeneity, making it impossible to perform a meta-analysis. The findings do not provide enough evidence to support the routine use of PRF dressings as the first line of treatment for the healing of acute or chronic wounds of different etiologies. There was great variability in the application of the various protocols and the ways to prepare the PRF, resulting in clinical heterogeneity. Therefore, it makes it impossible to synthesize and to collect evidence from different types of studies in the meta-analysis, which affects the results and their proper discussion.