ShF5H1 overexpression increases syringyl lignin and improves saccharification in sugarcane leaves.

The agricultural sugarcane residues, bagasse and straws, can be used for second-generation ethanol (2GE) production by the cellulose conversion into glucose (saccharification). However, the lignin content negatively impacts the saccharification process. This polymer is mainly composed of guaiacyl (G), hydroxyphenyl (H), and syringyl (S) units, the latter formed in the ferulate 5-hydroxylase (F5H) branch of the lignin biosynthesis pathway. We have generated transgenic lines overexpressing ShF5H1 under the control of the C4H (cinnamate 4-hydroxylase) rice promoter, which led to a significant increase of up to 160% in the S/G ratio and 63% in the saccharification efficiency in leaves. Nevertheless, the content of lignin was unchanged in this organ. In culms, neither the S/G ratio nor sucrose accumulation was altered, suggesting that ShF5H1 overexpression would not affect first-generation ethanol production. Interestingly, the bagasse showed a significantly higher fiber content. Our results indicate that the tissue-specific manipulation of the biosynthetic branch leading to S unit formation is industrially advantageous and has established a foundation for further studies aiming at refining lignin modifications. Thus, the ShF5H1 overexpression in sugarcane emerges as an efficient strategy to improve 2GE production from straw.

Proton Exchange Membranes from Sulfonated Lignin Nanocomposites for Redox Flow Battery Applications.

Redox flow batteries (RFBs) are increasingly being considered for a wide range of energy storage applications, and such devices rely on proton exchange membranes (PEMs) to function. PEMs are high-cost, petroleum-derived polymers that often possess limited durability, variable electrochemical performance, and are linked to discharge of perfluorinated compounds. Alternative PEMs that utilize biobased materials, including lignin and sulfonated lignin (SL), low-cost byproducts of the wood pulping process, have struggled to balance electrochemical performance with dimensional stability. Herein, SL nanoparticles are demonstrated for use as a nature-derived, ion-conducting PEM material. SL nanoparticles (NanoSLs) can be synthesized for increased surface area, uniformity, and miscibility compared with macrosized lignin, improving proton conductivity. After addition of polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) as a structural backbone, membranes with the highest NanoSL concentration demonstrated an ion exchange capacity of 1.26 meq g-1, above that of the commercial PEM Nafion 112 (0.98 meq g-1), along with a conductivity of 80.4 mS cm-1 in situ, above that of many biocomposite PEMs, and a coulombic efficiency (CE), energy efficiency (EE) and voltage efficiency (VE) of 91%, 68% and 78%, respectively at 20 mA cm-2. These nanocomposite PEMs demonstrate the potential for valorization of forest biomass waste streams for high value clean energy applications.

Chrysin bonded to ß-d-glucose tetraacetate enhances its protective effects against the neurotoxicity induced by aluminum in Swiss mice.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate whether the glycosylation of chrysin (CHR) enhances its protective effects against aluminum-induced neurotoxicity. METHODS: To compare the antioxidant, anticholinesterase, and behavioral effects of CHR with its glycosylated form (CHR bonded to ß-d-glucose tetraacetate, denoted as LQFM280), we employed an integrated approach using both in vitro (SH-SY5Y cells) and in vivo (aluminum-induced neurotoxicity in Swiss mice) models. KEY FINDINGS: LQFM280 demonstrated higher antioxidant activity than CHR in both models. Specifically, LQFM280 exhibited the ability to exert antioxidant effects in the cytoplasm of SH-SY5Y cells, indicating its competence in traversing neuronal membranes. Remarkably, LQFM280 proved more effective than CHR in recovering memory loss and counteracting neuronal death in the aluminum chloride mice model, suggesting its increased bioavailability at the brain level. CONCLUSIONS: The glycosylation of CHR with ß-d-glucose tetraacetate amplifies its neuroprotective effects, positioning LQFM280 as a promising lead compound for safeguarding against neurodegenerative processes involving oxidative stress.

Trailing-edge far-field noise and noise source characterization in high inflow turbulence conditions.

Airframe noise currently is a bottle neck in various applications, e.g., wind energy, maritime applications, and aircraft. Airframe noise is significantly increased by the presence of inflow turbulence. High inflow turbulence influences the boundary layer and wall-pressure fluctuations close to the trailing edge of airfoils. In this research, measurements of boundary layer and wall-pressure fluctuations near the trailing edge of an airfoil are conducted to investigate how the inflow turbulence affects the trailing-edge noise generation mechanism. Far-field noise measurements of additional three airfoils are shown to understand the role of the airfoil geometry in the dominant noise source for the cases of inflow turbulence and to generalize the observed increase in trailing-edge noise. Inflow turbulence leads to an increase in both the wall-pressure spectrum and spanwise correlation length. Trailing-edge noise increases due to the inflow turbulence in the entire frequency range at least 2 dB up to more than 15 dB for all the cases. The contribution of leading- and trailing-edge noise to the total noise varies with the airfoil geometry and inflow velocity, with the trailing-edge noise dominating in a larger frequency range for the thickest airfoil and for lower velocities.

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.

Poly(Aspartic Acid) Promotes Odontoblast-like Cell Differentiation in Rat Molars with Exposed Pulp.

In recent years, alternative pulpal therapies targeting dentinogenesis signaling pathways using different peptides have been investigated. The aim of this study was to verify the effectiveness of poly(aspartic acid), pAsp, in dentin regeneration using an animal model. METHODS: Mechanical pulp exposure was performed in the upper molars of 56 Wistar rats, randomly divided as follows (n = 14): control (no treatment); MTA group-pulp capping with mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA Angelus); pAsp group-application of 20 µL of pAsp solution (25 mg·mL-1); MTA+pAsp group-application of MTA mixed with pAsp (5:1 by mass). Animals were euthanized after 7 or 21 days. Histological sections were submitted to hematoxylin-eosin and Brown and Brenn staining and immunohistochemical analysis for osteopontin (OPN) and dentin matrix protein 1 (DMP 1). RESULTS: At 7 days, an acute inflammatory infiltrate and the presence of disorganized mineralized tissue were observed in all groups. At 21 days, the quality and thickness of the reparative dentin in treated groups were superior to the control, and bacterial contamination was observed in two MTA-pAsp specimens. While all treated groups showed intense immunostaining for OPN at 21 days, only the pAsp group expressed DMP 1, indicating the presence of fully differentiated odontoblast-like cells. CONCLUSION: Poly(aspartic) acid promoted dentin regeneration in rat molars in the absence of an additional calcium source and may be an alternative to MTA as a pulp-capping agent.

Current status and future prospects of sensory and consumer research approaches to gluten-free bakery and pasta products.

Sensory and consumer research performs a pivotal role in gluten-free (GF) food research and development due to consumer dissatisfaction about currently available products, despite the continued growth of this market and promising research developments. Nowadays, almost half of the original articles about GF products include sensory analysis. A current overview is needed to help both food scientists and industry indentify current trends and forward-looking approaches. This current review has gathered information concerning sensory and consumer research for GF bakery and pasta products, from studies published in the last decade, and then discusses future challenges in the light of recent advances. Among the promising approaches, projective techniques that collect data using social media can provide quick, spontaneous and direct opinions from GF consumers. They can also be used to evaluate trends and cross-cultural or global insights. Participatory methods have highlighted the importance of label information and may further explore the behavior of GF consumers in more realistic environments, as well as to evaluate the intrinsic GF food factors in GF consumer opinions, emotions, behavior and choices. This review details current issues occurring in sensory analysis of GF products, which still need to be resolved. The combination of affective and analytical methods allows for a better characterization of the samples and such sensory analysis of GF products in the future could guide product development and quality control, overcoming technological, nutritional, and shelf-life issues.

Anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects, and safety toxicological profile of a new paracetamol analog, LQFM291.

In the scope of a research program with the goal of developing treatments for inflammatory diseases, the pharmacological evaluation of LQFM291, designed by molecular hybridization from butylated hydroxytoluene and paracetamol, was described. The antioxidant profile of LQFM291 was evaluated by electrochemical measurement. Also, acute or repeated treatments with equimolar doses to paracetamol were used to evaluate the antinociceptive and/or anti-inflammatory activities of LQFM291 in animal models. The toxicologic potential of LQFM291 was also evaluated and compared to paracetamol through biochemical and histopathological analysis after the repeated treatment schedule. As a result of the acute treatment, paracetamol showed a similar antinociceptive effect in formalin test compared to LQFM291. Whereas, after the repeated treatment, when carrageenan-induced hyperalgesia and edema tests were performed, paracetamol showed a delayed antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effect compared to LQFM291. Furthermore, as other advantages the LQFM291 showed a high redox capacity, a gastroprotective activity and a safety pharmacological profile without any liver or kidney damage. These effects can be related to the prevention of oxidative stress by reduction of protein and lipid peroxidation in gastric tissue, maintenance of glutathione levels in hepatic homogenate, and a systemic reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokine levels, which may characterize the LQFM291 as a more viable and effective alternative to relief pain and inflammatory signs in patients with chronic disorders.

Impacts of heavy metal exposure on the prostate of murine models: Mechanisms of toxicity.

Heavy metals are elements found into the environment mainly due to anthropogenic activities. Naturally occurring and higher released doses cause disorders in the prostate, which depends on appropriate hormonal regulation, and exposure to heavy metals may impair prostate homeostasis. The current work highlighted the main mechanisms of toxicity of different environmental heavy metal contaminants, such as aluminum, arsenic, cadmium, chromium, lead, mercury, and nickel, and their impacts found in the prostate morphophysiology of murine models. The repercussions triggered by heavy metals on the prostate include hormonal imbalance and oxidative damage, leading to morphological alterations, which can vary according to the chemical properties of each element, exposure time and concentration, and age. The information of altered biological pathways and its impacts on the prostate of exposed murines are related to human outcomes being useful in the real context of human exposure.

Inflow turbulence distortion for airfoil leading-edge noise prediction for large turbulence length scales for zero-mean loading.

Turbulence distortion due to airfoil finite thickness is an important but not fully understood phenomenon that affects the airfoil radiated noise, resulting in inaccurate noise predictions. This study discusses the turbulence distortion in the leading edge (LE) region of an airfoil aiming to obtain more accurate LE noise predictions. Wind tunnel experiments were performed for National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) 0008 and NACA 0012 airfoils at zero angle of attack subjected to large turbulence length scales (between 10 and 43 times the airfoil LE radius) generated by a grid and a rod. Hot-wire and surface pressure measurements were performed in the LE region. Results show that the root mean square of the velocity fluctuations urms and the turbulence integral length scale Λf at the stagnation line decrease considerably as the LE is approached. Rod-airfoil radiated noise was measured and compared with Amiet's model. The predicted noise overestimates the LE noise for high frequencies. However, the prediction agrees well with measurements when the turbulence spectrum based on the rapid distortion theory is used in Amiet's model, with as inputs the urms and Λf values measured close to the LE. This work's main contribution is to demonstrate that more accurate noise predictions are obtained when the inputs to the model consider the turbulence distortion effects.

The first use of LC-MS/MS proteomic approach in the brown mussel Perna perna after bacterial challenge: Searching for key proteins on immune response.

The brown mussel Perna perna is a valuable fishing resource, primarily in tropical and subtropical coastal regions. Because of their filter-feeding habits, mussels are directly exposed to bacteria in the water column. Escherichia coli (EC) and Salmonella enterica (SE) inhabit human guts and reach the marine environment through anthropogenic sources, such as sewage. Vibrio parahaemolyticus (VP) is indigenous to coastal ecosystems but can be harmful to shellfish. In this study, we aimed to assess the protein profile of the hepatopancreas of P. perna mussel challenged by introduced - E. coli and S. enterica - and indigenous marine bacteria - V. parahaemolyticus. Bacterial-challenge groups were compared with non-injected (NC) and injected control (IC) - that consisted in mussels not challenged and mussels injected with sterile PBS-NaCl, respectively. Through LC-MS/MS proteomic analysis, 3805 proteins were found in the hepatopancreas of P. perna. From the total, 597 were significantly different among conditions. Mussels injected with VP presented 343 proteins downregulated compared with all the other conditions, suggesting that VP suppresses their immune response. Particularly, 31 altered proteins - upregulated or downregulated - for one or more challenge groups (EC, SE, and VP) compared with controls (NC and IC) are discussed in detail in the paper. For the three tested bacteria, significantly different proteins were found to perform critical roles in immune response at all levels, namely: recognition and signal transduction; transcription; RNA processing; translation and protein processing; secretion; and humoral effectors. This is the first shotgun proteomic study in P. perna mussel, therefore providing an overview of the protein profile of the mussel hepatopancreas, focused on the immune response against bacteria. Hence, it is possible to understand the immune-bacteria relationship at molecular levels better. This knowledge can support the development of strategies and tools to be applied to coastal marine resource management and contribute to the sustainability of coastal systems.

How Do Health, Biological, Behavioral, and Cognitive Variables Interact over Time in Children of Both Sexes? A Complex Systems Approach.

The present study examined gender differences in health, physical activity, physical fitness, real and perceived motor competence, and executive function indicators in three time points, and analyzed the dynamic and non-linear association between health, biological, behavioral, and cognitive variables in children followed over time. A total of 67 children (aged between six and 10 years) were followed during two years and split into two cohorts (six to eight years old: C1; eight to 10 years old: C2). Data regarding health, physical activity, real and perceived motor competence, physical fitness, and executive function indicators were obtained according to their respective protocols. Comparison tests and network analysis were estimated. Significant gender differences were found in both cohorts. The emerged networks indicated different topologies in both cohorts. No clusters were observed between the variables in C1, and there was a greater number of interactions at eight years of age. Sparse networks were observed in children aged eight and 10 years in C2, and greater connectivity was observed at nine years of age between health, physical fitness, motor competence, and physical activity indicators. This study showed that there are non-linear dynamic relationships between health, biological, behavioral, and cognitive variables over time during child development.

Clinical characteristics and outcomes of hospital-manifested COVID-19 among Brazilians.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the clinical characteristics and outcomes of admitted patients with the hospital- versus community-manifested COVID-19 and to evaluate the risk factors related to mortality in the first population. METHODS: This retrospective cohort included consecutive adult patients with COVID-19, hospitalized between March and September 2020. The demographic data, clinical characteristics, and outcomes were extracted from medical records. Patients with hospital-manifested COVID-19 (study group) and those with community-manifested COVID-19 (control group) were matched by the propensity score model. Logistic regression models were used to verify the risk factors for mortality in the study group. RESULTS: Among 7,710 hospitalized patients who had COVID-19, 7.2% developed symptoms while admitted for other reasons. Patients with hospital-manifested COVID-19 had a higher prevalence of cancer (19.2% vs 10.8%) and alcoholism (8.8% vs 2.8%) than patients with community-manifested COVID-19 and also had a higher rate of intensive care unit requirement (45.1% vs 35.2%), sepsis (23.8% vs 14.5%), and death (35.8% vs 22.5%) (P <0.05 for all). The factors independently associated with increased mortality in the study group were increasing age, male sex, number of comorbidities, and cancer. CONCLUSION: Hospital-manifested COVID-19 was associated with increased mortality. Increasing age, male sex, number of comorbidities, and cancer were independent predictors of mortality among those with hospital-manifested COVID-19 disease.

Neonatal exposure to aluminum chloride predisposes adult and senile gerbils to the prostatic hyperplasia.

Several pollutants can alter neonatal prostatic development predisposing this gland to diseases. The toxicity and endocrine disrupting potential of aluminum has been reported in many organs, but little is known about its effects on the prostate. This study aimed to evaluate the effects that aluminum neonatal exposure can cause in the male ventral prostate and in the female prostate of adult and senile gerbils. Male and female pups were treated orally with aluminum chloride (10 mg/kg) from the 1st to the 14th day life. After treatment, the animals were aged until they reached 90 days or 1 year of life. The prostate glands were dissected out and submitted to morphological, immunohistochemical and ultrastructural analyses. Ventral prostates of adult males showed moderate hyperplasia and increased epithelial proliferation not associated with androgen receptor (AR) deregulation. On the other hand, senile males showed intense prostatic hyperplasia, and increased cell proliferation and epithelial AR regulation. Additionally, at both ages, there was a reduction in the prostate secretory function. The morphological changes observed in the female prostate were like those found in males. However, in adult females, prostatic hyperplasia was accompanied by a lower regulation of AR and estrogen receptor alpha, while in senile females, intense hyperplastic growth was associated with an increase in estrogen receptor alpha and a reduction in stromal AR. These results demonstrate that aluminum chloride neonatal exposure alters the hormonal regulation of the male and female prostate, inducing tissue damage that occurs in adulthood and intensifies during aging.

The Mongolian Gerbil as a Useful Experimental Model in Reproductive Biology.

Ultimately, the Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus) have acquired a relevant role in biological and biomedical experiments alongside other rodents. The use of gerbils in research has been mainly oriented to physiological and pharmacological studies, with special attention to nervous, digestive, and auditory systems as well as microbiology and parasitology. Ultimately, gerbils have also been applied for studying carcinogenesis in different organs and systems, since these animals show a natural propensity to develop spontaneous proliferative lesions, especially in steroid-responsive organs. This characteristic shed light on the reproductive aspects of this rodent model regarding morphological features in male and female individuals. This review of literature summarizes the significance of this model as an alternative to the use of inbred mice and rats in reproductive experimental research, highlighting recent findings. Gerbils have contributed to the expansion of knowledge in prostate biology in male and female individuals, providing studies related to prostatic morphogenesis and neoplasia. In the testes, spermiogenesis occurs in 15 steps, differently from other experimental models. Also, the complete maturation of the testis-epididymal complex occurs between the second and third months. Mammary gland alterations related to the estrous cycle and pregnancy were described, as well as its modulation under endogenous and exogenous estrogenic compounds. The ovaries frequently present ovarian cysts. Furthermore, this organ shows predominantly interstitial steroidogenic glands in the stroma, especially at aging. Adrenal gland shows a large size compared to other animals, presenting three distinct zones with a remarkable role in steroidogenesis.

Necesidades de salud desde la percepción de las personas mayores: revisión integrativa / Health needs from the perception o folder people: integrative review / Necessidades de saúde percepção de idosos: revisão integrativa

Objetivo: Conocer las necesidades de salud desde la perspectiva de las personas mayores que viven en la comunidad y que promueven a un envejecimiento saludable a través de un estudio bibliográfico, tipo revisión integrativa. Material y Método: La Revisión integradora de la literatura se oriento por los planteamientos de Ganong, el período fue del año 2010 al 2020. Se seleccionaron los buscadores Scielo, Lilacs, Medline. Los idiomas fueron español, portugués e inglés. Resultados: En los 113 artículos encontrados se aplicaron los criterios de inclusión, seleccionando 30, luego de un análisis detallado se recuperaron 6 artículos. Por lo amplio del concepto de Necesidades de Salud en las Personas Mayores, se utilizó la taxonomía de Matsumoto, relacionando cada uno de los artículos con los componentes y a su vez la relación entre los artículos. Conclusiones: A través de la revisión integrativa se encontraron artículos que hacen referencia a las necesidades de salud de las personas mayores. El envejecimiento activo y saludable implica un cambio de paradigma y él debe ser el parámetro para seguir por parte de los Estados, centrar la atención en la persona es un cambio y no enfocarla en la enfermedad o en la discapacidad. Respetar y promover en la persona mayor su libertad, autonomía y poder de decisión como individuos que forman parte de la comunidad.

Objective: To know the health needs from the perspective of older people who live in the community and who promote healthy aging through a bibliographic study, integrative review type. Material and Method: The integrative review of the literature was guided by Ganong's approaches; the period was from 2010 to 2020. The search engines Scielo, Lilacs, Medline were selected. The languages were Spanish, Portuguese and English Results: In the 113 articles found, the inclusion criteria were applied, selecting 30, after a detailed analysis 6 articles were recovered. Due to the broad concept of Health Needs in the Elderly, the Matsumoto taxonomy was used, relating each of the items to the components and, in turn, the relationship between the items. Conclusions: Through the integrative review, articles that refer to the health needs of the elderly were found. Active and healthy aging implies a paradigm shift and it must be the parameter to be followed by the States, focusing attention on the person is a change and not focusing on illness or disability. Respect and promote in the elderly their freedom, autonomy and decision-making power as individuals who are part of the community.

Objetivo: Conhecer as necessidades de saúde na perspectiva dos idosos que vivem na comunidade e que promovem o envelhecimento saudável por meio de um estudo bibliográfico, tipo revisão integrativa. Material e Método: A revisão integrativa da literatura foi norteada pelas abordagens de Ganong, o período foi de 2010 a 2020. Foram selecionados os mecanismos de busca Scielo, Lilacs, Medline. Os idiomas eram espanhol, português e inglês. Resultados: Nos 113 artigos encontrados, foram aplicados os critérios de inclusão, selecionando 30, após uma análise detalhada foram recuperados 6 artigos. Devido ao conceito amplo de Necessidades de Saúde do Idoso, foi utilizada a taxonomia de Matsumoto, relacionando cada um dos itens aos componentes e, por sua vez, a relação entre os itens. Conclusões: Por meio da revisão integrativa, foram encontrados artigos que se referemàs necessidades de saúde do idoso. O envelhecimento ativo e saudável implica uma mudança de paradigma e deve ser o parâmetro a ser seguido pelos Estados, focar a atenção na pessoa é uma mudança e não focar na doença ou incapacidade. Respeitar e promover nos idosos a sua liberdade, autonomia e poder de decisão enquanto indivíduos que fazem parte da comunidade.

The Impact of Fetal Programming in Ewe Nutrition with Chromium Propionate or Calcium Salts of Palm Oil on the Meat Quality and Bone of the Progeny.

This study aimed to evaluate the inclusion of chromium propionate or calcium salts of palm oil in ewes' diet during the final third of gestation and lactation on progeny performance, carcass characteristics, non-carcass components, and bone density. Forty-three ewe, Santa Inês and Dorper breed, three ± one-year-old, and body weight 57 ± 10 kg were used. The experimental design was in casual blocks in three treatments, CTL treatment (n = 15) with starch from corn; CR (n = 15) diet CTL plus chromium propionate; PF (n = 13) diet CTL plus calcium salts of palm oil. After weaning, 23 male lambs from these ewes were confined in individual stalls, with the same diet for 60 days, slaughtered. The data were analyzed using the SAS program, PROC GLM, and compared the means using Tukey's test at 5% probability. The maternal diet did not alter the dry matter intake, feeding efficiency, and average daily weight gain. Therefore, weights (weaning and slaughter) and carcass yield were higher for CR and PF groups than for CTL (P < 0.05). The treatment did not influence the loin eye area and fat thickness (P > 0.05). The spleen and the respiratory tract were smaller for PF and larger for CTL (P < 0.05). Leg weight was higher for CR. The perimeter and depth of the shank for the CR and PF lambs were higher, indicating an effect of maternal nutrition in this commercial cut. The CR group had a smaller epiphysis measurement and femur length than the CTL group. We concluded that the fetal programming effect in ewes fed with Cr propionate and Ca salts of palm oil benefited the progeny by increasing their body weight, better carcass yield, and a higher proportion of prime cuts.

Maintenance of Remission and Risk of Relapse in Myeloperoxidase-Positive ANCA-Associated Vasculitis with Kidney Involvement.

BACKGROUND: The optimal strategy for remission-maintenance therapy in patients with myeloperoxidase-ANCA (MPO-ANCA)-associated vasculitis is not established. Defining parameters to guide maintenance therapy is required. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of all patients with MPO-ANCA-associated vasculitis (microscopic with polyangiitis and granulomatosis with polyangiitis) and GN followed at the Mayo Clinic between 1996 and 2015. Relapse rate, MPO-ANCA status, and remission-maintenance therapies were reviewed. Logistic regression models, Kaplan-Meier method, and Cox proportional hazards regression models were applied. RESULTS: We analyzed 159 patients with active MPO-ANCA-associated vasculitis with GN. Sixty-six (42%) patients had at least one relapse, and 52 (33%) relapsed before 60 months. Patients with MPO-ANCA who became persistently negative did not relapse (hazard ratio [HR], 0.03; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 0.002 to 0.431; P =0.01). The reappearance of MPO-ANCA was associated with a higher risk of relapse (HR, 1.91; 95% CI, 1.109 to 3.293; P =0.02). Immunosuppression was withdrawn in 80 (50%) patients, and this was less likely in those who received cyclophosphamide for remission induction or in patients with persistently positive MPO-ANCA (odds ratio [OR], 0.44; 95% CI, 0.228 to 0.861; P =0.02 and OR, 0.42; 95% CI, 0.213 to 0.820; P =0.01, respectively). Relapse frequency was not different between patients with persistently positive MPO-ANCA and patients with MPO-ANCA reappearance (44% versus 39%, P =0.49), irrespective of remission-maintenance treatment. Ear, nose, and throat involvement (OR, 6.10; 95% CI, 1.280 to 29.010; P =0.02) and MPO-ANCA reappearance (OR, 9.25; 95% CI, 3.126 to 27.361; P <0.001) were independently associated with relapse after treatment withdrawal. CONCLUSIONS: Patients persistently MPO-ANCA negative are at low risk for relapse even without remission-maintenance therapy. Persistence or subsequent reappearance of MPO-ANCA is associated with a higher risk of relapse. PODCAST: This article contains a podcast at https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/www.asn-online.org/media/podcast.aspx?p=CJASN&e=2023_01_10_CJN06460622.mp3.

Lipid nanoparticles based on natural matrices with activity against multidrug resistant bacterial species.

Lately, the bacterial multidrug resistance has been a reason to public health concerning around world. The development of new pharmacology therapies against infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria is urgent. In this work, we developed 10 NLC formulations composed of essential oils (EO), vegetable butter and surfactant. The formulations were evaluated for long-term and thermal cycling stability studies in terms of (particle size, polydispersion index and Zeta potential). In vitro antimicrobial assays were performed using disk diffusion test and by the determination of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) performed with fresh and a year-old NLC. The most promising system and its excipients were structurally characterized through experimental methodologies (FTIR-ATR, DSC and FE-SEM). Finally, this same formulation was studied through nanotoxicity assays on the chicken embryo model, analyzing different parameters, as viability and weight changes of embryos and annexes. All the developed formulations presented long-term physicochemical and thermal stability. The formulation based on cinnamon EO presented in vitro activity against strains of Acinetobacter baumannii, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from humans and in vivo biocompatibility. Considering these promising results, such system is able to be further tested on in vivo efficacy assays.

The Quality of Salted Sun-Dried Meat from Young Nellore Bulls Fed Diets with Lauric Acid.

This study aims to evaluate the quality of salted sun-dried meat from young bulls (Nellore cattle) fed with a diet containing 0.0, 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5% of lauric acid in the total dry matter (DM). Thirty-two Nellore bulls with initial body weight of 368 ± 32 kg were used. A linear decrease (p < 0.05) in pH and protein content of the salted sun-dried meat was observed with the inclusion of lauric acid. The moisture, ash, lipid, collagen content, water-holding capacity, cooking loss, color indexes (L*, a*, b*, C*), and shear force were not affected. Lipid oxidation at 7 days of storage increased linearly in the salted sun-dried meat. Most of the fatty acid composition of the salted sun-dried meat from the semimembranosus muscle of young bulls was not influenced (p > 0.05) by the lauric acid inclusion in the bulls' diet. However, there was a linear increase (p < 0.05) in the SFA lauric acid (C12:0), PUFAn-3 EPA (C20:5n − 3) and DHA (C22:6n − 3), and a quadratic increase in the PUFAn-6 arachidonic (C20:4n − 6) due to lauric acid addition from palm kernel oil in the diet. There was a liner increase (p < 0.05) in the total ∑PUFA, ∑n − 6, ∑n − 3 contents of salted sun-dried meat from the semimembranosus muscle of young bulls and the h:H health index of the level of lauric acid inclusion in bull's diet. In contrast, the thrombogenicity health index (TI) and ∑n − 6:∑n − 3 ratio content in salted sun-dried meat from the semimembranosus muscle of young bulls presented a linear decrease (p < 0.05) due to lauric acid addition in the bulls' diet. Lauric acid (C12:0) inclusion up to 1.5% in the diet of young Nellore bull improved the fatty acid composition of the salted sun-dried meat, increasing EPA, DHA, n − 6 and n − 3, TI, and h:H indexes, which are associated with a better lipid quality of meat products, and further improves tenderness at the highest concentration.