Effect of a Zinc Phosphate Shell on the Uptake and Translocation of Foliarly Applied ZnO Nanoparticles in Pepper Plants (Capsicum annuum).

Here, isotopically labeled 68ZnO NPs (ZnO NPs) and 68ZnO NPs with a thin 68Zn3(PO4)2 shell (ZnO_Ph NPs) were foliarly applied (40 µg Zn) to pepper plants (Capsicum annuum) to determine the effect of surface chemistry of ZnO NPs on the Zn uptake and systemic translocation to plant organs over 6 weeks. Despite similar dissolution of both Zn-based NPs after 3 weeks, the Zn3(PO4)2 shell on ZnO_Ph NPs (48 ± 12 nm; -18.1 ± 0.6 mV) enabled a leaf uptake of 2.31 ± 0.34 µg of Zn, which is 2.7 times higher than the 0.86 ± 0.18 µg of Zn observed for ZnO NPs (26 ± 8 nm; 14.6 ± 0.4 mV). Further, ZnO_Ph NPs led to higher Zn mobility and phloem loading, while Zn from ZnO NPs was stored in the epidermal tissues, possibly through cell wall immobilization as a storage strategy. These differences led to higher translocation of Zn from the ZnO_Ph NPs within all plant compartments. ZnO_Ph NPs were also more persistent as NPs in the exposed leaf and in the plant stem over time. As a result, the treatment of ZnO_Ph NPs induced significantly higher Zn transport to the fruit than ZnO NPs. As determined by spICP-TOFMS, Zn in the fruit was not in the NP form. These results suggest that the Zn3(PO4)2 shell on ZnO NPs can help promote the transport of Zn to pepper fruits when foliarly applied. This work provides insight into the role of Zn3(PO4)2 on the surface of ZnO NPs in foliar uptake and in planta biodistribution for improving Zn delivery to edible plant parts and ultimately improving the Zn content in food for human consumption.

Critical Review: Role of Inorganic Nanoparticle Properties on Their Foliar Uptake and in Planta Translocation.

There is increasing pressure on global agricultural systems due to higher food demand, climate change, and environmental concerns. The design of nanostructures is proposed as one of the economically viable technological solutions that can make agrochemical use (fertilizers and pesticides) more efficient through reduced runoff, increased foliar uptake and bioavailability, and decreased environmental impacts. However, gaps in knowledge about the transport of nanoparticles across the leaf surface and their behavior in planta limit the rational design of nanoparticles for foliar delivery with controlled fate and limited risk. Here, the current literature on nano-objects deposited on leaves is reviewed. The different possible foliar routes of uptake (stomata, cuticle, trichomes, hydathodes, necrotic spots) are discussed, along with the paths of translocation, via the phloem, from the leaf to the end sinks (mature and developing tissues, roots, rhizosphere). This review details the interplays between morphological constraints, environmental stimuli, and physical-chemical properties of nanoparticles influencing their fate, transformation, and transport after foliar deposition. A metadata analysis from the existing literature highlighted that plant used for testing nanoparticle fate are most often dicotyledon plants (75%), while monocotyledons (as cereals) are less considered. Correlations on parameters calculated from the literature indicated that nanoparticle dose, size, zeta potential, and affinity to organic phases correlated with leaf-to-sink translocation, demonstrating that targeting nanoparticles to specific plant compartments by design should be achievable. Correlations also showed that time and plant growth seemed to be drivers for in planta mobility, parameters that are largely overlooked in the literature. This review thus highlights the material design opportunities and the knowledge gaps for targeted, stimuli driven deliveries of safe nanomaterials for agriculture.

Measuring Empowerment Counselling in Routine Primary Health Care: Psychometric Properties of a Portuguese Adaptation of the Empowering Speech Practices Scale.

PURPOSE: Empowerment is a widely accepted approach to health promotion in which primary care nurses play an important role. Despite its clinical importance, empirical knowledge is low, mainly due to the lack of instruments to measure this construct. The Empowering Speech Practices Scale (ESPS) is a Finnish measure used to assess the empowerment process in counselling sessions. We designed this study to assess the psychometric properties of a Portuguese adaptation of the ESPS for families of 5-year-old children and nurses in well-child visits. DESIGN AND METHODS: We used a cross-sectional survey design. The ESPS was translated and adapted to the context of children and family health promotion. We administered a sociodemographic questionnaire and the Portuguese ESPS to a sample of 82 families attending a 5-year-old well-child visit and 25 primary care nurses in Portugal. We evaluated the Portuguese ESPS for construct validity and internal consistency. RESULTS: Exploratory factor analysis supported a 44-item scale, two-component model, which is similar to the original version, explaining 73.79% of the total variance. Each subscale presented excellent internal consistency and distinguished consultations conducted by nurses with academic training in empowerment patient education. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: The Portuguese ESPS is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing empowerment in health counselling with families in well-child visits. It looks at the process from two perspectives: the nurses' and the families' perspectives. It can be useful to evaluate quality of care, to identify areas of improvement, and to delve deeper into relationships between empowerment and health outcomes.

Two sides of the same well-child visit: Analysis of nurses' and families' perspectives on empowerment in health counselling.

AIMS: To explore the degree of empowering health counselling in well-child visits, considering nurse and family perspectives and to examine its associated factors. BACKGROUND: Empowerment has gained high priority in the world health strategy, being claimed for its benefits for people's health and well-being. DESIGN: The design includes an exploratory cross-sectional, correlational study. METHODS: We collected data between January 2018-October 2019 from a convenience sample of 82 families attending a 5-year-old well-child visit and 25 nurses at Portuguese health centres. Families and nurses assessed the same counselling session using parallel statements of the Portuguese Empowering Speech Practice Scale, grouped in two subscales (nurses' action and families' action). Questionnaires also included the Parent's Longitudinal Continuity in Primary Care scale, the Family Nutrition and Physical Activity tool and anthropometric and sociodemographic questions. We employed descriptive statistics, paired-samples t-test, analysis of variance and regression analysis. RESULTS: Both nurses and families reported that empowerment had been practiced in high degree. The most practiced elements were those from nurses' action subscale (e.g. constructing a positive atmosphere) and the least practiced were from families' action (e.g. disclosure). A discrepancy between nurses' and families' ratings were found for individualized information and advice, disclosure and asking questions, with families reporting higher scores. Nurses' formal training in empowerment and obesity was associated with higher scores on the nurses' action subscale. The families' limited experience with a regular health centre and nurse and families having children with overweight were both associated with lower scores on the two subscales. CONCLUSIONS: Although the positive experience by nurses and families is an important finding, the reasons for the differences in perceptions of empowerment require further research. IMPACT: The Portuguese Empowering Speech Practice Scale can be a useful tool to evaluate services, both from professionals' and families' perspectives and to identify areas of improvement.

Effect of Soil Organic Matter, Soil pH, and Moisture Content on Solubility and Dissolution Rate of CuO NPs in Soil.

The objectives of this research were to quantify the impact of organic matter content, soil pH and moisture content on the dissolution rate and solubility of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) in soil, and to develop an empirical model to predict the dissolution kinetics of CuO NPs in soil. CuO NPs were dosed into standard LUFA soils with various moisture content, pH and organic carbon content. Chemical extractions were applied to measure the CuO NP dissolution kinetics. Doubling the reactive organic carbon content in LUFA 2.1 soil increased the solubility of CuO NP 2.7-fold but did not change the dissolution rate constant. Increasing the soil pH from 5.9 to 6.8 in LUFA 2.2 soil decreased the dissolution rate constant from 0.56 mol1/3·kg1/3·s-1 to 0.17 mol1/3·kg1/3·s-1 without changing the solubility of CuO NP in soil. For six soils, the solubility of CuO NP correlated well with soil organic matter content ( R2 = 0.89) independent of soil pH. In contrast, the dissolution rate constant correlated with pH for pH < 6.3 ( R2 = 0.89), independent of soil organic matter content. These relationships predicted the solubility and dissolution rate constants of CuO NP in two test soils (pH 5.0 and pH 7.6). Moisture content showed negligible impact on the dissolution kinetics of CuO NPs. Our study suggests that soil pH and organic matter content affect the dissolution behavior of CuO NP in soil in a predictable manner.

CuO Nanoparticle Dissolution and Toxicity to Wheat ( Triticum aestivum) in Rhizosphere Soil.

It has been suggested, but not previously measured, that dissolution kinetics of soluble nanoparticles such as CuO nanoparticles (NPs) in soil affect their phytotoxicity. An added complexity is that such dissolution is also affected by the presence of plant roots. Here, we measured the rate of dissolution of CuO NPs in bulk soil, and in soil in which wheat plants ( Triticum aestivum) were grown under two soil NP dosing conditions: (a) freshly added CuO NPs (500 mg Cu/kg soil) and (b) CuO NPs aged for 28 d before planting. At the end of the plant growth period (14 d), available Cu was measured in three different soil compartments: bulk (not associated with roots), loosely attached to roots, and rhizosphere (soil firmly attached to roots). The labile Cu fraction increased from 17 mg/kg to 223 mg/kg in fresh treatments and from 283 mg/kg to 305 mg/kg in aged treatments over the growth period due to dissolution. Aging CuO NPs increased the toxicity to Triticum aestivum (reduction in root maximal length). The presence of roots in the soil had opposite and somewhat compensatory effects on NP dissolution, as measured in rhizosphere soil. pH increased 0.4 pH units for fresh NP treatments and 0.6 pH units for aged NPs. This lowered CuO NP dissolution in rhizosphere soil. Exudates from T. aestivum roots also increased soluble Cu in pore water. CaCl2 extractable Cu concentrations increaed in rhizosphere soil compared to bulk soil, from 1.8 mg/kg to 6.2 mg/kg in fresh treatment and from 3.4 mg/kg to 5.4 mg/kg in aged treatments. Our study correlated CuO NP dissolution and the resulting Cu ion exposure profile to phytotoxicity, and showed that plant-induced changes in rhizosphere conditions should be considered when measuring the dissolution of CuO NPs near roots.

Epiretinal Proliferations Associated with Lamellar Macular Holes: Clinical and Surgical Implications.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the prevalence of lamellar hole-associated epiretinal proliferation (LHEP) and to correlate this finding with lamellar macular hole (LMH) morphology and prognosis after a surgical or conservative approach. METHODS: This is a retrospective multicenter case series comprising consecutive LMH patients followed for ≥6 months. Serial spectral-domain optical coherence tomographies were evaluated for the presence of epiretinal membrane (ERM) and LHEP, diameter of the LMH aperture, base, and floor thickness. Pars plana vitrectomy with ERM and internal limiting membrane peeling was performed in the surgical cases. RESULTS: A total of 62 eyes from 57 consecutive patients were included. Mean follow-up time was 27.1 ± 19.8 months. LHEP was observed in 33 (53.2%) eyes. Patients with LMH and LHEP presented a larger external diameter (p = 0.001) and thinner floors (p = 0.018). Twenty-seven (81.8%) of the patients with LMH and LHEP presented a degenerative intraretinal cavitation, compared to 23.3% in the non-LHEP group (p = 0.001). No differences were observed in visual performance or closure rate between the 2 groups after surgery or in the subset of patients followed conservatively. CONCLUSIONS: LHEP was correlated with the anatomical conformation of the LMH, yielding thinner floors and larger external diameters. However, it did not correlate with the anatomical or functional results, both in the patients who underwent surgery and in those managed conservatively.

Time and Nanoparticle Concentration Affect the Extractability of Cu from CuO NP-Amended Soil.

We assess the effect of CuO nanoparticle (NP) concentration and soil aging time on the extractability of Cu from a standard sandy soil (Lufa 2.1). The soil was dosed with CuO NPs or Cu(NO3)2 at 10 mg/kg or 100 mg/kg of total added Cu, and then extracted using either 0.01 M CaCl2 or 0.005 M diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) (pH 7.6) extraction fluid at selected times over 31 days. For the high dose of CuO NPs, the amount of DTPA-extractable Cu in soil increased from 3 wt % immediately after mixing to 38 wt % after 31 days. In contrast, the extractability of Cu(NO3)2 was highest initially, decreasing with time. The increase in extractability was attributed to dissolution of CuO NPs in the soil. This was confirmed with synchrotron X-ray absorption near edge structure measurements. The CuO NP dissolution kinetics were modeled by a first-order dissolution model. Our findings indicate that dissolution, concentration, and aging time are important factors that influence Cu extractability in CuO NP-amended soil and suggest that a time-dependent series of extractions could be developed as a functional assay to determine the dissolution rate constant.

Evaluation of the Single Dilute (0.43 M) Nitric Acid Extraction to Determine Geochemically Reactive Elements in Soil.

Recently a dilute nitric acid extraction (0.43 M) was adopted by ISO (ISO-17586:2016) as standard for extraction of geochemically reactive elements in soil and soil like materials. Here we evaluate the performance of this extraction for a wide range of elements by mechanistic geochemical modeling. Model predictions indicate that the extraction recovers the reactive concentration quantitatively (>90%). However, at low ratios of element to reactive surfaces the extraction underestimates reactive Cu, Cr, As, and Mo, that is, elements with a particularly high affinity for organic matter or oxides. The 0.43 M HNO3 together with more dilute and concentrated acid extractions were evaluated by comparing model-predicted and measured dissolved concentrations in CaCl2 soil extracts, using the different extractions as alternative model-input. Mean errors of the predictions based on 0.43 M HNO3 are generally within a factor three, while Mo is underestimated and Co, Ni and Zn in soils with pH > 6 are overestimated, for which possible causes are discussed. Model predictions using 0.43 M HNO3 are superior to those using 0.1 M HNO3 or Aqua Regia that under- and overestimate the reactive element contents, respectively. Low concentrations of oxyanions in our data set and structural underestimation of their reactive concentrations warrant further investigation.

Salt and sugars content of breakfast cereals in the UK from 1992 to 2015.

OBJECTIVE: To study the salt and sugars content of breakfast cereals sold in the UK between 1992 and 2015. DESIGN: Cross-sectional surveys on salt and sugars content collected from the nutrition information panel of breakfast cereals in 1992, 2004, 2006, 2009, 2012 and 2015. SETTING: All major UK retailers operating at that moment in time (approximately ten). SUBJECTS: The salt and sugars content was collected from product packaging and the nutrition information panels. RESULTS: Cereals consistently surveyed across all five years (n22) showed a significant reduction in salt content of 47 % (P<0·001). Sugars content of breakfast cereals (n 15), however, did not show a significant change; 25·65 g/100 g in 1992 and 22·45 g/100 g in 2015 (P=0·170). There was a large variation in salt and sugars content between different categories and within the same type of category. CONCLUSIONS: The study shows the progressive reduction in salt content of breakfast cereals in the UK since 2004 as a result of the successful salt reduction programme, particularly the setting of incremental salt targets. Further reductions in salt content need to be made as cereals remain a major contributor to salt intake. Sugars content, however, has been consistently high due to the lack of a sugar reduction strategy. The research demonstrates that the sugars content of breakfast cereals in the UK is of concern, particularly in children's breakfast cereals, with a typical serving (30 g) containing a third of a 4-6-year-old's maximum daily recommendation (19 g/d) for free sugars intake in the UK. More can and should be done to reformulate, with an urgent need to set incremental sugar reduction targets.

Full-length and fragmented netrin-1 in multiple sclerosis plaques are inhibitors of oligodendrocyte precursor cell migration.

Oligodendrocytes exhibit a limited capacity to remyelinate in multiple sclerosis. Factors present in multiple sclerosis lesions are thought to inhibit oligodendrocyte precursor cell migration, limiting their recruitment to axons requiring remyelination; however, few inhibitors have been identified. A candidate inhibitor is netrin-1, a secreted protein that repels migrating oligodendrocyte precursor cells during neural development and is expressed by myelinating oligodendrocytes in the mature rodent central nervous system. Herein, we examined the distribution of netrin-1 in adult human white matter and multiple sclerosis lesions. We detected full-length netrin-1 protein and shorter netrin-1 fragments in samples of normal white matter and of multiple sclerosis lesions from adult human brain. We demonstrate that peptides corresponding to amino terminal domains VI and V of netrin-1 repel migrating oligodendrocyte precursor cells, but lack the chemoattractant activity of full-length netrin-1. Furthermore, recombinant domains VI-V of netrin-1 disrupt the chemoattractant activity of full-length netrin-1, consistent with a competitive mechanism of action. These findings indicate that full-length and fragmented forms of netrin-1, found in multiple sclerosis lesions, have the capacity to inhibit oligodendrocyte precursor migration, identifying netrin-1 as a potential target for therapies that promote remyelination.

Ultrasonographic Evaluation of the Patellar Tendon in Cyclists, Volleyball Players, and Non-Practitioners of Sports-The Influence of Gender, Age, Height, Dominant Limb, and Level of Physical Activity.

This study was based on the ultrasound evaluation of the patellar tendon dimensions in the anteroposterior and transversal approaches in sports practitioners (cyclists and volleyball players) and non-sports practitioners. Relationships between the patellar tendon length, width, and thickness with gender, age, height, the dominant limb, and level of physical activity were evaluated. The samples included cyclists, volleyball players, and non-sports practitioners between 15 and 25 years old. Individuals were positioned supine with 30 degrees of knee flexion for bilateral measurements. Sports practitioners presented with an increased patellar tendon length and thickness. There were significant differences bilaterally between sports and non-sports practitioners (p < 0.003). The three dimensions of the patellar tendon of both limbs presented correlations with the male gender (0.336 < r < 0.601), and values of moderate-to-strong intensity in the length of the patellar tendon was directly proportional to height (0.520 < r < 0.601). There was a significant difference between the patellar tendon width and age (p < 0.025). Regarding the level of physical activity, significant differences were found between low and high levels in the three dimensions bilaterally (p < 0.004). The study results indicate that gender, age, height, and level of physical activity impact patellar tendon dimensions. However, there are no associations with the dominant limb.

Blood Pressure-Lowering Medications, Sodium Reduction, and Blood Pressure.

BACKGROUND: Both blood pressure-lowering medication and sodium reduction are effective in hypertension control, but whether blood pressure-lowering medication modifies the effect of sodium reduction is unclear. This study aims to evaluate the dose-response effect of sodium intake reduction on blood pressure in treated hypertensive individuals and the impact of different classes of blood pressure-lowering drugs. METHODS: We searched multiple databases and reference lists up to July 9, 2024. Randomized controlled trials with a duration of ≥2 weeks comparing the effect of different levels of sodium intake (measured by 24-hour urinary sodium excretion) on blood pressure in hypertensive individuals treated with constant blood pressure-lowering medications were included. Instrumental variable meta-analyses based on random effects models were conducted to evaluate the dose effect of sodium reduction on blood pressure. Subgroup analyses were performed based on the class of blood pressure-lowering drugs. RESULTS: We included 35 studies (median duration of 28 days) with a total of 2885 participants. For every 100 mmol reduction in 24-hour urinary sodium excretion, systolic blood pressure decreased by 6.81 mm Hg (95% CI, 4.96-8.66), diastolic blood pressure decreased by 3.85 mm Hg (95% CI, 2.26-5.43), and mean arterial pressure decreased by 4.83 mm Hg (95% CI, 3.22-6.44). The dose-response effects varied across classes of blood pressure-lowering medications, with greater effects observed in the ß-blockers, renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors, and dual therapy groups. No significant subgroup differences were observed based on age, baseline 24-hour urinary sodium excretion, blood pressure levels, or study duration. CONCLUSIONS: Pooled evidence suggests a dose-response relationship between sodium reduction and blood pressure in treated individuals with hypertension, influenced by the class of blood pressure-lowering medications.

Responses of soil microbiome to copper-based materials (nano and bulk) for agricultural applications: An indoor-mesocosm experiment.

The foreseen increasing application of copper-based nanomaterials (Cu-NMs), replacing or complementing existing Cu-agrochemicals, may negatively impact the soil microbiome. Thus, we studied the effects on soil microbiome function and composition of nano copper oxide (nCuO) or copper hydroxide NMs in a commercial (Kocide®3000) or a lab-synthetized formulation (nCu(OH)2) or bulk copper hydroxide (Cu(OH)2-B), at the commonly recommended Cu dose of 50 mg(Cu)kg-1 soil. Microbial responses were studied over 28 days in a designed indoor mesocosm. On day-28, in comparison to non-treated soil (CT), all Cu-treatments led to a reduction in dehydrogenase (95% to 68%), arylsulfatase (41% to 27%), and urease (40% to 20%) activity. There was a 32% increase in the utilization of carbon substrates in the nCuO-treatment and an increased abundance of viable bacteria in the nCu(OH)2-treatment (75% of heterotrophic and 69% of P-solubilizing bacteria). The relative abundance of Acidobacteria [Kocide®3000, nCuO, and Cu(OH)2-B treatments] and Flavobacteriia [nCu(OH)2-treatment] was negatively affected by Cu exposure. The abundance of Cu-tolerant bacteria increased in soils treated with Kocide®3000 (Clostridia) and nCu(OH)2 (Gemmatimonadetes). All Cu-treated soils exhibited a reduced abundance of denitrification-related genes (0.05% of nosZ gene). The DTPA-extractable pool of ionic Cu(II) varied among treatments: Cu(OH)2-B > Kocide®3000 âˆ¼ nCuO>nCu(OH)2, which may explain changes on the soil microbiome composition, at the genera and OTU levels. Thus, our study revealed that Cu-materials (nano and bulk) influence the soil microbiome with implications on its ecological role. It highlights the importance of assessing the impact of Cu-materials under dynamic and complex exposure scenarios and emphasizes the need for specific regulatory frameworks for NMs.

Granulated biomass fly ash coupled with fenton process for pulp and paper wastewater treatment.

The work describes the combination of granulated biomass fly ash (GBFA) with Fenton process to enhance the removal of adsorbable organic halides (AOX) from pulp bleaching wastewater. At optimal operating conditions, wastewater's chemical and biochemical oxygen demand (COD and BOD5, respectively) and colour were also quantified, and operating cost of treatment assessed. For the first time, raw pulp bleaching wastewater was used to granulate BFA, instead of water, reducing the water footprint of the treatment. Five wastewater treatment setups were studied: (i) conventional Fenton process; (ii) GBFA application; (iii) simultaneous application of GBFA and Fenton process; (iv) sequential treatment by GBFA followed by Fenton process; (v) sequential treatment by Fenton process followed by GBFA. The latter yielded the highest AOX removal (60-70%), whilst COD was also reduced (≈15%) and wastewater biodegradability (BOD5/COD) was enhanced from 0.075 to a maximum of 0.134. Another positive feature of the proposed solution was that GBFA were successfully recovered and reused without regeneration, yielding similar AOX removal compared with fresh GBFA. The operating cost of removing 1 g of AOX from the pulp bleaching wastewater by the optimal treatment setup (60-70% removal of AOX) was 14-26% lower than the operating cost of conducting Fenton process alone (50% removal of AOX).

Unique challenges to diagnosing sweet syndrome following induction chemotherapy for relapsed Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML): A case and brief-review.

Background: Sweet Syndrome (SS) is a rare inflammatory skin condition characterized by the sudden appearance of tender, erythematous or violaceous papules, plaques, and nodules typically found on the face, neck, shoulder, upper extremities, and trunk. Often, SS is difficult to diagnose because of its various non-specific manifestations, including fever, arthralgia, myalgia and ocular involvement. In most cases described in literature, cutaneous and pulmonary symptoms of SS present in a concomitant manner. Several reported cases of pulmonary SS have shown that if left untreated, acute respiratory distress syndrome can ensue and progress to fatal respiratory failure. Case report: A 58-year-old female with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) secondary to chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) presented with new nodular lesions, dyspnea, and fevers. Chest X-ray revealed pulmonary infiltrates. The patient developed new facial lesions and worsening hypoxic respiratory failure. Further infectious workup was negative. She was found to have SS with pulmonary involvement and initiated on high-dose intravenous (IV) steroids with marked clinical improvement. Conclusions: Major and minor criteria for the diagnosis of lung-associated SS should be carefully evaluated, especially when a biopsy is unavailable. The following case report describes the clinical course and outcomes from treatment for this patient.

Salt intake, blood pressure and cardiovascular disease mortality in England, 2003-2018.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the changes in salt intake and concomitant changes in blood pressure (BP) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality in England from 2003 to 2018. METHODS: National surveys and death registration data were used for the analysis of salt intake as measured by 24-h urinary sodium excretion (449-1069 participants per year), BP (2651-6738 participants per year) and CVD mortality. RESULTS: A decline in salt intake from 9.38 (SD 4.64) to 7.58 (3.41) g/d was observed between 2003 and 2014 ( P  < 0.01), followed by an increase to 8.39 (4.13) g/d in 2018 ( P  < 0.01). Similar trends in BP and CVD mortality were also observed between 2003 and 2018. SBP/DBP decreased from 125.3 (15.92)/74.48 (11.33) mmHg to 122.57 (14.92)/73.33 (10.75) mmHg between 2003 and 2014 ( P  < 0.01), followed by a plateau up to 2018 [122.04 (14.64)/73.84 (10.54) mmHg, P  > 0.05]. Likewise, a fall in stroke and ischaemic heart disease mortality rates was observed between 2003 and 2014, from 12.24 and 43.44 cases per 100 000, to 8.19 and 27.23 cases per 100 000 ( P  < 0.01), respectively, followed by a plateau afterwards ( P  > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The UK salt reduction programme was initially successful in reducing population salt intake by 19% (from 9.38 g/d in 2003 to 7.58 g/d in 2014). However, in recent years, the programme stalled and thus led to an interruption in the decline of salt intake. BP and CVD mortality reduction was also interrupted when salt reduction stalled. The changes in salt intake may have played an important role in the concomitant changes in BP and CVD mortality. Urgent action is needed to reinvigorate the UK's once world-leading salt reduction programme.

A comparison of the changes in cardiac output and systemic vascular resistance during exercise following high-fat meals containing DHA or EPA.

Long-chain n-3 PUFA can lower blood pressure (BP) but their acute effects on cardiac output, BP and systemic vascular resistance (SVR) in response to dynamic exercise are uncertain. We compared the effects of high-fat meals rich in EPA (20 : 5n-3), DHA (22 : 6n-3) or oleic acid (control) on cardiac output, BP and SVR in response to exercise stress testing. High-fat meals (50 g fat) containing high-oleic sunflower oil enriched with 4·7 g of either EPA or DHA v. control (high-oleic sunflower oil only) were fed to twenty-two healthy males using a randomised cross-over design. Resting measurements of cardiac output, heart rate and BP were made before and hourly over 5 h following the meal. A standardised 12 min exercise test was then conducted with further measurements made during and post-exercise. Blood samples were collected at fasting, 5 h postprandially and immediately post-exercise for the analysis of lipid, glucose and 8-isoprostane-F2α (8-iso-PGF2α). Plasma concentrations of EPA and DHA increased by 0·22 mmol/l 5 h following the EPA and DHA meals, respectively, compared with the control (P < 0·001). Resting cardiac output and 8-iso-PGF2α increased similarly following all meals and there were no significant differences in cardiac output during exercise between the meals. SVR was lower at 5 h and during exercise following the DHA but not EPA meal, compared with the control meal, by 4·9 % (95 % CI 1·3, 8·4; P < 0·01). Meals containing DHA appear to differ from EPA with regard to their effects on cardiovascular haemodynamics during exercise.

Evaluation of the roughness of composite resins submitted to different surface treatments.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the surface roughness of restorative composite resins after polishing with aluminum oxide discs and applying an adhesive layer The following composite resins were used: Filtek Z250 (hybrid, 3MESPE, A2) and Filtek Supreme XT (nanofilled, 3M ESPE, A2E). Thirty specimens of each composite were made using a condensation silicone mold (5.0 x 2.0 mm) into which the composites were inserted and submitted to light pressure. After polymerization using the halogen light source Curing Light 2500 (3M) for 40 seconds, the specimens were assigned to the following groups: G1-Z250/CO- control, did not receive any treatment; G2-Z250/SL--the specimens underwent finishing and polishing with Sof-Lex discs; G3-Z250/ADE, application of an adhesive layer on the top of the specimen and light curing for 20 seconds. Groups G4, G5 and G6 followed the same treatment sequence, but using Filtek Supreme XT The specimens were stored in deionized water at 37 degrees C for 24 h. Three readings of surface roughness were made for each specimen. The results were submitted to variance analysis by Two-Way ANOVA Test and Tukey HSD Test. The mean values obtained were: G3 (0.2325 +/- 0.1484 microm) and G6 (0.2266 +/- 0.0463 microm), which were higher than the other groups and did not differ statistically from each other. Groups G1 (0.1023 +/- 0.0464 microm), G4 (0.1083 +/- 0.0241 microm), G5 (0.1160 +/- 0.0252 microm) and G2 (0.1360 +/- 0.0131 microm) had the lowest average roughness and did not differ statistically among each other. It was concluded that the Sof-Lex discs performed better for the surface treatment of the composites resins tested, producing similar values of surface roughness for both composites. Covering with dentin adhesive increased the surface roughness in both composites.

Examining Empowerment Interventions With Families and Preschool Children: Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Empowerment is a core construct in health behavior and an emerging trend in pediatrics. Although it has been suggested as an approach that may promote the person's participation in health care decisions and positive outcomes, little is known about the nature and effectiveness of interventions to support empowerment in families and preschool-age children. The aim of this review is to identify, appraise, and synthesize the evidence on health interventions explicitly using empowerment as an orienting concept with families and their preschool-age children. We identified randomized controlled trials (RCTs) through systematic searches of eight databases for articles published between 1986 and January 2019 and included RCTs that addressed empowerment as a health intervention approach or outcome and that studied families with 3- to 5-year-old children. The application of empowerment theory, the family and child involvement, and the use of behavior change techniques (BCTs) were assessed through appropriate frameworks. Ten interventions were identified, and 50% of them showed positive outcomes. Most studies claimed a theoretical base. However, the studies provided limited details on theory application in intervention planning, implementation, and evaluation, and the children's involvement in the interventions was generally scarce. The most commonly applied BCT was "instruction in how to perform the behavior." We identified 16 potentially effective BCTs. The evidence was not sufficiently robust to determine the effectiveness of empowerment interventions with families and preschool-age children. Additional high-quality studies are needed to produce clearer conclusions. Our results are useful for the design and evaluation of future interventions.