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Abstract Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an emergent threat due to the antimicrobial resistance crisis. Bacteriophages (phages) are promising agents for phage therapy approaches against P. aeruginosa. It has been proposed that metazoans harbor phages on their mucosal surfaces, and this could be exploited for the rational design of prophylactic phage therapy. The goal of this study was to evaluate the potential of phage-mucus interaction to prevent infections caused by P. aeruginosa. We isolated two phages capable of infecting P. aeruginosa. Both are similar in morphology and closely related genetically. However, phage VAC3 is more efficient in replicating in mucin-exposed P. aeruginosa in vitro and is preferentially held in the respiratory tract of C57BL/6 mice. Pre-treatment with VAC3 phage protects mice from a lethal dose of P. aeruginosa while VAC1 does not. This shows that phages adapted to mucosal conditions have potential to be applied as prophylactic measures against an ESKAPE pathogen.

Increases in power output and maximal oxygen consumption (V˙O2max) occur in response to sprint interval exercise (SIE), but common use of “all-out” intensities presents a barrier for many adults. Furthermore, lower-body SIE is not feasible for all adults. We compared physiological and perceptual responses to supramaximal, but “non-all-out” SIE between leg and arm cycling exercise. Twenty-four active adults (mean ​± ​SD age: [25 ​± ​7] y; cycling V˙O2max: [39 ​± ​7] mL·kg−1·min−1) performed incremental exercise using leg (LCE) and arm cycle ergometry (ACE) to determine V˙O2max and maximal work capacity (Wmax). Subsequently, they performed four 20 ​s bouts of SIE at 130% Wmax on the LCE or ACE at cadence ​= ​120–130 ​rev/min, with 2 ​min recovery between intervals. Gas exchange data, heart rate (HR), blood lactate concentration (BLa), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and affective valence were acquired. Data showed significantly lower (p ​ ​0.42), and lowest affective valence recorded (2.0 ​± ​1.8) was considered “good to fairly good”. Data show that non “all-out” ACE elicits lower absolute but higher relative HR and V˙O2 compared to LCE. Less aversive perceptual responses could make this non-all-out modality feasible for inactive adults.

This article examines the link between the digital divide and women's economic participation. We use a cross-sectional model based on a panel of 45 African countries. Our results show that the digital divide (cell phone, bandwidth and Internet) worsens women's economic participation. The negative influence of the digital divide on women's economic participation tends to be amplified in countries with low democracy and in the industrial sector. Our results remain stable when we add cultural variables and when we use the alternative measure of the digital divide. However, after using the quantile regression approach, we find that these influences vary at different intervals along the distribution of women's economic participation.

RESUMO Com a pesquisa objetivou-se avaliar as modificações nos atributos químicos do solo e o efeito disso no desempenho dos atributos agronômicos do milho, após converter o manejo conduzido como preparo convencional para a forma de semeadura direta, em um Cambissolo Húmico alumínico léptico. A pesquisa foi conduzida em um experimento onde o preparo convencional (PC) e a semeadura direta (SD) vinham sendo estudados há 20. Após a conversão de manejo, a SD foi mantida e denominada semeadura direta consolidada (SDc) e o PC foi convertido à SD a qual foi denominada semeadura direta implantada (SDi). Determinou-se pH em água, alumínio, potássio, cálcio e magnésio trocável, fósforo extraível e carbono orgânico total (COT), antes e ao final de 30 meses da conversão de manejo. Ao final da pesquisa avaliouse também os atributos agronômicos do milho cultivado na SDi e SDc. Ao final da pesquisa, a SDi propiciou aumento do alumínio e potássio trocável e do COT, e diminuição do pH e do Ca, em comparação ao início da pesquisa. Maior massa da parte aérea e raízes e produtividade de grãos de milho foi observada na SDc em comparação a SDi.

Background/Objectives: Limited research has been performed to assess the strength of resin-bonded 3D-printed restorations. Based on that, this study investigates the impact of different manufacturing methods on the fracture load of indirect composite restorations (ICRs) following an aging process. Methods: Three manufacturing techniques—conventional (CRC), milled (MRC), and printed (PRC)—were evaluated using 60 specimens, each with a diameter of 10 mm and a thickness of 1.0 mm. Sandblasting with Al2O3 particles was employed to optimize the bonding process, significantly influencing surface roughness parameters (Ra, Rz, RSm). All specimens were bonded to the dentin analog using composite resin cement and subjected to either 10,000 thermocycles (TC) or storage (ST) at 37 °C in distilled water. Fracture load assessments were performed using a universal testing machine. A finite element analysis was conducted to assess stress distribution. Results: Two-way ANOVA results indicated that the manufacturing method significantly affected mean fracture load values (p < 0.001), with PRC showing the highest mean fracture load (4185 ± 914 N), followed by MRC (2495 ± 941 N) and CRC (599 ± 292 N). The aging protocol did not have a significant impact on fracture load. Conclusions: This study revealed that 3D-printed resin composite exhibited comparable strength to milled resin composite when adhesively cemented, suggesting it is a promising option for indirect composite restorations based on its mechanical performance. However, further research is needed to evaluate its bond strength and optimal surface treatment methods to prevent early debonding.

Background The delay in recognizing stroke symptoms is a significant obstacle to receiving acute treatment. Therefore, it is essential to understand the gaps in the knowledge about stroke among the general population and promote campaigns based on these gaps.

Background: Patient empowerment and environmental sustainability may contribute to creating efficient and resilient healthcare models. Chronic kidney diseases call for a sustainable approach aimed at improving physical function and mental health of patients and possibly contributing to the slowing down of the evolution toward the end stage of renal disease (ESRD) with a reduction of the environmental and economic impact. Summary: Multidisciplinary interventions should be implemented particularly, at the final stages when patients are exposed to sedentariness, reduced health-related quality of life (HR-QoL), high cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, and the healthcare services to high costs, and participation in environmental pollution. Ecological strategies based on specific nutritional approaches, exercise, and environment should be designed and tested. In particular, the introduction to physical exercise represents a useful replacement therapy to counteract the hazards derived from the sedentary behavior of ESRD patients, with low physical function associated with poor clinical outcomes. A more active and healthy lifestyle, particularly in the natural environment, could impact HR-QoL, mental and physical well-being but also on socialization, with lower anxiety and fatigue stress levels. Otherwise, combining sustainable exercise models into the patient’s daily routine can be enhanced by the biophilic design called to reproduce a natural environment in the dialysis center. Finally, the involvement of the personnel and the health professionals in properly managing the exercise interventions and the related factors (location, modality, dose, intensity, and duration) might improve the patients’ participation. In particular, ecological programs should be broadly inclusive and aimed to target the lowest performing populations through minimal feasible doses of exercise. Key Messages: Moving toward an ecological framework of lifestyle change in the very advanced stages of kidney disease, the potential synergies between environment, diet, and exercise may improve the physical and mental health of the patients and reduce the impact of dialysis.

ObjectiveOne aim of the Back Pain Consortium (BACPAC) Research Program is to develop an integrated model of chronic low back pain that is informed by combined data from translational research and clinical trials. We describe efforts to maximize data harmonization and accessibility to facilitate Consortium-wide analyses.MethodsConsortium-wide working groups established harmonized data elements to be collected in all studies and developed standards for tabular and nontabular data (eg, imaging and omics). The BACPAC Data Portal was developed to facilitate research collaboration across the Consortium.ResultsClinical experts developed the BACPAC Minimum Dataset with required domains and outcome measures to be collected by use of questionnaires across projects. Other nonrequired domain-specific measures are collected by multiple studies. To optimize cross-study analyses, a modified data standard was developed on the basis of the Clinical Data Interchange Standards Consortium Study Data Tabulation Model to harmonize data structures and facilitate integration of baseline characteristics, participant-reported outcomes, chronic low back pain treatments, clinical exam, functional performance, psychosocial characteristics, quantitative sensory testing, imaging, and biomechanical data. Standards to accommodate the unique features of chronic low back pain data were adopted. Research units submit standardized study data to the BACPAC Data Portal, developed as a secure cloud-based central data repository and computing infrastructure for researchers to access and conduct analyses on data collected by or acquired for BACPAC.ConclusionsBACPAC harmonization efforts and data standards serve as an innovative model for data integration that could be used as a framework for other consortia with multiple, decentralized research programs.

RESUMO Fundamento: Há carência de informações nacionais em relação a terapias utilizadas e evolução nos pacientes com síndrome coronária aguda com elevação de ST (SCACEST). Objetivos: Avaliar as terapias baseadas em evidência, a ocorrência de desfechos, uso de reperfusão e preditores para não receber reperfusão nos pacientes com SCACEST em um registro nacional multicêntrico. Métodos: Pacientes com SCACEST do Registro ACCEPT com até 12 horas de sintomas foram seguidos por 1 ano para ocorrência de eventos cardiovasculares maiores. Um p < 0,05 foi aplicado para todas análises. Resultados: Na análise de 1.553 pacientes, a taxa de reperfusão foi de 76,8%, variando de 47,5% na região Norte a até 80,5% na região Sudeste. A taxa de eventos cardiovasculares maiores foi de 12,5% em 1 ano. A prescrição de terapias baseadas em evidência na admissão hospitalar foi de 65,6%. A presença de hipertensão (odds ratio [OR] 1,47; intervalo de confiança [IC] 95% 1,11 a 1,96; p < 0,01), infarto agudo do miocárdio prévio (OR 1,81; IC 95% 1,32 a 2,48; p < 0,001) e as regiões Norte (OR 4,65; IC 95% 2,87 a 7,52; p < 0,001), Centro-Oeste (OR 4,02 IC 95% 1,26 a 12,7; p < 0,05) e Nordeste (OR 1,70; IC 95% 1,17 a 2,46; p < 0,01) foram preditores independentes de não utilização de terapia de reperfusão. Conclusões: No seguimento de 1 ano do Registro ACCEPT podemos verificar uma ampla variação dentre as regiões no que tange a aderência às melhores práticas de cuidado. Ser atendido nas regiões Norte, Centro-Oeste ou Nordeste, ter hipertensão arterial sistêmica ou infarto prévio foram preditores independentes de não utilização de terapia de reperfusão.

ABSTRACT: Primary root emission and electrical conductivity tests are rapid tests used to estimate the seed vigor of various species. However, few studies are directed to wheat seeds. This research aimed to evaluate the efficiency of the primary root emission and electrical conductivity tests to evaluate the vigor of different cultivars and wheat seed lots. Seeds from six cultivars represented by one lot each and five lots from cultivar CD 150 were used. Primary root emission at 20 °C and 25 °C after 24, 48, and 72 h and conventional and modified electrical conductivity with 2 and 4 g of seeds immersed in water at 25 °C for 6, 16, and 24 h, were compared with the following tests: germination, first germination count, accelerated aging, field and sand emergence and emergence speed index. A completely randomized design was used for laboratory tests. A factorial scheme was used for the primary root emission and modified electrical conductivity tests. Data were subjected to analysis of variance and means compared by the Tukey test (p≤ 0.05). A simple correlation analysis was performed between the tests and the seedling emergence percentage in the field. The primary root emission test (> 2 mm) at 20 or 25 °C for 48 or 72 h is efficient for evaluating the physiological potential of wheat seeds and correlates with seedling emergence in the field. The electrical conductivity test conducted using either the traditional or modified methodology is not effective in assessing the vigor of wheat seeds.

O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar o desempenho de novilhas de corte do desmame ao fim do período reprodutivo aos 13/15 meses de idade submetidas a três sistemas alimentares nos meses de inverno após o desmame: pastagem de aveia preta (Avena strigosa Schreb.) e azevém (Lolium multiflorum Lam.); pastagem de aveia preta e azevém mais suplementação com 1% do peso corporal com farelo de trigo (FT); e pastagem de aveia preta e azevém mais suplementação de 1% de peso corporal com farelo de trigo e 200 ml/cabeça/dia de glicerina bruta (FTG). As suplementações não afetaram a taxa de prenhez das novilhas púberes anteriormente ao período reprodutivo, mas determinaram mais novilhas púberes e maior concepção nos primeiros 21 dias do acasalamento. Novilhas prenhes, independentes dos tratamentos, possuem melhores características fenotípicas de conformação, precocidade, musculatura e tamanho já ao desmame, maior ganho diário médio e condição corporal ao início e fim dos sistemas alimentares e início da temporada reprodutiva, o que permite uma seleção prévia, a idades menores, das bezerras a serem postas em sistemas alimentares para prenhez aos 13/15 meses de idade. Rebanhos com prenhez estabilizada aos dois anos de idade necessitam de seleção para maior precocidade sexual e prenhez aos 13/15 meses de idade, podendo o peso ao desmame ser um bom preditor.

A metodologia adotada neste artigo foi a empírica indutiva, com estudo de caso, de forma a analisar a atuação efetiva dos núcleos de prática jurídica em relação ao seu papel de proteger a população economicamente vulnerável. A problematização apresentada consiste na dificuldade do acesso à Justiça para as lides demandadas da referida população. Mediante os estudos de caso, mostrou-se imprescindível o negócio jurídico como meio facilitador da resolução das ações, com base nas declarações de vontade das partes. Desse modo, este estudo tem o objetivo geral de analisar a prestação jurisdicional à população vulnerável e mais especificamente o papel do negócio jurídico na resolução de conflitos dessa parcela da população. Por fim, esta pesquisa determinou que os Núcleos de Prática Jurídica são indispensáveis na tutela de vulneráveis.

IntroductionOsteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic degenerative joint disease characterized by the progressive degradation of articular cartilage, resulting in pain and reduced mobility. Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) has been widely recognized for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, but the molecular mechanisms underlying its therapeutic effects remain inadequately explored. This study investigates the potential of turmeric oleoresin (TUR) to activate Cannabinoid Receptor 2 (CBR2) and its role in mediating anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in an in vitro OA model.Material and methodsMolecular docking and cAMP quantification assays were used to evaluate TUR’s agonistic activity on CBR2. Human chondrosarcoma cells (SW-1353) were treated with TUR under oxidative stress induced by menadione or inflammatory conditions simulated with IL-1β and TNF-α. The effects of TUR were assessed in the presence and absence of the CBR2 antagonist SR144528. Outcomes included changes in reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, inflammatory marker expression, oxidative defense markers and endocannabinoid system components and receptors.ResultsTUR was confirmed as a CBR2 agonist and significantly reduced ROS production, downregulated pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, COX-2, metalloproteases), and suppressed signaling pathways such as NFKB1, ERK 1/2, and c-Myc. These effects were reversed upon CBR2 inhibition. TUR also enhanced HMOX-1 expression and modulated endocannabinoid-related enzymes, highlighting its impact on oxidative stress and the endocannabinoid system.DiscussionThese findings suggest that CBR2 activation is central to TUR’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. By modulating key pathways and endocannabinoid system components, TUR demonstrates potential as a novel therapeutic agent for OA management. Future studies could explore its clinical applications and further validate its molecular mechanisms in vivo.

Three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting has emerged as a promising approach for the development of functional tissues and organs, including the heart valves. In this study, we investigated the interaction of 3D printed collagen scaffolds with H9c2(2–1) and NIH/3T3 cells to improve heart-valve repair strategies. Type I collagen was extracted from rat tails, characterized using SDS-PAGE and Raman spectroscopy, and used as a biomaterial ink for 3D printing. The rheological properties were evaluated. The FRESH technique was used to support the printed construct. In vitro assessments were performed to determine the cell viability and distribution within the scaffold. These results demonstrated the successful extraction and characterization of Type I collagen, which exhibited suitable rheological properties for 3D bioprinting. The printed collagen scaffolds supported the growth and distribution of H9c2(2–1) and NIH/3T3 cells, indicating their potential application in heart valve repair. This study highlights the importance of collagen as a biomaterial in 3D bioprinting and provides insights into the development of advanced strategies for heart valve repair.

Background: Respiratory viral infections affect millions of people worldwide and are life threatening for many of them. The viral seasonality leads to changes in the dynamics of respiratory infections and the importance of monitoring and surveillance of respiratory viruses becomes clearer. Objectives: This study aims to analyze data from respiratory virus testing at the Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA) to evaluate their epidemiology from 2018 to 2021, observing their occurrence and seasonality before and after the onset of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Study design: In this study, data analysis was divided into four time periods, corresponding to 2018 to 2021. Anonymized patients diagnosed with influenza virus (FLU), human parainfluenza virus (HPIV), human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV), SARS-CoV-2 virus, or human adenovirus (HAdV) were included. We conducted chi-square goodness-of-fit tests for each virus by year, and a p-value of