Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro

Olive oil production generates 6.23 kg/L of olive leaf residues, which are rich in macromolecules and bioactive compounds. The aim of this study was to (i) develop and characterize starch-pectin films with olive leaves in powder form; (ii) optimize the formulations using a central composite rotatable design; and (iii) use the optimized film as edible, hydrosoluble sachets with spices for seasoning rice or olive leaves for infusion and analyze sensory acceptability. The response values ranged from 2.7 to 7 MPa for tensile strength, 8 to 13% for elongation at break, 4.1 to 8 mm⁻¹ for opacity, and 34 to 88% for water solubility. The optimized film showed UV protection (above 90%) with a moisture content of 11.4 ± 0.4%, water solubility of 83 ± 9%, water vapor permeability of 1.48 ± 0.04 g mm h⁻¹ m⁻² kPa⁻¹, water contact angle of 52 ± 1°, and antioxidant activity of 0.055 µM Trolox equivalents g⁻¹ (ABTS•+) and 60.19% (DPPH⁻). No heavy metals were detected in the multielement analyses. The optimized film was found to be suitable for use as edible hydrosoluble sachets, as it dissolved easily when the rice was cooked (10 ± 2 min) and in boiling water for infusion (5 min). The sensory analysis showed an acceptance and purchase intention of 85% and 81% for the rice seasoning sachets and 65% and 59% for the infusion sachets, respectively. Future studies should investigate the effects of olive leaf films on food preservation in different matrices.

Dipterans of the Calliphoridae and Mesembrinellidae families are of high relevance in the Atlantic Forest of Rio de Janeiro, and it is important to examine their diversity and abundance in the different ecological areas of this biome over a time interval. This study aimed to study the diversity and abundance of Calliphoridae and Mesembrinellidae by evaluating the sexual variation and the influence of abiotic factors (average temperature, relative humidity and total precipitation) on the capture of insects collected during the four seasons of the year. Four traps were installed in each ecological area containing 300 grams of beef liver as attractive bait, which remained exposed for 48 hours in each season during the period between autumn 2021 and summer 2022. The collected dipterans were sacrificed, sent to the Laboratório de Estudos de Dípteros (LED-UNIRIO), and taxonomically identified. The Kruskal-Wallis and Wilcoxon tests were used to examine the influence of the four seasons on the abundance, and the Spearman correlation was used to relate abundance to abiotic variables. A total of 2,826 dipterans were collected during the four seasons of the year, represented by nine species of the Calliphoridae family and ten of the Mesembrinellidae family. During the summer, a numerically larger amount of insects was collected, but the Kruskal-Wallis test (chi-square = 5.2781, p = 0.1525) showed there was no significant difference between the abundance of the species collected and the seasons. Spearman’s correlation showed that most species did not show a significant correlation between their respective abundances and the analyzed abiotic factors. The Wilcoxon test indicated that there is a significant difference between the abundance of females and males, with females being significantly more abundant than males, however the difference is statistically greater within the Calliphoridae family (W = 60.49, p = 5.8x10⁻¹²) in relation to the Mesembrinellidae family (W = 1231.5, p = 0.019).

Purpose Metabolic associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is the most prevalent chronic liver disease, and non-invasive fibrosis staging still represents a challenge. Our main objective was to estimate the degree of liver fibrosis in these patients using T1 mapping and the extracellular volume (ECV) by MRI in comparison with liver stiffness assessed by MR elastography (MRE). Methods In a single-center cross-sectional study, patients with MASLD were prospectively enrolled and underwent MRI with liver T1 mapping and ECV calculations. Groups with and without significant liver fibrosis assessed by MRE were compared with the Mann–Whitney test, chi-square test, and Fisher's exact test. Correlation analysis was conducted using Spearman’s test, and a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was generated to assess the ability of ECV to differentiate between groups. Results This study evaluated 54 patients, 37% were men, with a mean age of 58.0 ± 12.0 years. Mild liver fibrosis (F0–F1) was present in 38 patients, and significant fibrosis (F2–F4) was detected in 16 patients. Patients with significant fibrosis presented higher native T1 (954 ± 126 vs. 820 ± 123; p < 0.001) and ECV (37.9% vs. 29.1%; p < 0.001) values than those with no/mild fibrosis. Liver stiffness was correlated with native T1 (r = 0.512, p < 0.001) and ECV (r = 0.443, p < 0.001). The native liver T1 and ECV differentiated patients with and without significant liver fibrosis on MRE (AUC = 0.85 and 0.84, respectively). Conclusion Native T1 and ECV show potential as an alternative method for the non-invasive staging of fibrosis in patients with MASLD, although further validation in larger cohorts is needed. Graphical abstract

Background Overdose involving opioids is the black heart of the addiction crisis. “Pre-addiction,” as an encouraging concept by NIDA and NIAAA, seems best captured with the construct of dopamine dysregulation. Referring to the abundant publications on “Reward Deficiency Syndrome” (RDS), Genetic Addiction Risk Score (GARS) test, RDSQ29, and KB220, Pre-addiction can be referred to as “reward dysregulation” as a suitable suggestion. The hypothesis is that the true phenotype is RDS, and other behavioral disorders are endophenotypes where the genetic variants play important roles, specifically in the Brain Reward Cascade (BRC). Methods This study tested the pharmacogenomics of the GARS panel by a multi-model in silico investigation in four layers: 1) Protein-Protein Interactions (PPIs); 2) Gene Regulatory Networks (GRNs); 3) Disease, drugs and chemicals (DDCs); and 4) Gene Coexpression Networks (GCNs). Results All in silico findings were combined in an Enrichment Analysis for 59 refined genes, which represented highly significant associations of dopamine pathways in the BRC and supported our hypothesis. Conclusion This paper provides scientific evidence for the importance of incorporating GARS as a predictive test to identify Pre-addiction, introduce unique therapeutic targets assisting in the treatment of pain, drug dosing of prescription pharmaceuticals, and identify the risk for subsequent addiction early in -life.

Resumo A partir de um referencial teórico e epistemológico feminista, discute-se a tematização da masturbação feminina nos quadrinhos Garota Siririca, de autoria de Lovelove6, e Siriricas Tristes, de Carol Ito. São analisados os recursos gráficos empregados para, através da autoficção e dos desenhos de si, desenvolver uma abordagem feminista dos interditos sexuais impostos às mulheres. Pretende-se assinalar como essas duas HQs rompem com as formas consolidadas de representação dos corpos das mulheres e da sexualidade feminina, reverberando uma crítica feminista, ao mesmo tempo em que produzem uma narrativa crítica dos mecanismos de sujeição e controle desses corpos.

From the “Siren’s Song” to the Noise of Sirens – The aim of this essay is to explore the conceptual and cultural transformations of the voice, based on the possible relations between the classic account of the sirens’ song and the modern advent of sirens, artifacts used mainly to warn populations of imminent disasters. The hypothesis is that both in the traditional account of the sirens/mermaids and in the technical conception of sirens there is a devaluation of sound in favor of speech. Finally, some ways of re-signifying the sirens’ song are suggested, based on a conceptual matrix that avoid the hierarchical opposition between meaning and senses.

From the “Siren’s Song” to the Noise of Sirens – The aim of this essay is to explore the conceptual and cultural transformations of the voice, based on the possible relations between the classic account of the sirens’ song and the modern advent of sirens, artifacts used mainly to warn populations of imminent disasters. The hypothesis is that both in the traditional account of the sirens/mermaids and in the technical conception of sirens there is a devaluation of sound in favor of speech. Finally, some ways of re-signifying the sirens’ song are suggested, based on a conceptual matrix that avoid the hierarchical opposition between meaning and senses.

Objectives Diabetic distal symmetric polyneuropathy, affecting up to 50% of adults with diabetes, often leads to painful symptoms; yet current treatments are largely ineffective with standard therapies providing limited relief. The aim of this systematic review is to address the knowledge gap in understanding the neural networks associated with painful diabetic polyneuropathy (P-DPN). By synthesizing evidence from neuroimaging studies, it seeks to identify potential targets for neuromodulation-based treatments, ultimately guiding clinicians and researchers in developing novel, more effective therapeutic interventions for P-DPN. Content A comprehensive search following the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis was conducted across Embase, PsycINFO, and MEDLINE databases to identify relevant neuroimaging studies from 2010 to May 2024. The search focused on studies involving P-DPN and excluded animal research. After the removal of duplicates and irrelevant studies, 18 studies were included and critically appraised for their contributions to understanding the neural correlates of P-DPN. Summary The review highlights that P-DPN is associated with alterations in brain networks involved in pain perception, particularly in the primary somatosensory cortex highlighting its role in sensory and pain perception. Regions such as the anterior cingulate cortex and thalamus exhibit altered functional connectivity, with the former showing responses to pain treatment. The review also identified increased connectivity between the cingulate cortex, medial prefrontal cortex, medial temporal region, and insula in individuals with P-DPN, pointing to the involvement of these regions in the emotional and cognitive aspects of pain processing. Outlook This review provides a foundational understanding of the neural networks involved in P-DPN, offering potential targets for future neuromodulation therapies. Further research is required to deepen the understanding of these brain alterations and to explore how they can be leveraged for more effective P-DPN treatments.

The assimineid Solenomphala scalaris (Heude, 1882) is present in the interface between freshwater and terrestrial habitats. It was originally described from China, but it has been recently recorded it from Singapore and Malaysia, in addition to possible records from Taiwan, Japan and Elba, Italy. Sampling efforts in four Brazilian states (Amazonas, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo and Santa Catarina) since 2009 recovered specimens similar to S. scalaris, always in anthropic sites. The shell, operculum, radula and penis largely agree with descriptions and images of S. scalaris available in the literature. The mitochondrial gene COI was sequenced for 25 specimens from Brazil, revealing that two genetic lineages (diverged by 1.9-2.5%) are widespread in that country, one of which is also present in China and Taiwan. Additional sampling in native and non-native sites is required to test whether S. scalaris is synonymous with other species from East Asia. Solenomphala scalaris is a cryptic exotic species; due to its minute shell and simple morphology, S. scalaris has most likely gone unnoticed in its introduced range. KEYWORDS: DNA; freshwater gastropod; non-native species; Solenomphala taiwanensis; taxonomy; terrestrial gastropod

Food can be contaminated by physical, chemical, biological, and radiological hazards. Industry and regulatory agencies have developed the Food Safety Management System, based on the principles of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points, to be effective against unintentional food safety risks. However, there is the intentional contamination of food to cause harm to consumers, customers, or companies, and prevention requires a different approach to controlling unintentional food safety risks; this concept is known as food defense. There are certification standards that include food defense requirements referenced to the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI), such as the British Retail Consortium, International Featured Standards, Food Safety System Certification 22000, and Safe Quality Food Institute. In the context of food producers, it is crucial to understand the critical success factors for implementing standards involved in food defense and increasing the effectiveness and sustainability of exporting agroindustries. The present study aimed to map the essential success factors for implementing food defense in Brazilian companies already certified by the standards recognized by the GFSI, to take advantage of this expertise for companies seeking to implement food defense. Quantitative and qualitative research was conducted by a survey of the perception of those responsible for implementing food safety standards regarding the relevance of food defense requirements to guarantee food protection. Data analysis was performed through correspondence analysis. It was possible to identify groups and formulate a reduced list of priority criteria for the implementation of food defense, to facilitate and accelerate the adaptation process of companies not yet certified, helping to raise the level of food safety for consumers, in addition to contributing to economic growth through new entrants in the export and import chain.

Introduction In the context of global population ageing, there is a continuous and significant increase in the average age of nursing professionals. However, evidence indicates that age bias may hinder older workers’ access to the necessary support to remain active in the workforce. Method and analysis This scoping review aims to map and characterise the scientific literature on age bias directed at older nursing professionals in the workplace, conducted using the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for scoping reviews and aligned with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews. Databases include MEDLINE (PubMed), CINAHL (EBSCOhost), LILACS, Scopus, APA PsycInfo and grey literature in Google Scholar. Two independent reviewers will screen titles and abstracts, followed by a full-text review of potentially relevant articles. Another reviewer will reconcile discrepancies. Two independent reviewers will extract data from the included articles using a data extraction tool developed for this review. The results will be tabulated and presented in a diagram and/or tables and summarised to explicitly address the review’s objective. Ethics and dissemination Findings will be disseminated through professional networks, conference presentations and publication in a scientific journal. Registration details https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/TR5ZK .

Calliphoridae are known for their role in nutrient cycling and forensic entomology, as well as transmitting pathogens and causing myiasis. This study aimed to investigate the diversity of Calliphoridae in Campo de Santana, Rio de Janeiro, and assess their response to the type and decomposition time of animal baits. Four traps baited with sardines and 4 with bovine liver at different stages of decomposition (0 h, 48 h, and 96 h) were installed at georeferenced points for 8 h. The procedure was repeated over 4 wk. Insects were stored at −5°C for preservation until taxonomic identification was performed. Statistical analyses were conducted in R Studio, and hypothesis tests were used to evaluate bait attractiveness. A total of 5,483 Calliphoridae were collected, with a predominance of Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius; 1794), Chrysomya putoria (Wiedemann; 1818), and Chrysomya albiceps (Wiedemann; 1819), and a lower abundance of Cochliomyia hominivorax (Coquerel, 1858), Hemilucilia segmentaria (Fabricius; 1805) and Lucilia cuprina (Wiedemann; 1830). Sardine bait at all decomposition intervals showed greater attractiveness compared to bovine liver bait. Sardine bait with 96 h attracted the highest abundance of insects, whereas fresh bait was not attractive. For bovine liver, decomposition time did not significantly influence attractiveness, with 48 and 96 h intervals being equally effective. This study enhances knowledge about the population dynamics of Calliphoridae in Campo de Santana, an important urban park in the city center of Rio de Janeiro. It highlights the predominance of exotic species and the presence of C. hominivorax, known for causing myiasis in the Neotropical region.

HIV-1 exhibits tropism for the CCR5 and/or CXCR4 receptors, which are essential for viral entry into CD4 cells. With the advent of coreceptor antagonists, understanding HIV-1 tropism has become crucial for patient management. The V3 loop, a highly variable region of approximately 35 amino acids, plays a key role in determining tropism. Due to the genetic diversity of HIV-1 subtypes, V3 loop sequences may vary in amino acid composition depending on tropism and subtype. This study aimed to identify critical positions within the V3 loop for defining CCR5, CXCR4, and R5X4 tropisms based on HIV-1 subtype. The random forest algorithm was employed to assess variable importance. CCR5 tropism was predominant, accounting for 80.06% of the sample, while 15% exhibited dual-tropism (R5X4) and 6.37% had CXCR4 tropism. The most prevalent subtype was B, representing 54.45% of the sample. Random forest analysis identified positions 2, 5, 8, 11, 12, 13, 18, 20, 21, 22, 24, 25, 32, and 34 as crucial for HIV-1 tropism. Most of these positions aligned with previous findings. Interestingly, the widely cited 11/25 rule was not universally applicable across subtypes, as recombinant forms exhibited different key positions. Position 25 was important across all subtypes, whereas position 11 ranked among the top five only in subtype B. The random forest algorithm effectively identified key positions for tropism characterization.

The skin plays a crucial role in the body’s homeostasis through its thermoregulation functions, metabolic activity, and, mainly, its barrier function. Once this system has its homeostasis disturbed, through the promotion of tissue discontinuity, an injury happens and a restoration process starts. Different products can be used to promote, accelerate, or stimulate the healing process, such as hydrogels, emulsions, and ointments (main conventional formulations). Despite the historical use and wide market and consumer acceptance, new systems emerged for wound management with the main challenge to overcome conventional form limitations, in which nanosystems are found, mainly nanobased emulsion forms (nano- and microemulsions, NE and ME). Here, we discuss the skin function and wound healing process, highlighting the cellular and molecular processes, the different wound classifications, and factors that affect physiological healing. We also investigated the recent patents (2012–2023) filed at the United States Patent and Trademark Office, where we found few patents for conventional forms (hydrogels = 5; emulsions = 4; ointments = 6) but a larger number of patents for nanobased emulsions filed in this time (NE = 638; ME = 4,072). Furthermore, we address the use of nanobased emulsions (NE and ME) and their particularities, differences, and application in wound treatment. This work also discusses the challenges, bottlenecks, and regulatory framework for nanosystems, industrial, academic, and government interest in nanotechnology, and future perspectives about this key factor for the nanosystems market and consumer acceptance.

OBJECTIVE Core outcome sets (COSs) are needed to promote data consistency across studies as well as data synthesis and comparability. The goal of the current study was to utilize a modified Delphi process to develop a COS–sciatic injury and neuropathy evaluation (COS-SINE). METHODS A five-stage approach was utilized to develop the COS-SINE: stage 1, consortium development; stage 2, literature review to identify potential outcome measures; stage 3, Delphi survey to develop consensus on outcomes for inclusion; stage 4, Delphi survey to develop definitions; and stage 5, consensus meeting to finalize the COS and definitions. The study followed the Core Outcome Set–STAndards for Development recommendations. RESULTS The Core Outcomes in Nerve Surgery (COINS) Consortium comprised 23 participants, all neurological surgeons, representing 13 countries. Three participants were excluded on the basis of agreed upon participation rules. The final COS-SINE consisted of 36 data points/outcomes covering the domains of demographics, diagnostics, patient-reported outcomes, motor and sensory outcomes, and complications. Appropriate instruments, methods of testing, and definitions were set. The consensus minimum duration of follow-up was 24 months, with consensus optimal time points for assessment identified as preoperatively and 3, 6, 12, 24, and 36 months postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS The COINS Consortium developed a consensus COS and provided definitions, methods of implementation, and time points for assessment. The COS-SINE should serve as a minimum set of data that should be collected in all future neurosurgical studies on sciatic nerve injury and neuropathy. Incorporation of this COS should help improve consistency in reporting and data synthesis and comparability and should minimize outcome-reporting bias.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by pruritic papules with redness and/or hyperpigmentation. Topical therapy may be considered a safe and efficacious approach for mild AD, and as a complementary therapy for moderate and severe AD. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of tapinarof cream, a topical aryl hydrocarbon receptor agonist in patients with AD. Pubmed, Embase, and Cochrane were systematically searched for randomized clinical trials (RCTs) that compared tapinarof cream versus vehicle in patients with AD. Risk ratios (RRs) were computed for binary endpoints, with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). Statistical significance was defined as p-value < 0.05. A total of 5 RCTs and 1,165 patients were included, with 755 (64.8%) patients in the tapinarof group. Compared with the vehicle group, patients assigned to tapinarof had a greater achievement in an Investigator’s Global Assessment (IGA) score of 0 (clear) or 1 (almost clear) (RR 2.42; 95% CI 1.73 to 3.38; p < 0.001), and 75% or greater improvement in Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) score (RR 2.65; 95% CI 2.14 to 3.29; p < 0.001). However, patients in the tapinarof group had significantly higher rates of adverse events (RR 1.58; 95% CI 1.34 to 1.86; p < 0.001), including folliculitis (RR 6.21; 95% CI 2.49 to 15.50; p < 0.001), and headache (RR 3.24; 95% CI 1.15 to 9.06; p = 0.025) than with vehicle. This meta-analysis concluded that the use of tapinarof cream was effective and well tolerated in patients with AD. Further studies evaluating the long-term efficacy of tapinarof cream are needed. PROSPERO number: CRD42024592110.