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Mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE), the most common form of focal epilepsy in adults, is often refractory to medication and associated with hippocampal sclerosis. Deep brain stimulation represents an alternative treatment option for drug-resistant patients who are ineligible for resective brain surgery. In clinical practice, closed-loop stimulation at high frequencies is applied to interrupt ongoing seizures, yet has (i) a high incidence of false detections; (ii) the drawback of delayed seizure-suppressive intervention; and (iii) limited success in sclerotic tissue. As an alternative, low-frequency stimulation (LFS) has been explored recently in patients with focal epilepsies. In preclinical epilepsy models, hippocampal LFS successfully prevented seizures when applied continuously. Since it would be advantageous to reduce the stimulation load, we developed a protocol for on-demand LFS. Given the importance of the hippocampus for navigation and memory, we investigated potential consequences of LFS on hippocampal function. To this end, we used the intrahippocampal kainate mouse model, which recapitulates the key features of MTLE, including spontaneous seizure activity and hippocampal sclerosis. Specifically, our online detection algorithm monitored epileptiform activity in hippocampal local field potential recordings and identified short epileptiform bursts preceding focal seizure clusters, triggering hippocampal LFS to stabilize the network state. To probe behavioural performance, we tested the acute influence of LFS on anxiety-like behaviour in the light-dark box test, spatial and non-spatial memory in the object location memory and novel object recognition test, as well as spatial navigation and long-term memory in the Barnes maze. On-demand LFS was almost as effective as continuous LFS in preventing focal seizure clusters but with a significantly lower stimulation load. When we compared the behavioural performance of chronically epileptic mice to healthy controls, we found that both groups were equally mobile, but epileptic mice displayed an increased anxiety level, altered spatial learning strategy and impaired memory performance. Most importantly, with the application of hippocampal LFS before behavioural training and test sessions, we could rule out deleterious effects on cognition and even show an alleviation of deficits in long-term memory recall in chronically epileptic mice. Taken together, our findings may provide a promising alternative to current therapies, overcoming some of their major limitations, and inspire further investigation of LFS for seizure control in focal epilepsy syndromes., (© The Author(s) 2023. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Guarantors of Brain. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.)

Microbial development, enzymatic action, and chemical reactions influence the quality of untreated natural orange juice, compromising its organoleptic characteristics and causing nutritional value loss. Active low-density polyethylene (LDPE) films containing green tea extract (GTE) were previously prepared by a blown film extrusion process. Small bags were prepared from the produced films, which were then filled with fresh orange juice and stored at 4 °C. Ascorbic acid (AA) content, sugar content, browning index, color parameters, pH, total acidity (TA) and microbial stability were evaluated after 3, 7, and 14 days of storage. The packaging containing GTE maintained the microbial load of fresh juice beneath the limit of microbial shelf-life (6 log CFU/mL) for the bacterial growth, with a more prominent effect for LDPE with 3%GTE. Regarding yeasts and molds, only the CO_LDPE_3GTE package maintained the microbial load of fresh juice below the limit for up to 14 days. At 14 days, the lowest levels of AA degradation (32.60 mg/100 mL of juice) and development of brown pigments (browning index = 0.139) were observed for the packages containing 3% of GTE, which had a pH of 3.87 and sugar content of 11.4 g/100 mL of juice at this time. Therefore, active LDPE films containing 3% of GTE increase the shelf-life of fresh juice and can be a promising option for storage of this food product while increasing sustainability.

Background: The amount of data and behavior changes in society happens at a swift pace in this interconnected world. Consequently, machine learning algorithms lose accuracy because they do not know these new patterns. This change in the data pattern is known as concept drift. There exist many approaches for dealing with these drifts. Usually, these methods are costly to implement because they require (i) knowledge of drift detection algorithms, (ii) software engineering strategies, and (iii) continuous maintenance concerning new drifts., Results: This article proposes to create Driftage: a new framework using multi-agent systems to simplify the implementation of concept drift detectors considerably and divide concept drift detection responsibilities between agents, enhancing explainability of each part of drift detection. As a case study, we illustrate our strategy using a muscle activity monitor of electromyography. We show a reduction in the number of false-positive drifts detected, improving detection interpretability, and enabling concept drift detectors' interactivity with other knowledge bases., Conclusion: We conclude that using Driftage, arises a new paradigm to implement concept drift algorithms with multi-agent architecture that contributes to split drift detection responsability, algorithms interpretability and more dynamic algorithms adaptation., (© The Author(s) 2021. Published by Oxford University Press GigaScience.)

Mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE) is the most common form of focal, pharmacoresistant epilepsy in adults and is often associated with hippocampal sclerosis. Here, we established the efficacy of optogenetic and electrical low-frequency stimulation (LFS) in interfering with seizure generation in a mouse model of MTLE. Specifically, we applied LFS in the sclerotic hippocampus to study the effects on spontaneous subclinical and evoked generalized seizures. We found that stimulation at 1 Hz for 1 hr resulted in an almost complete suppression of spontaneous seizures in both hippocampi. This seizure-suppressive action during daily stimulation remained stable over several weeks. Furthermore, LFS for 30 min before a pro-convulsive stimulus successfully prevented seizure generalization. Finally, acute slice experiments revealed a reduced efficacy of perforant path transmission onto granule cells upon LFS. Taken together, our results suggest that hippocampal LFS constitutes a promising approach for seizure control in MTLE., Competing Interests: EP, CE, KH, DV, PK, CO, UH, MB, UE, PJ, CH No competing interests declared, (© 2020, Paschen et al.)

Purpose A normative study using the Multiple Auditory Processing Assessment-2 (MAPA-2; Schow et al., 2018) was recently completed. With access to these data, the authors extend that work and support a definite construct for auditory processing disorder (APD). The goal here is to examine MAPA-2 reliability and validity (construct, content, and concurrent). Evidence for the APD construct is further buttressed by measures of sensitivity and specificity. Results of MAPA-2 testing on children diagnosed with learning disability (LD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and specific language impairment (SLI) are included. Method Normative data (previously published as the MAPA-2) allowing derivation of these findings included a representative sample of 748 children (53% girls) ages 7-14 years tested by 54 speech-language pathologists and audiologists in 27 U.S. states. The authors examined diagnostic accuracy based on the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (2005) criteria (index test) for confirmed cases of APD. The index was also used to identify listening problems for three other diagnostic categories (LD, ADHD, and SLI). Validated questionnaire responses from parents and school personnel allowed incorporation of functional measures widely supported in APD diagnosis but unavailable with other normative and sensitivity/specificity studies. Results Reliability and validity were both satisfactory, and diagnostic accuracy for an APD group of 18 (28% female) compared to the remaining typical group of 625 yielded 89% sensitivity and 82% specificity. The remaining three groups (LD, ADHD, and SLI), where comorbidity was expected to be about 50%, had APD-type listening problems with a prevalence ranging from 52% to 65%. Conclusions Current results provide important evidence for the construct of APD. The MAPA-2 can be administered by an audiologist or speech-language pathologist. A similar diagnostic protocol in Australia yielded positive therapeutic gains. Further study is encouraged to determine if the present positive findings will be found in future research.

Bioelectronic devices, interfacing neural tissue for therapeutic, diagnostic, or rehabilitation purposes, rely on small electrode contacts in order to achieve highly sophisticated communication at the neural interface. Reliable recording and safe stimulation with small electrodes, however, are limited when conventional electrode metallizations are used, demanding the development of new materials to enable future progress within bioelectronics. In this study, we present a versatile process for the realization of nanostructured platinum (nanoPt) coatings with a high electrochemically active surface area, showing promising biocompatibility and providing low impedance, high charge injection capacity, and outstanding long-term stability both for recording and stimulation. The proposed electrochemical fabrication process offers exceptional control over the nanoPt deposition, allowing the realization of specific coating morphologies such as small grains, pyramids, or nanoflakes, and can moreover be scaled up to wafer level or batch fabrication under economic process conditions. The suitability of nanoPt as a coating for neural interfaces is here demonstrated, in vitro and in vivo, revealing superior stimulation performance under chronic conditions. Thus, nanoPt offers promising qualities as an advanced neural interface coating which moreover extends to the numerous application fields where a large (electro)chemically active surface area contributes to increased efficiency.

Insects have evolved multiple mechanisms to adapt to variations in environmental temperatures, including postural control of solar input, variations in diurnal activity, external morphological structures and selecting/generating microhabitats. Foam produced by Mahanarva fimbriolata nymphs (also known as root spittlebugs) was found to aid in creating a constant thermal microhabitat despite environmental temperature fluctuations. The temperature within the foam was found to be similar to that of soil during the day and remained constant despite fluctuating external temperatures. In chemically analysing the composition of the foam, palmitic and stearic acids, carbohydrates and proteins were detected. These substances have previously been shown to act as a surfactant to stabilize and modulate foams. Since the immature ancestor of the spittlebug developed below ground, it is speculated that the foam may function as an 'extension' of the soil and, thus, may have enabled the spittlebug to emerge from the soil and adopt an epigean lifestyle.

Objective: The present study is aimed at contributing to identify the most appropriate OSEM parameters to generate myocardial perfusion imaging reconstructions with the best diagnostic quality, correlating them with patients' body mass index., Materials and Methods: The present study included 28 adult patients submitted to myocardial perfusion imaging in a public hospital. The OSEM method was utilized in the images reconstruction with six different combinations of iterations and subsets numbers. The images were analyzed by nuclear cardiology specialists taking their diagnostic value into consideration and indicating the most appropriate images in terms of diagnostic quality., Results: An overall scoring analysis demonstrated that the combination of four iterations and four subsets has generated the most appropriate images in terms of diagnostic quality for all the classes of body mass index; however, the role played by the combination of six iterations and four subsets is highlighted in relation to the higher body mass index classes., Conclusion: The use of optimized parameters seems to play a relevant role in the generation of images with better diagnostic quality, ensuring the diagnosis and consequential appropriate and effective treatment for the patient.

This study aimed to know the types of support offered by the network of social support and implications on hypertensive life. Qualitative study whose methodology was based on Grounded Theory. 35 people were interviewed between October 2008 and August 2010, 22 hypertensive compulsorily enrolled in HIPERDIA at a Health Unit in Belém / PA, 5 family members, 5 health professionals and 3 representatives of community institutions, referenced by hypertensive patients, as members of the network support Data were subjected to coding procedures: analysis, comparison and categorization. The category "Identifying the types of social support offered to people in their living with hypertension" was the Intervening Condition of the Theory The types of emotional informational and instrumental support originated mainly from family relationships and may mean alternative treatments,featuring a care focused on people with hypertension and their network of relationships which requires attention from healthcare professionals, including nurses.

Purpose: Although flapless computer-guided implant placement provides important benefits, deviations from the planned implant placement in the edentulous arch may pose significant risks. This study evaluated the reliability and accuracy of a flapless computer-guided surgical approach., Materials and Methods: Computer-generated preoperative implant planning was compared to actual placement by cone-beam computerized tomography (CBCT) scanning of patients before and after surgery. A well-fitting complete denture or optimized prosthetic tooth arrangement was used and converted to a radiographic template. Prior to scanning, esthetics and functional aspects were checked clinically. The implant positions were virtually determined by the implant planning software relative to the bone structure and prospective tooth position. After implant placement, new CBCT scans were obtained for each subject. Software was used to fuse the images of the planned and placed implants, and the locations and axes were compared. The normality of the data distribution was evaluated by the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. Mean values were compared between groups based on the upper or lower jaws with the t test for independent samples. The level of significance was fixed at 5%., Results: Sixty-two implants were placed in edentulous arches with stereolithographic surgical guides in 14 patients. Damage due to implant placement was not observed in any critical anatomical structure. Compared to the planned implants, placed implants showed mean and standard deviation linear measurements at the cervical, middle, and apical implant portions of 2.17 (± 0.87), 2.32 (± 1.52), and 2.86 (± 2.17) mm, for the maxilla, and 1.42 (± 0.76), 1.42 (± 0.76), and 1.42 (± 0.76) mm, for the mandible, respectively. The angular deviations were 1.93 (± 0.17) and 1.85 (± 0.75) degrees for the maxilla and mandible, respectively. The linear deviation differed significantlybetween the upper and lower jaws, but the angular deviation did not., Conclusion: Flapless computer-guided surgery may be a viable treatment option for rehabilitating the edentulous arch.

Purpose: To evaluate the thinnest corneal thickness changes during and after corneal collagen cross-linking treatment with ultraviolet-A irradiation, using hypo-osmolar riboflavin solution in thin corneas., Methods: Eighteen eyes of 18 patients were included in this study. After epithelium removal, iso-osmolar 0.1% riboflavin solution was instilled to the cornea every 3 minutes for 30 minutes. Hypo-osmolar 0.1% riboflavin solution was then applied every 20 seconds for 5 minutes or until the thinnest corneal thickness reached 400 µm. Ultraviolet-A irradiation was performed for 30 minutes. During irradiation, iso-osmolar 0.1% riboflavin drops were applied every 5 minutes. Ultrasound pachymetry was performed at approximately the thinnest point of the cornea preoperatively, after epithelial removal, after iso-osmolar riboflavin instillation, after hypo-osmolar riboflavin instillation, after ultraviolet-A irradiation, and at 1, 6 and 12 months after treatment., Results: Mean preoperative thinnest corneal thickness was 380 ± 11 µm. After epithelial removal it decreased to 341 ± 11 µm, and after 30 minutes of iso-osmolar 0.1% riboflavin drops, to 330 ± 7.6 µm. After hypo-osmolar 0.1% riboflavin drops, mean thinnest corneal thickness increased to 418 ± 11 µm. After UVA irradiation, it was 384 ± 10 µm. At 1, 6 and 12 months after treatment, it was 372 ± 10 µm, 381 ± 12.7, and 379 ± 15 µm, respectively. No intraoperative, early postoperative, or late postoperative complications were noted., Conclusions: Hypo-osmolar 0.1% riboflavin solution seems to be effective for swelling thin corneas. The swelling effect is transient and short acting. Corneal thickness should be monitored throughout the procedure. Larger sample sizes and longer follow-up are required in order to make meaningful conclusions regarding safety.

Objective: to investigate the care undertaken in the health services for people with intestinal stoma, from the perspective of articulating the actions proposed in the Amplified and Shared Clinic, with a view to promoting autonomy., Method: qualitative study., Participants: 10 people who received a stoma, and their family members. Data was collected between 10th January and 30th June 2011, through two semi-structured interviews. Analysis was through the stages: anxiety, synthesis, theorization and recontextualization., Results: presented in the categories: (1) the need to carry out stoma care; (2) receiving health support and care after discharge from hospital; (3) returning to daily activities and social reinsertion., Conclusion: the study identified common factors which influence the process of development of autonomy and the relationship which health professionals have with this achievement.

The present text is a theoretical reflection upon the importance of Nursing care models for the consolidation of this discipline, concerning the contribution of Convergent Care Research (Pesquisa Convergente Assistencial -PCA) in elaborating such models. Beyond this, this article discusses the importance of Convergent Care Research in the convergence of the academic and practical worlds of nursing, which aid towards a safe practice, systematize care, and establish connections between pragmatism and scientism, leading nurses to adopt more solid knowledge construction postures.

The aim of this study is to optimize laboratory preparation of teeth for DNA identification. By sectioning the tooth topographically into two different radicular portions, it was analyzed whether these portions of mineralized tissue differ in the quantity and quality of DNA they contain. 25 teeth were subject to different experimental conditions and total DNA was quantified for each individual tooth's radicular portion: apical and remaining root, according to a 2003 study by Gaytemenn and Sweet. We verified, with statistically significant figures, that the apical portion of the tooth is that which contains the greatest quantity of DNA. Different analytical procedures were studied for various polymorphic markers to evaluate the quality of the DNA. We concluded that the tooth is topographically distinct in both DNA quantity and quality. The tooth's apical portion is the preferential choice in sample preparation of dental mineralized tissue for molecular analysis and identification.

The purpose of this study is to present an understanding of the experience of Brazilian homemakers with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2). A descriptive exploratory design was used and semi-structured interviews were conducted with 25 Brazilian homemakers concerning their experience. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, and the resulting text was analyzed using the sequential step method. Data converged to one dominant category, "constructing one's identity in the family context", which is comprised of three categories: gender differences; day-to-day concerns; and incongruity between knowledge and behavior related to DM2. These findings suggest that participants construct their identities within the family context and that their experience of living with DM2 is integral to their self-identification as wives and mothers. This, in turn, has implications for the design and implementation of programs to assist women in managing DM2 effectively.

This is a qualitative study with the purpose to understand the social representations of the diabetic foot for people with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Semi-structured interviews were held with ten people with diabetes mellitus, who participated in a support group. Two categories emerged from the content analysis: the foot disease with perceived alterations and present threats, and feet care, with care as a concern with the future, and non-care as a feeling of guilt. The results show that the subjects seek hopes of not developing foot disease or controlling the situation, influenced by the representations of alterations and threats. When non-care occurs, the feeling of guilt emerges, since the subjects knew about the necessary care but did not use it. The social representations contributed in the search for comprehension of how the subjects with diabetes mellitus build the knowledge that that express their identity and guide their behavior, especially regarding the diabetic foot.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to measure the comfort, wearability, physiological effects and its influence on athletes' physical performance, of custom-fitted compared with self-adapted mouthguards (MGs)., Methods: Eleven rugby players were put under specific efforts similar to those of the competition. Each player made three consecutive tests randomly wearing a commercially available 'boil-and-bite' self-adapted mouthguard (MG2), a custom-fitted mouthguard (MG3), and no mouthguard (reference). Forced expiratory air volume at 1 s (FEV(1)), expiratory flow rates peak (PEF), forced vital capacity (FVC), rebound (RB) jump 15 s, and counter-movement jump (CMJ) were measured on each player before and after the training exercise tests. Subjective evaluations by means of a visual analog scale (VAS) questionnaire took place. Comforts, adaptability, stability, tiredness, thirst, oral dryness, nausea, ability to talk, breathe, and drink were evaluated., Results: The wearing of the self-adapted MG showed significant improvement in PEF (P < 0.05). There were no statistically significance differences regarding the others spirometer parameters. In CMJ, there were no differences between both the MGs. On RB power was similar with both MGs and control. However, RB height reduced significantly wearing MGs. MG3 showed superior properties in comfort, adaptability, stability, and ability to talk and to breathe., Conclusions: MG3 showed the smallest range of changes in players' performance, suggesting improved fit, comfort, and acceptation compared with MG2. Furthermore, its greatest advantage is the individualized design according to the proper anatomy of the oral cavity. Greater efforts must be made to improve the comfort of MGs if their use is to be increased.

This study is a report on care practice. Its objective was to develop a proposal for education in health care from a group of people with tuberculosis, seeking to increase the effectiveness of their treatment. The data was obtained through a proposal for education in health care, developed through a living group. Two interrelated themes resulted from the process of analyzing the data: the perception of tuberculosis and its care and treatment, and social isolation. These represent the elements that influence education in health care for people with tuberculosis, as well as the meaning that such a situation has to these people.

This convergent care research was carried out in a social group of persons with chronic respiratory diseases and aimed to identify the elements affecting the quality of life of persons with chronic respiratory problems, and to understand how the educative practice in a social group has contributed to the quality of life of persons with a chronic health condition. Data were collected at group meetings, during which the statements of eleven subjects and two family members were tape-recorded. Data analysis showed that controlling conflicting feelings, continuing to fight for a better life, overcoming one's limitations brought about by disease and treatment and getting family support are factors that affect the quality of life of persons with chronic respiratory problems. The study also made evident that health education acquired through social groups brings effective outcomes in promoting quality of life among the study participants.

Objective: To compare gap junction expression and intercellular coupling in wildtype neonatal cardiac myocytes to those from mice lacking the most abundant cardiac gap junction protein (connexin43, Cx43)., Methods: Northern and Western blots compared connexin mRNA and protein levels, immunocytochemistry evaluated connexin distribution in neonatal Cx43 null(-/-), heterozygous(+/-) and wildtype(+/+) mouse hearts. Ca(2+) imaging, dye coupling and electrophysiological methods evaluated intercellular communication., Results: Similar levels of Cx40 and Cx45 were detected in all genotypes, although in adult cardiac tissue from wildtype mice, Cx43 expression was higher than in heterozygotes. After culturing dissociated cells for 3-4 days, cardiocytes beat spontaneously; in Cx43(+/+) and (+/-) cultures, the beating was generally quite synchronous. In Cx43(-/-) mice, interbeat intervals were on average twice as long and more variable than in Cx43(+/+) or Cx43(+/-) cultures. Junctional conductance was lower by about 60% in Cx43(-/-) as compared to Cx43(+/-) and (+/+) littermates; Lucifer Yellow dye coupling was virtually absent in Cx43(-/-) cardiomyocytes but was comparably strong in wildtype and heterozygous siblings. Macroscopic junctional conductance measurements on Cx43(-/-) cardiocytes showed slightly stronger voltage sensitivity in these cells than in Cx43(+/+) cardiocytes. Unitary junctional conductance measurements revealed distinct populations of channels contributing to macroscopic conductance for Cx43(+/+) and Cx43(-/-) genotypes., Conclusions: In Cx43-deficient cardiac myocytes, the expression of other connexins only partially compensates for the functional loss, with dye coupling and spontaneous beating being strongly impaired.

The present study is a descriptive and exploratory research which has as its objective accomplishing a critical analysis of the magazine "Texto e Contexto-Enfermagem" (Nursing--Text and Context), as a thematic option. Eighteen issues of the magazine, published between 1992 and 2000, were analyzed. Two instruments were used to evaluate the inter-relation of the themes with the lines of research of the Post Graduation Program of Nursing in the Federal University of Santa Catarina (PEN/UFSC) in Brazil; the type of articles published; and the origin and profile of the authors of the magazine. It was verified that: the themes in the magazine are linked to the lines of research of PEN/UFSC; the average of articles published per issue is 23.88%; the majority of the articles are reflections and researches; most of the authors have a masters or doctors degree and do not teach at UFSC; and the rejection rate of the articles was 11.86%. The magazine bears most of the essential and complementary criteria established by CAPES and has great acceptance of among the Brazilian scientific community, since it brought a new dimension to the health care publications.