Jurassic Osmundaceous Landscapes in Patagonia: Exploring the Concept of Ecological Stasis in the Deseado Massif, Argentina.

Herein, we report the presence of a plant paleocommunity, dominated by ferns of the family Osmundaceae, structurally preserved from the only known Mesozoic, fossiliferous geothermal deposits, from the La Matilde Formation (Middle-Upper Jurassic) in the Deseado Massif of Southern Patagonia, Argentina. A total of 13 siliceous chert blocks sampled in an area of approximately 250 m, preserving a monotypic assemblage dominated by Osmundaceae embedded within its original swampy substrate, are documented. Additional Osmundaceae and fewer ferns and conifers are present in the stratigraphically continuous, adjacent chert levels.

Intra- and inter-rater reliability, standard error of measurement, and minimal detectable change of the cranio-cervical flexion test in individuals with non-specific chronic neck pain.

Background: The cranio-cervical flexion test (CCFT) is used in clinical practice to measure the activation of deep cervical flexor muscles. However, the reliability of the test has not been conducted on an adequate sample size, specifically in individuals with non-specific chronic neck pain (CNP).

Objective: The aim of the present study is to investigate the intra- and inter-rater reliability, standard error of measurement (SEM), and minimal detectable change (MDC) of the CCFT in individuals with non-specific CNP.

Non-linear interactions of lower limb clinical measures associated with asymptomatic Achilles tendon pathology in ballet dancers.

Context: Tendon abnormalities on imaging are commonly observed in individuals with Achilles tendinopathy. Those abnormalities can also be present in asymptomatic individuals, which is an important risk factor for developing tendon symptoms. Ballet dancers are particularly vulnerable due to the high loads placed on their Achilles tendons.

Yerba mate () genome provides new insights into convergent evolution of caffeine biosynthesis.

Yerba mate (YM, ) is an economically important crop marketed for the elaboration of mate, the third-most widely consumed caffeine-containing infusion worldwide. Here, we report the first genome assembly of this species, which has a total length of 1.06 Gb and contains 53,390 protein-coding genes.

New Graft Choices for ACL Reconstruction: Update Article.

Reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a common procedure for injuries to this ligament, especially in athletes. There are different types of grafts used, and the choice depends on several factors. Autologous grafts, from the patients themselves, are the most common option, with rapid incorporation and a lower failure rate.

Chronic Intestinal Failure and Short Bowel Syndrome in Adults: The State of the Art.

Background: Short bowel syndrome (SBS) is a devastating malabsorptive condition and the most common cause of chronic intestinal failure (CIF). During the intestinal rehabilitation process, patients may need parenteral support for months or years, parenteral nutrition (PN), or hydration/electrolyte supplementation, as a bridge for the desired enteral autonomy.

Summary: Several classification criteria have been highlighted to reflect different perspectives in CIF.

Treatment of a staple-line leak after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy using an esophagoduodenal Niti-S Mega-stent.

A 56-year-old female with class 3 obesity, was previously submitted to laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) two weeks before current admission. The patient was admitted due to fever, abdominal pain and vomiting. CT revealed a 13.

Home Parenteral Support in Chronic Intestinal Failure-First Results from a Pioneer Portuguese Intestinal Failure Center.

Background/objectives: Home parenteral support (HPS) is the core of chronic intestinal failure (IF) treatment. For legal reasons, HPS in Portugal lags behind other European countries, and only a few patients were taken care of at home by nurses. Now, the legislation has changed, allowing patient self-care.

The influence of balance support base manipulation on the kinematics of lower limbs during single-legged squats in people with patellofemoral pain.

Background: Given that people with patellofemoral pain (PFP) exhibit deficits in postural control, certain postural reactions may be associated with movement alterations in this population. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to investigate whether manipulation of the support base for balance maintenance could lead to different patterns of lower limb kinematics in people with PFP during single-legged squats.

Methods: Fourteen participants with PFP and 14 asymptomatic controls were first assessed performing single-legged squats freely, and then while holding a stick to provide stabilization during the task.

Analysis of free-living seabirds from Brazil as potential hosts of Toxoplasma gondii and serological investigation for antibodies against Leptospira spp.

Dispersal patterns of zoonotic pathogens can be strongly influenced by mobility and contact among hosts. Toxoplasma gondii infection has been documented in many avian species, however, there is little information regarding free-living seabird populations. Leptospira can infect domestic and wild animals, with birds being potential carriers of the bacteria.

Controversial Matters of Minimally Invasive Bunion Repair.

New minimally invasive bunion surgery for hallux valgus (HV) has received attention in the last few years. A rapid growth in knowledge and techniques has been seen, with many publications, books, and experienced surgeons worldwide. Several variational advancements have emerged with the most common as a percutaneous subcapital osteotomy first metatarsal with long scaffolding minimally invasive (MI) screw placement.

Brazilian Portuguese version of questionnaires assessing evidence-based practice competencies in healthcare students: Translation, cross-cultural adaptation, and measurement properties.

Background: While several instruments assess evidence-based practice (EBP) competencies, few are available for the Brazilian population, particularly healthcare students.

Objective: To perform a cross-cultural translation of the Student Evidence-Based Practice Questionnaire (S-EBPQ) and Evidence-Based Practice Evaluation Competence Questionnaire (EBP-COQ) into Brazilian Portuguese; to adapt and validate the Brazilian Portuguese versions for use with healthcare students from diverse courses; and to assess the measurement properties of the translated and adapted versions.

Methods: Four hundred forty-two healthcare students were included, and three versions were tested: S-EBPQ-BR, EBP-COQ-BR for nursing students, and EBP-COQ-BR for healthcare students.

Effects of quercetin on mineralized dental tissues: A scoping review.

Objective: This scoping review (SR) aimed to investigate the impact of quercetin on mineralized dental tissues intended to be used in preventive and restorative dentistry.

Methods: This SR was conducted following the PRISMA-ScR statement. A comprehensive search was performed across databases for articles published up to March 2024.

Rheumatoid Deformities of the Lesser Toes.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic heterogeneous autoimmune disease characterized by painful joint inflammation and causes destructive bone erosions. Most common deformities in the rheumatoid forefoot are hallux valgus and claw toes. Radiographs are helpful to show the deformity and the associated pathologies.

Acute and long-term effect of specific and non-specific exercises in patients with chronic neck pain: A protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

Exercise therapy is the most common approach for people with chronic neck pain (CNP). Although well-established, it remains unknown which type of exercise is the best for treating this condition. Moreover, pain processing can play a role in the persistence of pain and in the response to interventions.

Leveraging genomes to support conservation and bioeconomy policies in a megadiverse country.

The biodiversity crisis is a global phenomenon, and measures to monitor, stop, and revert the impacts on species' extinction risk are urgently needed. Megadiverse countries, especially in the Global South, are responsible for managing and protecting Earth's biodiversity. Various initiatives have started to sequence reference-level genomes or perform large-scale species detection and monitoring through environmental DNA.

Incomplete remyelination via endogenous or therapeutically enhanced oligodendrogenesis is sufficient to recover visual cortical function.

Myelin loss induces deficits in action potential propagation that result in neural dysfunction and contribute to the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative diseases, injury conditions, and aging. Because remyelination is often incomplete, better understanding endogenous remyelination and developing remyelination therapies that seek to restore neural function are clinical imperatives. Here, we used two-photon microscopy and electrophysiology to study the dynamics of endogenous and therapeutic-induced cortical remyelination and functional recovery after cuprizone-mediated demyelination in mice.