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Background/Objectives: This study investigates the development of 3D chitosan-x-cobalt ferrite scaffolds (x = 5, 7.5, and 10 wt%) with interconnected porosity for potential biomedical applications. The objective was to evaluate the effects of magnetic particle incorporation on the scaffolds' structural, mechanical, magnetic, and biological properties, specifically focusing on their biocompatibility and antimicrobial performance. Methods: Scaffolds were synthesized using freeze-drying, while cobalt ferrite nanoparticles were produced via a pilot-scale combustion reaction. The scaffolds were characterized for their physical and chemical properties, including porosity, swelling, and mechanical strength. Hydrophilicity was assessed through contact angle measurements. Antimicrobial efficacy was evaluated using time kill kinetics and agar diffusion assays, and biocompatibility was confirmed through cytotoxicity tests. Results: The incorporation of cobalt ferrite increased magnetic responsiveness, altered porosity profiles, and influenced swelling, biodegradation, and compressive strength, with a maximum value of 87 kPa at 7.5 wt% ferrite content. The scaffolds maintained non-toxicity and demonstrated bactericidal activity. The optimal concentration for achieving a balance between structural integrity and biological performance was found at 7.5 wt% cobalt ferrite. Conclusions: These findings suggest that magnetic chitosan-cobalt ferrite scaffolds possess significant potential for use in biomedical applications, including tissue regeneration and advanced healing therapies. The incorporation of magnetic properties enhances both the structural and biological functionalities, presenting promising opportunities for innovative therapeutic approaches in reconstructive procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: Vascular calcification (VC) is a crucial risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVD), particularly in chronic kidney disease (CKD) populations. However, the specific relationship between VC and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD) remains to be fully understood. The identification of new biomarkers to improve VC diagnosis and monitoring would significantly impact cardiovascular risk management in these high-risk patients. Gla-rich protein (GRP) is a VC inhibitor and an anti-inflammatory agent and thus is a potential VC marker in CKD. Here we explored the potential role of GRP as a marker for CVD and investigated the impact of VC in 101 PD patients. Methods: Circulating total Gla-rich protein (tGRP) was quantified in serum and in 24 h dialysate samples. VC score (VCS) was determined using the Adragão method. Results: Serum tGRP was negatively associated with VCS, serum calcium (Ca), phosphate (P), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), while it was positively associated with magnesium (Mg). A total of 35.6% of PD patients presented with extensive calcifications (VCS ≥ 3), and the lowest tGRP serum levels were present in this group (419.4 ± 198.5 pg/mL). tGRP in the 24 h dialysate was also negatively associated with VCS and with serum Ca and P. Moreover, serum Ca, P, and VCS were identified as independent determinants of serum tGRP levels. Conclusions: The association of serum tGRP with VC, mineral, and inflammation markers reinforces its potential use as a novel VC biomarker in CKD patients undergoing PD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The search for bioactive compounds for the treatment of several diseases has led to the study of endophytic fungi. Neoplastic diseases are among the most significant health concerns due to their high mortality rate, and there is a dearth of efficacious pharmaceutical agents for the treatment of cancer. Gastric cancer is one of the most aggressive forms of cancer and is among those with the highest mortality rates in Brazil. Accordingly, the objective of this study was to identify compounds with cytotoxic activity from the mangrove-derived endophytic fungus Trichoderma sp. Isolation of the chemical compounds was conducted using chromatographic methods, while structural elucidation was achieved through the application of spectroscopic (NMR and UV) and spectrometric (MS) techniques. The fungus Trichoderma sp. was found to produce five distinct koninginins (A, B, C, E, and J). The organic phases of the extracts and isolated compounds were evaluated for their antimicrobial and cytotoxic potentials, respectively, through microdilution testing and the MTT method. In the cytotoxicity assay, both the AF extract and koninginin A demonstrated favorable outcomes, indicating their potential as promising anticancer therapeutic agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unlike municipal solid waste bottom ash (MSWBA), fly ash (MSWFA) is landfilled due to its toxicity. However, MSWFA may also be a source of elements. Ash samples collected from a Portuguese MSW incinerator from different locations and over six months were analyzed. Their geochemical composition was normalized to the upper continental crust (UCC) and compared since metal enrichment may be used as an indicator for potential recovery. The potential recovery economic viability was also assessed for metals K, Sb, Cu, Pb, and Zn, considering the ore cut-off grade and minimum industrial grade (MIG) from Chinese geological and mineral industry standards. Compared to the global samples, only the Baghouse 1 FA size fraction's coarse fraction showed a slight enrichment (1- to 5-fold) in Bi, Nb, and Zr. After wet sieving, most trace elements were enriched in all fractions, but Sb, Bi, Pb, Zn, Ag, As, Cd, Sn, Se, and Hg were depleted in the coarse fractions and enriched in the fine ones. For Baghouse 1 samples collected over 6 months, the normalization to the UCC showed enrichment of Zn and Pb between 10× and 50×, Zr, Cu, In, and Se between 50× and 100×, and Ag, Mn, Cd, Sb, and Bi at more than 100×. Over six months, the Baghouse 1 FA soluble fraction ranged between 21 wt.% and 30 wt.%, and its precipitates comprised 27% CaO, 6% Na2O, and 9% K2O. The K concentration in the MSWFA was above the cut-off and the MIG, and K could be concentrated in precipitates via simple washing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pneumatophore fringes and mudflats are extremely valuable habitats and provide structures on which many fish species benefit in terms of food and reduced predation risk. We analyzed the spatiotemporal patterns in feeding habits, reproductive aspects and effects of predatory fish presence to assess the ecological drivers of the common halfbeak, Hyporhamphus unifasciatus, in a Brazilian estuary. Sampling was conducted during the rainy and dry periods. In summary, the results demonstrated that the number of predatory fishes was a strong predictor of population abundance and biomass, followed by pneumatophore complexity. The abundance and biomass values tended to increase with increasing habitat structural complexity towards the upper estuary. There was evidence that fish exhibited movement during the rainy season related to spawning events and subsequent juvenile recruitment in this area. Hymnoptera was the item most frequently ingested and made the greatest contributions to the volume of diet in habitat types throughout the year. There was an increase in the condition factor in the rainy season, which was associated with energy reserves, reproduction and growth (fitness). We concluded that predation is an important ecological process that operates at local spatial scales and that, together with the density of pneumatophores, it could affect the abundance of common halfbeak populations associated with estuarine habitats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: Mental disorders in nursing students, although very common under normal circumstances, have worsened over time due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to assess (1) what the prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms in Italian nursing students was and (2) what factors were associated with them. Methods: In May 2023, a cross-sectional study was conducted on the bachelor's degree Nursing course in an Italian university. Levels of anxiety and stress were assessed using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7) and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), respectively. In addition, socio-demographic variables and data on mental health, drug intake, and substance use were collected. Multiple binary logistic regression adjusted analyses were used to identify predictive factors. Results: A total of 148 nursing students completed the questionnaire. A total of 9.5% reported a previous diagnosis of a mental disorder, and, of these, 35.7% reported that it was diagnosed after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The mean GAD-7 and PHQ-9 score was 9.68 (SD = 5.2) and 8.37 (SD = 5.6), respectively. Protective factors for depressive symptoms included not having a previous diagnosis of a mental disorder (adjusted odds ratio = 0.10, 95% CI: 0.002–0.47, p < 0.001) and a perceived high (adjusted odds ratio = 0.03, 95% CI: 0.003–0.22 p < 0.001) or medium (adjusted odds ratio = 0.14, 95% CI: 0.03–0.82, p < 0.05) socioeconomic level, while the predictor of anxiety symptoms was returning home once a month for students studying away from their residence (adjusted odds ratio = 6.4, 95% CI: 1.01–40.8, p < 0.05). Conclusions: Urgent investments are needed in universities to implement mental health promotion programmes and to offer counselling services to reduce and prevent mental health problems among students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) is a highly valued fruit, and optimal nutrient management is crucial for enhancing yield and fruit quality. However, the over-application of chemical fertilizers in cherry cultivation leads to environmental issues such as soil degradation and nutrient runoff. To address this, foliar application, a more targeted and eco-friendly fertilization method, presents a promising alternative. This study evaluates the effects of pre-harvest foliar application of calcium (Ca) (150 and 300 g hL−1) and seaweed extracts (75 and 150 mL hL−1), both individually and in combination, on the physiological and biochemical responses of 'Burlat' sweet cherry trees. Key physiological parameters, including plant water status, photosynthetic performance, and leaf metabolites, were analyzed. Results show that trees treated with seaweed extracts or with combined Ca and seaweed application had improved water status, higher sugar, starch, and protein content, as well as enhanced antioxidant activity and phenolic content compared to those treated solely with calcium. However, the combined treatment did not significantly enhance overall tree performance compared to individual applications. This study highlights the potential of seaweed-based biostimulants in sustainable cherry production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper introduces an advanced acoustic imaging system leveraging multibeam water column data at various frequencies to detect and classify marine litter. This study encompasses (i) the acquisition of test tank data for diverse types of marine litter at multiple acoustic frequencies; (ii) the creation of a comprehensive acoustic image dataset with meticulous labelling and formatting; (iii) the implementation of sophisticated classification algorithms, namely support vector machine (SVM) and convolutional neural network (CNN), alongside cutting-edge detection algorithms based on transfer learning, including single-shot multibox detector (SSD) and You Only Look once (YOLO), specifically YOLOv8. The findings reveal discrimination between different classes of marine litter across the implemented algorithms for both detection and classification. Furthermore, cross-frequency studies were conducted to assess model generalisation, evaluating the performance of models trained on one acoustic frequency when tested with acoustic images based on different frequencies. This approach underscores the potential of multibeam data in the detection and classification of marine litter in the water column, paving the way for developing novel research methods in real-life environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Low levels of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) are associated with a greater risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in adolescence. In this sense, it is important to verify the strength of this association and the certainty that this evidence can be recommended. Objective: The objective of this paper is to summarize, through a systematic review and meta-analysis, the evidence available to verify the association between CRF and MetS in adolescents. Methods: PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, LILACS, and Web of Science were searched until 20 August 2024. The risk of bias in each study was assessed via the AXIS tool, and the certainty of the evidence was assessed via the GRADE system. For the meta-analysis, the odds ratio (OR) was calculated with a 95% confidence interval. Results: Nine studies (7077 participants), all with a low risk of bias, were included in the systematic review. There was a high certainty of evidence that adolescents with low CRF have significantly greater odds of developing MetS (OR = 3.63 [CI 95%, 2.54 to 5.20]). The odds increase for low vs. moderate (OR = 4.23 [CI 95%, 2.64 to 6.78]) and low vs. high (OR = 8.03 [CI 95%, 3.20 to 20.18]) CRF are considered separately. The effect does not change according to the type of test used to assess CRF (p = 0.51). Conclusions: There is high certainty of evidence that adolescents with low CRF levels have significantly greater odds of developing MetS; therefore, it is essential that intervention strategies be designed to increase CRF in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: Nanoemulsions (NEs) possess properties that enhance the solubility, bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy of drugs. Chalcones are compounds known for their antifungal properties. In this study, we evaluated different emulsification techniques to create alginate nanoemulsions containing chalcone (1E,4E)-1,5-bis (4-methoxyphenyl) penta-1,4-dien-3-one (DB4OCH3). Our goal was to develop an antifungal formulation targeting Candida albicans strains. Methods: Ultrasound and ultrasound combined with high-speed homogenization techniques were used to prepare alginate-stabilized nanoemulsions. Particle size, zeta potential and encapsulation efficiency were evaluated. Additionally, in vitro release studies were conducted. Results: The combined emulsification technique produced stable nanoparticles with high encapsulation efficiency and antifungal activity, with a minimum inhibitory concentration of 8.75 μg/mL for the nanoemulsions compared to 312 µg/mL for free DB4OCH3. NEs' effectiveness can be attributed to their ability to form nanodroplets efficiently, facilitating the solubilization of the chalcone in the oily phase. The particle size varied between 195.70 ± 2.69 and 243.40 ± 4.49 nm, with an increase in chalcone concentration leading to larger particle sizes. The zeta potential showed values from −91.77 ± 5.58 to −76.90 ± 4.44 mV. The UHS-7 sample exhibited an encapsulation efficiency of 92.10% ± 0.77, with a controlled in vitro release of 83% after 34 h. Molecular docking simulations showed that the aromatic nature of DB4OCH3 resulted in the formation of apolar interactions with aromatic residues located in the active site of the TMK, as observed in their respective co-crystallized inhibitors, within an affinity energy range that enables optimum specificity of the ligand for these two pathways. Pharmacokinetic analyses indicated high passive cell permeability and low hepatic clearance, and phase I metabolism reduces its oral bioavailability and metabolic stability, suggesting a promising active ingredient as an oral drug with control of the daily oral dose administered. Conclusions: The combined nanoemulsification technique led to the formation of finely dispersed nanodroplets that favored the solubilization of the chalcone in the oil phase, which led to a better performance in the antifungal properties. DB4OCH3 shows promise as an oral drug with controlled dosing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Diet and exercise interventions have been associated with improved body composition and physical fitness. However, evidence regarding their combined effects in older adults is scarce. This study aimed to investigate the impact of a combined 12-week Mediterranean diet-based sustainable healthy diet (SHD) and multicomponent training (MT) intervention on body composition, anthropometry, and physical fitness in older adults. Methods: Diet intervention groups received a weekly SHD food supply and four sessions, including a SHD culinary practical workshop. The exercise program included MT 50 min group session, three times a week, on non-consecutive days. Body composition and physical fitness variables were assessed through dual X-ray absorptiometry, anthropometric measurements, and senior fitness tests. Repeated measures ANOVA, with terms for group, time, and interaction, was performed. Results: Our results showed that a combined intervention significantly lowered BMI and total fat. Also, significant differences between assessments in all physical fitness tests, except for aerobic endurance, were observed. Adjusted models show significant differences in BMI (p = 0.049) and WHR (p = 0.037) between groups and in total fat (p = 0.030) for the interaction term. Body strength (p < 0.001), balance tests (p < 0.001), and aerobic endurance (p = 0.005) had significant differences amongst groups. Considering the interaction term, differences were observed for upper body strength (p = 0.046) and flexibility tests (p = 0.004 sit and reach, p = 0.048 back scratch). Conclusions: Our intervention study demonstrates the potential of implementing healthy lifestyle and sustainable models to promote healthy and active aging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has a rising incidence and poor prognosis due to late diagnosis and limited treatments. Currently, treatment is based solely on TNM staging, without considering molecular tumor characterization. In the present study, we validated a combined amplification refractory mutation system (ARMS) and high-resolution melting analysis (HRMA) technique for detecting mutations in codon 12 of KRAS in PDAC tumor and plasma samples and assessed its prognostic value. We included 88 newly diagnosed PDAC patients, treated with either surgery, chemotherapy, or best supportive treatment only. Both tumor and plasma samples were analyzed, and the most frequent mutations were G12D (36%) and G12V (25%). KRAS mutations G12D and/or G12C in tumors and plasma were associated with lower progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) independently of disease stage or treatment performed. ARMS–HRMA offers a rapid, cost-effective method for detecting KRAS mutations and can aid in prognosis and treatment decisions. Background/Objectives: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) incidence is rising, and prognosis remains poor due to late diagnosis and limited effective therapies. Currently, patients are treated based on TNM staging, without molecular tumor characterization. This study aimed to validate a technique that combines the amplification refractory mutation system (ARMS) with high-resolution melting analysis (HRMA) for detecting mutations in codon 12 of KRAS in tumor and plasma, and to assess its prognostic value. Methods: Prospective study including patients with newly diagnosed PDAC with tumor and plasma samples collected before treatment. Mutations in codon 12 of KRAS (G12D, G12V, G12C, and G12R) were detected using ARMS–HRMA and compared to Sanger sequencing (SS). Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to evaluate the prognostic significance of these mutations. Results: A total of 88 patients, 93% with ECOG-PS 0–1, 57% with resectable disease. ARMS–HRMA technique showed a higher sensitivity than SS, both in tumor and plasma (77% vs. 51%; 25 vs. 0%, respectively). The most frequent mutation was G12D (n = 32, 36%), followed by G12V (n = 22, 25%). On multivariate analysis, patients with G12D and/or G12C mutations, either in tumor or plasma, had lower PFS (HR 1.792, 95% CI 1.061–3.028, p = 0.029; HR 2.081, 95% CI 1.014–4.272, p = 0.046, respectively) and lower OS (HR 1.757, 95% CI 1.013–3.049, p = 0.045; HR 2.229, 95% CI 1.082–4.594, p = 0.030, respectively). Conclusions: ARMS–HRMA is a rapid and cost-effective method for detecting KRAS mutations in PDAC patients, offering the potential for stratifying prognosis and guiding treatment decisions. The presence of G12D and G12C mutations in both tumor and plasma is associated with a poorer prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new method is presented for the simultaneous determination of 13 multiclass pesticides along with glyphosate. The multiclass pesticides were extracted by creating a soil slurry with 2% ethanol in water (v/v), and then, applying direct-immersion solid-phase microextraction (DI-SPME) with a new type of semi-disposable SPME fiber configuration called LC-Tips. The fibers were then retroextracted to ethanol, and aqueous ammonia was added to the slurry to extract glyphosate. Derivatization of the glyphosate extract was accomplished with a mixture of trifluoroacetic anhydride and trifluoroethanol, after which the reaction mixture was dried and resuspended with the SPME ethanol extract. To this, a mixture of analyte protectants was added, and it was analyzed by GC-MS/MS in multiple-reaction-monitoring mode. All analytes showed a coefficient of determination greater than 0.95 in the 0.1–100 µg/kg calibrated range, and the limits of detection were between 0.1 and 1 µg/kg, except for glyphosate, which was 0.01 µg/kg. The method shows relatively high replicate relative standard deviation (as much as 37% for five extractions at 20 µg/kg), but the isotopically labeled internal standard was effective at mitigating this effect for some analytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transmission of microorganisms via hands is a critical factor in healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), underscoring the importance of rigorous hand hygiene. The rise of antimicrobial-resistant microorganisms, driven in part by the overuse of antibiotics in clinical medicine, presents a significant global health challenge. Antimicrobial soaps, although commonly used, may exacerbate bacterial resistance and disrupt skin microbiota, posing additional health risks and environmental hazards. Essential oils, with their broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties, offer a promising alternative. This study evaluates the antimicrobial activity of essential oils against various bacterial and fungal strains, including multidrug-resistant isolates. Using a range of in vitro and in vivo antimicrobial assays, including minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC), and minimal fungicidal concentration (MFC), the essential oils were tested against a broad spectrum of pathogens. Additionally, the chemical composition of the oils was analyzed in detail using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (CG–MS). Clove, oregano, and thyme oils demonstrated potent inhibition of all tested ATCC bacterial strains, with MIC values ranging from 3.125 to 50 μL/mL. These oils also showed significant activity against multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains. Notably, clove oil exhibited remarkable efficacy against fungal strains such as Aspergillus fumigatus and Trichophyton rubrum, with MIC values as low as 1.56 μL/mL. Synergy tests revealed that combinations of clove, oregano, and thyme oils yielded significantly lower MIC values than individual oils, indicating additive or synergistic effects. The formulation of a soap incorporating clove and oregano oils demonstrated efficacy comparable to synthetic antiseptics in vivo. These findings highlight the exceptional antimicrobial potential of essential oils, mainly clove and oregano, against resistant microorganisms, offering a viable alternative to conventional antimicrobial agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study characterized the binding mechanisms of the lectin cMoL (from Moringa oleifera seeds) to carbohydrates using spectroscopy and molecular dynamics (MD). The interaction with carbohydrates was studied by evaluating lectin fluorescence emission after titration with glucose or galactose (2.0–11 mM). The Stern–Volmer constant (Ksv), binding constant (Ka), Gibbs free energy (∆G), and Hill coefficient were calculated. After the urea-induced denaturation of cMoL, evaluations were performed using fluorescence spectroscopy, circular dichroism (CD), and hemagglutinating activity (HA) evaluations. The MD simulations were performed using the Amber 20 package. The decrease in Ksv revealed that cMoL interacts with carbohydrates via a static mechanism. The cMoL bound carbohydrates spontaneously (ΔG < 0) and presented a Ka on the order of 102, with high selectivity for glucose. Protein–ligand complexes were stabilized by hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions. The Hill parameter (h~2) indicated that the binding occurs through the cMoL dimer. The loss of HA at urea concentrations at which the fluorescence and CD spectra indicated protein monomerization confirmed these results. The MD simulations revealed that glucose bound to the large cavity formed between the monomers. In conclusion, the biotechnological application of cMoL lectin requires specific methods or media to improve its dimeric protein structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is a Gram-positive bacterium that causes infections ranging from mild superficial cases to more severe, potentially fatal conditions. Many photosensitisers used in photodynamic therapy are more effective against superficial infections due to limitations in treating deeper tissue infections. Recently, attention to this bacterium has increased due to the emergence of multidrug-resistant strains, which complicate antibiotic treatment. As a result, alternative therapies, such as antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (PDT), have emerged as promising options for treating non-systemic infections. PDT combines a photosensitiser (PS) with light and oxygen to generate free radicals that destroy bacterial structures. This systematic review evaluates the effectiveness of PDT delivered via different types of hydrogels in treating wounds, burns, and contamination by S. aureus. Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, a bibliographic search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases, including articles published in English between 2013 and 2024. Seven relevant studies were included, demonstrating evidence of PDT use against S. aureus in in vitro and in vivo studies. We concluded that PDT can effectively complement antimicrobial therapy in the healing of wounds and burns. The effectiveness of this technique depends on the PS used, the type of hydrogel, and the lesion location. However, further in vivo studies are needed to confirm the safety and efficacy of PDT delivered via hydrogels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Known for its stimulating effects on the nervous and cardiovascular systems, caffeine has proven remarkable versatile properties. It can be used in a wide range of different products, from anti-aging cosmetics to the pharmaceutical treatment of hair loss. Caffeine is known for its antioxidant properties and is commonly found in moisturising creams recommended as anti-aging or anti-cellulite and also for the treatment of different skin disorders, including androgenic alopecia. This bioactive is also described to be able to enhance the sunscreen scattering effect of well-known ultraviolet (UV) blockers. One of the major challenges remains its penetration capacity into deeper skin layers, which may be achieved by the use of nanosized delivery systems, yet without the risk of transdermal delivery. In this review, we discuss the nutraceutical value of caffeine in cosmetic products, so-called nutricosmetics, which grants this bioactive several advantages in several formulations, in comparison to other potential bioactives of nutricosmetic value. Furthermore, the disclosed effects of bioactives commonly found in coffee, tea, and their by-products are reviewed and discussed. The discussion concludes by highlighting the significant benefits of caffeine in the treatment of skin disorders and its potential to enhance and promote skin health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores the cooperative control of unmanned surface vessels (USVs) and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in maritime rescue and coastal surveillance. The USV-UAV system faces challenges of disturbances and substantial inertia-induced overshooting during path following. A novel position prediction line of sight (LOS) guidance law is proposed to address these issues for USV path following control. Radial basis function-based neural networks (RBF-NNs) are used to estimate disturbances, and a high-order differentiator is used to design a velocity observer for unknown USV velocity. The UAV control system employs proportional–derivative (PD) control with feedforward compensation for quadrotor control design and utilizes a finite-time converging third-order differentiator to differentiate non-continuous functions. The simulation results demonstrate strong robustness in the proposed USV-UAV cooperative control algorithm. It achieves path following control in the presence of wind and wave disturbances and exhibits minimal overshoot. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present review focuses on the theoretical model developments made in floating flexible net fish cages and the floating bodies application to offshore aquaculture. A brief discussion of the essential mathematical equations related to various theoretical models of flexible net cages in the frequency domain is presented. The single and array of floating or submerged flexible net cages connected with or without mooring lines are discussed. Further, as the combined effect of the hydroelastic behaviour of floaters and the flexible behaviour of fish cages are necessary to assess their efficiency and survivability from structural damages, the issues and the knowledge gap between the recent and future models are also discussed. In conclusion, the practical suggestions concerning advancements in future research and directions within floating flexible net cages and the hydroelastic response of elastic floaters are highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Recent data from European studies (EUROASPIRE V, DA VINCI, SANTORINI) indicate that achieving the LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) target in patients at very high cardiovascular risk is uncommon. Additionally, using a combination therapy involving statins and ezetimibe remains infrequent. Methods: A single-center assessment of a pre-defined lipid lowering treatment algorithm's effectiveness at achieving the LDL-C target in patients at very high cardiovascular risk one month and one year after hospitalization. Results: 81 patients were included, all in secondary prevention. The average age of the patient was 66.9 years, and the main cardiovascular risk factors included hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and smoking history. Following the predefined lipid-lowering algorithm specific to our study, which involves initiating high-intensity statin therapy or a combination of statin and ezetimibe depending on initial LDL-C levels and patient history; 30 (37%) patients initiated high-intensity statin therapy (Atorvastatin (40 mg, 80 mg) or Rosuvastatin (20 mg, 40 mg)), while 51 (63%) started combination therapy with high-intensity statin and ezetimibe 10 mg. After one year, 57 (70.4%) remained adherent to their initial treatment, achieving a mean LDL-C of 49.5 ± 16.9 mg/dL, with 36 (63.2%) of them reaching the LDL-C target of <55 mg/dL. A total of 13 patients discontinued treatment, and 9 were lost to follow-up, withdrew from the study, or died. Conclusion: Initiating dual statin and ezetimibe therapy or high-intensity statin therapy early, based on the expected treatment efficacy, holds the potential to more rapidly and effectively achieve LDL-C targets in a larger proportion of very high-risk cardiovascular patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Skin injury affects the integrity of the skin structure and induces the wound healing process, which is defined by a well-coordinated series of cellular and molecular reactions that aim to recover or replace the injured tissue. Hydrogels are a group of promising biomaterials that are able to incorporate active ingredients for use as dressings. This study aimed to synthesize hydrogels with and without propolis extract and evaluate their physical characteristics and biological activities in vitro for potential use as active dressings in the treatment of skin lesions. Methods: The antifungal [Candida albicans (C. albicans) and Candida tropicalis (C. tropicalis)] and antibacterial [Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), Pseudomonas aeruginosas (P. aeruginosas) and Escherichia coli (E. coli)] activity was assessed by the microdilution method in plates and antioxidant potential by the reduction of the phosphomolybdate complex. Results: The hydrogels showed good water absorption capacity, high solubility, and high gel fraction, as well as good porosity, water retention, and vapor transmission rates. They revealed a totally amorphous structure. The extract and the hydrogels containing the propolis extract (1.0% and 2.5%) did not inhibit fungal growth. However, they showed antibacterial activity against strains of S. aureus and P. aeruginosas. Regarding the E. coli strain, only the extract inhibited its growth. It showed good antioxidant activity by the evaluation method used. Conclusions: Therefore, the hydrogels containing propolis extract can be a promising alternative with antibacterial and antioxidant action for use as dressings for the treatment of skin lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plantago lanceolata L. (plantain) increases herbage dry matter (DM) production and quality during warm and dry conditions due to its deep roots and drought tolerance and reduces nitrogen losses in grazing systems compared to traditional pastures. However, plantain density usually declines after the third growing season, mainly due to defoliation management. The effects of defoliation frequency and intensity on water-soluble carbohydrate (WSC) reserves and below-ground plant responses need further research to optimize grazing strategies for improved productivity and sustainability of grazing systems. Our study investigated the effects of defoliation frequencies (15, 25, and 35 cm of extended leaf length, ELL) and intensities (5 and 8 cm of residual heights) on morphological traits and WSC concentrations in plantain biomass under controlled environmental conditions. Defoliation frequency significantly influenced morphological and chemical characteristics and biomass distribution more than residual height. Less frequent defoliations promoted above-ground herbage DM production, reproductive stems, and root biomass. Root architecture showed adaptations in response to defoliation frequency, optimizing resource acquisition efficiency. Frequent defoliation reduced high molecular weight WSC concentrations in leaves, affecting regrowth capacity and DM mass. A defoliation frequency of 25 cm ELL (~15 days) balances herbage production and root development, promoting long-term pasture sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: Numerous exercise programs that improve physical capacity and the risk of falls in older adults have been proposed with varying degrees of success. A novel approach may be to use a video game system that uses real-time force feedback to train older adults. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a Nintendo™ Wii-based exercise program on physical function and risk of falls in older people. (2) Methods: This 12-week randomized controlled clinical trial involved 73 participants: 36 individuals participating in a control group (CG) and 37 in an experimental group (EG) participating in a combined program. Balance was measured using the Tinetti scale, flexibility was assessed with the back scratch test and the sit-and-reach test, and lower body strength was assessed with the 30 s chair stand-up test. (3) Results: The results of this study show significant improvements in balance, gait, flexibility, and strength of the lower limbs compared to a control group. (4) Conclusions: A Nintendo™ Wii-based exercise program for seniors produces improvements in the physical health of older adults. These improvements highlight the importance of integrating physical exercise through video games as an effective strategy to improve the general health and quality of life of older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In public security policing, where pressure is constant, effective decision-making and emotion regulation are critical, especially for leaders. These processes significantly impact upon work results, performance, officials' health, employee well-being, and the organizational environment. This study aims to broaden the understanding of decision-making styles and emotion-regulation strategies used by police officials in the Portuguese Public Security Police (PSP). We surveyed 138 Portuguese high-ranking police officials using two self-response questionnaires, namely the Emotion Regulation in the Workplace (ReTrab) and the Melbourne Decision Making Questionnaire (MDMQ), both translated, adapted, and validated for the Portuguese police context. A confirmatory factor analysis was conducted, followed by correlations to explore the relationship between emotion-regulation strategies and decision-making styles. Finally, through a regression analysis, the potential impact of this relationship was assessed. The results reveal that specific emotion-regulation strategies, except for adaptive ones, significantly influence and modify the decision-making styles of PSP officials. Dysfunctional and maladaptive emotion-regulation strategies lead to less adaptive decision-making styles, while functional strategies promote more adaptive styles. These findings have theoretical and practical implications, offering valuable insights for targeted training programs and interventions in the law-enforcement sector, benefiting the police personnel, the communities they serve, and public perceptions about police. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: The human microbiota is essential for maintaining a healthy body. The gut microbiota plays a protective role against pathogenic bacteria. Probiotics are live microorganisms capable of preventing and controlling gastrointestinal and balancing the immune system. They also aid in better nutrients and vitamins absorption. Examples of natural probiotic cultures are kefir and kombucha. (2) Methods: Therefore, the aim of this review was to address the beneficial properties of probiotic kefir and kombucha using a Boxplot analysis to search for scientific data in the online literature up to January 2024: (Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences (LILACS), PubMed, Medical Literature Analysis (MED-LINE), Science Direct, Google Scholar/Google Academic, Bioline Inter-national and Springer Link). Boxplots showed the summary of a set of data "Index Terms—Keywords" on kefir and kombucha in three languages (English, Portuguese and Spanish). (3) Results: Google Scholar was the database with the highest number of articles found, when the search for the keywords used in the study (containing ~4 × 106–~4 million articles available). This was Followed by the Science Direct database, containing ~3 × 106–~3 million articles available, and the BVS databases—Biblioteca Virtual de Saúde (Virtual Health Library) e Lilacs, both containing a value of ~2 × 106–~2 million articles available. The databases containing the smallest number of articles found were Nutrients and Medline, both containing a value of ≤0.1 × 106–≤100 thousand articles. (4) Conclusions: Scientific studies indicate that kefir and kombucha certainly contain various functional properties, such as antimicrobial, antitumor, anticarcinogenic and immunomodulatory activity, in addition to having a microbiological composition of probiotic bacteria and yeasts. Kefir and kombucha represent key opportunities in the food and clinic/medical fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the multifaceted influence of litter size, maternal care, exercise, and aging on rats' neurobehavioral plasticity and dentate gyrus microglia dynamics. Body weight evolution revealed a progressive increase until maturity, followed by a decline during aging, with larger litters exhibiting lower weights initially. Notably, exercised rats from smaller litters displayed higher body weights during the mature and aged stages. The dentate gyrus volumes showed no significant differences among groups, except for aged sedentary rats from smaller litters, which exhibited a reduction. Maternal care varied significantly based on litter size, with large litter dams showing lower frequencies of caregiving behaviors. Behavioral assays highlighted the detrimental impact of a sedentary lifestyle and reduced maternal care/large litters on spatial memory, mitigated by exercise in aged rats from smaller litters. The microglial dynamics in the layers of dentate gyrus revealed age-related changes modulated by litter size and exercise. Exercise interventions mitigated microgliosis associated with aging, particularly in aged rats. These findings underscore the complex interplay between early-life experiences, exercise, microglial dynamics, and neurobehavioral outcomes during aging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is marked by low survival and resistance to platinum-based chemotherapy. Recent studies have emphasized the critical role of DNA repair mechanisms in NSCLC tumorigenesis and response to treatment. XPG endonuclease, a crucial component of the Nucleotide Excision Repair (NER) pathway, has emerged as a promising biomarker of clinical outcome in advanced NSCLC and its downregulation improved cisplatin efficacy by increasing DNA damage. However, so far, no study has been carried out with the purpose of identifying XPG inhibitors. This work thus aims to discover potential small-molecule inhibitors of XPG to be used in combination with cisplatin therapy to enhance its efficacy in NSCLC patients. NSCLC is marked by low survival and resistance to platinum-based chemotherapy. The XPG endonuclease has emerged as a promising biomarker for predicting the prognosis of cisplatin-treated patients and its downregulation having been reported to increase cisplatin efficacy. This study presents an integrated strategy for identifying small molecule inhibitors of XPG to improve cisplatin therapy in NSCLC. A structure-based virtual screening approach was adopted, including a structural and physicochemical analysis of the protein, and a library of small molecules with reported inhibitory activities was retrieved. This analysis identified Lys84 as a crucial residue for XPG activity by targeting its interaction with DNA. After molecular docking and virtual screening calculations, 61 small molecules were selected as potential XPG inhibitors, acquired from the ChemBridge database and then validated in H1299 cells, a NSCLC cell line exhibiting the highest ERCC5 expression. The MTS assay was performed as a first screening approach to determine whether these potential inhibitors could enhance cisplatin-induced cytotoxicity. Overall, among the eight compounds identified as the most promising, three of them revealed to significantly increase the impact of cisplatin. The inherent cytotoxicity of these compounds was further investigated in a non-tumoral lung cell line (BEAS-2B cells), which resulted in the identification of two non-cytotoxic candidates to be used in combination with cisplatin in order to improve its efficacy in NSCLC therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, there is a demand for an increase in the diversity and quality of new products reaching the consumer market. This fact imposes new challenges for different industrial sectors, including processes that integrate machine vision. Hardware acceleration and improvements in processing efficiency are becoming crucial for vision-based algorithms to follow the complexity growth of future industrial systems. This article presents a generic library of pre-processing filters for execution in field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) to reduce the overall image processing time in vision systems. An experimental setup based on the Zybo Z7 Pcam 5C Demo project was developed and used to validate the filters described in VHDL (VHSIC hardware description language). Finally, a comparison of the execution times using GPU and CPU platforms was performed as well as an evaluation of the integration of the current work in an industrial application. The results showed a decrease in the pre-processing time from milliseconds to nanoseconds when using FPGAs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Macroalgae are a natural oceanic resource of inexhaustible abundance for the biomass energy industry with growth rates that are three to four times greater than those of terrestrial plants. The objective of this study was to evaluate the sustainability of macroalgae as biomass for biorefining through two investigations. Firstly, the deposition of macroalgae was sampled through 28 collections on seven beaches in the city of Maceió, Brazil, over a two-year period using a zigzag sampling method, covering a deposition area of 135,000 m2. From this, it was estimated that daily collection would yield 5.03 t/ha of dry biomass. Secondly, the calorific values of macroalgal biomass energy and pellet compounds were calculated. The lower calorific value (8.82 MJ/kg) found from a compound of 13 species analyzed was similar to that of the main biomass used in Brazil to obtain energy, i.e., sugarcane bagasse, which has been evaluated as 8.91 MJ/kg. Macroalgal biomass in the form of condensed energy pellets was found to have a higher calorific value of 20.18 MJ/kg, i.e., 1.2% greater than the average for terrestrial biomass pellets. Based on the results obtained, it was observed that macroalgal biomass has the possibility of becoming a new renewable feedstock with potential for bioenergy. The estimates for the deposition of biomass show possibilities for producing biofuels from marine algal raw material, which provides scope for creating another sustainable alternative for global energy issues with a reduction in environmental problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this work was to assess the microbiological safety and quality of horsemeat. A total of 19 fresh horsemeat samples were analysed. Mesophile counts were 4.89 ± 1.08 log CFU/g, and Enterobacteriaceae, Staphylococcus spp., and enterococci were only isolated from 36.84%, 21.05%, and 15.79% of the samples, respectively. Neither Staphylococcus aureus nor Escherichia coli were found in any sample. Listeria spp. and Listeria monocytogenes were detected in 31.58% and 21.05% of the samples, respectively. Campylobacter jejuni was not detected in any sample. The dominant bacteria were lactic acid bacteria. Seven different Staphylococcus spp. were identified, the most common being S. delphini, S. saprophyticus, and S. warneri. S. delphini showed resistance against mupirocin and cefoxitin. All the L. monocytogenes strains showed resistance against ampicillin, cefotaxime, and oxacillin. Multi-resistant Yersinia enterocolitica, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, and Vagococcus. fluvialis strains were found, with resistance to 11, 7, and 8 antibiotics, respectively, causing significant concern. Therefore, specific actions should be taken to decrease the contamination of horsemeat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The uncertainty in estimating the wave spectrum from the records of wave elevation by heave–pitch–roll buoys is studied, considering the effects of the estimation method and the spectral resolution adopted in the process. This investigation utilizes measurements from a wave buoy moored in deep water in the South Atlantic Ocean. First, the spectra are computed using the autocorrelation function and the direct Fourier method. Second, the spectral resolution is tested in terms of degrees of freedom. The degrees of freedom are varied, and the resulting spectra and integrated parameters are computed, showing significant variability. A simple and robust methodology for determining the wave spectrum is suggested, which involves calculating the average energy density in each frequency band. The results of this methodology reduce the variability of the estimated parameters, improving overall accuracy while preserving frequency resolution, which is crucial in complex sea states. Additionally, to demonstrate the feasibility of the implemented approach, the final spectrum is fitted using an empirical model ideal for that type of spectrum. Finally, the performance and the goodness of the fit process for the final averaged curve are checked by widely used statistical metrics, such as R2 = 0.97 and root mean square error = 0.49. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A set of planar motion mechanism experiments of the Duisburg Test Case Post-Panamax container model executed in a towing tank with shallow depth is applied to train a neural network to analyse the ability of the proposed model to learn the effects of different depth conditions on ship's manoeuvring capabilities. The motivation of the work presented in this paper is to contribute an alternative and effective approach to model non-linear systems through artificial neural networks that address the manoeuvring simulation of ships in shallow water. The system is developed using the Levenberg–Marquardt backpropagation training algorithm and the resilient backpropagation scheme to demonstrate the correlation between the vessel forces and the respective trajectories and velocities. Sensitivity analyses were performed to identify the number of layers necessary for the proposed model to predict the vessel manoeuvring characteristics in two different depths. The outcomes achieved with the proposed system have shown excellent accuracy and ability in predicting ship manoeuvring with varying depths of shallow water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 3D analytical model is formulated based on linearised small-amplitude wave theory to analyse the behaviour of a horizontal, flexible membrane subject to wave–current interaction. The membrane is connected to spring moorings for stability. Green's function approach is used to obtain the dispersion relation and is utilised in the solution by applying the velocity decomposition method. On the other hand, a brief description of the experiment is presented. The accuracy level of the analytical results is checked by comparing the results of reflection and the transmission coefficients against experimental data sets. Several numerical results on the displacements of the membrane and the vertical forces are studied thoroughly to examine the impact of current loads, spring stiffness, membrane tension, modes of oscillations, and water depths. It is observed that as the value of the current speed (CS) rises, the deflection also increases, whereas it declines in deeper water. On the other hand, the spring stiffness has minimal effect on the vibrations of the flexible membrane. When vertical force is considered, higher oscillation modes increase the vertical loads on the membrane, and for a mid-range wavelength, the vertical wave loads on the membrane grow as the CS increases. Further, the influence of the phase and group velocities are presented. The influences of CS and comparisons between them in terms of water depth are presented and analysed. This analysis will inform the design of membrane-based wave energy converters and breakwaters by clarifying how current loads affect the dynamics of floating membranes at various water depths. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is dedicated to correcting the WAM/ICON numerical wave model predictions by reducing the residue between the model's predictions and the actual buoy observations. The two parameters used in this paper are significant wave height and wind speed. The paper proposes two machine learning models to solve this task. Both models are multioutput models and correct the significant wave height and wind speed simultaneously. The first machine learning model is based on gradient boosted trees, which is trained to predict the residue between the model's forecasts and the actual buoy observations using the other parameters predicted by the numerical model as inputs. This paper demonstrates that this model can significantly reduce errors for all used geographical locations. This paper also uses SHapley Additive exPlanation values to investigate the influence that the numerically predicted wave parameters have when the machine learning model predicts the residue. To design the second model, it is assumed that the residue can be modelled as noise added to the actual values. Therefore, this paper proposes to use the denoising autoencoder to remove this noise from the numerical model's prediction. The results demonstrate that denoising autoencoders can remove the noise for the wind speed parameter, but their performance is poor for the significant wave height. This paper provides some explanations as to why this may happen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Knowledge of the role of hospital conditions in SARS-CoV-2 transmission should inform strategies for the prevention of nosocomial spread of this pathogen and of similarly transmitted viruses. This study aimed to identify risk factors for nosocomial acquisition of SARS-CoV-2. Methods: We ran a nested case-control study with incidence density sampling among adult patients hospitalized for >7 days (August–December 2020). Patients testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 after the 7th day of hospitalization were defined as cases and matched with controls (1:4) by date of admission, hospitalization duration until index date, and type of department. Individual and contextual characteristics were gathered, including admission characteristics and exposures during the risk period. Conditional logistic regression was used to estimate the odds ratios (ORs) with respective 95% confidence intervals (CI) separately for probable (diagnosed on day 8–13) and definitive (diagnosed after day 14) nosocomial sets. Results: We identified 65 cases (31 probable; 34 definitive) and 219 controls. No individual characteristic was related to nosocomial acquisition of SARS-CoV-2. Contextual risk factors for nosocomial acquisition were staying in a non-refurbished room (probable nosocomial: OR = 3.6, 1.18–10.87), contact with roommates with newly diagnosed SARS-CoV-2 (probable nosocomial: OR = 9.9, 2.11–46.55; definitive nosocomial: OR = 3.4, 1.09–10.30), and contact with roommates with a first positive test 21–90 days before the beginning of contact (probable nosocomial: OR = 10.7, 1.97–57.7). Conclusions: Hospital conditions and contact with recently infected patients modulated nosocomial SARS-CoV-2 transmission. These results alert us to the importance of the physical context and of agile screening procedures to shorten contact with patients with recent infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Breakthrough COVID-19 (occurring in fully vaccinated people) has been described. Data on its characteristics among immune-mediated rheumatic disease (IMRD) patients are scarce. This study describes breakthrough COVID-19 occurring in IMRD patients participating in the SAFER-study, a Brazilian multicentric cohort evaluating the safety, effectiveness, and immunogenicity of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in patients with autoimmune diseases. A descriptive analysis of the population and a binary logistic regression model were performed to evaluate the predictors of COVID-19-related hospitalization. A p-value < 0.05 was significant. The included 160 patients were predominantly females (83.1%), with a mean (SD) age of 40.23 (13.19) years. The patients received two (19%), three (70%), or four (11%) vaccine doses. The initial two-dose series was mainly with ChAdOx1 (Oxford/AstraZeneca) (58%) or BBIBP-CorV (Sinopharm-Beijing) (34%). The first booster (n = 150) was with BNT162b2 (BioNtech/Fosun Pharma/Pfizer) (63%) or ChAdOx1 (29%). The second booster (n = 112) was with BNT162b2 (40%) or ChAdOx1 (26%). The COVID-19 hospitalization rate was 17.5%. IMRD moderate/high activity (OR: 5.84; CI: 1.9–18.5; p = 0.002) and treatment with corticosteroids (OR: 2.94; CI: 1.02–8.49; p = 0.0043) were associated with higher odds of hospitalization, while increasing the number of vaccine doses was protective (OR: 0.37; CI: 0.15–0.9; p = 0.032). These findings, along with previous reassuring results about the safety of the COVID-19 vaccines, argue in favor of booster vaccination in IMRD patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is an arbovirus causing acute febrile illness with severe joint pain, often leading to chronic arthralgia. This study investigated the adaptive immune responses during the early stages of symptomatic acute CHIKV infection, focusing on the transcription factors and cytokines linked to Th1, Th2, Th17, and Treg cells. Thirty-six individuals were enrolled: nine healthy controls and 27 CHIKV-positive patients confirmed by qRT-PCR. Blood samples were analyzed for the mRNA expression of transcription factors (Tbet, GATA3, FoxP3, STAT3, RORγt) and cytokines (IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-17, IL-22, TGF-β, IL-10). The results showed the significant upregulation of Tbet, GATA3, FoxP3, STAT3, and RORγt in CHIKV-positive patients, with RORγt displaying the highest increase. Correspondingly, cytokines IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-17, and IL-22 were upregulated, while TGF-β was downregulated. Principal component analysis (PCA) confirmed the distinct immune profiles between CHIKV-positive and healthy individuals. A correlation analysis indicated that higher Tbet expression correlated with a lower viral load, whereas FoxP3 and TGF-β were associated with higher viral loads. Our study sheds light on the intricate immune responses during acute CHIKV infection, characterized by a mixed Th1, Th2, Th17, and Treg response profile. These results emphasize the complex interplay between different adaptive immune responses and how they may contribute to the pathogenesis of Chikungunya fever. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the occurrence and dynamics of oral Staphylococcus species in patients with orofacial clefts undergoing surgical rehabilitation treatment. Patients (n = 59) were statistically stratified and analyzed (age, gender, types of orofacial clefts, surgical history, and types of previous surgical rehabilitation). Salivary samples were obtained between hospitalization and the return to the specialized medical center. Microbiological diagnosis was performed by classical methods, and MALDI-TOF MS. MRSA strains (SCCmec type II, III, and IV) were characterized by the Decision Tree method. A total of 33 (55.9%) patients showed oral staphylococcal colonization in one, two, or three sampling steps. A high prevalence has been reported for S. aureus (including HA-, MRSA and CA-MRSA), followed by S. saprophyticus, S. epidermidis, S. sciuri, S. haemolyticus, S. lentus, S. arlettae, and S. warneri. The dynamics of oral colonization throughout surgical treatment and medical follow-up may be influenced by (i) imbalances in staphylococcal maintenance, (ii) efficiency of surgical asepsis or break of the aseptic chain, (iii) staphylococcal neocolonization in newly rehabilitated anatomical oral sites, and (iv) total or partial maintenance of staphylococcal species. The highly frequent clinical periodicity in specialized medical and dental centers may contribute to the acquisition of MRSA in these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate incidental findings in the mandible after the placement of dental implants using a new cone–beam computed tomography (CBCT) software. Methods: The initial sample consisted of 2872 CBCT scans of patients of both sexes. The parameters evaluated in this study were the location of the implants in the mandible, implant length, anatomical relationship of the implant with the mandibular canal, presence or absence of damage to the adjacent teeth, presence or absence of implant fractures, and presence or absence of bone support. Fisher's exact test was performed to compare the variables. The significance level was set at p = 0.05. Results: Out of 2872 CBCT scans, 214 images of patients with an average age of 44.5 years were included. The most frequent location of the implants was the posterior region (93.5%), with 54% of the implants having a length between 9 and 14 mm. It was found that 92% of the implants were positioned above the mandibular canal. Damage to adjacent teeth was observed, with no correlation with the implant positioning (p = 1.000). In 100% of cases of implants in the anterior region, there was bone support. Fracture was observed in 1.7% of implants with a length between 9 and 14 mm. Conclusions: The installation of implants in the mandible occurs more frequently in the posterior region, with a high presence of bone support and a low incidence of damage to adjacent teeth, anatomical structures, and fractures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enterococcus spp. are isolated from infections of domestic animals and can present resistance to different antimicrobials. This study aimed to identify the main species of Enterococcus and determine the phenotypic resistance to antimicrobials of isolates of this bacterial genus obtained from dogs and cats admitted to a veterinary hospital in southern Brazil. A total of 57 Enterococcus spp. were isolated from different clinical samples (urine, feces, ears and skin) in domestic animals admitted to the hospital over a period of three years (2016 to 2019). MALDI-TOF results demonstrated the occurrence of Enterococcus faecium (39; 68.4%), Enterococcus faecalis (17; 29.8%) and Enterococcus avium (1; 1.8%). In an overall analysis, resistance was observed to the antimicrobials rifampicin (46; 80.7%), tetracycline and streptomycin (42; 73.7%), ampicillin and imipenem (41; 71.9%), erythromycin (39; 68.4%), gentamicin (38; 66.7%), ciprofloxacin (36; 63.2%), norfloxacin (32; 56.1%), nitrofurantoin (10; 17.5%) and chloramphenicol (9; 15.7%). None of the Enterococcus spp. showed resistance to vancomycin and linezolid. Multidrug resistance (MDR) was detected in 45 (78.9%) isolates. In conclusion, E. faecium and E. faecalis with MDR are frequent in infections of hospitalized dogs and cats from southern Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]