Communication skills in pediatrics: perception of medical students.

Background: Effective communication with patients and their families is a fundamental skill for medical students to cultivate during their undergraduate training. However, communicating with pediatric patients presents unique challenges. This study investigated the perceptions, attitudes, and confidence levels of undergraduate medical students regarding communication skills in pediatrics.

Application of cellulose nanofibers as cryoprotective in frozen storage of chicken surimi-like material.

The application of cellulose nanofibers (CNF) as cryoprotectants in frozen foods has rarely been explored. In this study, the cryoprotective effect of CNF (2, 4 and 6 % w/w) on mechanically separated chicken meat (MSCM) surimi-like material was investigated, during frozen storage (5 and 60 days) under temperature fluctuation. Surimi-like without cryopreservation agents was more susceptible to protein oxidation due to ice recrystallization.

Fish acting as sinks of methane-derived carbon in Neotropical floodplains.

Floodplains function as global hotspots for the natural production of methane. Some of this methane can be oxidized by methanotrophic bacteria and assimilated into their biomass before reaching the atmosphere. Consequently, aquatic invertebrates that feed on methanotrophic bacteria may transfer methane-derived carbon to higher trophic levels in the aquatic food chain.

Chemical Characterization, Antioxidant Potential and Phenolic Profile of the Pulp and By-Products of Black puçá (Mouriri pusa), a Fruit from the Brazilian Cerrado region.

The black puçá (Mouriri pusa) is an unconventional fruit from the Cerrado region of Brazil, commonly known as the jabuticaba of the forest. However, data on its nutritional and phytochemical composition are limited. This study investigated the nutritional composition, physicochemical characteristics, profile of carbohydrates and organic acids, phenolics and flavonoids individual, amino acids composition, bioactive substances, and antioxidant potential in the pulp, peel, and seed fractions of puçá-preto.

Potential of quartzite and Hevea brasiliensis wood in the production of cement-wood panels.

The incorporation of residues in cement matrices is a viable alternative for obtaining new products for civil construction and a sustainable solution for the disposal of materials discarded by industries. In this context, the objective of the study was to evaluate the potential use of quartzite and particles of Hevea brasiliensis in the production of cement-wood panels. Quartzite residues and Hevea brasiliensis wood particles were obtained and characterized.

Impacts of Anabolic-androgenic steroid supplementation on female health and offspring: Mechanisms, side effects, and medical perspectives.

The increasing prevalence of Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) among women, driven by the pursuit of improved body aesthetics, characterized by higher lean mass and reduced adipose tissue, raises significant health concerns, particularly due to the limited knowledge regarding their effects on the female organism. Prolonged use and/or high doses of AAS are linked to various harmful side effects, including mood changes, psychiatric disorders, voice deepening, clitoromegaly, menstrual irregularities, and cardiovascular complications, prompting medical societies to discourage their widespread use due to insufficient evidence supporting their safety and efficacy. Studies in female rodents have shown that AAS can lead to increased aggression, inflammation, reduced neuronal density, and negative impacts on the myocardium and blood vessels.

Exploring the genetic expression of Wickerhamomyces anomalus during biosurfactant production from waste cooking oil.

Aims: Biosurfactants are valuable eco-friendly compounds with broad industrial applications, particularly when produced sustainably using yeast and renewable carbon sources. Despite the potential of yeast in biosurfactant synthesis, little is known about the specific gene expression changes underlying this process. This study investigates the genetic response of Wickerhamomyces anomalus CCMA 0358 to biosurfactant production using waste cooking oil (WCO) as a low-cost carbon source.

Preclinical safety assessment in rats after dermal exposure to acetylcarvacrol, a potential acaricide against the brown dog tick.

Carvacrol, a phenolic monoterpene found in essential oils of plants of the Lamiaceae family, emerges as an alternative acaricide of plant origin. Its acetylation was proposed to obtain a derivative compound with a better pharmacological profile and lower toxicity to non-target organisms. The present study aimed to assess the preclinical safety of acetylcarvacrol after dermal application in Wistar rats, through the examination of hematological and biochemical parameters, as well as histopathological analysis of the skin, liver and kidney.

Evolutionary diversification of C2 photosynthesis in the grass genus Homolepis (Arthropogoninae).

Background And Aims: To better understand C4 evolution in monocots, we characterized C3-C4 intermediate phenotypes in the grass genus Homolepis (subtribe Arthropogoninae).

Methods: Carbon isotope ratio (δ13C), leaf gas exchange, mesophyll (M) to bundle sheath (BS) tissue characteristics, organelle size and numbers in M and BS tissue, and tissue distribution of the P-subunit of glycine decarboxylase (GLDP) were determined for five Homolepis species and the C4 grass Mesosetum loliiforme from a phylogenetic sister clade. We generated a transcriptome-based phylogeny for Homolepis and Mesosetum species to interpret physiological and anatomical patterns in an evolutionary context, and to test for hybridization.

Screening High-Biomass Grasses for Cadmium Phytoremediation.

Investigating the ability of non-hyperaccumulator plants to grow in soils polluted by cadmium (Cd) and their potential for phytostabilization or phytoextraction is essential for assessing their use in phytomanagement efficiency. Therefore, we evaluated the tolerance of high-biomass grasses to Cd by measuring biomass production and element accumulation and valued them for their suitability for phytoextraction or phytostabilization purposes on moderately Cd-polluted land (total Cd concentration of 7.5 mg kg) by determining Cd accumulation in the plants and calculating the bioconcentration (Cd BCF) and translocation factors (Cd TF).

Performance and Health Parameters of Sows and Their Litters Using a Probiotic Supplement Composed of 541 and 516.

This study investigated the efficacy of using probiotics on the performance and health parameters of sows and their litters. A randomized block design was used with 584 sows and 292 replications, with two dietary treatments: the control group (basal diet without probiotics) and the probiotic group (basal diet supplemented with 400 g/ton of a probiotic composed of () 541 and () 516). Feed intake was evaluated throughout the experimental period.

Thermal Manipulation During the Embryonic Stage and the Post-Hatch Characteristics of Broiler Chickens.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of thermal manipulation during incubation on the hatchability, the performance, the carcass characteristics, the intestinal villi, the nutrient metabolizability, and some physiological parameters in broiler chickens. Ross eggs were randomly distributed into four commercial automatic incubators. The treatments were as follows: incubator kept at 37.

Effect of Grazing on the Welfare of Dairy Cows Raised Under Different Housing Conditions in Compost Barns.

There is currently no established information for assessing the general welfare conditions and behavior of dairy cows housed in compost-bedded pack barns (CBPs) that allow access to pasture. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate and classify the welfare and behavior of dairy cows in three different housing conditions within CBPs in southern Brazil. During both the cold and hot seasons, nine farms were divided into three groups: CONV (conventional, large, full-time barns), ADAP (conventionally adapted, full-time barns), and PART (part-time barns).

Agronomic Biofortification of Unconventional Food Plants with Zinc.

Zinc (Zn) biofortification in food plants presents a good strategy to address inadequate Zn intake by humans, a major health concern. Unconventional food plants (UFPs), known for their rich nutritional profile, offer an accessible and nutritious alternative to the food system. This study evaluated the response of selected UFP species to Zn application.

Characterization of dark septate endophytic fungi Periconia macrospinosa isolated from roots of sugarcane in São Paulo, Brazil.

Dark Septate Endophytic (DSE) fungi can benefit plants by optimizing nutrient uptake, biosynthesis of phytohormones-like compounds, and stress relief such as toxic metals. The objective was to characterize in vitro 57 strains of the DSE Periconia macrospinosa isolated from sugarcane roots, indicating the most promising in solubilizing phosphate sources, growing in different metal and vinasse contents, and producing molecules related to indoleacetic acid (IAA). The strains were from the Embrapa Agrobiology Fungi Collection.

Field emission performance of graphene-incorporated aluminum-based metal matrix composite.

The 'close proximity' configuration was used for field emission analysis of graphene-incorporated aluminum (Al) composites. The turn-on field was found to be 2 V μm for the AlGr1 (1% graphene (by weight) inside the Al matrix) composite compared to 4.75 V μm for the pristine aluminum sample.

Elucidation of Potential Genotoxicity of MXenes Using a DNA Comet Assay.

MXenes are among the most diverse and prominent 2D materials. They are being explored in almost every field of science and technology, including biomedicine. In particular, they are being investigated for photothermal therapy, drug delivery, medical imaging, biosensing, tissue engineering, blood dialysis, and antibacterial coatings.

Allelopathic activity of coffee extracts: implications for germination and initial growth in select weeds and polyploidy in L.

Coffee beans contain compounds with allelopathic activity, such that some beans that do not meet quality standards might rather be used to obtain a natural herbicide which consequently might be employed to control undesired plants and avoid economic losses. Thus, the objectives of this study were: (1) to investigate the allelopathic effect of different concentrations of green (GC) and roasted (RC) coffee extracts on the inhibition of germination and initial growth of L. L.

Cardiovascular effects of early maternal separation and escitalopram treatment in rats with depressive-like behaviour.

Depression and cardiovascular diseases are two of the world's major health problems. Escitalopram (ESC) is widely used because of its safety in relation to other drugs in that class; however, it can affect the cardiovascular system. The present study evaluated the cardiovascular parameters of depressive-like male rats and the cardiovascular effects of ESC treatment on that condition.

The impact of plant-based product denomination on consumer expectations and sensory perception: A study with vegan chocolate dessert.

In recent years, there has been a growing demand for plant-based products from omnivorous consumers seeking a healthier and more sustainable diet, but sensory issues can still impact the consumption experience. Since food denomination and labeling can play a crucial role in consumer expectation and perception, investigating these interactions is essential. Thus, this study investigated the influence of plant-based product denominations on consumer expectations and sensory perceptions.

(Baker) H. Rob. (Asteraceae), an Ordinary Bush or an Anti-Inflammatory and Immunomodulator Aromatic Species?

Oral traditional knowledge disseminates the use of young leaves of (Asteraceae) as poultice in feverish cases among family farmers in Santa Catarina, Brazil, but there is a lack of phytochemistry and pharmacological studies on this species, especially those related to volatile organic compounds. In the present study, the dry leaves of were subjected to hydrodistillation for the extraction of essential oil. Sample characterization was conducted using GC-FID and GC-MS.

Impact of Exogenous on the Gut Microbiome of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Patients Colonized by Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria: An Observational Study.

can inhibit the growth of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) and modulate the gut microbiome. However, data on hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) are scarce. In an observational study, we assessed the impact of on the modulation of the gut microbiome in HSCT patients colonized by MDROs.