CCK and GLP-1 response on enteroendocrine cells of semi-dynamic digests of hydrolyzed and intact casein.

A semi-dynamic gastrointestinal device was employed to explore the link between protein structure and metabolic response upon digestion for two different substrates, a casein hydrolysate and the precursor micellar casein. As expected, casein formed a firm coagulum that remained until the end of the gastric phase while the hydrolysate did not develop any visible aggregate. Each gastric emptying point was subjected to a static intestinal phase where the peptide and amino acid composition changed drastically from that found during the gastric phase. Gastrointestinal digests from the hydrolysate were characterized by a high abundancy of resistant peptides and free amino acids. Although all gastric and intestinal digests from both substrates induced the secretion of cholecystokinin (CCK) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) in STC-1 cells, GLP-1 levels were maximum in response to gastrointestinal digests from the hydrolysate. The enrichment of protein ingredients with gastric-resistant peptides by enzymatic hydrolysis is proposed as strategy to deliver protein stimuli to the distal gastrointestinal tract to control food intake or type 2 diabetes.

Lipidomic and Proteomic Profiling of the Milk Fat Globule Membrane from Different Industrial By-Products of the Butter and Butter Oil Manufacturing Process.

Recent studies have demonstrated the positive effects of regular intake of milk fat globule membranes (MFGMs) on neural and cognitive development, as well as immune and gastrointestinal health in infants and elders. Dairy products and by-products generated from the butter and butter oil manufacturing process are valuable sources of MFGM. Thus, in view of the growing need to reduce by-products and waste, it is crucial to foster research aimed at the valorization of dairy by-products rich in MFGM. For this purpose, all the by-products coming from butter and butter oil production (from raw milk to the related by-products) were used to study the MFGM isolated fractions, followed by their characterization through a combined lipidomic and proteomic approach. The patterns of polar lipids and proteins indicated that buttermilk (BM), butterserum (BS), and their mix (BM-BS blend) are the most suitable by-products to be employed as starting material for the isolation and purification of MFGMs, thus obtaining MFGM-enriched ingredients for the manufacture of products with high biological activity.

Evidence of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Nursing Syllabi: A Descriptive Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Schools of nursing must produce nurses able to address the care needs of diverse populations. Within schools of nursing, faculty should intentionally construct syllabi to establish an environment of inclusivity where diversity is embraced. METHOD: Content analysis of 81 undergraduate and graduate course syllabi from four university campuses was performed to determine explicit evidence of content on diverse populations, inclusive andragogy, and policies related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). RESULTS: Three quarters of terms indicative of diverse populations were found in course syllabi; all terms that provided evidence of inclusive andragogy and all DEI-related policies were identified at least once in course syllabi. CONCLUSION: Strengths and weaknesses were identified in communicating DEI content, policies, and inclusive andragogy to students. Faculty development on best practices related to inclusion of DEI in the classroom beginning with the syllabus is the first step to ensure a more inclusive nursing workforce. [J Nurs Educ. 2022;61(12):665-671.].

Outcomes of gracilis free-flap muscle transfers and non-free-flap procedures for restoration of elbow flexion: A systematic review.

PURPOSE: Elbow flexion is one of the most important functions to restore following brachial plexus damage. The authors sought to systematically review available evidence to summarize outcomes of free gracilis and non-free muscle transfers in restoring elbow flexion. METHODS: MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane were searched to identify articles reporting on elbow flexion reanimation in terms of transfer failure rates, strengths, range of motion (ROM), and/or Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) scores. A systematic review was chosen to select studies and reported according to PRISMA guidelines. RESULTS: Forty-six studies met the inclusion criteria for this study. A total of 432 cases were gracilis free-flap muscle transfers (FFMT), and 982 cases were non-free muscle transfers. FFMT were shown to have higher Medical Research Council (MRC) strength scores than non-free muscle transfer groups. However, 42 studies, totaling 1,266 cases, were useful in evaluating graft failure, showing failure (MRC<3) in 77/419 (∼18.4%) of gracilis free-flap transfers and 215/847 (∼25.4%) of non-free muscle transfers. Sixteen articles, 285 cases, were useful to evaluate ROMs (total range: 0-140°), and eight articles, 215 cases, provided DASH scores (total range: 8-90.8). CONCLUSIONS: Of patients who underwent gracilis FFMT procedures, higher mean strength scores and lower failure rates were observed when compared with non-free muscle transfers. Articles reporting non-free muscle transfer procedures (pectoralis, pedicled, Steindler, vascularized ulnar nerve grafts, Oberlin, single/double nerve transfers) provided comprehensive insight into outcomes and indicated that they may result in pooerer poorer DASH scores and ROM.

Identifying Mental Health Needs in the Faith Community.

ABSTRACT: Nearly one in five Americans suffers from a mental health disorder, and mental health issues have escalated during the COVID-19 pandemic. As trusted members of the community, faith community nurses are in a key position to assess mental health needs and take leadership roles in the faith community to address these needs. The aim of this project was to assess the mental health needs of one faith community. Qualitative data with quantitative data from secondary sources were gathered. Analysis revealed three problems for those suffering from mental health disorders: lack of resilience and coping strategies, fear and/or ignorance of mental health disorders, and unfamiliarity with community and health resources.

Current Concepts and Advances of Three-Dimensional Printing in Reconstructive Musculoskeletal Oncology: A Systematic Review.

Three-dimensional printing has the potential to advance current surgical practice, by way of anatomical and pathological structure analysis and customized implant manufacturing. Applications for this technology include pre-operative planning, prosthesis customization, and bioprinting. A comprehensive literature review of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Web of Science databases was conducted to extract all studies adopting three-dimensional printing in the operative management of primary and metastatic musculoskeletal tumors. A total of 73 articles reporting on 449 patients were deemed eligible for analysis. Indications of three-dimensional printing use consisted mainly of challenging tumor locations and proximity to neighboring neurovascular structures (232 [51.7%] patients) or anticipated high complication rates (142 [31.6%] patients). Operative time and follow-up averaged 240 minutes (4 hours) and 25.8 months, respectively. The majority of patients (327 [72.8%] of 449) in whom three-dimensional printing technology was used did not exhibit any complication or adverse event during or after their surgery, and most (354 [97.3%] of 364) subjects achieved convenient functional and oncological outcomes at last follow-up. The implementation of three-dimensional printing technology in the treatment of bone and soft tissue tumors is safe and efficient, as evidenced by the satisfactory functional and oncological outcomes, as well as the decrease in operative time and complication rates at 2-year follow-up. With recent innovations, three-dimensional printing has become cost-effective and reliable, so it is suitable for applications in orthopedic oncology.

Compared digestibility of plant protein isolates by using the INFOGEST digestion protocol.

The use of ingredients based on plant protein isolates is being promoted due to sustainability and health reasons. However, it is necessary to explore the behaviour of plant protein isolates during gastrointestinal digestion including the profile of released free amino acids and the characterization of resistant domains to gastrointestinal digestion. The aim of the present study was to monitor protein degradation of four legume protein isolates: garden pea, grass pea, soybean and lentil, using the harmonized Infogest in vitro digestion protocol. In vitro digests were characterized regarding protein, peptide and free amino acid content. Soybean was the protein isolate with the highest percentage of insoluble nitrogen at the end of the digestion (12%), being this fraction rich in hydrophobic amino acids. Free amino acids were mainly released during the intestinal digestion, comprising 21-24% of the total nitrogen content, while the percentage of nitrogen corresponding to peptides ranged from 66 to 76%. Legume globulins were resistant to gastric digestion whereas they were hydrolysed into peptides and amino acids during the intestinal phase. However, the molecular weight (MW) distribution demonstrated that all intestinal digests, except those from soybean, contained peptides with MW > 4 kDa at the end of gastrointestinal digestion. The profile of free amino acids released during digestion supports legume protein isolates as an excellent source of essential amino acids to be used in protein-rich food products. Peptides released during digestion matched with previously reported epitopes from the same plant species or others, explaining the ability to induce allergic reactions and cross-linked reactivity.

Relationships between composition, microstructure and cooking performances of six potato varieties.

Potatoes tubers are the raw materials of many processed food, such as cooked potatoes in hot water, baked potatoes and the most popular fried potatoes. The objective of this work was to study the impact of boiling, baking and frying on microstructure and properties of six potato varieties (Agata, Agria, Innovator, Lady Rosetta, Musica and Spunta) with different origin. Scanning Electron Microscopy revealed significant differences between varieties and tuber microstructure changes following all cooking processes. Differential Scanning Calorimeter analysis showed that the transition temperatures (ranging between 60 °C and 85 °C) and enthalpies of gelatinization (2.1 J/g-3.9 J/g) of tubers were also variety dependent. In addition, the elasticity modulus of cooked samples depended on process type and followed the order: baked potatoes > boiled > fried potatoes. In particular, baked Lady Rosetta (224.3 kPa) showed the least decrease in rigidity between thermal processes. Fried Agria and Spunta, (56.3 and 61 kPa, respectively) had the smallest value of Young's modulus. Molecular marker analyses provided a genetic fingerprinting of our varieties, allowing the identification of diagnostic markers. Innovator revealed an important genetic distance from the other varieties. Such distance corresponded to its exclusive phenotypic traits, that are known to affect thermochemical properties. The information obtained in this work may be useful to further study and associate genetic sequences with appreciable food technological traits.

Psychometric properties of the Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness scale adapted for people who use psychoactive substances.

BACKGROUND: People who consume psychoactive substances may experience situations of social stigma on the part of the society in general, and also situations of internalized-stigma derived from their own consumption of substances. The Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness (ISMI) scale has been shown to be valid and reliable to evaluate the internalized-stigma in people with severe mental disorders, but in Argentina there is no a Spanish version of this scale for use with people who use psychoactive substances. The objective of this work was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness instrument adapted for people who use psychoactive substances. METHOD: The work was carried out on a sample of 200 patients older than 18 years under treatment of rehabilitation by consumption of psychoactive substances in a public institution of the city of Córdoba (Argentina) between the years 2014 and 2016. The instrument used was the Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness (ISMI) previously adapted for use in these groups of patients. It was determined the reliability of the scale through Cronbach's coefficients α and factorial structure was analyzed through an exploratory factor analysis. RESULTS: The obtained coefficients showed a high reliability, while in the factorial structure emerged the 4 theoretical dimensions described by Ritsher, namely: social isolation, perceived discrimination, alienation and stereotyping. CONCLUSION: It is concluded that the scale adapted for people who use psychoactive substances is reliable and with an adequate factorial structure.

Estigma internalizado en consumidores de drogas en Córdoba, Argentina / Internalized stigma in drug users in Córdoba, Argentina

Resumen Objetivo Determinar el estigma internalizado en personas que consumen sustancias psicoactivas en la ciudad de Córdoba, Argentina. Método Trabajo descriptivo en 87 pacientes mayores de 18 años bajo tratamiento de rehabilitación por consumo de sustancias psicoactivas en una institución pública. El instrumento utilizado fue el Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness adaptado previamente. Resultados En la muestra se identificaron puntuaciones que indican un estigma internalizado moderado a severo en 17 de los 29 ítems de la escala. Además, se observaron mayores indicadores de estigma en pacientes que declararon consumir solo alcohol, que en los pacientes que declararon policonsumo. Conclusiones El estigma internalizado es una problemática frecuente entre las personas que consumen sustancias psicoactivas, aunque puede tener mayor severidad en las personas que consumen solo alcohol.

Abstract Aim To determine internalized stigma in people who use psychoactive substances and are under rehabilitation treatment in the city of Cordoba. Methods The study was descriptive in 87 inpatients over 18 years, who are under rehabilitation treatment for psychoactive substance use. The instrument was the Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness previously adapted. Results In the sample, there were identified scores that indicate moderate to severe internalized stigma in 17 of the 29 items of the total scale. Also, it was observed higher stigma indicators in patients who reported consuming only alcohol, than patients who reported multiple substances consumption. Conclusions Internalized stigma is a common problem among people who use psychoactive substances; moreover, stigma can be more severe in people who consume only alcohol, than people who consume alcohol in combination with other substances.

Merging physical parameters and laboratory subjective ratings for the soundscape assessment of urban squares.

An experimental study was carried out in 20 squares in the center of Rome, covering a wide range of different uses, sonic environments, geometry, and architectural styles. Soundwalks along the perimeter of each square were performed during daylight and weekdays taking binaural and video recordings, as well as spot measurements of illuminance. The cluster analysis performed on the physical parameters, not only acoustic, provided two clusters that are in satisfactory agreement with the "a priori" classification. Applying the principal component analysis (PCA) to five physical parameters, two main components were obtained which might be associated to two environmental features, namely, "chaotic/calm" and "open/enclosed." On the basis of these two features, six squares were selected for the laboratory audio-video tests where 32 subjects took part filling in a questionnaire. The PCA performed on the subjective ratings on the sonic environment showed two main components which might be associated to two emotional meanings, namely, "calmness" and "vibrancy." The linear regression modeling between five objective parameters and the mean value of subjective ratings on chaotic/calm and enclosed/open attributes showed a good correlation. Notwithstanding these interesting results being limited to the specific data set, it is worth pointing out that the complexity of the soundscape quality assessment can be more comprehensively examined merging the field measurements of physical parameters with the subjective ratings provided by field and/or laboratory tests.

The perceived quality of soundscape in three urban parks in Rome.

The present paper reports a socio-acoustic survey carried out in three large urban parks in Rome, selected on the basis of the outcome of a preliminary online survey. According to the experimental protocol applied in a previous study carried out in Milan and Naples, binaural recordings in 85 sites and interviews with 266 users of the three parks were performed only during the day in summertime. On the basis of selected acoustical descriptors, the sonic environment of the three parks was categorized and, thanks to statistical analysis, three clusters were identified. The results confirm that the sound environment in urban parks is often considered as "good" or "excellent" even if the sound pressure level is nearly always higher than the limits commonly used to define quiet areas. This is due to the influence of other factors, such as the presence of trees, natural features, and the tranquility; all of these components cannot be neglected in the assessment of the soundscape because they directly affect the psychological state of the person.

The soundscape quality in some urban parks in Milan, Italy.

Urban parks play an important role in preserving and promoting the health of citizens who are often exposed to noise pollution and the stress of daily life. The present study describes the main results obtained from a survey performed in five urban parks in Milan. Measurements of the acoustic environment were carried out in 29 sites together with interviews with 231 users on certain aspects of the parks not limited to merely sound. Acoustic data show that the surveyed parks mostly do not comply with the noise limit issued by the Italian legislation on protected areas. The unweighted 1/3-octave spectrum centre of gravity G and LA50 perform satisfactorily in discriminating among the acoustic environments. Such clear distinction was not observed in the subjective ratings on the perceived quality of the soundscape, likely due to the influence by non-acoustic factors that act as mediators in the assessment. This hypothesis is supported by the collected data on the perceived quality of quietness, which was rated worse than that of the soundscape. Comparing acoustic data with ratings, the perceived quality of the total environment was found to be less dependent on LAeq than soundscape and quietness.

Análisis de situaciones familiares relacionadas a la salud mental de niños escolarizados en una comunidad del interior de la Provincia de Córdoba, Argentina / Analysis of family environments related to primary schoolchildren mental health in a community located in the Province of Córdoba, Argentina

OBJETIVO: Con la finalidad de establecer un diagnóstico para detectar situaciones de riesgos familiares en niños escolarizados, el objetivo propuesto fue identificar los factores de riesgo vinculados a situaciones familiares que se relacionan con la salud mental, en niños de escuela primaria, de un sector urbano aledaño a la ciudad de Córdoba, en Argentina. METODOLOGÍA: El instrumento utilizado fue el test 'Cómo es tú-su familia'. Se realizó los análisis exploratorio bivariado y lo factorial. Se entrevistaron a 146 niños escolarizados de quinto y sexto grado del nivel primario. RESULTADOS: La estructura familiar más frecuente fue la biparental y el 45% de los encuestados tenían estructuras familiares a cargo de mujeres. Más de la mitad de los niños escolarizados refirieron que sus padres nunca, o algunas veces, dedican tiempo para hablar con ellos; los integrantes de su familia no pueden expresarse fácilmente si lo desean y la posibilidad de afrontar los problemas en familia es baja. El 30% de los niños refirieron haber experimentado alguna situación de estrés. La relación de riesgo con el padre y la madre se asoció a los antecedentes de fumar, peleas, maltratos y emborracharse. CONCLUSIONES: Los resultados de situaciones adversas en el grupo de niños analizados en este trabajo deberían ser tenidos en cuenta para disminuir la vulnerabilidad familiar y favorecer entornos saludables a los niños.

OBJECTIVE: In order to establish a diagnosis to identify family risk situations for children in school, the proposed objective was to identify risk factors associated with family situations that relate to mental health in primary schoolchildren from an urban area, adjacent to the city of Cordoba, in Argentina. METHODOLOGY: The test 'Cómo es tú-su familia' (What is your family like, in English) was used to interview 146 children attending fifth and sixth grades of primary school. Bivariate exploratory and factorial analyses were performed. RESULTS: The most frequent family structure was the biparental type, with 45% of interviewees reporting family structures in which women are in charge. More than 50% reported that their parents have never or seldom have dedicated time to talk to them, that family members do not find opportunities to express themselves, and that the possibilities of settling problems in family are scarce. In addition, 30% of children reported having gone through some type of stressful situation. Risk relations with mother and/or father were associated with smoking, drinking, battering, and quarreling. CONCLUSIONS: The adverse conditions detected for this group of children should be taken into account in order to lessen family vulnerability and foster healthy environments for children.

Quality assurance of solar UV irradiance in the Arctic.

The first Arctic intercomparison of three solar ultraviolet (UV) spectroradiometers and two multifilter radiometers was held in May and June 2009 at Ny-Alesund, Svalbard, Norway. The transportable reference spectroradiometer QASUME acted as reference instrument for this intercomparison. The measurement period extended over eleven days, comprising clear sky and overcast weather conditions. Due to the high latitude, measurements could be performed throughout the day during this period. The intercomparison demonstrated that the solar UV measurements from all instruments agreed to within +/-15% during the whole measurement period, while the spectroradiometer from the Alfred-Wegener Institute agreed to better than +/-5%. This intercomparison has demonstrated that solar UV measurements can be performed reliably in the high-latitude Arctic environment with uncertainties comparable to mid-latitude sites.