The Use of Information Entropy and Expert Opinion in Maximizing the Discriminating Power of Composite Indicators.

This research offers a solution to a highly recognized and controversial problem within the composite indicator literature: sub-indicators weighting. The research proposes a novel hybrid weighting method that maximizes the discriminating power of the composite indicator with objectively defined weights. It considers the experts' uncertainty concerning the conceptual importance of sub-indicators in the multidimensional phenomenon, setting maximum and minimum weights (constraints) in the optimization function. The hybrid weighting scheme, known as the SAW-Max-Entropy method, avoids attributing weights that are incompatible with the multidimensional phenomenon's theoretical framework. At the same time, it reduces the influence of assessment errors and judgment biases on composite indicator scores. The research results show that the SAW-Max-Entropy weighting scheme achieves greater discriminating power than weighting schemes based on the Entropy Index, Expert Opinion, and Equal Weights. The SAW-Max-Entropy method has high application potential due to the increasing use of composite indicators across diverse areas of knowledge. Additionally, the method represents a robust response to the challenge of constructing composite indicators with superior discriminating power.

Relação entre indicadores de risco à saúde e componentes do somatótipo consoante atividade física em crianças

Este estudo analisou a relação entre indicadores de risco à saúde e as componentes do somatótipo consoante os níveis de atividade física em crianças. Trata-se de uma pesquisa epidemiológica de base escolar, composta por 168 crianças (6 a 11 anos) de ambos os sexos. Informações demográficas foram obtidas. Avaliações antropométricas (estatura; massa corporal; pregas de adiposidade subcutânea; perímetros do braço contraído, cintura, quadril e panturrilha), pressão arterial sistólica e diastólica, e atividade física (ativo; inativo) foram mensuradas. O somatótipo, razão cintura-quadril e razão cintura-estatura foram calculados. Análise de comparação, correlação e regressão linear múltipla foram realizadas, considerando intervalo de confiança de 95%. Meninos apresentaram maior número de passos, razão cintura-quadril e cintura-estatura. Crianças ativas eram mais velhas, possuíam maior perímetro de cintura, quadril e pressão arterial sistólica. No grupo fisicamente ativo, o sexo esteve associado diretamente ao perímetro de cintura e razão cintura-estatura, enquanto a idade associou-se com a perímetro de quadril e pressão arterial diastólica. Nas crianças inativas, todas as variáveis preditoras (exceto para a variável sexo em relação ao perímetro de quadril) mostraram-se significativas para o perímetro da cintura e quadril, explicando, conjuntamente, ~83% e 85% da expressão destas variáveis, respectivamente. A relação entre indicadores de risco à saúde e as componentes do somatótipo foi maior em crianças inativas. Independentemente do nível de atividade física, a endomorfia mostrou relação significativa com os componentes de saúde, com maior efeito no grupo inativo, tendo em vista a associação com a composição corporal dos sujeitos.

Este estudio analizó la relación entre indicadores de riesgo para la salud y los componentes del somatótipo según los niveles de actividad física en niños. Se trata de una investigación epidemiológica, compuesta por 168 niños (6 a 11 años) de ambos sexos. Fueron mensuradas: evaluaciones antropométricas (estatura; masa corporal; pliegues de adiposidad subcutánea; perímetros del brazo contraído, cintura, cuadril y pantorrilla), presión arterial sistólica y diastólica, y actividad física (activo/inactivo); el somatótipo, a través del cálculo de: razón cintura-cuadril y razón cintura-estatura. Se realizó el análisis de comparación, correlación y regresión lineal múltiple, considerando intervalo de confianza del 95%. Los niños presentaron mayor número de pasos, razón cintura-cuadril y cintura-estatura. Los niños activos eran mayores, tenían mayor perímetro de cintura, cuadril y presión arterial sistólica. En el grupo físicamente activo, el sexo estuvo asociado directamente al perímetro de cintura y razón cintura-estatura, mientras que la edad se asoció con el perímetro de cuadril y presión arterial diastólica. En los niños inactivos, todas las variables predictoras (excepto para la variable sexo con relación al perímetro de cuadril) se mostraron significativas para el perímetro de la cintura y cuadril, explicando, conjuntamente, ~83% y 85% de la expresión de estas variables, respectivamente. La relación entre indicadores de riesgo para la salud y los componentes del somatotipo fue mayor en niños inactivos. Independientemente del nivel de actividad física, la endomorfia mostró una relación significativa con los componentes de salud, con mayor efecto en el grupo inactivo, con vistas a la asociación con la composición corporal de los sujetos.

This study analysed the relationship between health risk indicators and somatotype components according to physical activity levels in children. This epidemiological and school-based research comprised 168 children of both sexes (56% boys), aged between 6 to 11 years. Demographic information (sex, age) was obtained. Anthropometric information (body height; body mass; contracted arm, waist, hip, and calf circumferences), body composition (subcutaneous adiposity and somatotype), systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and physical activity level (active; inactive) were measured. The waist-hip ratio and waist-to-height ratio were computed. Comparison, correlation, and multiple linear regression analysis were performed, considering 95% of the confidence interval. Boys presented higher values for physical activity, waist-hip, and waist-to-height ratio. Active children were older, had a larger waist and hip circumference, and higher systolic blood pressure. Among the active group, sex was associated with waist circumference and waist-to-height ratio, while age was associated with hip circumference and diastolic blood pressure. Among inactive children, all predictors (except for sex for hip circumference) were significantly associated with waist and hip circumferences, explaining ≅83% and 85% of the expression of these variables, respectively. The relationship between health risk indicators and somatotype components was higher among inactive children. Regardless of the physical activity level, the endomorphic component shows a significant relationship with health components, with a higher effect among the inactive group, considering the body composition association.

Effects of an Appeasing Substance Application at Weaning on Growth, Stress, Behavior, and Response to Vaccination of Bos indicus Calves.

An analog of a bovine-appeasing substance (BAS) was previously demonstrated to have calming effects, and it could be an alternative to alleviate the stress caused by weaning. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of BAS administration at weaning on growth, stress, behavior, and response to vaccination of Nellore calves. Eighty-six Nellore calves (40 females and 46 males) were abruptly weaned and randomly assigned into 1 of 2 treatments: (1) saline solution (0.9% NaCl; n = 43) and (2) BAS (Secure Catte, IRSEA Group, Quartier Salignan, France; n = 43). The solutions were topically applied (5 mL/calf) to the nuchal skin area of each animal. On d 0, before treatment application, calves were vaccinated against infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR), parainfluenza-3 (PI3) virus, and bovine viral diarrhea virus types 1 and 2 (BVDV-1 and 2). Calves from each treatment were kept in different pastures for 15 d (time of BAS action) and then moved to a single pasture. Body weight (BW), blood samples, and temperament in the chute (entry score, chute score, and exit score) were collected on d 0, 3, 8, 15, 51, and 100, and behavior on pasture on d 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 9. Calves assigned to BAS vs. Saline treatment tended to have greater BW on d 15 (p = 0.10), tended to have lower entry scores on d 8 and 51 (p = 0.10), and chute scores on d 8 (p = 0.07), and had lower exit scores on d 8 (p = 0.02). Calves assigned to BAS vs. Saline treatment also had greater time grazing on d 7 and 9 (p < 0.01), eating concentrate on d 2, 5, and 6 (p = 0.05), walking on d 1, 2, 5, and 9 (p < 0.01), standing and ruminating on d 2, 7 and 9 (p < 0.01), and playing on d 2, 4, 6, 7, and 9 (p < 0.01). Furthermore, they had lower time lying on 1 and 2 (p < 0.01), standing on d 5 and 9 (p < 0.01), and vocalizing on d 1 and 2 (p < 0.01). Calves assigned to BAS vs. Saline treatment had greater serum titter concentrations of PI3 t on d 15 and 51 (p = 0.05) and BVDV-1 on d 51 (p = 0.02). However, they had lower serum concentrations of cortisol on d 3 (p = 0.03). BAS administration did not affect (p ≥ 0.12) the serum titer concentration of IBR and BVDV-2 titers or the plasma concentration of haptoglobin and ceruloplasmin. The BAS administration improved BW, reduced temperament and serum cortisol concentration, and improved behavior and response to vaccination.

The subject-environment interplay between runners from different Brazilian macro-regions.

Purpose: Our purpose was to investigate the interplay between runners and their environment using a network approach. Methods: This cross-sectional study sampled Brazilian runners of both sexes, from the five macro-regions of the country. An electronic questionnaire was used to obtain information regarding age, sex, training volume, socio-economic level, place of residence, and running pace. Environmental indicators (public illumination, pavement, sidewalk, and green areas) were collected from available public information. Descriptive statistics were presented in mean (SD), and frequency (%). A network analysis was performed to evaluate the association between individual and environmental characteristics. Statistical analyses were performed in the JASP, considering p < 0.05. Results: At North and Mid-West regions, public illumination presents the highest values for the expected influence (1.74 and 1.56), while in Northeast and Southeast, sidewalks present the highest values (2.13; 0.91). For betweenness centrality, in North, Northeast, and Mid-West regions, residency in the capital of a state presented a hub. In contrast, pavement, and training volume present higher values in the South and Southeast. Network topologies are different. Conclusion: Public illumination (North and Mid-West) and sidewalk (Northeast, Southeast) were the most important variables for runners. Continental size countries need specific approaches to improve physical activity levels and health outcomes that consider the cultural, historical, and environmental background.

The birthplace and relative age effects in Brazilian olympic athletes: a cross-national comparison.

Purpose: Our purpose was to verify the existence of birthplace and relative age effect (RAE), as well as the association between birthplace effect and RAE among Brazilian athletes competing in the Olympic Games. Methods: Data included information about Brazilian Summer Olympic athletes from 1920 to 2021. To investigate RAE, athletes' birthdate was distributed into birth quartiles (Q1: Jan-Mar; Q2: Apr-Jun; Q3: Jul-Sep; Q4: Oct-Dec), while birthplace effect was assessed considering the state and the region (Southeast; Northeast; South; North; and Midwest) of birth. The Chi-square test (χ2) was used to verify differences between the birthplace effect and RAE. Results: The sample consisted of 388 Brazilian athletes of both sexes, distributed in 38 sports modalities from 23 Brazilian states (Southeast = 66.5%; South = 14.4%; Northeast = 12.1%; North = 1.5%; Midwest = 5.4%). For both sexes, most of the athletes were from the São Paulo state (37.4%), followed by Rio de Janeiro (18.3%), both from the Southeast region. For birthdate distribution according to birthplace, it was observed that the North region presented the highest frequency of athletes born in Q1 (50%), followed by the Northeast and Southeast regions. No significant differences were found for the birthplace effect (χ2 = 5.69, value of p = 0.128) and RAE between sexes (χ2 = 0.530, value of p = 0.912), nor was shown an association between the birthplace effect and RAE. Conclusion: Most Brazilian Olympic athletes are from the Southeast region, but no RAE was established regarding their birthplace. Results from the present study can guide sports public policies in Brazilian regions, especially in the Midwest, North, and Northeast regions, which are underrepresented in Brazilian high-performance sports.

The Relative Importance of Training and Social Support for Runners' Performance: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Running participation/performance is a complex system. Understanding the variables associated with these behaviors may help to increase population physical activity and improve performance. This study aimed to investigate social and training variables important for running performance using a network approach. METHODS: This cross-sectional study sampled 1151 non-professional Brazilian runners of both sexes (women, 38.2%; men, 61.7%). A questionnaire was available for eligible participants using an online platform, and information regarding training (volume and running pace) and social variables (participation in a running event, participation in a running group, influence on running, runners in the family, and childhood sport) related to runners' performance was obtained. The Chi-square test and network model were estimated by sex. RESULTS: Training characteristics tend to be clustered. For both sexes, the training volume node presented the highest expected influence in the network (1.69 for women and 2.16 for men). Centrality indicators of social variables show that sports childhood participation and the presence of runners in the family were the most important nodes of network connection for women and men, respectively. CONCLUSION: Based on these findings, it was concluded that sports participation during childhood and the practice of running by other family members were important factors to connect variables in the network. These findings have practical applications for health policymakers, highlighting the need to develop educational programs to increase sports participation during childhood and within families.

Movement Behaviour and Health Outcomes in Rural Children: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Studies with rural children are limited, and results are divergent regarding the information on movement behaviours. PURPOSE: to (i) describe the physical activity and sedentary behaviour in children; (ii) synthetize the year and place of publication, methodological quality, and instruments used to measure physical activity and sedentary behaviour; and (iii) to analyse the relationship between physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and health outcomes in these children. METHODS: We use the databases PubMed, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, Scopus, Virtual Health Library, and SciELO, considering papers published until October 2021. A total of 12,196 studies were identified, and after the exclusion of duplicate, title and abstract screening, and the full-text assessment, a total of 68 were included in the study. RESULTS: A cross-sectional design was dominant among the studies, with sample sizes ranging from 23 to 44,631 children of both sexes. One-third of the studies were conducted in North America and Europe, and most of them used device-based measurements. Inequalities were observed regarding sex, age, economic level, race, and physical activity domains within and between the places of residence. Sociodemographic characteristics were also related to health outcomes for children living in rural and urban areas. CONCLUSION: It is necessary to increase the evidence on movement behaviours among children living in the countries of South America and Oceania, as well as to increase the level of evidence on the role of school for physical activity in children in rural areas, given the inconsistent findings.

An analysis of the São Silvestre race between 2007-2021: An increase in participation but a decrease in performance.

This study aimed to investigate the trends of finishers in the São Silvestre race in Brazil, taking into account sex, age, and performance levels. A total of 31 â€‹775 runners (women, n â€‹= â€‹13 â€‹847; men, n â€‹= â€‹17 â€‹928), aged (45.2 â€‹± â€‹16.8) years, finishers in the São Silvestre race between 2007 and 2021, were considered in the present analysis. Data (event year, date of birth, sex, and race times) were downloaded from the official race website. The man-Whitney U test, Spearman correlation, and robust regression model were computed. Participation increased over time for both sexes. Regarding age groups, "31-40 years" (women) and "> 60 years" (men) were those with the highest number of finishers. We found a decrease in performance across the years (ߠ​= â€‹2.45; p â€‹< â€‹0.005), as well as significant differences in race times for both sexes (U â€‹= â€‹42.844; p â€‹< â€‹0.001), with men presenting better performances than women. Over time, it was observed an increase in the performance gap between the sexes, but in general, the performance decreased (ߠ​= â€‹1.76; p â€‹< â€‹0.001). Stakeholders should consider improving the strategies to improve women and young people's participation in running events.

Perspectives on Movement and Eating Behaviours in Brazilian Elderly: An Analysis of Clusters Associated with Disease Outcomes.

Aging is a biological process, which is usually associated with health-related problems, which are related to some behaviours, such as those related to movement and eating habits. So, the purpose of the present study was to identify the clustering of behavioural and eating habits related to non-communicable disease in Brazilian elderly, and to estimate the association of these profiles with overweight/obesity, hypertension, and diabetes. This is a cross-sectional based-population study, which sample comes from the VIGITEL 2019 survey. The sample comprised 23,327 subjects (16,295 women), mean age of 71 years. Sociodemographic and anthropometric data (i.e., age, sex, body weight, and body height), health-related information (i.e., eating habits, physical activity and sedentary behaviour, and alcohol consumption), health status and morbidity (diabetes and hypertension) were self-reported. Latent Classes Analysis, and binary logistic regression were performed, considering p<0.05. Results showed that two different classes were identified. Those called as "TV viewer, but no unhealthy diet" presented more chances to have hypertension (OR: 1.213; 95%CI: 1.064-1.382) and diabetes (OR: 1.365; 95%CI: 1.157-1.610), when compared to their peers called as "healthy diet and active". Age, educational level, and sex were associated with hypertension and diabetes. In conclusion, a better health clustered-behaviour was associated with better disease outcomes in Brazilian elderly population.

Allium sativum extract against free-living larvae of Rhipicephalus microplus: a potential environmental biocontrol.

The infestation of Rhipicephalus microplus (Acari: Ixodidae) (Canestrini, 1887) represents a significant health problem for cattle. Up until today, no consistent control has been recommended for the free-living larval stage of R. microplus. The objective of the present study was to determine the larvicidal effect of an Allium sativum (garlic) aqueous extract against R. microplus using the larval package test, LPT. Tick larvae were obtained from adult female ticks from naturally infected animals, and 200 larvae were exposed to each A. sativum extract concentration (5, 7, 10, 16, 25, and 50%). All garlic groups received the extract in three different volumes (2, 5, and 7 ml) to determine the levels of humidity that would affect the free-living stage. Larvae from the control group were treated with distilled water and the positive control used cypermethrin in a 5-ml volume. Live and dead larvae were determined after 24 h of exposure. There was a significant statistical difference (P = 0.041) at 5% between 2 and 5 ml and between 7 and 10% of the extract using 2 ml (P = 0.034). There was a significant larvicidal activity of 100% mortality for the 16, 25, and 50% concentrations for all volumes. We observed a clear concentration-dependent effect for the extracts with a correlation coefficient of R2 > 0.92. The lethal concentration of 50% (LC50) was 13.6, 9.8, and 7.6% for the 2, 5, and 7 ml. The present A. sativum solutions may be considered a viable biofriendly alternative to reduce the number of the free-living larval stage of R. microplus on pasture and the consequent reduction of cattle infestation due to its high larval mortality.

Fear of failure in Brazilian runners.

This study aims to investigate the fear or failure (FoF) in Brazilian runners of both sex, performance levels and age categories, as well as to verify the relationship between FoF and socioeconomic status (SES). Sample size as composed by 916. Age, sex, body height, body weight, SES, and running pace were self-reported. The Multidimensional Questionnaire of FoF was applied in an online platform. Running pace, and SES were categorized and processed through multivariate analysis and Spearman correlations, with the p-value set at 0.05. Female runners with better performance (2.13 ± 0.74) and younger (2.16 ± 0.80), as a well as male runners with worse performance (2.04 ± 0.69) and older (2.04 ± 0.89) presented the highest values of FoF. Among women, SES was negatively associated with FoF (r = -0.144; p = 0.006), while a positive association between running pace and SES was observed among men (r = 0.290; p < 0.001). Non-professional Brazilian runners presented low values of FoF.

Asociación entre comportamientos de riesgo y sobrepeso en adolescentes: análisis de clases latentes / Association between risk behaviors and overweight in adolescents: a latent classes analysis / Associação entre comportamentosde risco e excesso de peso em adolescentes: análise de classes latentes

RESUMEN Este estudio tuvo como objetivo describir la agregación de comportamientos del estilo de vida en adolescentes brasileños e identificar la asociación de estas agregaciones con el exceso de peso. Se ha utilizado información sobre el consumo alimentario, tiempo frente a la televisión y práctica de actividad física de una muestra compuesta por 14141 adolescentes, de ambos sexos, con edades entre 11 y 17 años, procedente de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud del Escolar (2015), que fueron divididos en tres clases: físicamente activos (FA), comportamiento de riesgo (CR) e inactivos físicamente con alimentación saludable (IA). Los resultados mostraron que las niñas y adolescentes mayores tienen menos probabilidades de desarrollar exceso de peso en comparación con los niños y adolescentes más jóvenes, así como los sujetos pertenecientes a la clase CR, que tienen menos probabilidades de presentar exceso de peso, mientras que los adolescentes de clase IA tienen más probabilidades en comparación con la FA. Se puede concluir que la adopción de hábitos saludables parece ejercer una influencia importante en cuanto al resultado de sobrepeso, ya que, no obstante, la adopción de alimentación "no saludable" es prevalente en la clase CR, los niveles de actividad física se asemejan a la clase FA, que puede mitigar los efectos de los comportamientos negativos relacionados con la alimentación.

ABSTRACT This study aimed to describe the cluster of lifestyle behaviors among Brazilian adolescents and to identify the association of these clusters with overweight. Information related to food consumption, TV time and physical activity were used, from a sample of 14141 adolescents of both sexes, aged between 11 and 17 years, from the National School Health Survey (2015), who were split into three classes: physically active (FA), risky behavior (CR), and physically inactive with healthy eating (AI). Results showed that girls and older adolescents have less chances to be overweight when compared to boys and younger adolescents, respectively. Moreover, subjects classified as CR have less chances of being overweight, whereas those classified as AI are more prone to be overweight compared to those belonging to FA class. We conclude that the adoption of healthy habits seems to be of relevance in the expression of overweight, because although the high prevalence of "unhealthy" diet among subjects from the CR class, their physical activity levels are similar to their peers from the FA class, which may mitigate the impacts unhealthy behaviors associated with food consumption.

RESUMO Este estudo teve como objetivo descrever a agregação de comportamentos de estilo de vida em adolescentes brasileiros e identificar a associação dessas agregações com o excesso de peso. Informações sobre consumo alimentar, tempo em frente à televisão e prática de atividade física de uma amostra composta por 14141 adolescentes, de ambos os sexos, com idade entre 11 e 17 anos, da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde do Escolar (2015), que foram divididos em três classes: fisicamente ativo (AF), comportamento de risco (CR) e fisicamente inativo com alimentação saudável (IA). Os resultados mostraram que meninas e adolescentes mais velhos são menos propensos a desenvolver excesso de peso em comparação com crianças e adolescentes mais novos, assim como os sujeitos pertencentes à classe CR, que são menos propensos ao excesso de peso, enquanto os adolescentes da classe IA são mais propensos em relação aos AF. Pode-se concluir que a adoção de hábitos saudáveis parece ter influência importante no resultado do excesso de peso, pois, no entanto, a adoção de dietas "não saudáveis" é prevalente na classe CR, os níveis de atividade física são semelhantes aos da classe AF, o que pode atenuar os efeitos de comportamentos negativos relacionados à alimentação.

Development of brushite particles synthesized in the presence of acidic monomers for dental applications.

OBJECTIVES: To synthesize and characterize brushite particles in the presence of acidic monomers (acrylic acid/AA, citric acid/CA, and methacryloyloxyethyl phosphate/MOEP) and evaluate the effect of these particles on degree of conversion (DC), flexural strength/modulus (FS/FM) and ion release of experimental composites. METHODS: Particles were synthesized by co-precipitation with monomers added to the phosphate precursor solution and characterized for monomer content, size and morphology. Composites containing 20 vol% brushite and 40 vol% reinforcing glass were tested for DC, FS and FM (after 24 h and 60 d in water), and 60-day ion release. Data were subjected to ANOVA/Tukey tests (DC) or Kruskal-Wallis/Dunn tests (FS and FM, alpha: 5%). RESULTS: The presence of acidic monomers affected particle morphology. Monomer content on the particles was low (0.1-1.4% by mass). Composites presented similar DC. For FS/24 h, only the composite containing DCPD_AA was statistically similar to the composite containing 60 vol% of reinforcing glass (without brushite, "control"). After 60 days, all brushite-containing materials showed similar FS, statistically lower than the control composite (p<0.01). Composites containing DCPD_AA, DCPD_MOEP or DCPD_U ("unmodified") showed statistically similar FM/24 h, higher than the control composite. After prolonged immersion, all composites were similar to the control composite, except DCPD_AA. Cumulative ion release ranged from 21 ppm to 28 ppm (calcium) and 9 ppm to 17 ppm (phosphate). Statistically significant reductions in ion release between 15 and 60 days were detected only for the composite containing DCPD_MOEP. SIGNIFICANCE: Acidic monomers added to the synthesis affected brushite particle morphology. After 60-day storage in water, composite strength was similar among all brushite-containing composites. Ion release was sustained for 60 days and it was not affected by particle morphology.

Effect of calcium orthophosphate: Reinforcing glass ratio and prolonged water storage on flexural properties of remineralizing composites.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the effects of replacing reinforcing barium glass particles by DCPD (dicalcium phosphate dihydrate), as opposed to simply reducing glass filler content, on composite flexural properties and degree of conversion (DC). On a second set of experiments, composites with different "DCPD: glass" ratios were exposed to prolonged water immersion to verify if the presence of DCPD particles increased hydrolytic degradation. METHODS: Two series of composites were prepared: 1) composites with total inorganic content of 50 vol% and "DCPD: glass" ratios ranging from zero (glass only) to 1.0 (DCPD only), in 0.25 increments, and 2) composites containing only silanized glass (from zero to 50 vol%). Disk-shaped specimens were fractured under biaxial flexural loading after 24 h in water. Another set of specimens of composites with different "DCPD: glass" ratios was stored in water for 24 h, 30, 60, 90 and 120 days and tested in flexure. DC was determined using FTIR spectroscopy. Data were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis/Dunn test (flexural properties) or ANOVA/Tukey test (DC, alpha: 0.05). RESULTS: For glass-only composites, reducing inorganic content caused a linear decrease in strength. The presence of DCPD did not affect composite strength up until a "DCPD: glass" ratio of 0.5. On the other hand, materials with 0.75 and 1.0 DCPD showed significantly lower strength than the glass-only composite with 12.5 vol% filler and the unfilled resin, respectively (p < 0.001). Except for the 0.25 DCPD composite, the presence of DCPD did not contribute to increase flexural modulus. After water storage, composites containing DCPD showed higher percent reductions in properties than the control, but only in a few cases the effect was statistically significant (strength: 0.5 DCPD, modulus: 0.25 and 1.0 DCPD). DC was only marginally affected by DCPD fraction. SIGNIFICANCE: For composites with "DCPD: glass" of 0.25 and 0.5, reductions in strength were related to the lower glass content, and not due to the presence of DCPD. Flexural modulus was primarily defined by glass content. Overall, composites containing DCPD particles presented higher reductions in properties after water storage, but it remained within limits reported for commercial materials.

Development of calcium phosphate/ethylene glycol dimethacrylate particles for dental applications.

This study describes the synthesis of dicalcium phosphate dihydrate (DCPD) particles in the presence of different ethylene glycol dimethacrylates (EGDMA, ethylene glycol/EG units: 1, 2, 3 or 4) at two monomer-to-ammonium phosphate molar ratios (1:1 and 2:1), as a strategy to develop CaP-monomer particles with improved interaction with resin matrices. Particles displaying high surface areas and organic contents were added to a photocurable BisGMA-TEGDMA resin and the resulting materials were tested for degree of conversion (DC), biaxial flexural strength (BFS), flexural modulus, and ion release. Data were subjected to one-way ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis/Dunn test (alpha: 0.05). Functionalization with EGDMA derivatives was dependent upon the length of the spacer group and monomer concentration in the synthesis. No differences in DC were observed among materials (p > 0.05). A 39% increase in BFS was obtained with the use of particles with the highest functionalization level compared to non-functionalized particles (p < 0.001). The use of functionalized DCPD reduced flexural modulus in comparison to non-functionalized particles (p < 0.001). Calcium release was similar among materials and remained constant during the experiment, while phosphate release was higher at 7 days in comparison to the remaining weeks (p < 0.001). In conclusion, diethylene glycol dimethacrylate resulted in the highest functionalization levels and the highest BFS among DCPD-containing materials. Ion release was not affected by functionalization. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 107B: 708-715, 2019.

Chemical Characterization of Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill. Hydroalcoholic Extract and Its Efficiency against Gastrointestinal Nematodes of Sheep.

Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill. is a xerophylous plant that originated in tropical and subtropical America. This plant is popularly known in Brazil as "palma forrageira" (cactus pear) and plays a fundamental role in animal nutrition, mainly in the Northeastern semi-arid region of the country. The plant has several uses since it presents bioactive compounds that confer biological and pharmacological properties. In this context, the cactus pear can also be considered a potential product to combat parasite infections. The objective of this study was to chemically characterize the O. ficus-indica hydroalcoholic extract (OFIEOH) and to determine its efficacy against gastrointestinal parasites using in vitro tests. Initially, the hydroalcoholic extract from cladode peels of O. ficus-indica was produced by maceration for 21 days. For the chemical characterization, colorimetric dosages were performed for carbohydrates, proteins, phenols and condensed tannins. Liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry/electron spray ionization (LC-MS/ESI) was used to characterize the polyphenolic profile of the OFIEOH extract. Fifteen compounds were identified in the OFIEOH extract, such as methyl, glycosylated and aglycone quercetin derivatives and aglycone and glycosylated kaempferol derivatives. Tri-glycosylated methyl quercetin derivatives were the main compounds identified. In vitro egg hatch (EHT) and larval migration tests (LMT) were used in a range of concentrations of OFIEOH from 12.5 to 100 mg/mL for EHT and 12.5 to 200 mg/mL for LMT. In addition, the LMT was used to test ivermectin (IVM) (from 11.4 to 57.1 µM), associated with the inhibitory concentration of 50% (IC50) for OFIEOH. The combination of OFIEOH (12.5 to 200 mg/mL) plus the IC50 of IVM was also tested. The efficacy of OFIEOH alone varied from 19.33 to 90.0% using the EHT. The LMT revealed an efficacy of 5.78 to 77.26% for the extract. Both tests showed a concentration-dependence inhibitory effect. We found a drug-extract antagonistic neutralizing effect when doses of IVM were added to OFIEOH (maximum efficacy of 73.78%), while a positive additive effect was observed when OFIEOH was added to the IC50 of IVM (IC50 of 82.79 for OFIEOH alone against an IC50 of 55.08 of OFIEOH + IVM). The data from this work indicate that OFIEOH alone may be considered as a suitable ecofriendly product to control gastrointestinal parasites of sheep, offering a more holistic approach to improve animal farming and welfare. The drug-extract interaction is also a promising therapeutic alternative, reducing the final dose to the host, with an optimum combination effect.

Perfil calórico e higienicossanitário do leite pasteurizado pelo banco de leite humano do estado do Acre / Caloric and hygienicosanitary profile of the milk pasteurized by the human milk bank of the state of Acre

Este estudo teve por objetivo analisar o perfil calórico e higienicossanitário do leite humano pasteurizado pelo Banco de Leite Humano da Maternidade Barbara Heliodora, localizado no município de Rio Branco-AC. Trata-se de uma pesquisa descritiva e transversal realizada a partir de dados secundários do registro dos exames de teor calórico avaliados pelo crematócrito, e titulação de acidez pelo método de Dornic do leite humano coletado e processado pelo banco de leite humano referente ao período de janeiro a dezembro de 2014. Foram analisadas 499 amostras de leite humano, totalizando 146,39 litros de leite coletados. Deste leite humano pasteurizado 15% foi classificado como hipocalórico, 52% normocalórico e 33% hipercalórico. De acordo com o estágio de lactação, o leite maduro foi o leite com maior quantidade de doações. Em relação à acidez Dornic, encontraram-se resultados dentro da média de titulação aceitável, sendo os maiores valores encontrados na faixa de 4,1 a 7,9% (n=252). As perdas de leite materno representaram 18,34 litros, sendo as principais causas o prazo de validade expirado, quantidade insuficiente para o processamento, sujidade, frasco quebrado e doadora sem cadastro. As doações de leite humano são essenciais para a garantia do leite destinado às crianças que dele necessitam. Assim, o presente estudo concluiu que o leite é normocalórico e está próprio para o consumo, com relação ao alto teor calórico e baixa titulação acidez. É importante o registro dessas informações para que se intensifiquem os estudos nessa área e medidas que busquem melhorar as boas práticas de manipulação.

This study aimed to analyze the caloric and hygienic conditions of the pasteurized breast milk in a Breast Milk Bank in the maternity hospital Barbara Heliodora, in Rio Branco, Ac. This is a descriptive cross-sectional analyzes of secondary data survey of calorie tests by crematocrit, and titratable acidity of the Dornic method of human milk collected and processed by the Breast Milk Bank from January to December 2014. It was analyzed 499 samples of pasteurized breast milk or 146,39 liters. Of those, 15% was hypocaloric, 52% normalcaloric and 33% hypercaloric. The mature milk was the type of milk in more quantity of donations. The Dornic acidity found was between 4,1 to 7,9% (n=252), considered acceptable. A total 18,34 liters of breast milk wasted. The breast milk donations are essential guaranty of milk, designated to the ones in need. Therefore, the present study conclude that the milk is normocaloric and is suitable for consumption. It's important to record those informations so that more studies are performed in this area, besides measures and proceedings of good manipulation practices.

Characterization of the Zebrafish Homolog of ß-Glucosidase 2: A Target of the Drug Miglustat.

The small-molecular compound miglustat (N-butyldeoxynojirimycin, Zavesca(®)) has been approved for clinical use in type 1 Gaucher disease and Niemann-Pick type C disease, which are disorders caused by dysfunction of the endosomal-autophagic-lysosomal system. Miglustat inhibits a number of enzymes involved in glycoconjugate and glycan metabolism, including ß-glucosidase 2 (GBA2), which is exceptionally sensitive to inhibition by miglustat. GBA2 is a glucosylceramide-degrading enzyme that is located on the plasma membrane/endoplasmic reticulum, and is distinct from the lysosomal enzyme glucocerebrosidase (GBA). Various strands of evidence suggest that inhibition of GBA2 contributes to the therapeutic benefits of miglustat. To further explore the pharmacology and biology of GBA2, we investigated whether the zebrafish homolog of GBA2 has similar enzymatic properties and pharmacological sensitivities to its human counterpart. We established that zebrafish has endogenous ß-glucosidase activity toward lipid- and water-soluble GBA2 substrates, which can be inhibited by miglustat, N-butyldeoxygalactonojirimycin, and conduritol B epoxide. ß-Glucosidase activities with highly similar characteristics were expressed in cells transfected with the zebrafish gba2 cDNA and in cells transfected with the human GBA2 cDNA. These results provide a foundation for the use of zebrafish in screening GBA2-targeting molecules, and for wider studies investigating GBA2 biology.

Verification and refinement of cellular glycosphingolipid profiles using HPLC.

Glycosphingolipids (GSLs) are hybrid molecules consisting of the sphingolipid ceramide linked to a mono- or oligo-saccharide. In comparison to other membrane lipids, the family of GSLs stands out because of the extensive variation in the carbohydrate headgroup. GSLs are cell surface binding partners, in cis with growth factor receptors, and in trans with bacterial toxins and viruses, and are among the host-derived membrane components of viral particles, including those of HIV. In spite of their biological relevance, GSL profiles of commonly used cell lines have been analyzed to different degrees. Here, we directly compare the GSL complements from CHO-K1, COS-7, HeLa, HEK-293, HEPG2, Jurkat, and SH-SY5Y cells using an HPLC-based method requiring modest amounts of material. Compared to previous studies, the HPLC-based analyses provided more detailed information on the complexity of the cellular GSL complement, qualitatively as well as quantitatively. In particular for cells expressing multiple GSLs, we found higher numbers of GSL species, and different levels of abundance. Our study thus extends our knowledge of biologically relevant lipids in widely used cell lines.

Resolubilization of precipitated intact membrane proteins with cold formic acid for analysis by mass spectrometry.

Protein precipitation in organic solvent is an effective strategy to deplete sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) ahead of MS analysis. Here we evaluate the recovery of membrane and water-soluble proteins through precipitation with chloroform/methanol/water or with acetone (80%). With each solvent system, membrane protein recovery was greater than 90%, which was generally higher than that of cytosolic proteins. With few exceptions, residual supernatant proteins detected by MS were also detected in the precipitation pellet, having higher MS signal intensity in the pellet fraction. Following precipitation, we present a novel strategy for the quantitative resolubilization of proteins in an MS-compatible solvent system. The pellet is incubated at -20 °C in 80% formic acid/water and then diluted 10-fold with water. Membrane protein recovery matches that of sonication of the pellet in 1% SDS. The resolubilized proteins are stable at room temperature, with no observed formylation as is typical of proteins suspended in formic acid at room temperature. The protocol is applied to the molecular weight determination of membrane proteins from a GELFrEE-fractionated sample of Escherichia coli proteins.