Overview of physiological, biochemical, and regulatory aspects of nitrogen fixation in Azotobacter vinelandii.

Understanding how Nature accomplishes the reduction of inert nitrogen gas to form metabolically tractable ammonia at ambient temperature and pressure has challenged scientists for more than a century. Such an understanding is a key aspect toward accomplishing the transfer of the genetic determinants of biological nitrogen fixation to crop plants as well as for the development of improved synthetic catalysts based on the biological mechanism. Over the past 30 years, the free-living nitrogen-fixing bacterium Azotobacter vinelandii emerged as a preferred model organism for mechanistic, structural, genetic, and physiological studies aimed at understanding biological nitrogen fixation. This review provides a contemporary overview of these studies and places them within the context of their historical development.

Alternate routes to mnm5s2U synthesis in Gram-positive bacteria.

The wobble bases of tRNAs that decode split codons are often heavily modified. In bacteria, tRNAGlu, Gln, Asp contains a variety of xnm5s2U derivatives. The synthesis pathway for these modifications is complex and fully elucidated only in a handful of organisms, including the Gram-negative Escherichia coli K12 model. Despite the ubiquitous presence of mnm5s2U modification, genomic analysis shows the absence of mnmC orthologous genes, suggesting the occurrence of alternate biosynthetic schemes for the conversion of cmnm5s2U to mnm5s2U. Using a combination of comparative genomics and genetic studies, a member of the YtqA subgroup of the radical Sam superfamily was found to be involved in the synthesis of mnm5s2U in both Bacillus subtilis and Streptococcus mutans. This protein, renamed MnmL, is encoded in an operon with the recently discovered MnmM methylase involved in the methylation of the pathway intermediate nm5s2U into mnm5s2U in B. subtilis. Analysis of tRNA modifications of both S. mutans and Streptococcus pneumoniae shows that growth conditions and genetic backgrounds influence the ratios of pathway intermediates owing to regulatory loops that are not yet understood. The MnmLM pathway is widespread along the bacterial tree, with some phyla, such as Bacilli, relying exclusively on these two enzymes. Although mechanistic details of these newly discovered components are not fully resolved, the occurrence of fusion proteins, alternate arrangements of biosynthetic components, and loss of biosynthetic branches provide examples of biosynthetic diversity to retain a conserved tRNA modification in Nature.IMPORTANCEThe xnm5s2U modifications found in several tRNAs at the wobble base position are widespread in bacteria where they have an important role in decoding efficiency and accuracy. This work identifies a novel enzyme (MnmL) that is a member of a subgroup of the very versatile radical SAM superfamily and is involved in the synthesis of mnm5s2U in several Gram-positive bacteria, including human pathogens. This is another novel example of a non-orthologous displacement in the field of tRNA modification synthesis, showing how different solutions evolve to retain U34 tRNA modifications.

Is vitamin D receptor (VDR) polymorphism associated with head and neck cancer risk? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Head and neck cancer encompasses neoplasms affecting the oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, and thyroid. Identifying factors that modulate the carcinogenesis process can aid in identifying subgroups at higher risk of developing the disease, enabling implementation of prevention programs. Vitamin D receptor polymorphisms can affect the carcinogenesis of various tumors by altering vitamin D metabolism and cellular response. METHODS: To elucidate the role of vitamin D receptor polymorphisms in head and neck cancer, a systematic review was performed, searching the Embase, PubMed, Scopus, and Lilacs databases. A total of 19 articles met the inclusion criteria. The frequency of vitamin D receptors polymorphism alleles (FokI, ApaI, BsmI, TaqI, Cdx2, rs2107301, rs2238135) was recorded and pooled to calculate the odds ratio in a meta-analysis using the Review Manager software. RESULTS: Subgroup analysis demonstrated significant associations in the anatomical site of cancer (oral cancer in ApaI and BsmI, and unspecified subsites of head and neck cancer in TaqI), genotyping method (FokI and BsmI), and continent of the study (ApaI, FokI, and BsmI). CONCLUSION: Our findings were heterogeneous, as with other evidence available in the literature. Therefore, more clinical studies with larger sample sizes are needed to obtain more accurate results on the relationship between vitamin D receptor polymorphism and head and neck cancer.

Effects of foam roller on pain intensity in individuals with chronic and acute musculoskeletal pain: a systematic review of randomized trials.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the effects of using foam roller on pain intensity in individuals with chronic and acute musculoskeletal pain. METHODS: This systematic review was registered in the National Institute for Health Research's prospective online registry of systematic reviews (PROSPERO) under CRD42023456841. The databases Pubmed, Medline (via Ovid), Embase, BVS, and PEDro (Physiotherapy Evidence Database) were consulted to carry out this systematic review. Notably, the records of clinical trials characterized as eligible were manually searched. The search terms were: (foam rolling OR foam rolling vibration) AND (acute musculoskeletal pain) AND (chronic musculoskeletal pain). The search was performed until August 22, 2023. For the analysis of the methodological quality, the PEDro scale was used for each of the manuscripts included in the systematic review. Due to the heterogeneity in the studies included in this systematic review, performing a meta-analysis of the analyzed variables was impossible. RESULTS: Only six manuscripts were eligible for data analysis. The type of FR used was non-vibrational, being applied by a therapist in only one of the manuscripts. With an application time ranging from at least 45 s to 15 min, the non-vibrational FR was applied within a day up to six weeks. Using the PEDro scale, scores were assigned that varied between 4 and 8 points, with an average of 6 ± 1.29 points. Only two randomized clinical trials found a significant benefit in pain intensity of adding FR associated with a therapeutic exercise protocol in individuals with patellofemoral pain syndrome and chronic neck pain. CONCLUSION: The results of this systematic review do not elucidate or reinforce the clinical use of FR in pain intensity in individuals with chronic and acute musculoskeletal pain.

Development and validation of method for the simultaneous determination of sulfamethazine, trimethoprim and doxycycline in veterinary formulation using high performance liquid chromatography.

Sulfamethazine (SMZ), trimethoprim (TMP) and doxycycline (DOXY) are drugs of choice used in the treatment of intestinal and respiratory infections that affect poultry and swine. The aim of this study was develop and validate a simple, sensitive and fast method for the simultaneous determination of SMZ, TMP and DOXY in veterinary formulations by high-performance liquid chromatography. The separation was performed on a Macherey-Nagel C8 analytical column (4 × 125 mm, 5 µm), with a flow rate of 0.5 ml min-1 and detection at 268, 270 and 350 nm, for SMZ, TMP and DOXY, respectively. All measurements were performed in acetonitrile-water (45:55 v/v; pH 3.0). The analytical curves were linear (r > 0.9997) in the concentration range of 5.0-35.0 µg ml-1 for SMZ, 1.0-7.0 µg ml-1 for TMP and 7.0-13.0 µg ml-1 for DOXY. The method proved to be precise, robust, accurate and selective. In accelerated stability, the sample was analyzed for 6 months, with no major variations observed in organoleptic analysis and pH. Therefore, the developed method was proved to be suitable for routine quality control analyses for the simultaneous determination of SMZ, TMP and DOXY in pharmaceutical formulations.

A longitudinal study of the probability of developing malocclusion in children using a Bayesian analysis.

INTRODUCTION: This study evaluated the probability of developing malocclusions in mixed dentition. METHODS: A longitudinal study was conducted with 598 children (aged 5 years) in deciduous dentition. The children were followed for 3 years until mixed dentition (aged 8 years). Overjet, overbite, and transversal relations were evaluated. Bayesian models were used to analyze the data and estimate the parameters. RESULTS: The parameter θ was used for the distributions, indicating the probability of presenting a given condition with a credibility index (ICr) of 95%. After 3 years of follow-up, 121 children were reevaluated. The results showed that children have a high probability of malocclusion in mixed dentition. There was a higher probability of developing an increased overjet in the mixed dentition of 20.5% (ICr 95%, 13.6-28.4) to 48.3% (ICr 95%, 39.1-57.7) and a higher probability of having a normal overbite in the deciduous dentition and a lower probability in the mixed dentition (ICr 95%, 9.2-21.3). CONCLUSIONS: Considering the probabilistic model of Bayesian analysis, children with normal overjet in the deciduous dentition may show an increased overjet in the mixed dentition. Concerning overbite, children may present an anterior open bite during the transition between deciduous and mixed dentition, as well as self-correction of deep overbite in mixed dentition. Furthermore, they may present a posterior crossbite during the mixed dentition when there is a normal transverse relationship in the deciduous dentition.

Evaluating Quality Management and Diagnostics Microbiology Performance Within an International External Quality Assessment (EQA) Program Serving National One Health Sector Reference Laboratories Across Asia: Experience Amid the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic.

BACKGROUND: Strengthening external quality assessment (EQA) services across the One Health sector supports implementation of effective antimicrobial resistance (AMR) control strategies. Here we describe and compare 2 different approaches for conducting virtual laboratory follow-up assessments within an EQA program to evaluate quality management system (QMS) and procedures for pathogen identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST). METHODS: During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in 2021 and 2022, 2 laboratory assessment approaches were introduced: virtual-based and survey-based methodologies. The evaluation of 2 underperforming Animal Health laboratories through a virtual-based approach occurred between May and August 2021. This evaluation encompassed the utilization of 3 online meetings and document reviews, performed subsequent to the execution of EQA procedures. Within a distinct group of laboratories, the survey-based assessment was implemented from December 2021 to February 2022, also following EQA procedures. This phase encompassed the dissemination of an online survey to 31 participating laboratories, alongside a sole online consultation meeting involving 4 specific underperforming laboratories. RESULTS: The virtual-based assessment post-EQA aimed to identify gaps and areas for improvement in the laboratory's practices for pathogen identification and AST. This approach was, however, time-intensive, and, hence, only 2 laboratories were assessed. In addition, limited interactions in virtual platforms compromised the assessment quality. The survey-based post-EQA assessment enabled evaluation of 31 laboratories. Despite limitations for in-depth analysis of each procedure, gaps in QMS across multiple laboratories were identified and tailored laboratory-specific recommendations were provided. CONCLUSIONS: Reliable internet and plans for efficient time management, post-EQA virtual laboratory follow-up assessments are an effective alternative when conducting onsite evaluation is infeasible as observed during the COVID-19 pandemic, although the successful implementation of remediation plans will likely require in person assessments. We advocate application of hybrid approaches (both onsite and virtual) for targeted capacity building of AMR procedures with the ability to implement and oversee the process.

The alpha-synuclein oligomers activate nuclear factor of activated T-cell (NFAT) modulating synaptic homeostasis and apoptosis.

BACKGROUND: Soluble oligomeric forms of alpha-synuclein (aSyn-O) are believed to be one of the main toxic species in Parkinson's disease (PD) leading to degeneration. aSyn-O can induce Ca2+ influx, over activating downstream pathways leading to PD phenotype. Calcineurin (CN), a phosphatase regulated by Ca2+ levels, activates NFAT transcription factors that are involved in the regulation of neuronal plasticity, growth, and survival. METHODS: Here, using a combination of cell toxicity and gene regulation assays performed in the presence of classical inhibitors of the NFAT/CN pathway, we investigate NFAT's role in neuronal degeneration induced by aSyn-O. RESULTS: aSyn-O are toxic to neurons leading to cell death, loss of neuron ramification and reduction of synaptic proteins which are reversed by CN inhibition with ciclosporin-A or VIVIT, a NFAT specific inhibitor. aSyn-O induce NFAT nuclear translocation and transactivation. We found that aSyn-O modulates the gene involved in the maintenance of synapses, synapsin 1 (Syn 1). Syn1 mRNA and protein and synaptic puncta are drastically reduced in cells treated with aSyn-O which are reversed by NFAT inhibition. CONCLUSIONS: For the first time a direct role of NFAT in aSyn-O-induced toxicity and Syn1 gene regulation was demonstrated, enlarging our understanding of the pathways underpinnings synucleinopathies.

Inter- and intra-island speciation and their morphological and ecological correlates in Aeonium (Crassulaceae), a species-rich Macaronesian radiation.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The most species-rich and ecologically diverse plant radiation on the Canary Islands is the Aeonium alliance (Crassulaceae). In island radiations like this, speciation can take place either within islands or following dispersal between islands. Aiming at quantifying intra- and inter-island speciation events in the evolution of Aeonium, and exploring their consequences, we hypothesized that (1) intra-island diversification resulted in stronger ecological divergence of sister lineages, and that (2) taxa on islands with a longer history of habitation by Aeonium show stronger ecological differentiation and produce fewer natural hybrids. METHODS: We studied the biogeographical and ecological setting of diversification processes in Aeonium with a fully sampled and dated phylogeny inferred using a ddRADseq approach. Ancestral areas and biogeographical events were reconstructed in BioGeoBEARS. Eleven morphological characters and three habitat characteristics were taken into account to quantify the morphological and ecological divergence between sister lineages. A co-occurrence matrix of all Aeonium taxa is presented to assess the spatial separation of taxa on each island. KEY RESULTS: We found intra- and inter-island diversification events in almost equal numbers. In lineages that diversified within single islands, morphological and ecological divergence was more pronounced than in lineages derived from inter-island diversification, but only the difference in morphological divergence was significant. Those islands with the longest history of habitation by Aeonium had the lowest percentages of co-occurring and hybridizing taxon pairs compared with islands where Aeonium arrived later. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings illustrate the importance of both inter- and intra-island speciation, the latter of which is potentially sympatric speciation. Speciation on the same island entailed significantly higher levels of morphological divergence compared with inter-island speciation, but ecological divergence was not significantly different. Longer periods of shared island habitation resulted in the evolution of a higher degree of spatial separation and stronger reproductive barriers.

The effect of volunteer-led activities on the quality of life of volunteers, residents, and employees of a long-term care institution: a cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic primarily impacted long-term care facilities by restricting visiting and circulation of visitors, affecting the quality of life (QoL) of older adults living in these institutions. Volunteer activities, essential for older adults' daily life, were also interrupted and potentially negatively impacted the QoL of older adults, volunteers themselves, and also employees in these institutions. In this context, this study aims to evaluate the impact of the return of volunteer-led activities in a long-term care institution on the QoL of older adult residents, employees, and volunteers. METHODS: This study used a pre-test and post-test design within the same group. The first round of data collection was conducted before volunteer-led activities returned and the second round after 1 month of return. The instrument used to assess QoL was the EUROHIS-QoL-8 scale. This study was conducted within a nursing home in São Paulo, Brazil, created in 1937 by members of the Israeli community living in Brazil. Volunteer-led activities were part of residents' daily life before the COVID-19 pandemic, when these activities were interrupted for about 20 months. A total of 79 individuals participated in both rounds (pre and post), of which: 29 residents, 27 volunteers, and 23 employees of the long-term care institution. RESULTS: Using a Wilcoxon signed-rank test, the analyses indicated improvements after the 1 month return in different QoL aspects for the three groups. Volunteers improved their personal relationships (Z - 2.332, p < .05), residents their overall health (Z - 2.409, p < .05) and employees in their overall QoL perception (Z - 2.714, p < .05). Influencing factors for residents were the number of activities (3 or more), gender (male), and education (undergraduate/graduate). For employees, those who assumed additional activities due to the volunteer-led activities interruption had a significant impact on their overall QoL. CONCLUSIONS: Evidence from this study suggests that volunteers' return positively impacted different QoL aspects for volunteers, residents, and employees.

Measurement properties of the short version of the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) for individuals with knee osteoarthritis.

BACKGROUND: Assessment instruments play an essential role in the management of knee osteoarthritis. This study aimed to verify the clinimetric properties and validate the short version of WOMAC's (SV-WOMAC) knee with two domains, pain (four items) and physical function (eight items) in individuals with knee osteoarthritis (KO). METHODS: Reliability and internal consistency Construct, criterion validity, Ceiling, and floor effects analyses were performed. In addition to the SV-WOMAC, the following instruments were used: the numerical rating scale (NRPS), International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), the Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), and WOMAC's original version. Spearman's correlation coefficient (rho) was used to determine the magnitude of the correlation between the AFAQ and the other instruments. Moreover, the test-retest reliability and internal consistency were assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Cronbach's alpha, respectively. In addition, standard error of measurement (SEM) and minimum detectable change (MDC) were calculated. RESULTS: One hundred and thirteen subjects with KO were included for validity analysis, and a subsample of 53 subjects was used for test-retest reliability. Adequate reliability and internal consistency were observed with ICC ≥ 0.76, SEM ≤ 1.85, MDC ≥ 5.1, and Cronbach's alpha ≥ 0.84. Regarding construct validity, correlations greater than 0.50 were observed with the IKDC, NRPS, and functional domains of the SF-36. The SV-WOMAC showed a correlation > 0.70 with the original version and did not show ceiling and floor effects. CONCLUSION: The SV-WOMAC knee has adequate measurement properties to analyze pain and physical function in Brazilian individuals with KO.

Cephalometric effects of Twin-block and van Beek Headgear-Activator in the correction of Class II malocclusion.

INTRODUCTION: The Twin-block (TB) and the van Beek Headgear-Activator (vBHGA) are indicated for patients with Class II malocclusion with a retrognathic mandible. Although the former is commonly prescribed for horizontally growing patients, the latter is often recommended for those growing vertically. This study aimed to compare the skeletal, dentoalveolar, and soft-tissue short-term effects of TB and vBHGA, taking growth patterns into account. METHODS: Immediate prefunctional (T1) and postfunctional appliance (T2) lateral cephalometric radiographs were retrospectively obtained for vBHGA (n = 46), TB (n = 45), and untreated control (n = 45) groups. The interaction of several variables at T1, T2, and T2 - T1, as well as the resultant treatment effect, were analyzed using the analysis of covariance regression models at the 5% significance level. RESULTS: Except for a greater reduction in Wits measurement (3.0 mm; P <0.0001) in the TB group, no anteroposterior (AP) skeletal difference was observed between the 2 appliances (ANB, 0.530; P = 0.07) (Harvold, 0.13 mm; P = 0.81). Both improved the AP skeletal relationship (ANB and Harvold) compared with the control (P <0.05). Although this mostly occurred because of the forward positioning of the mandible with the TB (SNB, 0.960; P = 0.01), the maxillary restriction was the main mechanism with the vBHGA (SNA, 1.590; P <0.01). Dentoalveolar compensations were more pronounced with the TB (IMPA, 1.92; P = 0.02), leading to greater overbite and overjet correction. Only the inclination of the maxillary incisors showed interaction with the growth pattern, with the TB horizontal growers experiencing more retroclination (U1-NA°. 3.620; P = 0.0067). CONCLUSIONS: Both appliances produced similar modest AP skeletal changes that, together with dentoalveolar compensations, were able to correct the Class II malocclusion regardless of growth pattern.

Sulfur Availability Impacts Accumulation of the 2-Thiouridine tRNA Modification in Bacillus subtilis.

Posttranscriptional modifications to tRNA are critical elements for the folding and functionality of these adaptor molecules. Sulfur modifications in tRNA are installed by specialized enzymes that act on cognate tRNA substrates at specific locations. Most studied organisms contain a general cysteine desulfurase to mobilize sulfur for the synthesis of S-tRNA and other thio-cofactors. Bacillus subtilis and other Gram-positive bacteria encode multiple cysteine desulfurases that partner with specific sulfur acceptors in the biosynthesis of thio-cofactors. This metabolic layout suggests an alternate mode of regulation in these biosynthetic pathways. In this study, tRNA modifications were exploited as a readout for the functionality of pathways involving cysteine desulfurases. These analyses showed that the relative abundance of 2-thiouridine-modified tRNA (s2U) responds to sulfur availability in the growth medium in a dose-dependent manner. This study found that low sulfur concentrations lead to decreased levels of the s2U cysteine desulfurase YrvO and thiouridylase MnmA, without altering the levels of other cysteine desulfurases, SufS, NifS, and NifZ. Analysis of pathway metabolites that depend on the activity of cysteine desulfurases indicates that sulfur nutrient availability specifically impacts s2U accumulation while having no effect on the levels of other S-modified tRNA or activity levels of Fe-S enzymes. Collectively, these results support a model in which s2U tRNA serves as a marker for sulfur availability in B. subtilis. IMPORTANCE The 2-thiouridine (s2U) tRNA modification is found ubiquitously across all domains of life. YrvO and MnmA, the enzymes involved in this modification, are essential in B. subtilis, confirming the well-established role of s2U in maintaining translational efficiency and, consequently, cellular viability. Herein, we show that in the model Gram-positive organism Bacillus subtilis, the levels of s2U are responsive to sulfur availability. Downregulation of the s2U biosynthetic components leads to lower s2U levels, which may serve as a signal for the slowing of the translational apparatus during cellular nutrient insufficiency. Our findings provide the basis for the identification of a potential bacterial mode of regulation during S-metabolite depletion that may use s2U as a marker of suboptimal metabolic status.

Association between adherence to a home exercise program and central sensitization, pain intensity, and functionality in individuals with knee osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the association between adherence to a home exercise program and central sensitization, pain intensity, and functionality in individuals with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 57 individuals with KOA. Evaluations were performed using the Exercise Adherence Rating Scale (EARS), the numerical rating scale (NRPS), the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), The Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI), and the 30 sec sit and stand test (30SSST). Histograms were created to determine the normality of the data. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was used to determine the normality of the data. Thus, Pearson's (r) and determination (R2) correlation coefficients were calculated to determine the strength of associations between variables. RESULTS: No significant association was found between adherence behavior or reasons for adherence and central sensitization symptoms, the intensity of pain on rest and movement, knee disability symptoms, and functionality. CONCLUSION: No significant association was identified between adherence to a home exercise program and central sensitization, pain intensity, and functionality in individuals with KOA.

Association between spirituality/religiousness and quality of life among healthy adults: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is determined by multiple factors that include components such as spirituality and religiousness (S/R). Even though various systematic reviews have investigated the association between S/R and improved health outcomes in the most different groups, healthy young individuals are seldom addressed. OBJECTIVE: To assess the association between S/R and HRQoL among young, healthy individuals. METHODS: Systematic review of papers published in the last ten years and indexed in four academic research databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Scopus) and two gray literature databases. Inclusion criteria were studies assessing S/R and HRQoL using validated instruments and assessing healthy adults (i.e., non-clinical patients, not belonging to any specific group of chronic diseases), aged between 18 and 64 years old. RESULTS: Ten out of 1,952 studies met the inclusion criteria: nine cross-sectional and one longitudinal cohort study, in which 89% of the participants were college students. Nine studies report a positive association between S/R and HRQoL, while one study did not report any significant association. The main HRQoL domains associated with S/R were the psychological, social relationships, and environment domains, while the S/R most influent facets/components were optimism, inner strength, peace, high control, hope, and happiness. CONCLUSIONS: Higher S/R levels among healthy adult individuals were associated with higher HRQoL levels, suggesting the S/R can be an important strategy to deal with adverse environmental situations even among those without chronic diseases, enhancing the wellbeing of individuals. Registration of systematic review: PROSPERO-CRD42018104047.

Pain in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease Undergoing Hemodialysis: A Systematic Review.

AIMS: To assess the presence of pain, its location, intensity, and effects on the daily activities of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) undergoing hemodialysis (HD). PARTICIPANTS/SUBJECTS: Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) undergoing hemodialysis (HD). DESIGN: A systematic review. METHODS: We carried out search for articles published until December 2020, including publications in Portuguese, English, and Spanish during the past 15 years (2005-2020), using the Embase, SciELO, PubMed, and Web of Science databases. The following information was collected: type of pain, pain treatment, pain assessment instrument, prevalence of pain, location, and influence of pain on quality of life. RESULTS: Twenty-five studies were selected for a systematic review. These studies involved a total of 98,162 adult and elderly patients with CKD who were undergoing HD. There was a high prevalence of pain in patients with CKD on HD. The most frequent sites of pain were the head, back, bones, chest, and the upper and lower limbs. The presence of acute, chronic, neuropathic pain, and myalgia was also reported in the studies. In addition, there was a higher frequency of moderate and severe pain, which influenced daily activities, the ability to walk, mood, relationships with other people, sleep, and work in patients on dialysis. CONCLUSIONS: The analyzed studies suggest that acute and chronic pain is a prevalent complaint in adults and elderly patients undergoing HD. There was a higher frequency of moderate and severe pain in different parts of the body, and pain interfered with everyday activities.

Botanical and chemical fungicides in the treatment of commercial seeds of Brachiaria brizantha and Panicum maximum.

Brazil is the largest producer, consumer, and exporter of forage seeds in the world. However, the high incidence of pathogens threatens the seed production system, resulting in decreases in production and quality. Currently, the emphasis has been placed on the use of alternative products as a way of maintaining productivity and environmental sustainability. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the mycoflora associated with the commercial seeds of Brachiaria brizantha and Panicum maximum treated with chemical and alternative fungicide. To test with chemical and alternative treatments, seeds were subjected to fluazinam + thiophanate-methyl, fludioxonil + metalaxyl-M, noni essential oil, rosemary pepper essential oil, sulfuric acid. There was also an untreated control. The most efficient products in the control of incident fungi were, in decreasing order, fluazinam + thiophanate-methyl, fludioxonil + metalaxyl-M, noni essential oil, rosemary pepper essential oil, and sulfuric acid. Fungicides mainly controlled the genera Alternaria, Aspergillus, Bipolaris, Chaetomium, Cladosporium, Colletotrichum, Curvularia, Fusarium, Penicillium, Phoma and Rhizopus. Essential oils showed positive effects in controlling Bipolaris, Curvularia, and Fusarium. Sulfuric acid reduced the incidence of Bipolaris, Colletotrichum, Curvularia, Fusarium, Phoma, and Rhizopus. Seed treatment is one of the promising strategies for obtaining seeds of a healthy quality. As a result, the fungicides and botanical components listed above were promising in reducing fungi associated with forage seeds and can be used for seed treatments and in the development of new products with a natural base through essential oils.

Esthetic impact of malocclusions in the anterior segment on children in the mixed dentition.

INTRODUCTION: To assess the esthetic subjective effect of malocclusions in the anterior segment on children in the mixed dentition. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out with a population-based sample of 787 children aged 8-10 years in the late mixed dentition (n = 787). Orthodontic Aesthetic Subjective Impact Score determined the esthetic subjective effect. For assessing the malocclusions in the anterior segment (anterior crowding, anterior spacing, diastema, anterior open bite, and anterior maxillary overjet), the following Dental Aesthetic Index criteria were used. Sex, family income, and education level were used as control variables. The variables were analyzed using a simple logistic regression model, estimating crude odds ratios. The variables with P <0.20 in the simple analyses were tested in multiple regression models, estimating adjusted odds ratios with the respective 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: Increased overjet was 1.54 (95% CI: 1.08-2.17) times more likely to cause greater esthetic concern (P <0.05), especially in girls (P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Increased overjet negatively affected children's esthetic self-perception in the mixed dentition.

Can roughage: concentrate ratio affect the action of red propolis extract on sheep metabolism?

The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether the addition of red propolis extract (RPE), in different roughage: concentrate (R:C) ratios, influences the intake, digestibility, ruminal parameters, and serum biochemistry of sheep. We used eight Santa Inês sheep with an average body weight of 29.45 ± 1.58 kg, housed in metabolism cages for 60 days, and distributed in two simultaneous Latin square designs in a 2 × 2 factorial scheme. The factors consisted of two R:C ratios (70:30 and 30:70) with or without the addition of 15 mL/day of RPE. No interactions were found (P > 0.05) between R:C ratios and with or without RPE. Sheep fed 30:70 ratio showed higher (P < 0.05) intake and dry matter (DM) digestibility and non-fibrous carbohydrates and lower (P < 0.05) intake and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) digestibility. The addition of RPE did not influence (P > 0.05) the intake or nutrients digestibility, but the sheep that received RPE had a higher (P < 0.05) ruminal pH and longer (P < 0.05) time of rumination (min/kg DM) compared to the group without propolis. The ruminal ammonia concentration was higher for sheep fed 70:30 ratio, but the concentrations of total protein and albumin did not differ between R:C ratios. The addition of 15 mL of RPE does not influence the intake, digestibility, ingestive behavior, and rumen ammonical nitrogen of sheep. There is no association between the R:C ratio and the addition of 15 mL/day of RPE for sheep.

Free Fatty Acids Interfere with the DNA Binding Activity of the Virulence Regulator PrfA of Listeria monocytogenes.

Naturally occurring free fatty acids (FFAs) are recognized as potent antimicrobial agents that also affect the production of virulence factors in bacterial pathogens. In the foodborne pathogen Listeria monocytogenes, some medium- and long-chain FFAs act as antimicrobial agents as well as signaling compounds, causing a repression of transcription of virulence genes. We previously observed that the master virulence regulator PrfA is involved in both the antimicrobial and virulence-inhibitory response of L. monocytogenes to selected FFAs, but the underlying mechanisms are presently unknown. Here, we present a systematic analysis of the antimicrobial and PrfA-inhibitory activities of medium- and long-chain FFAs of various carbon chain lengths and degrees of saturation. We observed that exposure to specific antimicrobial and nonantimicrobial FFAs prevented PrfA-dependent activation of virulence gene transcription and reduced the levels of PrfA-regulated virulence factors. Thus, an antimicrobial activity was not compulsory for the PrfA-inhibitory ability of an FFA. In vitro binding experiments revealed that PrfA-inhibitory FFAs were also able to prevent the constitutively active variant PrfA* from binding to the PrfA box in the promoter region of the virulence gene hly, whereas noninhibitory FFAs did not affect its ability to bind DNA. Notably, the unsaturated FFAs inhibited the DNA binding activity of PrfA* most efficiently. Altogether, our findings support a model in which specific FFAs orchestrate a generalized reduction of the virulence potential of L. monocytogenes by directly targeting the key virulence regulator PrfA.IMPORTANCEListeria monocytogenes is a Gram-positive pathogen able to cause foodborne infections in humans and animals. Key virulence genes in L. monocytogenes are activated by the transcription regulator PrfA, a DNA binding protein belonging to the CRP/FNR family. Various signals from the environment are known to affect the activity of PrfA, either positively or negatively. Recently, we found that specific medium- and long-chain free fatty acids act as antimicrobial agents as well as signaling compounds in L. monocytogenes Here, we show that both antimicrobial and nonantimicrobial free fatty acids inhibit PrfA-dependent activation of virulence gene transcription by interfering with the DNA binding activity of PrfA. Our findings suggest that free fatty acids could be candidates for alternative therapies against L. monocytogenes.