Resumen Introducción. Los huevos son un alimento fuente de proteínas que se deteriora fácilmente durante su almacenamiento. La suplementación de polvo de pimiento rojo picante rico en compuestos bioactivos en dietas para gallinas ponedoras puede mejorar la calidad del huevo y prevenir su deterioro durante el almacenamiento. Objetivo. Determinar el efecto de la suplementación con pimiento rojo picante en polvo y diferentes tiempos de almacenamiento sobre la calidad física del huevo de gallinas ponedoras. Materiales y métodos. El estudio se llevó a cabo de enero a marzo de 2024 en el Granero de Investigación de PT Agromix Lestari Group, Kulon Progo, Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Se asignaron 80 gallinas ponedoras de 56 semanas de edad (1681 ± 64 g) de la cepa Novogen a cuatro tratamientos dietéticos (cuatro réplicas, cinco gallinas por réplica): dieta basal como control (P0); dieta basal + 0,25 % de chile rojo en polvo (P1); dieta basal + 0,5 % de chile rojo en polvo (P2), y dieta basal + 0,75 % de chile rojo en polvo (P3). Al final de la sexta semana, se recogió un huevo por grupo y se analizó su calidad física en tres tratamientos de almacenamiento: fresco (S0), una semana de almacenamiento (S1) y dos semanas de almacenamiento (S2). Los datos de calidad de los huevos se analizaron con un diseño experimental factorial (4 × 3) utilizando el programa SPSS 26 (Chicago, IL, USA). Resultados. La suplementación con un 0,5% de pimiento rojo picante en polvo aumentó significativamente el peso del huevo. La adición de pimiento rojo picante y la duración del tratamiento afectaron significativamente al color de la yema del huevo. El grupo tratado con pimiento picante mostró un pH del albumen y la yema significativamente más bajo. Conclusiones. Se demostró que la suplementación de pimiento rojo picante en polvo en las dietas de gallinas ponedoras mejoró el color de la yema del huevo. La inclusión de 0,5 % en la ración fue capaz de mantener bajo el pH de la yema y el albumen.

Abstract Introduction. Eggs are a food source of protein that easily deteriorates during storage. Supplementation of hot red chili pepper powder, rich in bioactive compounds, in diets for laying hens can improve egg quality and prevent egg deterioration during storage. Objective. To determine the effect of hot red pepper powder supplementation and different storage times on the physical egg quality of laying hens. Materials and methods. This study was conducted from January to March 2024 at the Research Barn of PT Agromix Lestari Group, Kulon Progo, Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Eighty 56-week-old Novogen laying hens (1681 ± 64 g) were assigned into four dietary treatments (four replications, five hens per replication): basal diet as control (P0); basal diet + 0.25 % hot red pepper powder (P1); basal diet + 0.5 % hot red pepper powder (P2), and basal diet + 0.75 % hot red pepper powder (P3). At the end of week 6, one egg per replicate group was collected and analyzed for physical quality in three storage treatments: fresh condition (S0), one week storage (S1) and two weeks storage (S2). Egg quality data were analyzed with a factorial experimental design (4 × 3) using SPSS 26 software. Results. Supplementation of 0.5 % hot red pepper powder significantly increased egg weight. Hot red pepper addition and treatment duration significantly affected egg yolk color. The hot red pepper treatment group showed significantly lower pH of albumen and yolk. Conclusions. The supplementation of hot red pepper powder in laying hens’ diets has been shown to improve egg yolk color. The inclusion of 0.5 % in the ration was able to keep the pH of yolk and albumen low.

RESUMEN Introducción: Las intervenciones en la salud pública cubana tienen la función de mejorar la calidad de vida de la población y brindar salud con el mejor costo posible. Este artículo pretende evaluar la efectividad de la cronoterapia a hipertensos diabéticos tipo dos, mediante un procedimiento metodológico, desde la perspectiva de un enfoque integral. Método: Se realizó una investigación analítica observacional, longitudinal y prospectiva en el Hospital Universitario Manuel Ascunce Domenech, en el período de enero 2022 a enero 2024. La muestra de estudio fue 220 pacientes mayores de 18 años de edad, diabéticos y no diabéticos con hipertensión no controlada. Se emplearon métodos empíricos, la revisión documental, encuestas, criterios de expertos, método Delphi y el método Iadov en su validación. Se aplicó el Statistical Packageforthe Social Sciences (SPSS V.24.0) para el análisis descriptivo o inferencial. Resultados: Se diseñó el procedimiento metodológico que permitió valorar la efectividad con enfoque integral de la cronoterapia a los pacientes hipertensos diabéticos tipo 2, en el proceso de monitorización ambulatoria de presión arterial. El índice de satisfacción grupal en el estudio según la técnica Iadov fue de 0,81, expresión de la aceptación y la utilidad de la propuesta. Discusión: La cronoterapia es una solución sostenible al control de hipertensos diabéticos tipo 2, la apreciación de su efectividad a partir de un enfoque integral, implica el análisis de la eficacia y eficiencia desde múltiples dimensiones como garantía de bienestar general de la población y mejor disponibilidad de los recursos destinados al sector público de la salud.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Interventions in Cuban public health have the function of improving the quality of life of the population and providing health at the best possible cost. This article aims to evaluate the effectiveness of chronotherapy for type two diabetic hypertensive patients, through a methodological procedure, from the perspective of a comprehensive approach. Method: An observational, longitudinal and prospective analytical research was carried out at the Manuel Ascunce Domenech University Hospital, in the period from January 2022 to January 2024. The study sample was 220 patients over 18 years of age, diabetic and non-diabetic with uncontrolled hypertension. Empirical methods, documentary review, surveys, expert criteria, Delphi method and the Iadov method were used in their validation. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS V.24.0) was applied for descriptive or inferential analysis. Results: The methodological procedure was designed to assess the effectiveness of chronotherapy with a comprehensive approach in type 2 diabetic hypertensive patients during the ambulatory blood pressure monitoring process. The group satisfaction index in the study according to the Iadov technique was 0.81, an expression of the acceptance and usefulness of the proposal. Discussion: Chronconapy is a sustainable solution to the control of type 2 diabetic hypertensive patients. The assessment of its effectiveness from a comprehensive approach implies the analysis of the efficacy and efficiency from multiple dimensions as a guarantee of general well-being of the population and better availability of resources destined to the public health sector.

ABSTRACT: The success of endodontic treatments is related to the neutralization of bacteria and their toxins, inside and outside the root canal system of a tooth. Usually this is achieved, under ideal conditions, by means of a chemical-mechanical action (endodontic files and irrigation with appropriate solutions). Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are well-known for their antibacterial properties, and, for this reason, the aim of this work was to modify the surface of Nickel-Titanium (NiTi) endodontic files with AgNPs, to confer them antimicrobial ability and avoid infections. For this purpose, the preparation and characterization of stable colloids of AgNPs were carried out. Ten NiTi files for endodontics (brand K3 XF, Sybron-Endo Keer) were divided into 2 groups; 5 for group 1 (control, files as received) and 5 for group 2 (files previously coated with AgNPs). Both groups were subjected to biofilm formation using a culture composed of Candida albicans and Enterococcus faecalis, in an anaerobic environment. Endodontic files were successfully modified with silver nanoparticles, and, after exposure under anaerobic conditions to the selected microorganisms. Scanning electron microscopy revealed the proliferation of microorganisms on the surface of the control files. In contrast, the modified and coated files showed no biofilm formation, and the bacteria exhibited changes in cell wall morphology, likely associated with wall rupture and subsequent cell death. The coating of silver nanoparticles on the surface of the files shows to change the morphology of the bacterial wall, causing death and thus inhibition in formation of microbiological biofilms. Since reactive oxygen species (ROS) are unlikely to be present under the anaerobic conditions used, the microbicidal effect of the nanoparticles indicates that ROS-promoted oxidative stress is not an important mechanism of action, and inactivation of thiol-containing proteins could be a more important mechanism.

RESUMEN: El éxito de los tratamientos de endodoncia está relacionado con la neutralización de las bacterias y sus toxinas, dentro y fuera del sistema de conductos radiculares de un diente. Habitualmente esto se consigue, en condiciones ideales, mediante una acción químico-mecánica (limas endodónticas e irrigación con soluciones adecuadas). Las nanopartículas de plata (AgNPs) son conocidas por sus propiedades antibacterianas, por lo que el objetivo de este trabajo fue modificar la superficie de limas endodónticas de Níquel-Titanio (NiTi) con AgNPs, para conferirles capacidad antimicrobiana y evitar infecciones. Se realizó la preparación y caracterización de coloides estables de AgNPs. Diez limas NiTi para endodoncia (marca K3 XF, Sybron-Endo Keer) se dividieron en dos grupos; 5 para el grupo 1 (control, limas tal como se recibieron) y 5 para el grupo 2 (limas previamente recubiertas con AgNP). Ambos grupos fueron sometidos a la formación de biopelículas utilizando un cultivo compuesto por Candida albicans y Enterococcus faecalis, en un ambiente anaeróbico. Las limas endodónticas se modificaron exitosamente con nanopartículas de plata y, después de la exposición en condiciones anaeróbicas a los microorganismos seleccionados. El análisis mediante microscopía electrónica de barrido reveló proliferación de microorganismos en la superficie de las limas de control. En contraste, las limas modificadas y recubiertas no presentaron formación de biopelículas, y las bacterias evidenciaron cambios en la morfología de su pared celular, posiblemente asociados a la ruptura de esta y a la consecuente muerte celular. El recubrimiento de nanopartículas de plata en la superficie de las limas cambia la morfología de la pared bacteriana, provocando la muerte y por lo tanto la inhibición en la formación de biopelículas microbiológicas. Dado que es poco probable que estén presentes especies reactivas de oxígeno (ROS) en las condiciones anaeróbicas utilizadas, el efecto microbicida de las nanopartículas indica que el estrés oxidativo promovido por ROS no es un mecanismo de acción importante, y la inactivación de proteínas que contienen tioles podría ser un mecanismo más importante.

BACKGROUND: Clinical reasoning is a critical skill that nursing practitioners must develop. Positive patient outcomes have been linked to nurses with clinical reasoning skills. While experienced nurse practitioners often demonstrate clinical reasoning skills, evidence shows that these skills can be taught and mastered, even by less experienced nurses OBJECTIVE: To determine whether a cooperative clinical reasoning activity can aid nursing students in developing their clinical reasoning skills METHODS: A quasi-experimental, non-equivalent, pre-test-post-test control group method was used, employing an Outcome-present-state (OPT) worksheet and a marking rubric to assess the results. The study population consisted of 208 final-year nursing students who were purposively assigned to either the experimental group (n=84) or the control group (n=124 RESULTS: Participants in the experimental group showed higher clinical reasoning scores after engaging in cooperative clinical reasoning activities, compared with participants in the control group who did not participate (p=007 CONCLUSION: Clinical reasoning is a skill that can be developed through the deliberate inclusion of targeted activities in a nursing programme

Abstract Introduction: The World Health Organization (WHO) points out that infection by enteroparasites can affect ~3.5 billion people around the world. Hemodialysis (HD) patients may be more susceptible to infections by opportunistic pathogens due to impaired immune function. We evaluated enteroparasite infection in a sample of HD-patients from two dialysis centers and in a control group. Methods: Fecal samples were processed using the Hoffmann-Pons-Janner, Ritchie, Willis, and Rugai techniques. Patients with kidney failure from two dialysis centers undergoing HD for more than 3 months were included. The control group consisted of relatives of the patients without overt CKD. The TaqMan PCR and multiplex real-time PCR were carried out for detection of Cryptosporidium spp. and C. parvum and to differentiate the Entamoeba (E.) histolytica/E. dispar complex, respectively Results: A total of 97 HD patients and 42 controls were enrolled in the study. Fifty (51.5%) fecal samples from the HD group were positive for enteroparasites, as were 26 (61.9%) from the control group (P = 0.260). S. stercoralis was the single helminth detected and was only present in HD-patients. Coproscopy detected seven positive samples for the E. histolytica/E. dispar complex, three from HD patients and four from controls: by PCR, all samples were positive for the non-pathogenic E. dispar. Safranin-stained fecal smear slides were all negative for Cryptosporidium spp. However, by PCR, amplification for Crypstosporidium spp. was seen in six samples, all from the HD patients. Two of the species were classified as C. hominis by PCR-RFLP Conclusions: Enteroparasite infection as detected by traditional techniques were not more prevalent in HD patients, but S. stercoralis was only found in these patients. It is noteworthy that Cryptosporidium spp. infection, also affecting only HD patients, could only be detected by molecular biology techniques. Introduction WHO (WHO 35 5 ~3. world (HD function HDpatients Methods HoffmannPonsJanner, HoffmannPonsJanner Hoffmann Pons Janner, Janner Hoffmann-Pons-Janner Ritchie Willis included CKD realtime real time spp C E (E. histolyticaE histolytica histolytica/E complex Results 9 4 study 51.5% 515 51 (51.5% 2 61.9% 619 61 (61.9% P 0.260. 0260 0.260 . 0 260 0.260) S HDpatients. nonpathogenic non pathogenic Safraninstained Safranin stained However PCRRFLP RFLP Conclusions ~3 (E 51.5 (51.5 61.9 6 (61.9 026 0.26 ~ 51. (51. 61. (61. 02 0.2 (51 (61 0. (5 (6 (

Resumo Introdução: A OMS aponta que infecções por enteroparasitos podem afetar ~3,5 bilhões de pessoas globalmente. Pacientes em hemodiálise (HD) podem ser mais suscetíveis a infecções por patógenos oportunistas devido à função imunológica prejudicada. Avaliamos a infecção por enteroparasitos em pacientes em HD de dois centros de diálise e um grupo controle Métodos: Amostras fecais foram processadas pelas técnicas de Hoffmann, Pons&Janner, Ritchie, Willis e Rugai. Incluímos pacientes com insuficiência renal, de dois centros de diálise, em HD por mais de três meses. O grupo controle consistiu em familiares dos pacientes sem DRC evidente. PCR TaqMan e PCR Multiplex em tempo real foram realizadas para detecção de Cryptosporidium spp. e C. parvum e para diferenciar o complexo Entamoeba (E.) histolytica/E. dispar, respectivamente Resultados: 97 pacientes em HD e 42 controles foram incluídos no estudo. Cinquenta (51,5%) amostras fecais do grupo HD foram positivas para enteroparasitos, assim como 26 (61,9%) do grupo controle (P = 0,260). S. stercoralis foi o único helminto detectado, presente apenas nos pacientes em HD. A coproscopia detectou sete amostras positivas para o complexo E. histolytica/E. dispar, três de pacientes em HD e quatro controles: através da PCR, todas as amostras foram positivas para E. dispar não patogênica. As lâminas de esfregaço fecal coradas com safranina foram todas negativas para Cryptosporidium spp. Entretanto, através da PCR, observou-se amplificação para Crypstosporidium spp. em seis amostras, todas de pacientes em HD. Duas das espécies foram classificadas como C. hominis por PCR-RFLP Conclusões: A infecção por enteroparasitos, detectada por técnicas tradicionais, não foi mais prevalente em pacientes em HD, mas o S. stercoralis foi encontrado exclusivamente entre eles. Vale ressaltar que a infecção por Cryptosporidium spp., que também afetou somente pacientes em HD, pôde ser detectada somente por técnicas de biologia molecular. Introdução 35 3 5 ~3, globalmente (HD prejudicada Métodos Hoffmann PonsJanner Pons Janner Pons&Janner Ritchie Rugai renal meses evidente spp C E (E. histolyticaE histolytica histolytica/E Resultados 9 4 estudo 51,5% 515 51 (51,5% 2 61,9% 619 61 (61,9% P 0,260. 0260 0,260 . 0 260 0,260) S detectado patogênica Entretanto observouse observou se PCRRFLP RFLP Conclusões tradicionais eles molecular ~3 (E 51,5 (51,5 61,9 6 (61,9 026 0,26 ~ 51, (51, 61, (61, 02 0,2 (51 (61 0, (5 (6 (

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar o efeito do método reequilíbrio toracoabdominal (RTA) na biomecânica respiratória, desconforto respiratório, sensação dolorosa e parâmetros fisiológicos em recém-nascidos prematuros moderados, comparando-os com grupo controle. Métodos: Ensaio clínico randomizado realizado em unidade de terapia intensiva neonatal. A avaliação constou da Escala de Dor Infantil Neonatal, parâmetros fisiológicos, boletim de Silverman-Andersen, cirtometria torácica e ângulo de Charpy. Os recém-nascidos foram randomizados para o grupo RTA (n=17) ou para o grupo controle (n=13) e submetidos à técnica de aceleração de fluxo expiratório lento (AFEL). A avaliação de um único atendimento foi realizada em três momentos: antes, depois e 30 minutos depois da intervenção. Resultados: Na comparação intergrupos, houve diferença significativa na frequência respiratória 30 minutos após a intervenção (p=0,03). Não houve diferenças significativas nas comparações intra e intergrupos para dor e desconforto respiratório. No ângulo de Charpy, houve diferença significativa no grupo RTA, entre as avaliações 1 e 2 (p=0,01). O grupo RTA apresentou diferença significativa (p=0,03) entre as avaliações 1 e 3 para a cirtometria de linha axilar e entre as avaliações 2 e 3 no processo xifoide. No grupo controle, houve diferença significativa da linha axilar entre as avaliações 1 e 2 (p=0,04) e 2 e 3 (p<0,001). Conclusões: O método RTA apresentou efeito positivo na frequência respiratória e na biomecânica respiratória quando comparado ao grupo controle. Em ambos os grupos, as técnicas não promoveram desconforto respiratório ou sensação dolorosa, tornando-as seguras para essa população.

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze the effect of the thoracoabdominal rebalancing (TAR) method on respiratory biomechanics, respiratory discomfort, pain sensation, and physiological parameters in moderate preterm newborns, compared to a control group. Methods: This randomized clinical trial was conducted in a neonatal intensive care unit. The evaluation included: Neonatal Infant Pain Scale, physiological parameters, Silverman-Andersen score, and biomechanics (thoracic cirtometry and Charpy angle). The newborns were randomized into the TAR group (n=17) or control group (n=13) and subjected to the slow expiratory flow acceleration technique (SEFA). The evaluation of a single session was performed three times: before, after, and 30 minutes after the intervention. Results: In the intergroup comparison, there was a significant difference in respiratory rate 30 minutes after the intervention. There was no significant difference in intra- and intergroup comparisons for pain and respiratory discomfort. Regarding biomechanics, there was a significant difference in the TAR group in the Charpy angle (between assessments 1 and 2), in the axillary cirtometry (between assessments 1 and 3), and in the xiphoid process (between assessments 2 and 3). In the control group, a significant difference was observed in the axillary line (between assessments 1 and 2; 2 and 3). Conclusions: The TAR method showed a positive effect on respiratory rate and respiratory biomechanics when compared to the control group. In both groups, the techniques did not promote respiratory discomfort or pain sensation, making them safe techniques for this population.

ABSTRACT Purpose: To evaluate intravenous meropenem and intraperitoneal 10% aqueous extract of Schinus terebinthifolius (aroeira) in elderly rats after autogenous fecal peritonitis. Methods: Thirty 18-month-old Wistar rats underwent peritonitis with 4 mL/kg of autogenous fecal solution. They were stratified into groups: control without treatment; study I, treated with meropenem (40 mg/kg); and study II, treated with meropenem at the same dose and intraperitoneal 10% aqueous extract of aroeira. The animals were monitored for 15 days until euthanasia. The study was approved by Ethics Committee. Results: There was no significant weight loss in the study-II group (p = 0.6277), while the study-I group showed partially recovered weight (p = 0.0187). The study-II group had 90% negative blood cultures, while the study-I group had in 50% of the animals (p = 0.1479). Survival in the study-II group was higher than in study-I group (p = 0.0462). The morbidity score for abdominal and thoracic cavity was lower in the study-II group as compared with study-I group (p = 0.0001). Conclusions: The use of meropenem associated with the intraperitoneal 10% aqueous aroeira extract after induction of autogenous fecal peritonitis in elderly rats produced greater survival, less weight loss, and lower morbidity compared to the use of meropenem alone.

ABSTRACT Purpose: The degenerative joint disease is a temporomandibular disorder. By analysing texture parameters, it becomes possible to characterize and differentiate various tissues, based on their textural properties according to cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). This study evaluated degenerative diseases in the temporomandibular joint through texture analysis. Methods: Eighty images of the jaw condyle with three types of degenerative diseases, flattening, osteophytes, erosion and control group were analysed, obtained through CBCT. The analyses were carried out through texture analysis with three regions of interest (ROIs) corresponding to specific bone sites. The scans were exported to MaZda software, in which the ROIs were delimited following previously marked contours, and the co-occurrence matrix values were calculated for selected texture analysis parameters. Results: The erosion group showed a significantly different behaviour from the other groups for all analysed parameters. Conclusion: This study highlights the potential of texture analysis in characterizing medullary bone changes in condyles affected by erosion. Texture analysis allows for a more comprehensive assessment of bone condition on CBCT images. These results have implications for early detection and monitoring of degenerative changes in the temporomandibular joint, thus allowing preventive intervention and personalized treatment planning, improving the prognosis of the disease.

RESUMO Objetivo: A brucelose é uma doença infecciosa multissistêmica e pode causar aumento dos reagentes de fase aguda. Este estudo teve como objetivo examinar o índice de massa plaquetária (PMI, platelet mass index), a relação neutrófilos-linfócitos (NLR, neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio) e o índice de inflamação imunológica sistêmica (SII, systemic immune-inflammation index) em crianças com brucelose, e determinar seus papéis no envolvimento focal. Métodos: Este estudo observacional retrospectivo incluiu 69 pacientes com brucelose e um grupo controle de 69 crianças saudáveis. Marcadores de inflamação, PMI, NLR e SII foram comparados em pacientes com brucelose e grupo controle e em pacientes com brucelose com e sem envolvimento focal. Resultados: Os valores de hemoglobina e plaquetas foram significativamente menores nos casos de brucelose em comparação ao grupo controle (p<0,001), e proteína C-reativa e ferritina foram significativamente maiores (p<0,001). O SII e o PMI foram significativamente menores no grupo de pacientes com brucelose em comparação ao grupo controle (p<0,001). Na comparação dos casos com e sem envolvimento focal, não foi detectada diferença estatisticamente significativa nos parâmetros hematológicos e marcadores de inflamação. Conclusões: Este estudo mostrou que o PMI, um dos novos marcadores que podem ser calculados a partir do hemograma completo, pode ser útil no diagnóstico da brucelose infantil. Resultados semelhantes não puderam ser alcançados para NLR e SII. Novos estudos são necessários para testar o valor diagnóstico de PMI, NLR e SII na brucelose infantil.

ABSTRACT Objective: Brucellosis is a multisystem infectious disease and may cause an increase in acute phase reactants. This study aimed to examine the platelet mass index (PMI), the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) in children with brucellosis and to determine their roles in focal involvement. Methods: This retrospective observational study included 69 patients with brucellosis and a control group of 69 healthy children. Inflammation markers, PMI, NLR, and SII were compared in brucellosis patients and the control group and in brucellosis patients with and without focal involvement. Results: Hemoglobin and platelet values were significantly lower in brucellosis cases compared to the control group (p<0.001), and C-reactive protein and ferritin were significantly higher (p<0.001). SII and PMI were significantly lower in the brucellosis patient group compared to the control group (p<0.001). In the comparing cases with and without focal involvement, no statistically significant difference was detected in hematological parameters and inflammation markers. Conclusions: This study showed that PMI, one of the new markers that can be calculated from complete blood count, may be useful in diagnosing childhood brucellosis. Similar results could not be reached for NLR and SII. New studies testing the diagnostic value of PMI, NLR, and SII in childhood brucellosis are needed.

Abstract Guided bone regeneration (GBR) is an alternative treatment for craniofacial bone defects reconstruction through membrane barrier adaptation, such as demineralized dentin material membrane (DDMM). DDMM is used as a substitute for GBR material, which aligns with Green Economy principles, it has a good biological osteoinductive and osteoconductive effects, and its structure resembles bones. The balance of bone remodeling when experiencing craniofacial defects will be altered and allow changes to resorption activity, so the mechanisms of osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption are vital. Objective: this article aims to analyze the expression of TNF-α, RANKL, and osteoclast cells count after application of DDMM as GBR in mandibular bone defects. Methodology: this is an experimental study with a post-test only control group design, which began with the randomization of 120 rats into five groups: K(−), without membrane implantation; K(+), PPCM; P1, DDMM; P2, DDMM + bone graft; P3, PPCM + bone graft. The expression of TNF-α, RANKL, and osteoclast cells count were observed, followed by analysis using a one-way ANOVA and post hoc Tukey HSD comparison test. Results: there were significant differences in the expression of TNF-α, RANKL, and osteoclast cells count in all study groups (p=0.000). TNF-α showed a decreasing difference with the highest expression in the K(−) group on day 3 of 12.00±2.16. RANKL expression increased on day 14 and decreased on day 21 in all groups. The osteoclast cells count generally showed a critical period with the highest increase in the K(−) group on day 14 of 73.00±0.00. Conclusion: DDMM has the potential to be a superior membrane substitute compared to PPCM as GBR in alternative treatment for craniofacial bone defects reconstruction.

Abstract This study aimed to compare the effects of nandrolone decanoate on the morphology and physiology of ovarian tissues in two experimental models, Zebrafish and rats, after in vitro cultivation. A total of 136 animals were used (Wistar rats, n=36, and Zebrafish, n=100). In both experiments, the animals were divided into two groups (Control and Deca) and were exposed to nandrolone decanoate for seven weeks. At the end of the administrations, the animals were euthanized, and the tissues were collected for morphological and biochemical analyses. Data were expressed as mean ± SEM. Tukey and Shapiro-Wilk tests were used. ANOVA and chi-square tests were applied for group comparisons. Differences were considered significant when P<0.05. The results showed an increase in body weight in Wistar rats, while Zebrafish body weight was decreased. In both experiments, the number of atretic follicles increased throughout the in vitro culture, from day 0 to day 7, in the Control group (CTRLr and CTRLz), while in the DECA group (DECAr and DECAz), atretic follicles were reduced from D0 to D7. The antioxidant environment, represented by increased the thiol content, which was significantly higher on day zero in CTRLz compared to CTRLr. SOD activity increased in Zebrafish (group DECAz), while CAT activity decreased in both models (group DECAr and DECAz). In conclusion, the study demonstrated similarity in ovarian physiology between the models exposed or not exposed to nandrolone decanoate, suggesting that, when convenient, researchers could consider changing the experimental model.

Abstract Objective: To investigate the effect of Mometasone furoate (Elocon Cream) Nasal Spray (MFNS) treatment on hearing secretory Otitis Media (SOM) in younger children. Methods: Seventy-six children with SOM (ages 5 to 10 years-old) were selected as study subjects and divided into two groups of 38 cases each using a randomized numerical table. The control group was given conventional treatment, and the observation group was treated with MFNS based on the control group. Both groups were treated for 12 weeks. The improvements in clinical symptoms and hearing were compared between the two groups at weeks 4, 8 and 12 of treatment, respectively. Results: The total effective rate of treatment in the observation group was higher than that in the control group. The middle ear resonance frequency of the children in the observation group was higher than that of the control group at weeks 4, 8 and 12 of treatment, and the air-conduction hearing threshold was lower than that of the control group. The total effective rate of the observation group after 12-weeks of treatment was 92.11 %, which was significantly higher than that of the control group (73.68 %). In addition, the T-ETDQ score of the observation group was lower than that of the control group after treatment. Conclusion: MFNS has clinical efficacy in the treatment of SOM in young children, which can improve clinical symptoms, promote the recovery of hearing and eustachian tube function, reduce the local inflammatory response, and improve immune function.

ABSTRACT Objective To define the incidence of ventriculostomy-associated infections and their impact on the mortality and functional outcomes of patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. Methods We prospectively included all consecutive adult aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage patients admitted to the neurological intensive care units of the Instituto Estadual do Cérebro Paulo Niemeyer (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) and Hospital Cristo Redentor (Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil) who required external ventricular drains from July 2015 to December 2020. Daily clinical and laboratory variables were collected at admission and during the hospital stay. The presence of ventriculostomy-associated infections was evaluated daily, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Infectious Diseases Society of America criteria. Hospital and 12-month outcomes were compared between patients with and without ventriculostomy-associated infections via both univariate and multivariate analyses. Results Out of the 676 patients screened, 271 received external ventricular drains (40%) and were included in the study. The mean age was 54 years (IQR 46–63), 198 were female (72%), 47% had poor grade status (World Federation of Neurological Surgeons scale 4 and 5), and 75% had modified Fisher 3 or 4. The mean time from admission to external ventricular drain placement was 8.8 days. Ventriculostomy-associated infections developed in 127 patients (47%), and the mean time from external ventricular drain to ventriculostomy-associated infection diagnosis was 4.4 days. Hospital and 12-month mortality rates did not differ between the ventriculostomy-associated infection group and the nonventriculostomy-associated infection group (36% versus 40% and 43% versus 49%, respectively). Poor functional outcomes, defined as modified Rankin scores of 4 to 6, showed no difference between groups at hospital discharge (ventriculostomy-associated infections 75% versus nonventriculostomy-associated infections 73%; p = NS) or at 12 months (ventriculostomy-associated infections 49% versus nonventriculostomy-associated infections 53%; p = NS). Conclusion Ventriculostomy-associated infections are common complications after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. Although it was not associated with hospital mortality or functional outcomes in our cohort, improving diagnostic accuracy and preventive measures is essential for better understanding the long-term impact of one of the most severe infectious complications after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.

ABSTRACT Breeding of new cultivars of sugarcane uses several species belonging to the Saccharum complex genus. In this study, a set of 20 genotypes from the Saccharum complex was assessed for their growth promotion during germination using a mixed inoculant containing five selected diazotrophs and their resistance to short heat treatment (52°C / 30 min). The percentage of germination was evaluated, leading to the identification of three response groups. Saccharum officinarum (group I) showed the highest germination percentage, succeeded by Erianthus arundinaceus genotypes (group II) and the other genotypes (group III). The mean germination time (MGT) varied among the genotypes and segregated the growth response into two groups. Saccharum officinarum only required less than 15 days to reach the MGT, whereas the other genera required more than two or three days during the initial growth process. Bacterial counting also differed between the groups, being effective for S. officinarum and other genotypes, improving the colonization of the plants 100–1,000 times higher than the control and heat treatments. Further comparison was made among eight genotypes, including one Saccharum spontaneum(US72-1319), one S. officinarum (IN845), and six E. arundinaceus. This comparison measured biomass accumulation and root parameters. The E. arundinaceus group demonstrated less susceptibility to the heat treatment, resulting in stimulation of the root dry mass of IJ76-381 and root parameters of this genotype, as well as IJ76-364, although not associated to the inoculation treatment. Inoculation applied to US72-1319 and IN845 enhanced only the Shoot/Root ratio.

ABSTRACT Purpose To present the criterion validity, sensitivity, specificity, and cut-off scores for the Profiles of Early Expressive Phonological Skills Test - Brazilian Portuguese (PEEPS-BP) - Expanded List. Methods This was a quantitative cross-sectional psychometric study. The sample consisted of 30 children with no identified neurodevelopmental disorders aged 24 to 36 months. Twenty-three were part of the control group, and seven were part of the clinical group, which consisted of children with reported delays in vocabulary acquisition and phonological development. Children were administered the PEEPS-BP - Expanded List and responses to each item/stimulus were analyzed based on the following categories: spontaneous naming, repetition, and not naming the item at all. Criterion validity was established using Student’s T-test to compare the scores obtained by clinical and control group participants on the instrument. Sensitivity and specificity analyses were performed using Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) Curves. Results were considered significant at p ≤ 0.05. Results Scores of the clinical and control groups differed significantly at p ≤ 0.001. A cut-off point of 34 had a sensitivity of 0.957 and specificity of 100.00 in distinguishing between the two participant groups. Conclusion The PEEPS-BP had adequate criterion validity and cut-off points that could distinguish between the clinical and control group with satisfactory sensitivity and specificity.