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• Modified Atkins diet was associated with a higher rate of 50 % or greater reduction in seizure frequency compared to usual diet. • Adults and children with drug-resistant epilepsy treated with modified Atkins diet had a 50 % or greater reduction seizure frequency compared to those in usual diet. • Modified Atkins diet was associated with a higher seizure freedom compared with usual diet. To evaluate the effectiveness and side-effect profile of the modified Atkins diet (MAD) compared to the usual diet (UD) in reducing seizure frequency among patients with drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE). In February 2023, we conducted an extensive search in PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases to find randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing MAD to UD in patients with drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) on standard anti-seizure medication (ASM). We used random-effects meta-analyses and the Risk of Bias 2 tool to evaluate treatment effects and assess the quality of the included RCTs, respectively. Six studies were evaluated in the meta-analysis, including 575 patients, of whom 288 (50.1 %) were randomized to the MAD. Average follow-up period was 12 weeks. MAD plus standard drug therapy was associated with a higher rate of 50 % or greater reduction in seizure frequency compared to UD plus drug therapy (RR 6.28; 95 % CI 3.52–10.50; p <0.001), both in children (RR 6.28; 95 % CI 3.43–11.49; p <0.001) and adults with DRE (RR 6.14; 95 % CI 1.15–32.66; p = 0.033). MAD was also associated with a higher seizure freedom rate compared to UD (RR 5.94; 95 % CI 1.93–18.31; p = 0.002). Five studies reported adverse events with MAD; constipation was reported in 17 % of patients (95 % CI 5–44 %), lethargy in 11 % (95 % CI 4–25 %), and anorexia in 12 % (95 % CI 8–19 %). Due to limited information about the ASM regimens, we were unable to further analyze the interaction between MAD and ASM. This meta-analysis, comprising 575 patients from 6 RCTs, revealed that MAD led to higher rates of seizure freedom and underscored its role in seizure frequency reduction by 50 % or more in both adults and children, with no significant adverse events concerns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the effect of TiO 2 nanoparticles + dense hydroxyapatite (HA) on human osteoblast cells (SAOS-2). Particulate bovine HA powder with or without the addition of either 5 or 8 % TiO 2 (HA, HA/TiO 2 Np5 % or HA/TiO 2 Np8 %) were pressed into disks (Ø = 12.5 mm; thickness = 1.3 mm) uniaxially (100 MPa) and isostatically (200 MPa/1 min) and sintered at 1300 °C. Y-TZP disks were used as control. The following tests were performed: Scanning Electron Microscopy and Dispersive Energy Spectroscopy (SEM/EDS), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), cell viability assay (Alamar Blue-AB) and mineralized matrix deposition (Alizarin Red-AR). AB and AR data were submitted to 2-way ANOVA/Tukey tests and ANOVA/Tukey tests, respectively. SEM revealed that the surface of HA/TiO 2 Np5% resembles DPBHA surface, but also contains smaller granules. HA/TiO 2 Np8% characteristics resembles HA/TiO 2 Np5% surface, but with irregular topography. Y-TZP showed a typical oxide ceramic surface pattern. EDS revealed Ca, O, and P in all samples. C, O, and Zr appeared in Y-TZP samples. AFM data corroborates SEM analysis. AB test revealed excellent cellular viability for HA/TiO 2 Np5% group. AR test showed that all groups containing TiO 2 np had more mineralized matrix deposition than all other groups, with statistically differences between HA/TiO 2 Np8% and HA cultivated in non-osteogenic medium. Culture in osteogenic medium exhibited much more mineralized matrix deposition by TiO 2 np groups. In conclusion, the addition of TiO 2 np showed chemical, superficial, and biological changes in the reinforced materials. HA/TiO 2 Np5% showed the best results for cell viability and HA/TiO 2 Np8% for mineralized matrix deposition. • The HA-based material is a low-cost sustainable material. • 5 % TiO 2 np showed high cell viability in hydroxyapatite. • TiO 2 np doped groups showed considerably greater mineralized matrix deposition. • This material represents a promising biomaterial for dental implants manufacture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dermoid cysts (DC) of the head and neck are relatively rare, presenting as a slow-growing and painless mass, usually located in the floor of the mouth at the midline. However, when they reach large proportions, they can cause dysphagia, dysphonia, and dyspnea. Herein, we report a case of a 23-year-old male presenting with a painless swelling in the floor of the mouth. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed the location of the lesion above the mylohyoid muscle, between the geniohyoid muscles. The patient was submitted to an excisional biopsy under general anesthesia, and histopathology revealed a cyst lined by a keratinizing squamous epithelium, containing adnexal structures in the wall, confirming the diagnosis of DC. There were no signs of local recurrence on the follow-up. DC should be considered in the differential diagnosis of the floor of the mouth swellings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The posterior-superior insula (PSI) has been shown to be a safe and potentially effective target for neuromodulation in peripheral neuropathic pain (PNP) in humans and animal models. However, it remains unknown whether there is a measurable responder profile to PSI stimulation. Two factors were hypothesized to influence the response of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) of the PSI: differences in rTMS target (discrete subregions of the PSI) or PNP phenotype. This is a secondary analysis from a randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled, cross-over trial assessing PSI-rTMS in PNP (N = 31, 5 days rTMS) (10.1016/j.neucli.2021.06.003). Active PSI-rTMS true responders (>50% pain reduction from baseline after active but not after sham series of treatment) were compared with not true responders, to determine whether they differed with respect to 1) rTMS neuro-navigational target coordinates, and/or 2) specific neuropathic pain symptom inventory (NPSI) clusters (pinpointed pain, evoked pain, and deep pain) at baseline. Mean rTMS target coordinates did not differ between true (n = 45.1%) and not true responders (p = 0.436 for X, p = 0.120 for Y, and p = 0.116 for Z). The Euclidian distance between true and not true responders was 4.04 mm. When comparing differences in responders between NPSI clusters, no participant within the evoked pain cluster was a true responder (p = 0.024). Response to PSI-rTMS may depend on pain cluster subtype rather than on differences in targeting within the PSI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Neuronavigation is required to perform rTMS deep cortical targets such as the posterior superior insula (PSI). • The Fast-PSI was precise when compared to the gold-standard neuronavigation method, being easy and fast to perform. • The Fast-PSI identifies the orthogonal scalp projection of the PSI based on craniometry in a neuronavigation-free approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The human capacity to change handedness direction and degree is limited. • Behavioral and neural analysis suggested a ceiling effect for handedness plasticity. • Neural asymmetries correlate with changes in behavioral measures. • Lateralized practice plays a significant role in handedness shifts. • Rightward shifts happen only in a targeted behavior, usually writing. Handedness is a dynamic and complex aspect of human behavior. Changing it through practice, either willingly or obliged by some reason, requires a considerable amount of effort. Analyzing studies that presented handedness shifts may expand our comprehension of this phenomenon, since knowing how to change it might provide insights into how it develops. Therefore, we reviewed the outcomes of handedness shifts. The results suggest that neural asymmetries related to handedness are likely a consequence of lateralized practice since they correlate with modifications in the behavioral patterns. Clearly, practice is not the only factor influencing handedness development, but it seems to play a significant role in the formation and consolidation of neural and behavioral asymmetries. Another key finding of our review is the suggestion of a ceiling effect for the capacity to change handedness direction and degree, considering none of the reviewed studies reported complete shifts in behavioral measures and brain activation patterns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research investigated the developmental process of five lateral preference dimensions (hand, foot, trunk, hearing, and visual preference). A total of 1236 volunteers participated in this study, divided into five age groups: 07–12 (n = 247); 13–17 (n = 234); 18–30 (n = 227); 31–60 (n = 225); and 61–90 years old (n = 303). Lateral preference was assessed via questionnaire with the Global Lateral Preference Inventory. By assessing the degree and direction of lateral preference in different ages, our results revealed a pattern of lateralization strengthening with aging in all the analyzed dimensions. We also verified significant correlation between hand preference and the other dimensions for all age groups, but correlation was stronger in the 7–12 group for all correlation pairs. Our results lead to the suggestion of an underlying general lateralization process in early ages (7–12 years old) followed by specific developmental trajectories of each preference dimension (13 years forward), likely startled by hemisphere and functional specialization related to innate developmental patterns of neural structures and social/environmental influences. • Preference strengthening with aging occurred in all analyzed dimensions. • Handedness is correlated with foot, trunk, hearing and visual preference in all ages. • Correlation values are stronger in the younger group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To describe serial electroencephalographic (EEG) findings of three patients with anti-NMDAR encephalitis. Methods Three women (age 15-34years) with confirmed anti-NMDAR encephalitis underwent serial EEG recordings. Continuous EEG for 72h was performed in one case and 3-day video-EEG monitoring was obtained in two cases. Results Generalized rhythmic delta activity (GRDA) was found in all patients. GRDA persisted for hours, but was not continuous on a 24-h EEG recording, disclosed no frequency, voltage or field evolution, and was not seen on the first EEG of two patients. Extreme delta brush was noted in two patients who presented more severe disease. One patient presented seizures, which were electrographically and clinically different from the GRDA pattern and from dyskinetic movements. Conclusions Serial or continuous EEG may be necessary to detect GRDA in anti-NMDAR patients. To avoid unnecessary treatment, this pattern should not be interpreted as indicative of ictal activity, unless there is evidence of its ictal nature. Significance Our findings may contribute to the diagnosis of anti-NMDAR encephalitis in cases with characteristic clinical picture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Purpose: Hypothalamic hamartoma (HH) is the main structural cause of central precocious puberty (CPP). HH is frequently associated with cognitive impairment and epileptic encephalopathies. Disease severity in case series from neurology services may be biased towards more neurologically impaired patients. Aim: To perform a prospective cognitive evaluation in patients with HH presenting with CPP in an endocrinology outpatient clinic setting. Methods: We evaluated fifteen consecutive patients with CPP due to HH presenting to an endocrinology outpatient clinic. CPP was diagnosed at a median age of 0.7 yr (0.4–7 yr). Mean age at neurologic evaluation was 13.9 yrs. Eight patients (53.3%) were male. Epileptic seizures occurred in 5/15 (33%) patients. Two patients presented a single unprovoked seizure (SUS). Three patients were diagnosed with epilepsy. Cognitive evaluation, using age-appropriate Wechsler Intelligence Scale, was performed in 11 patients. Results: All patients without epilepsy, including two patients with a history of a SUS, had normal neurologic and cognitive evaluation. Epilepsy and SUS were only seen in patients with sessile HH. Three patients with epilepsy presented cognitive or behavioral findings. Reduced intelligence quotients (IQ), in the borderline range, were noted in both patients with epilepsy who underwent full cognitive evaluation. We found no significant correlation between HH diameter or shape and mean full-scale IQ. Conclusions: Patients who presented with isolated CPP without epilepsy displayed normal cognition when evaluated after a mean period of 13 years. Occurrence of epilepsy, seen in a minority of patients, but not of a single seizure, was associated with mild cognitive deficit and behavioral disturbances in this case series. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Hypoglycemia is a well recognized cause of acute symptomatic seizures. The fact that hypoglycemia can cause peripheral neuropathy is less appreciated. We describe a case of insulinoma associated peripheral neuropathy. A 17 year-old previously healthy man was referred for investigation of refractory epilepsy. A history of recurrent seizures, slowly progressive weakness of his feet and hands, and weight gain was obtained. Physical examination showed signs of a chronic sensory–motor polyneuropathy. He was diagnosed with insulinoma and primary hyperparathyroidism, characterizing multiple endocrine neoplasia, type 1 syndrome. Cases of insulinoma associated peripheral neuropathy are very rare. The more characteristic clinical picture appears to be distal weakness, worse in the intrinsic hand and feet muscles, and no or mild sensory signs. Peripheral nervous system symptoms may not completely resolve, despite removal of the cause of hyperinsulinism/hypoglycemia and full reversion of central nervous system symptoms. Mechanisms underlying hypoglycemic neuropathy are still poorly understood. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Stereological analysis of the extracellular matrix of the vaginal wall. • Differences caused by age. • Possible correlation with pelvic organs prolapse (POP). The anterior vaginal wall is subject to many diseases, such as pelvic organ prolapse. The pathophysiology of this illness is multifactorial, and as such, structural components of the vagina are involved. Furthermore, it is more prevalent in older women. There is a lack of data in the literature regarding the extracellular matrix components of the vaginal wall and its changes with aging. The work presented herein aims to perform a stereological study of the extracellular matrix in young and old women. It was observed a decrease of the volumetric density of smooth muscle (45.5 ± 3.2 % and 32.8 ± 5.8 % for the G1 and G2 samples, respectively) and an increase of collagen and elastic fibers with age (35.9 ± 2.1 % and 54.1 ± 5.9 % for the G1 and G2, respectively) in the mucosa of the vaginal wall. These results could help to better understand the pathophysiology of pelvic organ prolapse concerning the aging process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to evaluate the process of forward osmosis (FO) for the concentration of grape juice using NaCl as the osmotic solution facing the thermal evaporation process, commonly used in industry. A combined experiment (FO + evaporation) was also performed to evaluate the potential of FO as a pre-concentration process. FO experiments were performed according to the Box-Behnken design. Some degree of concentration of the grape juice was obtained in all FO experimental runs, and it was observed a strong influence of the parameters studied on the fluxes. In the evaporation experiments, the quality of the final product was affected concerning the content of phenolic compounds, which have undergone significant degradation by heat. In the combined process, grape juice concentration to up to 65.7°Brix could be achieved showing greater retention of quality factors and bioactive compounds, highlighting the advantage of FO and its potential as a pre-concentration step. • Forward osmosis process is an emerging technology that operates at low temperatures. • Combining FO and thermal evaporation shows great potential in producing high-quality juices. • Combined process affects lesser phenolic compounds than conventional evaporation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) is useful in diagnosis of major salivary gland adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC), but it has been rarely reported on minor salivary gland ACC. Objective: The aim of this study was to report the utility of FNAB on diagnosis of ACC involving minor salivary glands. Study design: Three patients presenting ACC involving the palate (2 cases) and buccal mucosa (1 case), with a mean age of 36 years and 2:1 female-to-male ratio, were included in the study. All of the patients were submitted to FNAB for diagnostic purposes. Results: All smears were stained with hematoxylin-eosin, Papanicolaou, and Diff-Quik and showed the presence of small polyhedral cells with hyperchromatic nuclei and extracellular basophilic globular amorphous substance, compatible with ACC. Diagnosis of the 3 cases was subsequently confirmed through histopathology. Conclusion: The FNAB was easy to perform and cost-effective, and proved to be an useful adjunctive tool in diagnosis of intraoral ACC. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This case report describes the treatment of a 25-year-old woman with anterior open bite, Class II skeletal malocclusion, and a history of temporomandibular joint pain and sounds. She also had significant anteroposterior and vertical discrepancies and a convex profile with protrusive lips. Intraorally, she had an anterior open bite of 3 mm and an overjet of 5 mm. Mandibular surgical rotation, associated with mandibular incisor extraction, was performed to reduce the protrusion, close the open bite, and minimize the temporomandibular joint disorder. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Anticarsia gemmatalis is pest in soybean crops, which main control method is the use of insecticides. Toxicity, survival and side-effects (locomotor behavior, respiration, food consumption and histopathology of the midgut) of A. gemmatalis exposed to chlorpyrifos via ingestion were evaluated. Chlorpyrifos was toxic to A. gemmatalis (LC 50 = 0.58 g L−1 and LC 90 = 0.85 g L−1) and survival decrease from 99% in control to 30% in insects exposed to LC 50 chlorpyrifos. The insecticide decreased the respiration rate, food consumption, altered behavioral responses with hyperactivity in A. gemmatalis. In addition the midgut had histopathological changes characterized by damages in the peritrophic matrix and striated border, high cytoplasm vacuolization, cell fragments released in the lumen and apocrine secretion, which can compromise the digestion of this insect. Chlorpyrifos is toxic to A. gemmatalis larvae, affecting survival, locomotion, respiration, food consumption and the midgut. • Anticarsia gemmatalis is controlled mainly for chemical synthetic insecticides. • Effects on the respiration, locomotion, and digestion caused by chlorpyrifos was tested against A. gemmatalis. • Effects A. gemmatalis showed significant changes in midgut histology. • Chlorpyrifos causes detrimental effects on physiology of A. gemmatalis and compromises the digestive process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 58-year-old woman was referred because of a swelling in the anterior mandible associated with displacement of teeth and discomfort in the area. Medical history showed hypertension. Clinical examination revealed a 2.0-cm bluish swelling in the alveolar mucosa of the anterior mandible with hard consistency. Panoramic and periapical radiographs revealed a 3.0-cm well-defined unilocular radiolucent lesion in the anterior mandible. Vitality tests showed that some teeth associated with the lesion presented normal results, while others showed negative responses. Clinical diagnoses were glandular odontogenic cyst and ameloblastoma, and an incisional biopsy was performed. Histologic diagnosis was compatible with unicystic ameloblastoma, and the patient was submitted to a conservative surgical removal of the lesion. Final diagnosis confirmed unicystic ameloblastoma, and the patient is under clinical and radiologic follow-up. Histologic analysis showed different relationships of the tumor with the roots of adjacent teeth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cherubism is a rare developmental condition of the gnathic bones that is usually inherited as an autosomal dominant trait with variable expressivity. An 11-year-old girl was referred because of an asymptomatic bilateral facial progressive swelling. Medical history was noncontributory. Locoregional physical examination revealed a bilateral firm swelling in the cheek and retromolar area covered by normal skin and normal oral mucosa, respectively. Panoramic radiograph and cone beam computed tomography scans showed bilateral extensive multilocular lesions in the mandibular posterior areas. Clinical diagnosis was cherubism, and histologic analysis of the specimen obtained by an incisional biopsy confirmed this hypothesis. The patient has been followed up and is under orthodontic treatment with satisfactory results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peripheral neuropathic pain (pNeP) is prevalent, and current treatments, including drugs and motor cortex repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) leave a substantial proportion of patients with suboptimal pain relief. We explored the intensity and short-term duration of the analgesic effects produced in pNeP patients by 5 days of neuronavigated deep rTMS targeting the posterior superior insula (PSI) with a double-cone coil in a sham-controlled randomized cross-over trial. Thirty-one pNeP patients received induction series of five active or sham consecutive sessions of daily deep-rTMS to the PSI in a randomized sequence, with a washout period of at least 21 days between series. The primary outcome [number of responders (>50% pain intensity reduction from baseline in a numerical rating scale ranging from 0 to 10)] was significantly higher after real (58.1%) compared to sham (19.4%) stimulation (p = 0.002). The number needed to treat was 2.6, and the effect size was 0.97 [95% CI (0.6; 1.3)]. One week after the 5th stimulation day, pain scores were no longer different between groups, and no difference in neuropathic pain characteristics and interference with daily living were present. No major side effects occurred, and milder adverse events (i.e., short-lived headaches after stimulation) were reported in both groups. Blinding was effective, and analgesic effects were not affected by sequence of the stimulation series (active-first or sham-first), age, sex or pain duration of participants. PSI deep-rTMS was safe in refractory pNeP and was able to provide significant pain intensity reduction after a five-day induction series of treatments. Post-hoc assessment of neuronavigation targeting confirmed deep-rTMS was delivered within the boundaries of the PSI in all participants. PSI deep-rTMS provided significant pain relief during 5-day induction sessions compared to sham stimulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global issue of food authentication and fraud detection involves deliberately misrepresenting products for financial gain. Unfortunately, current technologies do not guarantee protection for consumers and society from these deceptive practices. Therefore, rapid detection and characterization of food frauds through identifying their markers and chemical patterns is important. Ambient ionization techniques in mass spectrometry (AIMS) directly analyze samples under ambient conditions, requiring minimal sample preparation while ensuring heightened sensitivity and selectivity. Integrating chemometrics with these innovative MS approaches holds significant potential for application in food authentication screening. The novelty of this work lies in critically evaluating the application of AIMS combined with chemometrics in food authentication screening. This combination is positioned as an innovative strategy with enormous potential for enhancing rapid fraud detection. This sets the stage for a comprehensive exploration of AIMS, mainly direct analysis in real time (DART) and paper spraying methods, and their critical evaluation in the context of chemometric applications, covering the evolution from early methods to recent advancements. By critically analyzing the literature, this review enhances the comprehension of the effectiveness of chemometrics in extracting chemical information from MS data. This article thus emphasizes the need to progress beyond initial exploratory analyses employing only unsupervised methods. The key takeaways include advocating for best practices, such as validating all supervised models with an external set of test samples, avoiding excessive use of latent variables to prevent overfitting, and conducting thorough spectral interpretation to identify chemical markers of fraud or authenticity. [Display omitted] • AIMS and chemometrics are combined for food authentication and fraud detection. • AIMS and chemometrics provide simple and rapid protocols to detect food fraud. • The proper use of chemometrics on AIMS data leads to reliable classification models. • A review of the state-of-the-art in the literature of the last ten years. • Paper spray MS and related techniques are the most promising due to their simplicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study reports two cases of oral perineuriomas, including a clinicopathologic review of the 39 published cases (17 intraneural and 22 extraneural perineuriomas) in the English language literature. In the first case, the tumor occurred in an 84-year-old male as a painless, asymptomatic, 20-mm submucosal nodule on the right lower mucobuccal fold near to the premolar area. In the second case, a 46-year-old female presented with a painless, 25-mm, slow-growing, fibrous, pedunculated nodule on the right buccal mucosa. In the first case, the tumor was composed of spindle cells arranged in a storiform pattern, classified as intraneural perineurioma; and in the second, it was an extraneural perineurioma, showing a whorled myxoid stroma. Immunohistochemical analysis confirmed the diagnosis by showing positivity for vimentin, EMA, and Glut-1 in case 1 and EMA, Glut-1, Claudin-1, and CD34 (focally) in case 2. Complete surgical removal was performed for both tumors, and there was no evidence of local recurrence after a long-term follow-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Mechanical and chemical properties of GICs modified with cellulose nanocrystals were evaluated. • The CN reinforcement significantly improved the mechanical properties and significantly increased the F− release of all GICs. • It was not possible to identify by FTIR any chemical bond difference in the new compounds formed. • Modification of GICs with CNs appears to produce promising restorative materials. Abstract Objective Glass-ionomer cements (GICs) modified with cellulose nanocrystals (CNs) were characterized and evaluated for compressive strength (CS), diametral tensile strength (DTS) and fluoride release (F−). Methods Commercially available GICs (Maxxion, Vidrion R, Vitro Molar, Ketac Molar Easy Mix and Fuji Gold Label 9) were reinforced with CNs (0.2% by weight). The microstructure of CNs and of CN-modified GICs were evaluated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) while chemical characterization was by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Ten specimens each of the unmodified (control) and CN-modified materials (test materials) were prepared for CS and DTS testing. For the fluoride release evaluation, separate specimens (n = 10) of each test and control material were made. The results obtained were submitted to the t-test (p < 0.05). Results The CN reinforcement significantly improved the mechanical properties and significantly increased the F− release of all GICs (p < 0.05). The GICs with CNs showed a fibrillar aggregate of nanoparticles interspersed in the matrix. The compounds with CNs showed a higher amount of C compared to the controls due to the organic nature of the CNs. It was not possible to identify by FTIR any chemical bond difference in the compounds formed when nanofibers were inserted in the GICs. Significance Modification of GICs with CNs appears to produce promising restorative materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate protein expression profile and to quantify proteins present in seminal plasma from men with spinal cord injury (SCI) and healthy men without SCI. Design: Experimental study. Setting: University hospital. Patient(s): Twelve SCI patients divided into two groups, six who underwent electroejaculation (EEJ) and six who underwent penile vibratory stimulation (PVS); and ten control subjects presenting normal sperm motility and concentration. Intervention(s): EEJ and PVS. Main Outcome Measure(s): The seminal plasma protein profile was analyzed by two proteomic strategies: data-independent label-free quantitative proteomics (MSE) and two-dimensional sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2D SDS-PAGE). Result(s): A total of 638 different proteins were identified by MSE and 18 by 2D SDS-PAGE followed by tandem mass spectrometry. Interactome analysis showed key reproductive biologic processes—insemination, sperm and oocyte fusion, and acrosome reaction—related to all groups, as were triglyceride stimuli. Processes related to actin and muscle function and to iron oxidation, transportation, and homeostasis were found only in the EEJ and PVS groups; response to hydrogen peroxide and increased immune response was found only in the PVS group. Conclusion(s): This study was able to demonstrate differential protein expression among control, PVS, and EEJ groups; SCI is responsible for alterations in seminal plasma protein profile leading to a deviation from homeostasis; proteins reported in both PVS and EEJ groups correlate with the pathophysiology of SCI-related infertility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work we present a simple route to prepare sol-gel silica samples for water adsorption applications. These materials were not chemically modified neither heat-treated before performing the water adsorption tests at 30 °C and atmospheric pressure. The materials studied in this work were examined by N 2 adsorption and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The samples prepared herein showed higher adsorption capacities than a commercial silica commonly used as water adsorbent. It was shown that it is possible to produce materials with high water adsorption capacities controlling the sol pH. Samples obtained from sols with very low pH presented high number of small pores, whereas those prepared from sols without acid displayed larger pore; both cases increase the volume of pores and, consequently, the water uptake of the material. It is an important finding since several works available in the literature deals with complex and multi-step procedures, commonly using pore-formers or pore-expanders agents, which makes them cost ineffective and time consuming. The absence of acidic reactants in the preparation step of the adsorbent with the highest adsorption capacity represents an advantage in terms of safety and environmental sustainability, besides reinforcing the simplicity of the processing route employed herein. The pseudo-second order kinetic model was the best model to fit the water adsorption kinetics of the investigated samples, indicating a high interaction between the silica surface and water molecules. Besides, the water desorption was successfully carried out in relatively short times (<2 h) and at temperatures as low as 90 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ruptures and interruptions in supply chains (SC) can cause large financial losses and undermine the reputation of firms. In this respect, there is growing interest among researchers in the theme of supply chain risk management (SCRM). SCRM involves analysis carried out in various steps. However, researchers diverge over the number and content of these steps. In light of this problem, the aim of the present study was to analyze whether it is possible to apply the ISO 31000 standard as a systematic procedure for SCRM. And, if so, how the standard can be implemented in the SCRM context, as a framework in a specific company. Through a systematic literature review, we compared and harmonized the risk management steps proposed by researches about SCRM. Additionally we developed a pathway to identify and prioritize which ISO 31000:2009 risk assessment tools and techniques are supposed to integrate a procedure for SCRM, based on the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), exemplified in an automotive supply chain. Based on the research findings, we infer that ISO 31000 can be used beneficially as a standardized method to perform SCRM, as long as tools and techniques are selected according to the company needs and business characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Controversy surrounding bacterial phylogenies has become one of the most important challenges for microbial ecology. Comparative analyses with nucleotide databases and phylogenetic reconstruction of the amplified 16S rRNA genes from DGGE (Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis) excised bands have been used by several researchers for the identification of organisms in complex samples. Here, we individually analyzed DGGE-excised 16S rRNA gene bands from 10 certified bacterial strains of different species, and demonstrated that this kind of approach can deliver erroneous outcomes to researchers, besides causing/emphasizing errors in public databases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to compare hand selection and accuracy of technical skills between low- and high-pressure games of the National Basketball Association (NBA) in the 2018–2019 regular season and playoffs. A notational analysis was conducted on 24 games of four teams (12 low-pressure games and 12 high-pressure games, six of each team, three in each condition). One- or two-handed actions were recorded for dribbling, passing, catching, and shooting (layups, dunks, hooks, and tips) skills. During high-pressure games, players significantly increased the frequency of right-handed passing. High-pressure games also increased the frequency of left-handed catching. For dribbling and shooting, no differences were observed in hand frequency between conditions. The success rate of all analyzed skills was similar between the hands in both low- and high-pressure conditions. Our results showed that game pressure could selectively modulate hand preference for passing and catching skills in elite-level basketball while presenting no significant effect on performance between hands. • Game pressure could selectively modulate hand preference for passing and catching skills in elite-level basketball. • Game pressure could not affect accuracy of dribbling, passing, and shooting skills between hands in elite-level basketball. • A preferred-hand bias was observed for all skills in elite-level basketball, but more strongly for the shooting actions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Only a few cultivated species of Vanilla are used to produce vanilla, despite the high demand, predatory exploitation, and low genetic variability that threaten the production of natural vanilla. Vanilla bahiana pods from the Atlantic Forest may be an alternative source of natural vanilla. This study applied bottom-up and shotgun proteomics analysis to identify proteins related to flowering, fruiting, and vanilla-flavor production. Extraction solutions, including Tris-HCl buffer, β-mercaptoethanol and SDS, were assayed. SDS proved to be feasible for extraction of Vanilla fruit proteins and could be an alternative to the phenol method of protein extraction. Progenesis QI for Proteomics (QIP) software loaded with an Orchidaceae database identified 2326 proteins in our samples. Among these, 75 were highlighted as useful for the synthesis of compounds related to vanilla flavor, such as vanillin synthase, which was successfully extracted with 1% SDS, which also improved the variety of the extracted proteins. The proteins identified in V. bahiana pods indicate the enzymatic potential of this species, as further validated by quantifying the vanilla in the samples. Unlabelled Image • Vanilla bahiana is able to synthetize vanillin (1.55 mg.g−1). • The vanillin synthase enzyme was identified. • The protein extraction methodology using SDS was more efficient. • Proteins related to flowering, fruitening and ripening of fruits were identified. • LFY-like protein OrcLFY was identified in the Vanilla genus for the first time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article aims to present the Green Supply Chain Management (GSCM) practices from a comprehensive point of view and to analyze the subject's behaviour in the last ten years, through a systematic literature review/bibliometric analysis in articles published from 2006 to 2016. Through the research profiling method, we identified that (i) the most frequent research contexts were “GSCM financial impact” and “motivations to GSCM implementation”, (ii) the automotive, textile/manufacturing and electronic sectors were the most discussed, (iii) the most used research methods were those involving empirical procedures, iv) Web of Science and Scopus databases gathered 96.7% of the articles used in this analysis, (v) there is a high concentration of researches from countries academically established and recognized, while developing countries are also present, (vi) Journal of Cleaner Production was the most cited journal and with more publications about GSCM, (vii) Samir Srivastava's article had the highest Citation Score, and (viii) there are 11 GSCM research clusters. In addition, we discuss the content covered in the literature review, seeking to extend the understanding of the scenario where the GSCM is inserted nowadays and helping to identify research opportunities for researchers interested in such subject. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a numerical study investigating the hydraulic response and stability of geosynthetic-reinforced soil slopes subject to rainfall. A series of numerical simulations of unsaturated slopes with various backfill–reinforcement–drainage systems subject to rainfall infiltration was performed by comprehensively considering the combined effect of backfill (i.e., sand, silt, and silty clay), reinforcement type (i.e., geogrid or nonwoven geotextile), and rainfall intensity (350 and 500 mm/day). The backfills were modeled using three soil–water characteristic curves (SWCCs) representing the general suction range associated with sand, silt, and clay. The influence of sand cushions in improving the stability of reinforced clay slopes was also assessed. The numerical results reveal that the loss of matric suction and development of a capillary barrier effect within clay backfills could have adverse impacts on both the global and local stabilities of the reinforced clay slopes. The contribution of matric suction in enhancing slope stability was initially high for reinforced clay slopes; however, the global stability of the reinforced clay slope substantially decreased due to the loss of matric suction as the rainfall infiltration proceeded. The local instability of the geotextile-reinforced clay slope occurred due to the capillary barrier effect at the geotextile–clay interface. The reinforced marginal soil slopes cannot effectively drain the infiltrating water under torrential rainfall. Free drainage conditions may not be assumed for these slopes if the drainage is not properly considered. Both the global and local factors of safety (FS) of the reinforced sand slope were minimally influenced by the loss of matric suction induced by rainfall infiltration. The required reinforcement tensile strengths for the reinforced silt and clay slopes to maintain FS  = 1.3 were, respectively, approximately 3 and 4 times larger than that for reinforced sand slopes. Numerical results also indicated that the inclusion of sand cushions, which provide both strength and drainage functions, can effectively enhance the slope stability. An optimal sand cushion thickness of 15 cm (replacing 20% of marginal backfill with sand) was determined in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to evaluate and model the variation in the physical properties of coffee beans in isothermal roasting conditions, providing mathematical expressions that can be used for heat and mass transfer models for coffee roasting. Arabica coffee beans were studied with an initial moisture content of 0.129 kg w  kg dm −1 and roasted in a direct gas burning roaster. Five temperatures were set inside the cylinder (200, 220, 240, 260 and 280 °C). The beans were roasted uniformly by suspension in the center of the drum. A thermocouple recorded the temperature every 5 s. X-ray microtomography was used to analyze the evolution of the internal matrix during the roasting process. The moisture content and physical properties (volume, surface area, and density) of each coffee bean were evaluated every 20 s. Empirical models were fitted to represent the physical properties as a function of the moisture content. It was observed that the volumetric expansion is isotropic at roasting temperatures above 220 °C. The final bean volume can reach up to 1.8 times the initial volume. The bean density varied linearly with the moisture content, presenting a larger drop at a higher roasting temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background An extensive frontal resection is a frequently performed neurosurgical procedure, especially for treating brain tumor and refractory epilepsy. However, there is a paucity of reports available regarding its surgical anatomy and technique. Objectives We sought to present the anatomic landmarks and surgical technique of the frontal lobe decortication (FLD) in epilepsy. The goals were to maximize the gray matter removal, spare primary and supplementary motor areas, and preserve the frontal horn. Material and Methods The anatomic study was based on dissections performed in 15 formalin-fixed adult cadaveric heads. The clinical experience with 15 patients is summarized. Result FLD consists of 5 steps: 1) coagulation and section of arterial branches of lateral surface; 2) paramedian subpial resection 3 cm ahead of the precentral sulcus to reach the genu of corpus callosum; 3) resection of gray matter of lateral surface, preserving the frontal horn; 4) removal of gray matter of basal surface preserving olfactory tract; 5) removal of gray matter of the medial surface under the rostrum of corpus callosum. The frontal horn was preserved in all 15 patients; 12 patients (80%) had no complications; 2 patients presented temporary hemiparesis; and 1 Rasmussen syndrome patient developed postoperative fever. The best seizure control was in cases with focal magnetic resonance imaging abnormalities limited to the frontal lobe. Conclusion FLD is an anatomy-based surgical technique for extensive frontal lobe resection. It presents reliable anatomic landmarks, selective gray matter removal, preservation of frontal horn, and low complication rate in our series. It can be an alternative option to the classical frontal lobectomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]