Resumo Actualmente, todos nós estamos enfrentando as circunstâncias imprevistas da doença do coronavírus 2019 (COVID-19) que desenvolveu um espectro de efeitos, que pode ser melhor compreendido em termos de problemas psicológicos, físicos e de imunidade entre as pessoas. Por esse motivo, estamos interessados sobre como a saúde mental fortalece o sistema imunológico em tempos de COVID-19. Quais são os factores de protecção que ajudam a manter e apoiar a boa saúde mental e o bem-estar de qualquer pessoa que enfrente situações extremas de pandemia? A pandemia teve impactos significativos na saúde mental e no sistema imunitário das pessoas. Qualquer família que enfrentou a pandemia, directa ou indirectamente, sentiu um controle parcial ou até nenhum sobre os seus pensamentos, emoções, acções e enfrentamento face ao COVID-19 e às mortes. Alcançar uma boa saúde mental e um forte sistema imunológico, mantendo a homeostase da mente e do corpo, envolvimento em conexão próxima, apoio social, uso de técnicas anti-estressor, proximidade com o meio ambiente, praticando ioga e meditação, promovendo positividade e seguindo um estilo de vida saudável são necessários para as pessoas. Além disso, há uma ênfase em várias abordagens aos 4 M’s, que incluem saúde mental, imunidade mental, mentalidade e estressores, para descartar todos os emaranhados de saúde mental e minimizar o impacto do COVID-19. Assim, a saúde mental e a imunidade podem ser restauradas controlando os pensamentos, emoções e acções avassaladores do COVID-19 por meio da inculcação de técnicas salvadoras de vidas e dos 4 M’s como parte da vida diária.

Abstract Currently, all of us are experiencing the unforeseen circumstances of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) that have developed a spectrum of effects, which can be best understood in terms of psychological, physical, and immunity problems among people. For this reason, we are particularly interested in the role of mental health in strengthening the immune system in times of COVID-19. What protective factors help maintain and support the good mental health and well-being of any person who faces extreme pandemic-like situations? The Pandemic has had significant and variable impacts on people’s mental health and immunity system. Every family who faces the Pandemic directly or indirectly experiences partial or no control over their thinking, emotions, actions, and coping related to COVID-19 and deaths. To achieve good mental health and a strong immunity system, maintaining the homeostasis of mind and body, engagement in close connections, and social support, using low-stressor techniques, nearness to the environment, practicing Yoga and meditation, infusing positivity, and following healthy lifestyles are necessary for people. In addition, there is an emphasis placed on various approaches to the 4 M’s, which include mental health, mental immunity, mindset, and stressor, to jettison all mental health tangles and minimize the impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Thus, mental health and immunity can be restored by controlling the overwhelming thoughts, emotions, and actions of COVID-19 through the inculcation of life-savior techniques and the 4 M’s as a part of daily life.

Resumo A suplementação de probióticos enriquecidos com selênio é eficaz na redução do estresse oxidativo e na manutenção da estabilidade da qualidade da carne em frangos de corte, especialmente sob estresse por calor. Um estudo experimental foi conduzido para realizar uma análise comparativa da levedura selênio com o Se inorgânico em frangos de corte sob estresse térmico. Um total de 120 pintos de um dia foi dividido em 4 grupos, cada um consistindo de 30 pintos alimentados com a mesma dieta basal, mas com diferentes fontes de selênio. A dieta basal do grupo D1 não foi suplementada com fonte de Se (controle negativo), a dieta basal do grupo D2 foi suplementada com selênio inorgânico (selenito de sódio 0,22 mg / kg fase inicial e 0,15 mg / kg fase finalizadora), a dieta basal do grupo D3 foi suplementada com selênio orgânico disponível comercialmente (fase inicial de seleno-metionina 0,22 mg / kg e fase finalizadora de 0,15 mg / kg) e a dieta basal do grupo D4 foi suplementada com selênio orgânico autodesenvolvido (fermento enriquecido com Se 0,22 mg / kg fase inicial e 0,15 mg / kg fase finalizadora). Os parâmetros de desempenho, ou seja, consumo de ração (FI), peso corporal vivo (PC) e FCR não foram significativamente (p > 0,05) afetados pela suplementação de selênio na fase inicial, mas foram significativamente (p < 0,05) afetados na fase final. A suplementação de selênio afetou significativamente (p < 0,05) o nível de Se sérico em diferentes grupos suplementados. O maior valor de Se sérico (58,20 ± 0,06) foi registrado no grupo D4. Da mesma forma, valor de selênio significativamente menor foi registrado para D4 e maior foi registrado para D1 (11,36 ± 0,08). No entanto, um valor mais baixo de Paraoxonase (PON) sérica foi registrado para D4 (13,24 ± 0,01) e mais alto para D1 (13,33 ± 0,03). A levedura enriquecida com Se comparativamente autodesenvolvida aumentou o acúmulo de Se e melhorou o sistema antioxidante. A glutationa peroxidase (GPx) foi encontrada maior em D4 (12,333 ± 0,03) seguido por D3, D2 e D1 respectivamente. Enquanto a superóxido dismutase (SOD) foi significativamente menor (p < 0,05) em D4 (0,1437 ± 0,003) seguido por D3 (0,1457 ± 0,002). A suplementação de selênio aumentou a taxa de sobrevivência da ave. Aves alimentadas com levedura enriquecida com Se apresentaram maior deposição de Se e melhor capacidade antioxidante em comparação com outras fontes de selênio. A levedura enriquecida com Se apresentou um resultado melhorado na deposição de Se nos tecidos, capacidade oxidativa, maciez da carne e nível de resposta imune em comparação com outras fontes de selênio.

Abstract The supplementation of Selenium-enriched probiotics is effective in reducing oxidative stress and maintaining meat quality stability in broiler chicken especially under heat stress. An experimental study was conducted to perform Comparative analysis of Selenium yeast with inorganic Se in broilers under heat stress. A total of 120 broilers chicks of one day were assigned to 4 groups each consisting 30 chicks fed on same basal diet but different selenium sources. The basal diet of group D1 was not supplemented with Se source (Negative control), group D2 basal diet was supplemented with inorganic selenium (Sodium selenite 0.22mg/Kg starter phase and 0.15mg/Kg finisher phase), group D3 basal diet was supplemented with commercially available organic selenium (Seleno-methionine 0.22mg/Kg starter phase and 0.15mg/Kg finisher phase) and group D4 basal diet was supplemented with self-developed organic selenium (Se-enriched yeast 0.22mg/Kg starter phase and 0.15mg/Kg finisher phase). The performance parameters i.e. feed intake (FI), live body weight (BW) and FCR were not significantly (p>0.05) effected by selenium supplementation in the starter phase but were significantly (p<0.05) effected in the finisher phase. Selenium supplementation significantly (p<0.05) effected serum Se level in different supplemented groups. Higher serum Se value (58.20±0.06) was recorded in D4 group. Similarly significantly lower selenium value was recorded for D4 and higher was recorded for D1 (11.36±0.08). However lower serum Paraoxonase (PON) value was recorded for D4 (13.24±0.01) and higher for D1 (13.33±0.03). Comparatively self-developed Se enriched yeast increased the Se accumulation and improved antioxidant system. Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) was found higher in D4 (12.333±0.03) followed by D3, D2 and D1 respectively. Whereas superoxide dismutase (SOD) was significantly lower (p<0.05) in D4 (0.1437±0.003) followed by D3 (0.1457±0.002). Selenium supplementation increased the bird’s survival rate. Birds fed on Se enriched yeast showed higher Se deposition and better antioxidant capacity as compared to other sources of selenium. Se-enriched yeast displayed an improved result on Se deposition in tissues, and oxidative capacity, meat tenderness and immune response level as compared to other sources of selenium.

Abstract Despite the use of Maillard reaction products (MRPs) as food flavoring and coloring agents, they are also known to constitute acrylamide, heterocyclic amines, advanced glycosylation end products, and precursors of low molecular weight compounds. The very little is known about the toxicology of peony seed meal-derived MRPs. In this study, sub-chronic toxicity of peony seed meal derived MRPs was evaluated in Sprage-Dawley (SD) rats. Results showed that the body weight, hematology and serum biochemistry, organ coefficient and histopathology of SD rats with daily intake of peony seed meal-derived MRPs lower than 0.45 g/kg were not affected. After feeding with peony seed meal-derived MRPs for 13-weeks, there were no significant toxic effect on either male or female rats. This study provides a theoretical basis for the safety of MRPs derived from the reactants of enzymatic hydrolysis of peony seed meal.

Abstract Lactic acid bacteria are widely used as probiotics in food fermentation and exhibit various health-promoting properties. This study describes the effects of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) on the phenolic profiles, antioxidant activities, and enzyme inhibition prosperities of blueberry juice. Three different strains (Lactobacillus acidophilus JYLA-16, Lactobacillus plantarum JYLP-375, and Lactobacillus rhamnosus JYLR-005) were selected to ferment the blueberry juice at 37 °C for 48 h. After fermentation, the content of total phenolics and flavonoids increased. Meanwhile, the UPLC-LTQ-MS/MS system conducted the biotransformation of phenols during fermentation. LAB fermentation induced an upgraded trend of syringic acid, ferulic acid, erucic acid, rutin, catechin, epicatechin, and isoorientin. Pearson's correlation analysis revealed that phenolics' metabolism probably contributed to enhancing antioxidant activities. LAB also improved active ingredient retention and antioxidant capacities after in vitro simulated digestion. Finally, we investigated the α-glucosidase inhibitory and α-amylase inhibition of the fermented juice and found that LAB fermentation could improve the inhibition of these enzymes. This study indicated that LAB fermentation could be an efficient strategy for enhancing functional activities in blueberry juice by bio-transforming the phenolics.

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate and compare bite force (BF) in permanent first molars restored with glass ionomer cement (GIC), composite and amalgam, and normal contralateral permanent first molars. Material and Methods: BF was recorded in decayed permanent first molars, which were filled with GIC (n=30), composite (n=30), and amalgam (n=30), and in healthy contralateral first molars (n=90) with Force Transducer Occlusal Force Meter and compared. Results: BF was significantly higher in normal teeth on the contralateral side compared to teeth restored with GIC and composite. However, in patients with amalgam restoration, though it was less compared to that on the contralateral side, it was not statistically significant (p>0.05). Conclusion: Restoring teeth with various filling materials may improve bite force. In the present study, it was found that the teeth restored with amalgam had higher bite forces in comparison to the other restorative materials used. However, it was not comparable to that observed in the normal tooth (control) on the contralateral side.

ABSTRACT Objective: Thyroid functions in the sick newborns may be altered in the first week of life. Transient hypothyroxinemia has been reported in these babies, which could be due to the immaturity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis or to acute illness. We conducted this study to estimate the incidence of hypothyroxinemia and determine its risk factors in sick term newborns. Materials and methods: We analyzed free T4 (FT4) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels in sick term neonates (≤7 days of life) admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit. FT4 and TSH levels were estimated in the first week of life in all the enrolled neonates (N = 98) and then repeated at 14-21 days of life in 46 babies. Risk analysis was conducted using univariate and multivariate logistic regression, and numerical data was compared using the Mann-Whitney U test and t-test. Results: Hypothyroxinemia was seen in 10 (10.2%) of the admitted term babies. Male gender, vaginal delivery, presence of hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy, and need for mechanical ventilation (>24 hours) were identified as risk factors. There was a significant negative linear correlation between FT4 level in the first week of life and duration of hospital stay. Conclusion: Hypothyroxinemia is common in sick term neonates.

Resumo As orquídeas, com sua grande variedade de espécies, são de grande importância ao comércio global de flores. Papilionanthe Miss Joaquim, conhecida como orquídea híbrida, também reconhecida como flor oficial nacional de Cingapura é uma orquídea resiliente, amante do sol, que floresce durante todo o ano. Embora uma vagem derivada de uma única flor contenha milhões de sementes semelhantes a um pó muito fino, devido à ausência de endosperma, as sementes não podem germinar sem a ajuda de um fungo simbionte. A produção comercial de mudas, portanto, continua sendo um desafio. Portanto, neste estudo, relata-se um novo protocolo de germinação de sementes assimbióticas padronizado para Papilionanthe Miss Joaquim’ (um híbrido de Papilionanthe hookeriana x Papilionanthe teres) que pode ser adaptado para cultivo em massa em uma escala comercial. Sementes de Papilionanthe Miss Joaquim foram tratadas com 0,1% H2O2 e 0,1% KNO3 para aumentar as taxas de germinação. As vagens de sementes também foram submetidas a vários métodos de esterilização de superfície para reduzir contaminações. Empregando Carbendazim (1% P/V), Triciclazol (1% p v-1), Hipoclorito de Sódio (0,5% v v-1) e Etanol (80% v v-1) no processo de esterilização de superfície, resultou em maior porcentagem de culturas assépticas. As sementes foram inoculadas em meio Murashige e Skoog (MS) suplementado com 3 mg L-1 de BAP (6-Benzilaminopurina), + 0,5 mg L-1 de NAA (ácido 1-Naftalenoacético) e combinação de ácido 2,4-Diclorofenoxiacético (2,4-D) de 3 mg L-1 de BAP (6-Benzilaminopurina) + 0,5 mg L-1 de NAA (ácido 1-naftalenoacético) mostrou-se mais eficaz para induzir a germinação (84,67 ± 3,2%). Posteriormente, as plântulas germinadas foram submetidas a diferentes níveis de BAP e NAA para atingir o maior número de plântulas. Essas plântulas foram multiplicadas e posteriormente subcultivadas em meio MS contendo 0,5 mg L-1 de BAP e 3 mg L-1 de NAA para induzir o enraizamento. As mudas obtidas foram aclimatizadas em substrato contendo casca de coco e pedaços de carvão.

Abstract Orchids with their sheer variety of species are amazing, a major sharer in global floriculture trade. Papilionanthe Miss Joaquim, well known hybrid orchid, also recognized as official National flower of Singapore is a resilient, sun loving orchid, which blossoms throughout the year. Though a seed pod derived from a single flower contains millions of dusty seeds, due to lack of endosperm, seeds cannot germinate without the help of symbiont fungus. Commercial production of seedlings thus remains challenging. Therefore, in this study, we report a novel asymbiotic seed germination protocol standardized for ‘Papilionanthe Miss Joaquim’ (a hybrid of Papilionanthe hookeriana x Papilionanthe teres) which could be adapted for mass cultivation in a commercial setup. Seed of Papilionanthe Miss Joaquim were treated with 0.1% H2O2 and 0.1% KNO3 to increase the germination rates. Seed pods were also subjected to various regimes of surface sterilization methods to reduce contaminations. Employing Carbendazim (1% w v-1), Tricyclazole (1% w v-1), Sodium hypochlorite (0.5% v v-1) and Ethanol (80% v v-1) in surface sterilization process, resulted in highest percentage of aseptic cultures. Seeds were inoculated on to Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with BAP (6-Benzylaminopurine), NAA (1-Naphthaleneacetic acid) and 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) combination of 3 mg L-1 BAP (6-Benzylaminopurine) + 0.5 mg L-1 NAA (1-Naphthaleneacetic acid) found to be most effective to induce germination (84.67 ± 3.2%). Subsequently, germinated seedlings were subjected to different levels of BAP and NAA levels to achieve the highest number of plantlets. thus, multiplied plantlets were later subcultured onto MS medium containing 0.5 mg L-1 BAP and 3 mg L-1 NAA to induce rooting. Consequently, developed plantlets were acclimatized on a substratum containing coconut husk and charcoal pieces.

Abstract It has been shown that an increase in cAMP leads to pain sensitization and gabapentin is shown to decrease cAMP levels. However, the impact of drugs modulating cAMP levels on analgesic actions of gabapentin is not studied. The present study investigates the effect of milrinone on pain attenuating effects of gabapentin in chronic constriction injury (CCI). Neuropathic pain was induced by putting four loose ligatures around the sciatic nerve. The pain assessment was done by noting the paw withdrawal threshold in the pinprick test, paw withdrawal latency in hot plate test and paw withdrawal duration in acetone drop test before surgery and on 14th- day post-surgery. There was a significant development of cold allodynia, mechanical and heat hyperalgesia on 14th day in CCI rats. Gabapentin (100 mg/kg) treatment for 14 days significantly attenuated pain, while milrinone (50 mg/kg) treatment for 14 days significantly exacerbated neuropathic pain in CCI-subjected rats. Milrinone (30 and 50 mg/kg) also attenuated analgesic actions of gabapentin in CCI-subjected rats, suggests that gabapentin may abolish neuropathic pain by increasing the intracellular levels of cAMP in CCI-subjected rats.

Abstract Objective: To compare the Oncostatin M (OSM) concentrations in tissues of patients with chronic periodontitis with and without diabetes. Material and Methods: Sixty-four subjects visiting the dental outpatient department were categorized as “healthy” (Group 1), “periodontitis” (Group 2), and “diabetes with periodontitis” (Group 3) groups. The clinical oral examination included assessment of plaque, gingivitis, probing depth, clinical attachment level. Blood glucose was assessed for group 3 patients. OSM concentration in the tissues was assessed using ELISA in all groups. Results: The mean OSM was 0.02 ± 0.04 pg/mg in the healthy group, 0.12 ± 0.09 pg/mg in the chronic periodontitis group and 0.13 ± 0.10 pg/mg in the diabetes-periodontitis group. A significantly higher mean OSM was seen in Group 2 and Group 3 than Group 1. The amount of OSM positively correlated with probing depth and clinical attachment level. Conclusion: Periodontal disease causes a rise in Oncostatin M, independent of the diabetic status. Expression of OSM in the gingival tissues can serve as an inflammatory marker.

Abstract The objective of the present investigation was to design, optimize and characterize the gastro retentive floating levofloxacin tablets and perform in-vivo evaluation using radiographic imaging. The floating tablets were prepared by using polymers i.e hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose (HPMC-K4M) and carbopol-940 individually and in combination by nonaquous granulation method. All the Formulations were evaluated for swelling index (S.I), floating behavior and in-vitro drug release kinetics. The compatibility study of levofloxacin with other polymers was investigated by FTIR, DSC, TGA and XRD. Results from FTIR and DSC revealed no chemical interaction amongst the formulation components. The optimized formulation (F11) showed floating lag time (FLT), total floating time (TFT) swelling index (S.I) of 60 sec, >16h and approximately 75 %, respectively. Moreover, F11 showed zero order levofloxacin release in simulated gastric fluid over the period of 6 h. X-ray studies showed that total buoyancy time was able to delay the gastric emptying of levofloxacin floating tablets in rabbits for more than 4 hours. In conclusion the optimized formulation (F11) can be used for the sustained delivery of levofloxacin for the treatment of peptic ulcer.

Abstract Mixed vaginitis is escalating worldwide and complicates the diagnosis and treatment of vaginitis. Several risk factors have been associated with prevalence of vaginitis. Prevalence and associated risk factors of different types of vaginitis especially, aerobic vaginitis (AV) are less known. A cross-sectional study was conducted to compare the prevalence and association among different types of vaginitis and risk factors in reproductive aged women (n=300) visiting Jinnah Hospital, Lahore for complaints of vaginal discharge. Data on risk factors was collected through face-to-face interviews. Vaginal swabs were examined using microbiological techniques. Data were analyzed using different tests of descriptive statistics. Prevalence of AV, bacterial vaginosis (BV), trichomonas vaginitis (TV) and vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) was 75%, 59.7%, 13.7% and 49.7% respectively. Major pathogens included Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, Gardnerella vaginalis, Trichomonas vaginalis and Candida albicans. Overall, 77.67% patients had mixed vaginitis, whereas co-occurrence of AV with BV was the highest. AV and BV were associated with history of miscarriages while TV with unawareness and low socioeconomic conditions. In culmination, AV is the predominant cause of vaginitis, followed by BV, VVC and TV. Miscarriages predispose women to AV and BV, whereas ignorance and poverty are the primary causes of TV.

Abstract The phenolic compounds in dried Lycium barbarum (LB) and L. barbarum meal (LBM) were extracted using ultrasonic method, reflux method and enzymatic method, and the composition, content of polyphenols and antioxidant abilities of the extracts were analyzed. 40 phenolic compounds were identified with HPLC-MS/MS, with 35 compounds detected from LB and 33 from LBM. 40 compounds were classified into phenolic acids and their derivatives, flavonoids, and their derivatives, lignanamides and other phenolic substances. Differences existed in samples extracted from different materials or under different extraction methods. It was explicitly observed that LB was higher than LBM in phenolic content. The phenolics in LB and LBM had significant antioxidant effects, with LBM extracts showing the higher antioxidant effect. This study compared the differences in polyphenols of L. barbarum and its meal, meanwhile explored the effects of different extraction methods, which could contribute to the exploitation of L. barbarum and its meal.

Abstract To investigate the effects of nitric oxide (NO) on the postharvest physiology and storage quality of Lycium barbarum, fruits were treated with different concentrations of sodium nitroprusside (SNP), which was used as NO donor. Results showed that SNP soaked at 0.6 mmol/L for 20 min could inhibit the changes during storage of L. barbarum. Particularly, the decay rate and weight loss rate were reduced, and the quality parameters of the fruit were increased. By comparing the above indicators, it was found that 0.6 mmol/L soaking for 20 min was more effective in preserving freshness than other concentrations. It was found that total chlorophyll and carotenoid contents were increased, soluble solids and solid acid ratio contents were decreased, ascorbic acid, total phenols and flavonoids contents were increased, and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), superoxide anion (O2-), catalase (CAT) and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents were increased. The polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and peroxidase (POD) activities were decreased, and it was concluded that NO treatment improved the freshness of L. barbarum fruit and NO could be used as a postharvest preservative for L. barbarum fruit.

Abstract Objective: To assess and evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding the consumption of carbonated drinks among dental students. Carbonated drinks are pervaded by carbon dioxide and have more adverse effects since they are acidic in nature. Nowadays, these are consumed more widely globally, causing many systemic diseases; diabetes and obesity are common. Material and Methods: This study includes 204 individuals belonging to the age group of 18-26 years. A self-structured objective type cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of dental students regarding carbonated drinks. The participants were instructed to mark the most appropriate correct answer from the given list of close-ended type questions. Results: Of 204 dental students, the study population includes 125 female and 79 male students. 98.5% of the students knew about carbonated drinks, while 1.5% were unaware. Conclusion: Most participants preferred to have carbonated drinks even with their awareness about the ill effects of these drinks. Possible implications by the government authorities may probably increase awareness among the population.

ABSTRACT Cleaner productions are still in force today as preventive strategies of origin in terms of the impacts produced by economic and productive activities carried out by man that involve agroindustrial processes and procedures. Therefore, the objective of this article is to make a brief review of the theoretical foundations that lead to the concept of cleaner production (CP) for its application in agroindustry. For this review, concepts, and positions of authors from different regions of the world, both developed and underdeveloped, were analyzed. After the short review, it was concluded that cleaner production is the continuous application of an integrated, preventive environmental strategy applied to processes, products, and services to increase overall efficiency and reduce risks to people and the environment.

RESUMEN Las producciones más limpias continúan hoy vigentes como estrategias preventivas de origen en cuanto los impactos que producen las actividades económicas y productivas realizadas por el hombre que involucran procesos y procedimientos agroindustriales. Por lo que el objetivo de este artículo es realizar una pequeña revisión de los fundamentos teóricos que llevan al concepto de producciones más limpias (P+L) para su aplicación en la agroindustria. Para esta revisión se analizaron conceptos y posiciones de autores de diferentes regiones del mundo, tanto desarrolladas como subdesarrolladas. Luego de la pequeña revisión se llegó a la conclusión de que determinó que la producción más limpia es la aplicación continua de una estrategia ambiental preventiva integrada aplicada a los procesos, productos y servicios para aumentar la eficiencia general y reducir los riesgos para las personas y el medio ambiente.