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Objective: Pesticide use is disseminated worldwide. It plays a major role in expanding agribusiness and poses a serious threat to the health of the population through various forms of exposure (nutritional, occupational, environmental). In this review, we summarize and evaluate the scientific evidence available on toxicity and pesticides in humans. Materials and Methods: We researched the databases of PubMed and Embase by combining a few search terms. Only studies on human beings of both sexes over 18 years of age were included, evaluating the toxicity of pesticides in human beings from 2010 to 2023. This systematic review was performed according to the guidelines of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE). The protocol was registered in the International Prospective Register for Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) with the number CRD42023408863 in April of 2023. The search strategy used to search for articles in PubMed was (("Pesti- cides"[Mesh]) AND "toxicity" [Subtitle]) NOT "Animals"[Mesh]). Results: The electronic search produced 247 potentially relevant articles based on the search in the databases (PubMed/MEDLINE=187 and EMBASE=82). After the removal of the duplicates, 241 articles were identified. Additional research (until January 15, 2024) identified 2 studies. Fifteen articles were selected for review of the full text, and 9 articles were included. Conclusions: This review identified that there is no gold standard or single biomarker for exposure to agricultural pes- ticides that can determine their toxicity, and it is indicated that tests and associated methods, as available, should be used for a careful anamnesis. It is also strongly suggested that damage to deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) appears as an alternative for an early biomarker of alterations of agricultural pesticides in the human body. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Saúde Coletiva is the property of MPM Comunicacao and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Saúde Coletiva is the property of MPM Comunicacao and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Infection is one of the major issues associated with the failure of orthopedic devices, mainly due to implant bacterial colonization, biofilm formation, and associated antibiotic resistance. Antimicrobial peptides (AMP) are a promising alternative to conventional antibiotics given their broad-spectrum of activity, low propensity to induce bacterial resistance, and ability to modulate host immune responses. Dhvar5 (LLLFLLKKRKKRKY) and MSI78 (GIGKFLKKAKKFGKAFVKILKK) are two AMP with broad-spectrum activity against bacteria, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), one of the most problematic etiologic agents in Orthopedic Devices-Related Infections (ODRI). This work aims to evaluate the bactericidal, immunomodulatory and osteogenic potential of Dhvar5- and MSI78-coated titanium surfaces (AMP-Ti). Two AMP-Ti surfaces were successfully obtained by grafting Dhvar5 (0.8 ± 0.1 µM/mm2) or MSI78 (0.5 ± 0.3 µM/mm2) onto titanium substrates through a polydopamine layer. Both AMP-Ti were bactericidal against MRSA, eradicating bacteria upon contact for 6 h in a culture medium supplemented with human plasma proteins. The AMP-Ti immunomodulatory potential was evaluated using human primary macrophages, by assessing surfaces capacity to induce pro-/anti-inflammatory (M1/M2) markers and cytokines. While in naïve conditions both AMP-Ti surfaces slightly promoted the M2 marker CD163, in response to LPS and IFN-γ (simulating a bacterial infection), both AMP increased the M1 marker CCR7 and enhanced macrophage secretion of pro-inflammatory IL-6 and TNF-α cytokines, particularly for Ti-MSI78 surfaces. Additionally, both AMP-Ti surfaces were cytocompatible and promoted osteoblastic cell differentiation. This proof-of-concept study demonstrated the high potential of Dhvar5- and MSI78-Ti as antimicrobial coatings for ODRI prevention. This study investigates the bactericidal effects of the antimicrobial peptides Dhvar5 and MSI78, immobilized on titanium (Ti) surfaces through a polydopamine coating, aiming at the prevention of Orthopedic-Device Related Infections (ODRIs). The developed coatings displayed MRSA-sterilizing activity, while revealing an immunomodulatory potential towards macrophages and promoting osteoblastic cell differentiation. This strategy allows a quick and easy immobilization of high quantities of AMP, unlike most other approaches, thus favoring its clinical translation. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate perceptions, attitudes, and clinical experience of Brazilian dental practitioners regarding molar incisor hypomineralisation (MIH). Methods: An online survey with 27 questions, covering professional profile data, perceptions, and knowledge on clinical management of MIH, was employed. Descriptive analyses, chi-square, Fisher's exact, and Cramer's V tests were used. Results: Sample comprised 100 participants, equally distributed between those working in private or public sectors. Most private sector practitioners had 21–30 years of clinical experience (28%) and master's degree (50%), while most public sector practitioners had 11–20 years of clinical experience (32%) and a PhD degree (32%). Most participants (86%) recognized MIH in their practice. Statistically significant differences were observed in frequency (p = 0.001), incidence (p = 0.039), and lesion type (p = 0.043) between practitioners from both sectors. Uncertainly in management was reported by 49%, mainly in public sector. For mild MIH in incisors, no treatment was chosen (43%), and the treatment longevity was the only significant factor reported (p = 0.012). In cases of mild MIH in first permanent molars (FPMs), 51% of respondents opted to keep the affected tissue and apply fissure sealant. Glass ionomer (GI) restoration was commonly indicated for FPMs with severe MIH with moderate loss of structure and sensitivity (38%). In cases with substantial structural loss and pulpal involvement, the most chosen treatment was endodontic intervention combined with preformed crowns. Conclusion: Brazilian dental practitioners face MIH in clinical practice. Although, public sector professionals are less confident in diagnosis and treatment, no significant differences in treatment preferences between public and private sector dental practitioners were identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate nasal septum deviation (NSD), nasal bone length (NBL), and the morphology of the middle nasal conchae (MNC) and inferior nasal conchae (INC), as well as their correlations. The sample included 56 cone-beam computed tomography scans divided into two groups: a study group (SG; individuals with NF1; n = 28) and a control group (CG; individuals without NF1; n = 28). NSD, NBL, MNC, and INC classifications were assessed. MNC images were classified as normal, bullous, paradoxical, secondary, and accessory. INC images were classified as normal, lamellar, compact, combined, and bullous. Intra- and interobserver reliability were evaluated. SG had a mean NSD of 11.6° (±4.5°) compared with 9.6° (±3.2°) for the CG, showing moderate deviations with no significant difference between groups. SG had a mean NBL of 22.4 mm (±3.4 mm) compared with 22.1 mm (±3.2 mm) for the CG, with a statistically significant difference. Both groups exhibited normal, bullosa, and accessory MNC classifications. SG INC were normal, lamellar, and combined, whereas CG INC were normal and lamellar. There was a weak correlation between NSD and NBL across groups. Individuals with NF1 showed longer NBL. The weak correlation between NSD and NBL suggested multifactorial influences on these variations. These findings advance our understanding of craniofacial development in NF1 and highlight the need for further research into nasal cavity involvement in this complex genetic disorder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Silicosis is a pneumoconiosis characterized by fibrosis of the lung parenchyma caused by the inhalation of silica particles. Silica dust inhalation is associated with inflammation and induction of oxidative stress in the lungs. This oxidative stress affects telomeres, which are short tandem DNA repeats that cap the end of linear chromosomes. We aimed to determine whether telomere length (TL) correlates with silicosis or severity of silicosis in silica-exposed workers in Brazil. Methods: We included 200 men in southeastern Brazil: 100 with silicosis and 100 who had not been exposed to silica. We extracted DNA from buccal cells and assessed TL by multiplex quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Results: The median TL was significantly shorter in the patients with silicosis than in the unexposed controls (p < 0.0001), although it did not differ between the patients with simple silicosis and those with complicated silicosis (p = 0.961). We also found that, in patients with silicosis, TL was influenced by smoking (p = 0.034) and by a history of personal protective equipment use in the workplace (p = 0.002). Conclusions: Silica exposure appears to have an impact on TL, which was found to be shorter in patients with silicosis than in unexposed controls. Further studies are needed in order to confirm the impact that oxidative stress caused by silica inhalation has on telomeres. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Biota Neotropica (Edição em Iinglês) is the property of Biota Neotropica and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Many COVID-19 survivors, especially those who have been hospitalized, have been suffering numerous complications that limit their activities of daily living, although changes that persist 3 years after infection are still not known. We aimed to investigate the impact of long COVID on the Glittre-ADL test (TGlittre) 3 years after acute infection in men who needed hospitalization and explore whether the performance on the TGlittre is associated with impairments in lung function, muscle strength, physical function and quality of life (QoL). Cross-sectional study with 42 men with long COVID who took the TGlittre. They underwent pulmonary function tests and measurements of handgrip strength and quadriceps strength (QS). Additionally, they also completed the Saint George Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) and Functional Independence Measure (FIM). The mean age was 52 ± 10.6 years, while the mean time after diagnosis of COVID-19 was 37 ± 3.5 months. The mean TGlittre time was 3.3 (3.1–4.1) min, which was 10% greater than the time expected for normal individuals to complete it. The TGlittre time was correlated significantly with the QS (r s = −0.397, p = 0.009), pulmonary diffusion (r s = − 0.364, p = 0.017), FIM (r s = −0.364, p = 0.017) and the "activity" domain score of the SGRQ (r s = 0.327, p = 0.034). Functional capacity on exertion as measured by the TGlittre time is normal in most men with long COVID 3 years after hospitalization. However, this improvement in functional capacity does not seem to be reflected in muscle strength or QoL, requiring continued monitoring even after 3 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Functional muscle quality, as assessed through the muscle quality index (MQI), represents a contemporary method to measure the capacity to generate force. Despite its potential, the prognostic significance of MQI remains uncertain in various clinical conditions, particularly among patients following acute myocardial infarction (AMI). In light of this, our study sought to evaluate the prognostic relevance of MQI concerning major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in patients following AMI. This is a secondary analysis of a prospective cohort study that included subjects aged ≥20 years from a Cardiovascular Unit Hospital. Functional muscle quality was estimated using MQI, defined as the ratio of handgrip strength (HGS) to muscle mass (MM) derived from bioelectrical impedance analysis. The outcomes included prolonged length of hospital stay, new adverse cardiovascular events (AMI, stroke and hospital readmission for unstable angina), and cardiovascular mortality. A composite score comprising all adverse events over the 1-year follow-up was calculated and defined as MACE. This study included 163 patients, with a median age of 61 years (IQ: 54–69 years), and the majority consisted of males (76.1%). Individual components of the functional muscle quality (HGS and MM) were not associated with any of the adverse outcomes. Only MQI was associated mortality over the 1-year follow-up. For each increase in MQI, the hazard of mortality decreases: adjusted HR: 0.08 (95% CI 0.01–0.84). Functional muscle quality assessed by the MQI may be a valuable clinical predictor of 1-year cardiovascular mortality in patients hospitalized post-AMI. [Display omitted] • Muscle quality is an independent predictor of mortality in patients post-AMI. • Isolated parameters of muscle quality had less predictive capacity. • Muscle quality index enhances the prognostic assessment of patients post-AMI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Brazilian Journal of Pulmonology / Jornal Brasileiro de Pneumologia is the property of Sociedade Brasileira de Pneumologia e Tisiologia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The aim of this review is to present the state of the art regarding obstetric violence in Brazil. The most commonly used terms are “obstetric violence,” “disrespect and abuse,” and “mistreatment”. Concerning measurement, the most widely used instrument is based on the definition of “mistreatment,” still in its early stages of evaluation and lacking adaptation to Brazil. The prevalence of obstetric violence varies widely in national studies due to methodological factors and the type of postpartum women considered. Regarding risk factors, adolescent or women over 35, non-white, with low education levels, users of the public health system (SUS), those who had vaginal birth or abortion, are at higher risk. Hierarchical relationships between the healthcare team and the family are also relevant, as well as inadequate hospital structures, bed shortages, and insufficient healthcare professionals, which contribute to obstetric violence. The consequences of this violence include an increased risk of postpartum depression and PTSD, reduced likelihood of attending postpartum and childcare consultations, and difficulties in exclusive breastfeeding. Interventions to mitigate obstetric violence should consider women’s empowerment, healthcare professionals’ training, monitoring obstetric violence, and legal support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to determine the effects of economic growth and tourism, as well as company-specific factors, on the business performance of the hospitality industry, through an empirical analysis with panel data, between 2011 and 2021, of 1299 hotels based in Portugal with the main economic activity classification 55 - Accommodation. The variables under study included financial performance indicators such as return on assets (ROA), return on equity (ROE), financial performance measured by a CP SCORE variable and characterization variables such as age, size, legal form and the region in which the hotels are based. The methodology used panel regression tests and the results suggest that macroeconomic factors may be partially responsible for a small part of the variation in firm performance. Economic growth has a positive influence on ROA and competitiveness and tourism growth on the profitability variables ROA and ROE. Age and size influence economic and financial performance and there are differences between firms' performance according to legal form and region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Families with a history of Alzheimer's Disease (AD) may have a genetic predisposition that raises the risk of developing the condition. However, not all members of these families can undergo genetic testing. Thus, this study aims to evaluate specific cognitive changes, neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS), and personality traits that may act as early indicators of AD in family members compared to controls. Method: Fifty participants were divided into two groups for this study: cognitively healthy controls (CG; n = 25) and individuals with first‐degree relatives of AD (GP; n = 25). The education was represented as primary education (PE) from 1 to 9 years, secondary education (SE) from 10 to 12 years, and higher education (HE) from more than 13 years. Both groups underwent a neuropsychological battery (Adapted Background Questionnaire, Subjective Memory Assessment Clinics questionnaire (MAC‐Q), Addeenbroke's cognitive examination revised (ACE‐R), Personality Factor Battery (PFB) and Mild Behavioral Impairment Checklist (MBI‐C)). Subsequently, the collected data was subjected to statistical analysis using a t‐test, MANOVA, and chi‐square, with a significance level of p≤0.05. Result: No significant differences between groups were found in age (p = 0.23), sex (p = 1.0), and education (p = 0.45) (Table 1). Except for alcohol consumption, there was no difference in medical history (Table 2). However, significant differences were encountered in ACE‐R (CG = 90.68±5.31; GP = 86±5.84; p = 0.005; d = 0.84) and MAC‐Q (GC = 23.4±3.52; GP = 26.68±3.29;p = 0.001;d = 0.96). In addition, no differences were demonstrated in MBI‐C (GC = 7.4±7.81; GP = 7.44±5.62;p = 0.984;d = 0.01) or the interaction between neuroticism (GC = 3.29±1.24;GP = 3.33±0.78) and conscientiousness (GC = 3.29±1.24;GP = 3.33±0.78;p = 0.94) in PFB (Table 3). Conclusion: Individuals who are first‐degree relatives of Alzheimer's Disease patients tend to experience more cognitive complaints and show worse cognitive performance than controls. However, the two groups had no significant differences regarding NPS and personality traits. These findings were observed even after pairing the controls by sex, age, and education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate differences in circulating maternal placental biomarkers and fetoplacental Dopplers in women with diabetes mellitus in pregnancy (DIP) with prenatally identified small fetuses (defined as <20th centile for gestational age) compared to women with small fetuses without DIP. This was a prospective cohort study of women with DIP with small infants compared to a non-diabetic cohort with similarly small fetuses. Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate the effect of DIP on placental biomarkers, fetoplacental Dopplers, and adverse perinatal outcomes. There were 447 pregnancies in this study – 117 (26.2 %) had DIP and 330 (73.8 %) did not have diabetes. Of the DIP cohort, 57 (48.7 %) had early-onset and 27 (23.1 %) had late-onset FGR. Higher rates of low PlGF levels<100 ng/L (42.1 % vs. 25.7 %,p = 0.002), high sFlt-1/PlGF ratio (39.6 % vs. 25.4 %,p = 0.006), low MCA PI < 5th centile at recruitment (18.8 % vs. 7.6 %,p < 0.001, OR 2.37 95%CI 1.25, 4.46,p = 0.008), abnormal UA Doppler before delivery (OR 1.63 95%CI 1.00, 2.66,p = 0.048) were seen in the DIP cohort. DIP was associated with higher rates of emergency cesarean section (43.6 % vs. 26.7 %,p = 0.001) and lower birthweight (2300 (1558, 2610g) vs. 2447 (2050, 2690g),p = 0.003). The odds of early FGR (OR 1.90 95%CI 1.20, 2.98,p = 0.006), PTB<37 weeks (OR 1.66 95%CI 1.02, 2.70,p = 0.039), PTB<34 weeks' gestation (OR 3.00 95%CI 1.51, 5.96,p = 0.002), composite non-neurological neonatal morbidity (OR 1.86 95%CI 1.04, 3.33,p = 0.037), and hypoglycemia (OR 3.69 95%CI 1.59, 8.54,p = 0.002) were significantly higher in DIP. DIP is associated with increased risks of early-onset FGR, PTB, composite severe non-neurological neonatal morbidity, and neonatal hypoglycemia in women with small infants. DIP was significantly associated with increased odds of MCA PI < 5th centile at diagnosis and abnormal UA Doppler before birth. • Women with DIP and small infants are at higher risk of early-onset FGR, PTB, severe neonatal morbidity and hypoglycemia. • Rates of low PlGF levels and sFlt-1/PlGF ratio are higher in DIP. • DIP is also associated with higher odds of fetal cerebral redistribution. • Placental function and perinatal outcomes are worse in women with DIP and small infants. • Women with DIP require more intensive antenatal surveillance to minimize complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pregnancy after the age of 35 is correlated with an increased risk of impaired placentation and the development of pregnancy-associated complications. Changes in uterine redox balance seem to play a role in these settings. In this work, we hypothesized that local redox dysregulation impacts the placenta metabolic profile. Thus, we aimed to study the expression of enzymes/transporters related to nutrient uptake during reproductive aging and the effect of antioxidant supplementation. Placenta samples were collected from pregnant women aged between 22 and 41 years, and from mice of different reproductive ages (8–12 and 38–42 weeks). A subgroup of 38–42 weeks-old mice was treated with apocynin (5 mM) in the drinking water. Real-time PCR was carried out to assess gene expression, and immunohistochemistry or western blotting to assess protein expression. A significant age-related decrease in the expression of glucose transporter type 1 (GLUT-1) was observed in both species. Regarding lipid metabolism, there was a strong negative and significant correlation between the gene expression of fatty-acid transporter type 4 and maternal age, in the human placenta. Perilipin isoform 2 (PLIN-2) decreased significantly with maternal age, in both models. Additionally, a significant age-related decrease in the gene expression of large neutral amino acid transporter type 4 with reproductive age was observed in the mice placenta. Supplementation with apocynin attenuated the observed alterations in GLUT-1 and PLIN-2. The observed changes suggest an age-related placenta metabolic dysfunction, likely associated with oxidative stress, that may negatively impact fetal and placental development. [Display omitted] • Maternal reproductive ageing impairs placental nutrient transport. • Maternal reproductive ageing associates with GLUT-1 and PLIN-2 downregulation. • Apocynin supplementation attenuates age-related changes observed in placental nutrient transport. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the design and implementation of a deep-learning-based observer for accurately estimating the State of Charge (SoC) of a vanadium flow battery. The novelty of the proposal lies in its direct use of terminal voltage and the application of a machine learning algorithm to model the battery's overpotentials, leading to greater accuracy and reduced complexity compared to classical models. The overpotentials model consists of a neural network trained using data generated by a classical observer that estimates species concentration using a physical electrochemical model and the open-circuit voltage measurement. The trained model is then integrated with the observer to improve SoC estimation accuracy. The proposed method is validated through comprehensive numerical simulations and experimental studies using a real vanadium flow battery setup, demonstrating its effectiveness in providing reliable SoC estimation with a relative error of less than 5%. • Indirect estimation of vanadium flow batteries internal states. • Combination of model-based observers with neural network algorithms. • Formal proof of deep-learning observer architecture stability by Lyapunov analysis. • Experimental validation and comparison with classical methods. • Accurate reconstruction of overpotentials, concentrations and state of charge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ELECTRE TRI-C is a method for sorting problems with imprecise evaluations and stable criteria weights, typically for a single decision-maker. While some extensions have addressed uncertain criteria weights and outranking functions using hesitant fuzzy sets (HFS) and interval type 2 trapezoidal fuzzy numbers (IT2TrfN), there is a gap in handling situations where multiple decision-makers provide uncertain information. This paper presents an extension of the ELECTRE TRI-C method incorporating a stochastic framework to model HFS and IT2TrfN, thereby accommodating subjective judgments from multiple decision-makers. The extended method was validated by sorting 49 projects based on their criticality in a Brazilian electrical power company, involving three decision-makers. The application shows strong correlations in project rankings among decision-makers, but with some exceptions. However, significant variations in acceptability ratings for sorting among decision-makers lead to notable error dispersion, highlighting differences between ranking and sorting outcomes. The key contributions of our approach are as follows: (1) Integration of subjective judgments from multiple decision-makers using IT2TrFN and Monte Carlo Simulation for constructing outranking functions; (2) Aggregation of preferences from multiple decision-makers using HFS; (3) Stochastic processing of both quantitative and qualitative criteria; (4) Integration of linear equations to represent weight constraints; and (5) Introduction of a novel visualization method for comprehensive analysis of stochastic results, enhancing robustness analysis. The proposal's advantages over alternative methods are also highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pipeline inspection is a necessary task in the industry, allowing for the identification of anomalies. The flow of materials through these pipes can lead to clogs, cracks, or discontinuities that reduce their carrying capacity. As a result, regular manual inspections are crucial. To address the need for safe and constant inspections, we propose an in-pipe robotic platform explicitly designed for inspecting galleries and pipes with 14 inches or larger diameters. The platform utilizes cameras and other sensors to visualize and identify anomalies. The robot construction primarily uses low-cost materials, including 3D-printed polymers and its locomotion mechanism is based on tracks, which can be adjusted to navigate diverse piping conditions. The modular robot's software enables the implementation of autonomous features such as a state machine and an artificial vector field-based navigation system. The proposed autonomous navigation system only requires planar laser information, eliminating the need for mapping or localization data and reducing the impact of communication problems during the inspection process. This work presents the development of the robotic platform, including its mechanical and electronic design and the embedded software. Preliminary results demonstrate the feasibility of producing cost-effective alternatives for inspecting industrial pipes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among no-touch automated disinfection devices, ultraviolet-C (UV-C) radiation has been proven to be one of the most effective against a broad spectrum of micro-organisms causing healthcare-associated infections. To evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of an experimental UV-C robotic platform, under controlled conditions and in a real hospital scenario, when used to implement the standard cleaning operating protocol (SOP). In vitro , following dose calibration tests, bactericidal and virucidal efficacy were tested in accordance with American Society for Testing and Materials International Standard E3135-18. In hospital settings, 12 high-touch surfaces were sampled after healthcare activity (dirty condition), after SOP alone, and after SOP + UV-C treatment, with a total of 180 samples. In vitro , <4 mJ/cm2 was required to remove Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa completely, 194 mJ/cm2 was required to inactivate adenovirus HadV5 completely, and 38.8 mJ/cm2 was sufficient to inactivate coronavirus 229E completely. In the real hospital scenario, the mean UV-C dose emitted on the sampled surfaces was 29.31 mJ/cm2. A significant difference was found after SOP alone (P =0.022) and after SOP + UV-C treatment (P =0.007) compared with the dirty condition. The average percentage reduction in the total viable count (TVC) was 67% after SOP alone and 96% after SOP + UV-C treatment. Comparison of the tests conducted in vitro and in the real hospital scenario showed that the efficacy of the UV-C robot was reduced in the hospital setting, as a higher dose was needed to obtain a reduction in the TVC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To quantify the effectiveness and safety of intra-articular interventions for knee and hip osteoarthritis (OA) through a systematic review and Bayesian random-effects network meta-analysis. We searched CENTRAL and regulatory agency websites (inception-2023) for large, English-language, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) (≥100 patients/group) examining any intra-articular intervention. Primary outcome: pain intensity. Secondary outcomes: physical function and safety outcomes. Pain and function outcomes were analyzed at 2, 6, 12, 24, and 52 weeks post-randomization, and presented as standardized mean differences (SMDs) (95% credible intervals, 95% CrI). The prespecified minimal clinically important between-group difference (MID) was −0.37 SMD. Safety outcomes were presented as odds ratios (OR) (95% CrI). Among 57 RCTs (22,795 participants) examining 18 intra-articular interventions, usual care or placebo, treatment effects were larger in 35 high-risk–of-bias trials than in 22 low/unclear-risk-of-bias trials. In the main analysis (excluding high-risk-of-bias trials), triamcinolone had the highest probabilities of reaching the MID at weeks 2 and 6 (75.3% and 90%, respectively) with corresponding SMDs of −0.48 (95% CrI,−0.85 to −0.10) and −0.53 (95% CrI,−0.79 to −0.27) compared to placebo (1 trial). The complex homeopathic products Tr14/Ze14 showed therapeutic potential at week 6 compared to placebo (SMD:−0.42, 95% CrI,−0.71 to −0.11, 63.5% probability of reaching the MID, 1 trial). Hyaluronic acid had no effect on pain (SMD:-0.04, 95% CrI,−0.19 to 0.11, 11 trials) but a higher risk of dropouts due to adverse events (OR: 2.01, 95% CrI,1.08 to 3.77) and serious adverse events (OR: 1.86, 95% CrI, 1.16 to 3.03) than placebo. Triamcinolone had the highest probabilities to have a treatment effect beyond the MID at weeks 2–6. Large RCTs with lower risk of bias indicate that the effects of 16 intra-articular interventions in knee or hip OA were smaller than the MID, and that most were consistent with placebo effects. Lack of evidence of long-term effectiveness underscores the need for further research beyond 24 weeks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To compare the effect of different preemptive and preventive analgesia strategies involving oral coadministration of ibuprofen-arginine (770 mg)–Ib-Ar and dexamethasone (8 mg)-DX, and their respective placebos (P-Ib-Ar and P-DX), four evaluation groups on inflammatory and laboratory parameters, impact on quality of life, pain catastrophizing perception and sleep quality related after lower third molar surgery. A randomized split-mouth, triple-blind, controlled clinical trial was conducted with 48 volunteers. They were allocated depending on the use of Ib-Ar or DX, 1 hour before surgery or immediately postoperatively, discriminating the groups: G1 (Ib-Ar + DX), G2 (Ib-Ar + P-DX), G3 (P-Ib-Ar + DX), and G4 (P-Ib-Ar + P-DX). Pain peaks occurred after 2 h (P-Ib-Ar groups) (P =.003), while the other groups showed peak pain after 4 h (P <.05). Regarding the edema: groups treated with placebos measurements significantly reduced without returning to baseline (P <.001). Regarding laboratory parameters: MPO and MDA levels, the G1 group (P <.001) was the only one showing significant reduction. The use of preemptive and preventive analgesia strategies of Ib-Ar and DX showed that the combined use delayed peak pain, with no difference in edema and trismus. The benefit of coadministration of both strategies was superior to isolated use of drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]