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The tropical Atlantic is home to multiple coupled climate variations covering a wide range of timescales and impacting societally relevant phenomena such as continental rainfall, Atlantic hurricane activity, oceanic biological productivity, and atmospheric circulation in the equatorial Pacific. The tropical Atlantic also connects the southern and northern branches of the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation and receives freshwater input from some of the world's largest rivers. To address these diverse, unique, and interconnected research challenges, a rich network of ocean observations has developed, building on the backbone of the Prediction and Research Moored Array in the Tropical Atlantic (PIRATA). This network has evolved naturally over time and out of necessity in order to address the most important outstanding scientific questions and to improve predictions of tropical Atlantic severe weather and global climate variability and change. The tropical Atlantic observing system is motivated by goals to understand and better predict phenomena such as tropical Atlantic interannual to decadal variability and climate change; multidecadal variability and its links to the meridional overturning circulation; air-sea fluxes of CO2 and their implications for the fate of anthropogenic CO2; the Amazon River plume and its interactions with biogeochemistry, vertical mixing, and hurricanes; the highly productive eastern boundary and equatorial upwelling systems; and oceanic oxygen minimum zones, their impacts on biogeochemical cycles and marine ecosystems, and their feedbacks to climate. Past success of the tropical Atlantic observing system is the result of an international commitment to sustained observations and scientific cooperation, a willingness to evolve with changing research and monitoring needs, and a desire to share data openly with the scientific community and operational centers. The observing system must continue to evolve in order to meet an expanding set of research priorities and operational challenges. This paper discusses the tropical Atlantic observing system, including emerging scientific questions that demand sustained ocean observations, the potential for further integration of the observing system, and the requirements for sustaining and enhancing the tropical Atlantic observing system.

Monitoring protocols are needed to evaluate the millions of hectares of land that are being proposed for forest restoration in the coming decades. Standardized proposals are critical to evaluate efficacy of restoration strategies, identify triggers for corrective actions, compare results across projects, and generally learn from past projects to inform future restoration efforts. We describe an iterative process, including over 200 stakeholders, to develop a protocol for monitoring Brazilian Atlantic Forest restoration. We give an overview of the ecological, socioeconomic, and management criteria, indicators, and metrics included in the protocol. Strengths of the protocol include the following: (a) testing and use across sites with a range of ages, forest types, past land uses, restoration techniques, and implementing institutions; (b) participation by a broad range of government, nongovernment, private, and academic institutions in the protocol development process; and (c) inclusion of socioeconomic and management criteria. Next steps for facilitating the broad adoption of the protocol in the Atlantic Forest region include providing in person and online training courses, establishing an online repository for storing and comparing monitoring data, and developing smartphone applications to facilitate data collection. Although the protocol was developed for the Atlantic Forest context and further refinements are needed, we think that the Atlantic Forest Pact monitoring protocol may serve as a model to inform the development of similar protocols in other regions, which ultimately could be integrated to produce a pantropical protocol for common use by several restoration forest programs worldwide.

Diazepam (DZP) is a sedative medication prescribed to treat anxiety and as a sleep inducer, although its residual effects are unfavorable to patients. Nanotechnology represents a tool to improve the pharmacological characteristics of drugs, reducing their side effects. This study aimed to develop and characterize DZP nanocapsules and to evaluate their toxicity in alternative models and the hypnotic-sedative effect in mice. Nanocapsules were prepared by the nanoprecipitation method and properly characterized. Long-term and accelerated stability studies were performed. The in vitro release profile was determined by diffusion in Franz cells. The safety of the formulation was evaluated in the Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) and the oral acute toxicity in mice. Pharmacological evaluation was performed using thiopental-induced sleeping time. DZP was successfully incorporated into Poly-(ɛ-caprolactone) (PCL) nanocapsules, with high entrapment efficiency. The nanocapsule did not affect the development or survival of C. elegans, different from the free drug, which affected the nematode development at the higher tested dose. No signs of toxicity, nor body mass or feed consumption changes were observed during the 14 days evaluated. Finally, this innovative formulation carrying DZP can produce a hypnotic-effect at a reduced dose compared to the free drug, with no toxicity in alternative models., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Chickens with Necrotic Enteritis (NE), caused by Clostridium perfringens, exhibit acute and chronic symptoms that are difficult to diagnose, leading to significant economic losses. Vaccination is the best method for controlling and preventing NE. However, only two vaccines based on the CPA and NetB toxins have been commercialized, offering partial protection, highlighting the urgent need for more effective vaccines., Objective: This review aimed to identify promising antigens for NE vaccine formulation and discuss factors affecting their effectiveness., Methods: A systematic review using five scientific databases identified 30 eligible studies through the Rayyan tool, which were included for quality review., Results: We identified 25 promising antigens, including CPA, NetB, FBA, ZMP, CnaA, FimA, and FimB, categorized by their role in disease pathogenesis. This review discusses the biochemical, physiological, and genetic traits of recombinant antigens used in vaccine prototypes, their expression systems, and immunization potential in chickens challenged with virulent C. perfringens strains. Market supply challenges, immunogenic potential, vaccine platforms, adjuvants, and factors related to vaccination schedules-such as administration routes, dosing intervals, and age at immunization-are also addressed. Additionally, the study notes that vaccine formulations tested under mild challenges may not offer adequate field-level protection due to issues replicating aggressive conditions, strain virulence loss, and varied methodologies., Conclusions: An ideal NE vaccine should incorporate multiple antigens, molecular adjuvants, and delivery systems via in ovo and oral routes. The review underscores the challenges in developing and validating NE vaccines and the urgent need for a standardized protocol to replicate aggressive challenges accurately., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Producing commercial bacterins/toxoids against Clostridium spp. is laborious and hazardous. Conversely, developing prototype vaccines using purified recombinant toxoids, though safe and effective, is both laborious and costly for application in production animals., Objective: Considering that inactivated recombinant Escherichiacoli (bacterin) is a simple, cost-effective, and to be safe solution, we evaluated, for the first time, a pentavalent formulation of recombinant bacterins containing the alpha, beta, and epsilon toxins of Clostridiumperfringens and C and D neurotoxins of Clostridiumbotulinum in sheep., Methods: Subcutaneously, 18 Texel sheep received two doses (200 μg of each antigen) of recombinant bacterin (n = 7) or purified recombinant antigens (n = 6) on days 0 and 28, while the control group (n = 5) did not receive an immunization. Sera samples from days 0 (before the 1st dose), 28 (before the 2nd dose), and 56, 84, and 112 were used for measuring IgG (indirect ELISA) and neutralizing antibodies (mouse serum neutralization)., Results: Both formulations induced significant levels of IgG against all five toxins (p < 0.05) up to day 112, with peaks at days 28 and 56 post-immunization. The expected booster effect occurred only for the botulinum toxins. The neutralizing antibody titers were satisfactory against ETX (≥2 IU/ml for both formulations) and BoNT-D [5 IU/ml (bacterin) and 10 IU/ml (purified)]., Conclusion: While adjustments are required, the recombinant bacterin platform holds great potential for polyvalent vaccines due to its straightforward, safe, and cost-effective production, establishing it as a user-friendly technology for the veterinary immunobiological industry., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The abusive use of anabolic androgenic steroids has become a serious health problem worldwide, but its effects on oral health are still poorly understood. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of a supraphysiological dose of testosterone cypionate (TC) on salivary biochemical, histomorphology, immunohistochemistry, and redox state parameters of parotid and submandibular glands. Twenty male Wistar rats, 12 weeks old, were divided into two groups (n=10/group): a control group and TC group, which received a dose of 20 mg/kg, once a week, for 6 weeks. Post treatment, the saliva and glands were collected. A supraphysiological dose of TC increased plasma and salivary testosterone concentrations. Although TC did not alter salivary flow, pH, and buffering capacity, the treatment increased the salivary secretion of total protein and reduced amylase, calcium, phosphate, and potassium. TC reduced the connective tissue area in the parotid gland and acinar area of the submandibular gland, while increasing the granular convoluted tubule area in the submandibular gland. Proliferating cell nuclear antigen was higher in the acinar cells of the submandibular glands from the TC group. Moreover, TC increased concentrations of total oxidant capacity and damaged lipids in both salivary glands, while total antioxidant activity and uric acid were lower in the submandibular gland, and reduced glutathione was higher in both glands. Superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase activities were higher in the parotid gland, while only glutathione peroxidase activity was lower in the submandibular gland of the TC group. In conclusion, TC abuse may be a potential factor for dysfunction of the parotid and submandibular glands, becoming a risk factor for the oral and systemic health of users., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: Wheelchair users and people with disabilities have limited access to physical exercise due to various factors, including medical follow-up and training facilities. Although tele-exercise guided by experts has become a viable option, there is limited knowledge about the acute performance decrement (APD) resulting from remote training methods. The current cross-sectional study aimed to: (1) assess the APD of muscle resistance strength after three synchronous tele-exercise training methods in wheelchair users and (2) compare the training loads associated with each training method., Materials and Methods: Eighteen male and female wheelchair users who participated in tele-exercise strength practices were recruited. The participants performed a maximum resistance strength test by synchronous tele-assessment (push-up test, PUT) at baseline and immediately after three training methods: high-intensity interval training (HIIT), moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) and sprint interval training (SIT). The primary outcome was the APD, which was measured by the percentage decrease in the number of repetitions of the PUT immediately after the training methods., Results: APD was observed for all three training methods, with no significant differences between them (-34.8%, -29.9% and -38.0% for MICT, SIT and HII, respectively), and presented a non-significant correlation with the training loads. HIIT had a significantly higher training load than MICT and SIT., Conclusions: APD occurred in all training sessions, but did not correlate with training load, indicating that it is not an appropriate metric for comparison. Findings provide insight into APD response and highlight the need to consider multiple metrics when comparing training protocols.

The use of bleaching agents to remove stains is one of the main dental procedures to improve the aesthetics of teeth. This review presents the main agents used for tooth whitening, existing clinical protocols, and the structural changes that may occur through their use. The main bleaching agents consist of hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide, which are used in bleaching techniques for vital teeth. These techniques can be performed in the office by a professional or by the individual in a home en-vironment under professional guidance. Bleaching agents come in a variety of concentrations and there are over-the-counter products available on the market with lower concentrations of hydrogen peroxide. Due to the chemical characteristics of the agents, changes in the organic and inorganic content of the tooth structure can be observed. These changes are related to morphological changes characterized by in-creased permeability and surface roughness, such changes compromise the mechanical resistance of the tooth. Furthermore, bleaching agents can promote molecular changes after reaching the dental pulp, resulting in oxidative stress of pulp cells and the release of pro-inflammatory mediators. Despite the bleaching effectiveness, tooth sensitivity is considered the main side effect of use. Therefore, among the heterogeneity of protocols, those that used the bleaching agent for a prolonged time and in lower con-centrations presented more harmful effects on the tooth structure., (©The Author(s) 2024. Open Access. This article is licensed under a Creative Commons CC-BY International License.)

Question: In people with shoulder pain, what is the effect of adding mobilisation with movement (MWM) to a standard exercise program on function and pain compared with sham MWM and the same exercise program?, Design: A randomised trial with concealed allocation, blinded outcome assessment and intention-to-treat analysis., Participants: Seventy people with chronic atraumatic rotator cuff related pain, with a mean age 48 years (SD 10)., Interventions: The experimental group received MWM plus exercise and the control group received sham MWM plus exercise. Treatments were delivered twice per week for 5 weeks., Outcome Measures: The primary outcome measures were function (0 to 100 Shoulder Pain and Disability Index) and pain (0 to 10 Numerical Pain Rating Scale). Secondary outcomes were self-efficacy, perceived improvement and active pain-free range of movement. Assessment time points were at baseline (week 0), the end of the treatment period (week 5) and a follow-up 1 month after the end of treatment (week 9)., Results: At week 5, the experimental group improved more than the control group in function (MD -15 points, 95% CI -24 to -7), pain at night (MD -2.1, 95% CI -3.1 to -1.1), pain on movement (MD -1.5, 95% CI -2.5 to -0.6) and active range of movement in flexion (MD 16 deg, 95% CI 1 to 30), abduction (MD 23 deg, 95% CI 6 to 40), external rotation (MD 11 deg, 95% CI 4 to 17) and hand behind back (MD 20 deg, 95% CI 8 to 32). At week 9, benefits were seen in the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (MD -9 points, 95% CI -17 to -1), pain at night (MD -1.9, 95% CI -2.9 to -0.8) and on movement (MD -1.3, 95% CI-2.3 to -0.3). The effects of the experimental intervention on other outcomes were mostly unclear due to wide confidence intervals. Blinding was successful., Conclusions: Adding MWM to exercise improved function, pain and active range of movement in people with shoulder pain. These benefits were not placebo effects., Registration: NCT04175184., (Copyright © 2024 Australian Physiotherapy Association. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Industrial effluents, especially those containing dyes, have become the main cause of contamination of water resources. In this context, Brazilian bentonite/MgO composites, with excellent adsorptive properties, were prepared and investigated for their effectiveness in removing cationic and anionic dyes from aqueous solutions. The new adsorbents were obtained using Brazilian bentonites and MgO using the mechanochemical method followed by heat treatment (at 700 °C for 4 h). Different characterization techniques were used for the chemical, mineralogical, thermal, surface, and morphological analysis of the raw clays and the composites. The experimental adsorption isotherms were quantified under different conditions of initial concentration, contact time, pH, adsorbent dosage, and temperature variation to interpret the adsorption mechanism of the crystal violet (CV) and Congo red (CR) dyes. The modeling results were obtained from the empirical Sips equation and Pseudo Second Order (PSO) kinetics, indicating that the adsorption of molecules is a heterogeneous phenomenon that occurs in a monolayer on the surface (n s  > 1), with the adsorption rate determined by chemisorption. The composites showed the best removal efficiency performance compared to the raw bentonites, with an increase of 12% for the CV dye and 46% for the CR dye. In addition, the q max values obtained were 423.02 mg/g and 479.86 mg/g (AM01). This research underscores the potential of Brazilian bentonite/MgO composites as a promising solution for the removal of cationic and anionic dyes from water, offering hope for future applications in the field of environmental engineering and materials science., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Biosurfactants are amphiphilic biomolecules with promising tensoative and emulsifying properties that find application in the most varied industrial sectors: environment, food, agriculture, petroleum, cosmetics, and hygiene. In the current work, a 2 3 full-factorial design was performed to evaluate the effect and interactions of pineapple peel and corncob as substrates for biosurfactant production by Bacillus subtilis LMA-ICF-PC 001. In a previous stage, an alkaline pretreatment was applied to corncob samples to extract the xylose-rich hydrolysate. The results indicated that pineapple peel extract and xylose-rich hydrolysate acted as partial glucose substitutes, minimizing production costs with exogenous substrates. Biosurfactant I (obtained at 8.11% pineapple peel extract, 8.11% xylose-rich hydrolysate from corncob, and 2.8109 g/L glucose) exhibited a significant surface tension reduction (52.37%) and a promising bioremediation potential (87.36%). On the other hand, biosurfactant III (obtained at 8.11% pineapple peel extract, 31.89% xylose-rich hydrolysate from corncob, and 2.8109 g/L glucose) exhibited the maximum emulsification index in engine oil (69.60%), the lowest critical micellar concentration (68 mg/L), and the highest biosurfactant production (5.59 g/L). These findings demonstrated that using pineapple peel extract and xylose-rich hydrolysate from corncob effectively supports biosurfactant synthesis by B. subtilis, reinforcing how agro-industrial wastes can substitute traditional carbon sources, contributing to cost reduction and environmental sustainability., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Uterine vascular alterations take place in pyometra bitches speculatively influenced by prostaglandin and nitric oxide pathways. However, no causative effect of nitric oxide on endometrial vascularization was proved elsewhere for medically treated pyometra bitches. This study aimed to identify the main in situ uterine artery vasodilation pathway in pyometra bitches medically treated with antigestagen solely or coupled with prostaglandin. Pyometra bitches were enrolled into groups: Ovariohysterectomy at diagnosis (Control-OHE; n = 7), Antigestagen (10 mg/kg aglepristone on Days 1, 2, and 8 after diagnosis; n = 5), and Antigestagen + luteolytic (aglepristone plus 1 μg/kg of cloprostenol from Days 1-7; n = 5). Treated bitches were ovariohysterectomized after 8 days of treatment. Uterine artery fragments from all bitches were collected for tissue nitric oxide and prostaglandin E 2 assays. Control-OHE group had lower uterine artery concentration of nitric oxide compared to treated bitches (Antigestagen and Antigestagen + luteolytic groups). No significant difference was verified between the medical treated groups. Uterine artery concentration of prostaglandin E 2 was not different between control and treated bitches, as well as between both treated groups. In conclusion, nitric oxide and prostaglandin E 2 are not directly involved in vascular modulation of the uterine artery, albeit pyometra medical treatment influences nitric oxide concentration in the uterine artery., (© 2024 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Land use change, especially mining activities, contributes to anthropic CO 2 emissions, leading to decreased carbon (C) storage and loss of biodiversity. Artisanal gold mining associated with the use of mercury (Hg) for amalgamation may change soil organic matter (SOM) contents, and the release of Hg into the environment generates serious environmental problems. Changes in soil biogeochemistry due to C loss and seasonal climate fluctuations affect Hg dynamics and can either increase or decrease its availability. Therefore, our objective was to evaluate the impact of mining on SOM and Hg geochemistry in four Brazilian biomes. We evaluated the dynamics of C and Hg in the dry and rainy seasons of mining and pasture areas by combining spectroscopic, thermogravimetric, and chemical extraction. The critical role of SOM in Hg retention and the influence of climatic seasons on C and nitrogen (N) stocks were highlighted, along with the availability of Hg in solution. Key findings indicated a 50 % reduction in soil C stocks in mined areas, exacerbated during dry seasons, which also saw up to a 70 % increase in bioavailable Hg. SOM played a critical role in Hg retention, with Hg availability closely linked to soil C stability. These results highlight the environmental degradation linked to mining and suggest strategies to mitigate these impacts by increasing SOM and immobilizing Hg. Amalgamation of gold directly into ore, as in the Amazon, has generated great soil Hg stocks, while Hg availability appeared to be governed by soil C stability. This information can serve as a basis for choosing strategies to mitigate environmental degradation caused by changes in land use in mining activities to promote increase in SOM and to immobilize Hg contents., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Clinical and preclinical studies have elucidated the favorable effects of Inhibitors of Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter-2 (iSGLT2) in patients and animal models with type 2 diabetes. Notably, these inhibitors have shown significant benefits in reducing hospitalizations and mortality among patients with heart failure. However, despite their incorporation into clinical practice for indications beyond diabetes, the decision-making process regarding their use often lacks a systematic approach. The selection of iSGLT2 remains arbitrary, with only a limited number of studies simultaneously exploring the different classes of them. Currently, no unique guideline establishes their application in both clinical and basic research. This review delves into the prevalent use of iSGLT2 in animal models previously subjected to induced cardiac stress. We have compiled key findings related to cardioprotection across various animal models, encompassing diverse dosages and routes of administration. Beyond their established role in diabetes management, iSGLT2 has demonstrated utility as agents for safeguarding heart health and cardioprotection can be class-dependent among the iSGLT2. These findings may serve as valuable references for other researchers. Preclinical studies play a pivotal role in ensuring the safety of novel compounds or treatments for potential human use. By assessing side effects, toxicity, and optimal dosages, these studies offer a robust foundation for informed decisions, identifying interventions with the highest likelihood of success and minimal risk to patients. The insights gleaned from preclinical studies, which play a crucial role in highlighting areas of knowledge deficiency, can guide the exploration of novel mechanisms and strategies involving iSGLT2., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Chitinases are promising enzymes for a multitude of applications, including chitooligosaccharide (COS) synthesis for food and pharmaceutical uses and marine waste management. Owing to fungal diversity, fungal chitinases may offer alternatives for chitin degradation and industrial applications. The rapid reproduction cycle, inexpensive growth media, and ease of handling of fungi may also contribute to reducing enzyme production costs. Thus, this study aimed to identify fungal species with chitinolytic potential and optimize chitinase production by submerged culture and enzyme characterization using shrimp chitin. Three fungal species, Coriolopsis byrsina, Trichoderma reesei, and Trichoderma harzianum, were selected for chitinase production. The highest endochitinase production was achieved in C. byrsina after 168 h cultivation (0.3 U mL - 1 ). The optimal temperature for enzyme activity was similar for the three fungal species (up to 45 and 55 ºC for endochitinases and exochitinases, respectively). The effect of pH on activity indicated maximum hydrolysis in acidic pH (4-7). In addition, the crude T. reesei extract showed promising properties for removing Candida albicans biofilms. This study showed the possibility of using shrimp chitin to induce chitinase production and enzymes that can be applied in different industrial sectors., (© 2024. The Author(s) under exclusive licence to Sociedade Brasileira de Microbiologia.)

Objective: This study aimed to map the characteristics and effects of vocal training approaches in individuals with healthy voice., Methods: This is a scoping review based on three research questions: What are the interventions used for vocal training of individuals with healthy voice? What are their prescription parameters? What are their effects? The search was conducted electronically in the databases of Embase, Lilacs, Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science. The study selection was based on the reading of titles, abstracts, and full text, applying the eligibility criteria. Data related to the characteristics of the publication, sample, and intervention were extracted. Measures/outcomes and results were also extracted. Quantitative synthesis was performed, and the results were presented in descriptive format., Results: In total, 221 studies were identified during the search, of which 23 were selected. The most frequently used approach in the vocal training of individuals with healthy voice was the Semi-Occluded Vocal Tract Exercise (SOVTE), mainly with tube and straw phonation. Many studies have focused on the immediate effect, with varying dosages. The main outcome measures were acoustic analysis, aerodynamic evaluation, electroglotography, and vocal self-assessment. Positive effects were mainly observed on aerodynamic and acoustic parameters. Only one study reported negative results in the self-assessment., Conclusion: The SOVTE is most frequently performed to provide an immediate effect in the acoustic analysis and has also demonstrated positive effects on vocal self-assessment. Medium and long-term effects and dosages are rarely reported and should be also investigated., (Copyright © 2022 The Voice Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Linalool-rich Rosewood oil (Aniba rosaeodora Ducke) is a natural compound widely used in perfumery industry. Evidence suggests that linalool exerts antidepressant and anxiolytic effects. Conversely, ethanol binge drinking (i.e., intermittent and episodic consumption) during adolescence elicits neurobehavioral alterations associated with brain damage. Here, we investigated whether linalool-rich Rosewood oil administration can improve the emotional and molecular impairments associated with ethanol binge-like exposure during adolescence in female rats. Rosewood oil was obtained by hydrodistillation and posteriorly analyzed. Adolescent female Wistar rats received four-cycles of ethanol binge-like pattern (3 g/kg/day, 3 days on/4 days off) and daily Rosewood oil (35 mg/kg, intranasally) for 28 days. Twenty-four hours after treatments, it was evaluated the impact of ethanol exposure and Rosewood oil treatment on the putative emotional impairments assessed on the splash and forced swimming tests, as well as the levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), S100B, oxidative parameters, and inflammatory cytokines in prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. Results indicated that Rosewood oil intranasal administration mitigated emotional impairments induced by ethanol exposure accompanied by a marked increase in BDNF, S100B, glutathione (GSH), and antioxidant activity equivalent to Trolox (TEAC) levels in brain areas. Rosewood oil treatment also prevented the ethanol-induced increase of interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), and neurofilament light chain (NFL) levels. These findings provide the first evidence that Rosewood oil intranasal administration exerts protective effects against emotional and molecular impairments associated with adolescent ethanol binge-like exposure, possibly due to linalool actions triggering neurotrophic factors, rebalancing antioxidant status, and attenuating proinflammatory process., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.. All rights reserved.)

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the association between athletic performance and periodontal disease (PD). Observational studies published up to April 2022 were searched in online databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, The Cochrane Library, LILACS, OpenGrey, and Google Scholar). PECO statement focused on studies with professional athletes (Participants) with PD (Exposition) compared to those with healthy periodontium (Comparison) and its effects on sports performance (outcome). Searches were conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines (registration protocol: 10.17605/OSF.IO/7ADH6) and risk of bias evaluation according to the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist. A total of 793 references were retrieved, of which eight were considered eligible. Two studies did not show an association between clinical PD parameters and performance. A meta-analysis with 396 participants suggested a relationship between PD and self-reported reduction in sports performance (odds ratio [OR] = 1.55; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.04-2.31; p  = 0.03; I2 = 0%) with moderate quality of evidence accordingly GRADE analysis. Despite the differences in performance evaluations between studies, PD was associated with reduced self-reported sports performance. Additional studies assessing confounding factors and objective assessment of PD and performance are needed to clarify the real effect of both conditions.

A number of native Brazilian plant species are under exploited by the scientific community, despite the country's precious biodiversity. The vast majority of native Brazilian fruits (NBF) is source of compounds that provide many health benefits and can potentially be used to prevent diseases and formulate high-added value products. This review covers the scientific research over the last decade (2012-2022) on eight NBF, and focuses on information about the production and market panorama, physical description, physicochemical characterization, nutritional composition, their functional value of bioactive compounds and health benefits, as well as the potential for utilizations for each. The studies herein compiled reveal the outstanding nutritional value of these NBF. They are sources of vitamins, fibers, minerals and bioactive compounds that exhibit antioxidant activity, and they contain phytochemicals with anti-inflammatory action, anti-obesity and other functions that bring many health benefits to consumers. NBF can be also used as raw material for multiple products such as nectars, juices, jams, frozen pulps, liquor, among others. The dissemination of knowledge about NBF has fundamental implications worldwide.

The study aimed to evaluate the effects of three supplementation strategies on intake, apparent digestibility, feeding behavior, performance, carcass traits, proximate composition, and the fatty acid profile of meat from steers on tropical pasture during the post-weaning and finishing stages. The experiment involved 33 1/2 Holstein × 1/2 castrated Zebu steers weighing 335 ± 42.90 kg, aged 22 ± 2 m. The animals were managed on Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu using an intermittent grazing system with continuous stocking and variable stocking rates for 310 days. The supplementation strategies were as follows: MS/US (mineral salt/urea supplementation): mineral salt in the rainy season and mineral salt with urea in the dry season; US/PS1 (urea supplementation/protein supplementation): mineral salt with urea in the rainy season and protein supplement at 1 g/kg body weight (BW) in the dry season; and PS1/PS2 (protein supplementation 1/protein supplementation 2): protein supplement at 1 g/kg BW in the rainy season and 2 g/kg BW in the dry season. The dry matter intake did not differ significantly ( p > 0.05) between strategies. However, the post-weaning PS1/PS2 strategy resulted in higher ( p < 0.05) crude protein intake. The final body weight did not differ ( p > 0.05) between the strategies, but the average daily gain in post-weaning and finishing was higher ( p < 0.05) for MS/US (restricted) animals. Carcass weight, subcutaneous fat thickness, and lipid content in meat were significantly higher ( p < 0.05) for steers in the PS1/PS2 group. Steers finished on MS/US produced meat with a higher content of polyunsaturated fatty acids and ω-3 fatty acids ( p < 0.05). Concentrate supplementation at 1 g/kg BW during the rainy season and 2 g/kg BW during the dry season is recommended for post-weaning and finishing steers on tropical pasture.

Aim: To map the ingredients of non-invasive interventions provided to young ambulant children with cerebral palsy., Method: Articles were screened and each study's characteristics extracted. The intervention ingredients were described in terms of the Rehabilitation Treatment Specification System and linked to the 'F-words'. Results were interpreted and validated by a patient and public involvement group., Results: Sixty-one papers were included, of which 55.5% were classified as randomized controlled trial design studies. The selected studies included a total of 2187 children (mean age range 3 months to 5 years 11 months), most from high-income countries. The included studies investigated a total of 27 interventions, which together presented ingredients representing all F-words, in the following order of frequency: 'fitness' (e.g. strength and endurance training), 'functioning' (e.g. active and repetitive practice of a task), 'family' (e.g. context-focused therapy), 'fun' (e.g. inclusion of child-friendly activities), 'friends' (e.g. group activities), and 'future' (e.g. didactic information sharing). Thus, ingredients related to the F-word 'future' were the most infrequently reported., Interpretation: Therapists and families need to be aware of the most appropriate match between the F-word goals, ingredients, and targets. Finally, 'fun', 'friends', and 'future' should be addressed as potential outcomes in future studies., (© 2024 Mac Keith Press.)

Fungal lipolytic enzymes play crucial roles in various lipid bio-industry processes. Here, we elucidated the biochemical and structural characteristics of an unexplored fungal lipolytic enzyme (TaLip) from Thermoascus aurantiacus var. levisporus, a strain renowned for its significant industrial relevance in carbohydrate-active enzyme production. TaLip belongs to a poorly understood phylogenetic branch within the class 3 lipase family and prefers to hydrolyze mainly short-chain esters. Nonetheless, it also displays activity against natural long-chain triacylglycerols. Furthermore, our analyses revealed that the surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) enhances the hydrolytic activity of TaLip on pNP butyrate by up to 5.0-fold. Biophysical studies suggest that interactions with SDS may prevent TaLip aggregation, thereby preserving the integrity and stability of its monomeric form and improving its performance. These findings highlight the resilience of TaLip as a lipolytic enzyme capable of functioning in tandem with surfactants, offering an intriguing enzymatic model for further exploration of surfactant tolerance and activation in biotechnological applications., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Maintenance and improvement of an individual's overall well-being require a multidisciplinary approach that encompasses everything from oral health care to regular physical exercise. The notion that poor oral health can influence general health and athletic performance has sparked an interest in this relationship. This study offers an overview of relevant research and a knowledge map,and discusses publication metrics and key topics concerning the relationship between physical activity or exercise and oral diseases. We searched the Web of Science database for articles published in the 21st century that addressed the relationship between physical activity and oral diseases. Under the stipulated inclusion criteria, a rigorous selection process yielded 276 from 3,883 retrieved articles. The articles were classified by what was assessed as follows: occurrence of oral diseases in athletes or sports enthusiasts ( n  = 174); impact of physical activity or exercise on the oral cavity ( n  = 59); effects of oral changes on sports performance and physical fitness ( n  = 31); and the connection between oral health status, physical activity or exercise, and systemic conditions ( n  = 12). Orofacial trauma has received the most attention among all investigated oral diseases. However, there is a need for greater attention of dysfunctional habits that can contribute to premature tooth wear, as well as oral inflammatory diseases that can have systemic implications. This mapping can encourage the development of new primary research., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (© 2024 Gomes, Gomes Moura, Baia-da-Silva, Lima and Rodrigues.)

The rapid expansion of Uber Technologies, Inc.'s ride-sharing, courier service, and food delivery system and e-hailing applications has been transforming the logistics network and urban mobility around the world. We aimed to evaluate the impact of the Uber system on traffic injury (TI) mortality during its implementation in Brazilian capital cities. A quasiexperimental design of interrupted time series was used. The monthly mortality rates for TI standardized by age were analyzed. The date of availability of the Uber app, specific to each capital, was considered the start date. Data from the Brazilian Mortality Information System and the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics were used. For the data analysis, from an interrupted time-series design, autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) models with a transfer function were fitted. In 92.6% (n = 25) of Brazilian capitals, there was no impact of Uber system implementation, 12 months after the start of its activities, on TI mortality. A reduction in mortality from this cause was observed after the system was implemented in Belo Horizonte and Rio de Janeiro. The impact on TI mortality was progressive and continuous in both. More studies are needed to establish the factors associated with the inequalities observed in the impact of Uber system implementation between different locations and the heterogeneity of effects., (© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.)