The effect of different interfaces during virtual game practice on motor performance of individuals with genetic ataxia: A cross-sectional study.

Purpose: Reaching and coordination tasks are widely used in traditional physical rehabilitation programs for individuals with Ataxia. Virtual reality interventions could optimize the motor performance of these individuals; however, the type of virtual interface may influence performance during virtual practice. We aimed to estimate the extent of the effect of different interfaces (webcam and touchscreen) on the motor performance of individuals with various types of genetic ataxia, compared to a control group, during virtual computer game tasks.

New Perspectives of Deep Brain Stimulation Indications for Parkinson's Disease: A Critical Review.

Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is an effective treatment option for patients with dopaminergic complications of Parkinson's disease (PD) and drug-refractory PD tremor. However, DBS and its indications can be challenging, and they are not often debated in the medical community. Through a critical narrative review, the objective of this paper is to improve the comprehension of DBS indications and help to solve the puzzle that this process can be.

In Situ Printing of Polylactic Acid/Nanoceramic Filaments for the Repair of Bone Defects Using a Portable 3D Device.

3D printing is attractive for the direct repair of bone defects in underdeveloped countries and in emergency situations. So far, the lack of an interesting method to produce filament using FDA-approved biopolymers and nanoceramics combined with a portable strategy limits the use of in situ 3D printing. Herein, we investigated the osseointegration of new nanocomposite filaments based on polylactic acid (PLA), laponite (Lap), and hydroxyapatite (Hap) printed directly at the site of the bone defect in rats using a portable 3D printer.

Natural Aging of Reprocessed Polypropylene Composites Filled with Sustainable Corn Fibers.

Natural fiber reinforcements have the potential to enhance mechanical properties, thereby improving performance and durability in various applications. In this study, we comprehensively evaluated the impact of environmental degradation over 120 days on reprocessed polypropylene (PP) reinforced with corn husk fiber (CHF) composites. The manufactured systems underwent rigorous analysis using various techniques, including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and tensile testing.

Exploring the midgut physiology of the non-haematophagous mosquito .

mosquitoes have an exclusively phytophagous feeding habit as adults, which leads to significant differences in their morphophysiology compared with haematophagous mosquitoes. However, the molecular mechanisms of digestion in this mosquito are not well understood. In this study, RNA sequencing of the posterior midgut (PMG) of the mosquito was undertaken, highlighting its significance in mosquito digestion.

Biodegradable PBAT/PLA blend films incorporated with turmeric and cinnamomum powder: A potential alternative for active food packaging.

Active packaging made from biodegradable polymers and natural additives appears as an ecological alternative. In addition to having antioxidant activity and enhancing food preservation, it allows mitigating the negative impacts caused by improper disposal. This study pursued to produce biodegradable films based on a polymer blend PBAT/PLA (Ecovio®) using the flat extrusion method.

Physical fitness, hormonal profile, nutritional and psychological aspects assessment of transgender women volleyball players submitted to physical tests: protocol paper of a prospective cohort.

To evaluate aerobic capacity, strength and other physiological, nutritional, and psychological variables which may influence the performance of transgender women (TW) athletes and compare them to cisgender women (CW) and cisgender men (CM) athletes, as well as changes in TW performance over the course of a year. Prospective cohort study including three groups: TW, CW and CM volleyball athletes. Subjects will be comprehensively assessed at two different moments: baseline and after 6-12 months of adequate hormonal therapy.

The larval midgut of Anopheles, Aedes, and Toxorhynchites mosquitoes (Diptera, Culicidae): a comparative approach in morphophysiology and evolution.

The mosquito larval midgut is responsible for acquiring and storing most of the nutrients that will sustain the events of metamorphosis and the insect's adult life. Despite its importance, the basic biology of this larval organ is poorly understood. To help fill this gap, we carried out a comparative morphophysiological investigation of three larval midgut regions (gastric caeca, anterior midgut, and posterior midgut) of phylogenetically distant mosquitoes: Anopheles gambiae (Anopheles albimanus was occasionally used as an alternate), Aedes aegypti, and Toxorhynchites theobaldi.

The impact of early-life exposure to three agrochemicals on survival, behavior, and gut microbiota of stingless bees (Partamona helleri).

Over the last few decades, agrochemicals have been partially associated with a global reduction in bees' population. Toxicological assessment is therefore crucial for understanding the overall agrochemical risks to stingless bees. Therefore, the lethal and sublethal effects of agrochemicals commonly used in crops (copper sulfate, glyphosate, and spinosad) on the behavior and gut microbiota of the stingless bee, Partamona helleri, were assessed using chronic exposure during the larval stage.

Development of Biodegradable PLA/PBAT-Based Filaments for Fertilizer Release for Agricultural Applications.

The aim of this work was to produce filaments of PLA/PBAT and NPK fertilizer adsorbed on organophilized bentonite intended for application in the prototyping of biodegradable agricultural artifacts in 3D printing, using the Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) technique. This is the first time that we have reported this composite for a 3D printing approach. Systems containing PLA/PBAT, organobentonite and NPK were initially processed in an internal mixer and later extruded as filaments in a single-screw extruder.

Effects of Foot Orthoses on Pain and the Prevention of Lower Limb Injuries in Runners: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Context: A variety of approaches have been proposed to prevent lower limb injuries in runners. However, the evidence for the effectiveness of interventions to reduce lower limb pain and injury after intensive running is very weak.

Objective: The authors performed a systematic review to investigate the effects of foot orthoses on pain and the prevention of lower limb injuries in runners.

Extract from Opuntia ficus-indica cladode delays the Aedes aegypti larval development by inducing an axenic midgut environment.

This study evaluated the effects of acute exposure of Aedes aegypti third instar (L ) larvae to the saline extract of Opuntia ficus-indica cladodes on the biological cycle and fertility of the emerging adults. For this, larvae were treated for 24 h with the extract at ¼ LC (lethal concentration to kill 50% of larvae), ½ LC or LC ; the development and reproduction of the emerged adults were evaluated after a recovery period of 9 days. The resistance of proteins in the extract to hydrolysis by L digestive enzymes and histomorphological alterations in the larval midgut were also investigated.

Association between illness perception and clinical control, quality of life, physical activity, and psychosocial status in subjects with moderate to severe asthma: a cluster analysis.

Illness perception (IP) is a psychosocial factor involved in several chronic diseases and is associated with relevant clinical outcomes. However, the relationship between IP and health-related quality of life (HRQoL), psychosocial status, and physical activity in daily life (PADL) in subjects with asthma is poorly understood. To identify groups of subjects with asthma based on their IPs and to assess their association with clinical control, HRQoL, psychosocial disturbances, and PADL.

Inflammatory and neurotrophic factor plasma levels are related to epilepsy independently of etiology.

Objective: Inflammation plays an essential role in epilepsy. Studies indicate that cytokines and neurotrophic factors can act in neuroexcitability and epileptogenesis. We aimed to investigate the association between plasma inflammatory and neurotrophic markers, seizure frequency, and chronic epilepsy subtypes.

Digital Management Systems in Academic Health Sciences Laboratories: A Scoping Review.

Good laboratory practices (GLP) increase the quality and traceability of results in health sciences research. However, factors such as high staff turnover, insufficient resources, and a lack of training for managers may limit their implementation in research and academic laboratories. This Scoping Review aimed to identify digital tools for managing academic health sciences and experimental medicine laboratories and their relationship with good practices.

FMRF-related peptides in Aedes aegypti midgut: neuromuscular connections and enteric nervous system.

FMRFamide-related peptides (FaRPs) are a class of neuropeptides that participate in a variety of physiological processes in invertebrates. They occur in nerves of stomatogastric ganglia and enteroendocrine cells of the insect digestive tract, where they may control muscle functions. However, their direct involvement in muscle function has never been shown in situ.

Clinical variables that help in predicting the presence of autoantibodies in patients with acute encephalitis.

Objective: To identify clinical variables that could predict the presence of autoantibodies in patients with acute encephalitis.

Methods: An observational, retrospective study from May 2011 to May 2017. Clinical, EEG, brain MRI data, and antibodies against human neuronal antigens (NMDAR, GABAR, AMPAR, LGI1, CASPR2, and GAD) from 158 patients with criteria for possible autoimmune encephalitis were analyzed to create a predictive model for this disease.

Use of Augmented Reality with a Motion-Controlled Game Utilizing Alphabet Letters and Numbers to Improve Performance and Reaction Time Skills for People with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Augmented reality (AR) uses the real-world setting but enables a person to interact with virtual objects. In this study, we aimed to explore the use of alphabet letter and number in an AR task and its influence in reaction time in a population with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) compared with the performance of typical developing (TD) controls. We evaluated reaction time before and after AR tasks that consisted of identifying correct numbers and alphabet letters in 48 people with ASD and 48 with TD controls.

Probiotics and prebiotics: focus on psychiatric disorders - a systematic review.

Context: The gut-brain axis and microbial dysbiosis may play a role in psychiatric diseases. In this view, the gut microbiota has been considered a potential therapeutic target using probiotics and prebiotics.

Objective: This systematic review aims to find the existing clinical evidence that may justify the use of probiotics or prebiotics in psychiatric patients.

Ecotoxicological assessment of bauxite residue (red mud) overflow treated by dissolved air flotation (DAF).

In this study, the effluent from the Bayer process of transforming bauxite into alumina, followed by dissolved air flotation (DAF) treatment, was evaluated to identify the best experimental conditions that generate less toxic or nontoxic effluent for discharge. Two freshwater organisms, the Chlorophyceae microalga Raphidocelis subcapitata (96-h algal growth inhibition test), and the microcrustacean Daphnia similis (48-h acute immobility test), were used to analyze the efficiency of effluent treatment by detecting and comparing the toxicity of the treated effluent. Experimental factorial planning used different concentrations of the coagulant ferric chloride and the flocculant Nalco® N-99-005B, and different recycle ratios.

The effects of cataract surgery on autonomic heart rate control: a prospective cross-sectional and analytical study.

Objectives: We aimed to evaluate the effects of cataract surgery on cardiac autonomic modulation.

Methods: A cross-sectional and analytical study was conducted at the Hospital Maria Braido in the city of São Caetano do Sul, São Paulo, between 2015 and 2016. We investigated 19 patients of both sexes who were all over 50 years old; all patients had a diagnosis of senile or bilateral cataracts and were recommended to undergo implantation of the intraocular lens.

Test-Retest Reliability and Clinical Feasibility of a Motion-Controlled Game to Enhance the Literacy and Numeracy Skills of Young Individuals with Intellectual Disability.

Games using motion capture from web cameras have become increasingly popular. However, there are no games specifically designed to teach literacy to individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID). The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of introducing young individuals with ID to a new augmented reality game, the MoviLetrando, and establish its test-retest reliability to determine its usefulness in teaching the alphabet and motor control skills.

Association between quality of life, severity of asthma, sleep disorders and exercise capacity in children with asthma: a cross-sectional study.

Objective: To assess the association between quality of life, asthma severity, sleep disorders and exercise capacity in children with asthma.

Methods: We evaluated 45 children with asthma of both sexes aged between 7 and 12 years, diagnosed by a pediatrician/pulmonologist and classified according to the IV Brazilian Guidelines for Asthma Management: severity (intermittent/mild and moderate/severe) and control (controlled, partially controlled and uncontrolled). Quality of life (QoL), presence of sleep disorders and exercise capacity were respectively assessed using the following instruments: Pediatric Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (PAQLQ); Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children (SDSC); and six-minute step test (6MST).