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Novel foods especially formulated and targeted for the elderly population should provide sufficient nutrients and bioactive ingredients to counteract the natural age-related deterioration of various organs and tissues. Dietary protein and phenolic compounds achieve this goal; however, older adults have alterations in their gastrointestinal system that may impact their bioavailability and few studies have been aimed at this population. Since phenolic compounds are the subject of multiple biotransformations by host and microbiome enzymes during the digestion process, identification of their bioavailable forms in human plasma or tissues represents a considerable analytical challenge. In this study, UHPLC-ESI-QTOF/MS-MS, chemometrics, and multivariate statistical methods were used to identify the amino acids and phenolic compounds that were increased in the plasma of elderly adults after a 30-day intervention in which they had consumed an especially formulated muffin and beverage containing Brosimum alicastrum Sw. seed flour. A large interindividual variation was observed regarding the amino acids and phenolic metabolites identified in the plasma samples, before and after the intervention. Three phenolic metabolites were significantly increased in the population after the intervention: protocatechuic acid, 5-(methoxy-4'-hydroxyphenyl) valerolactone, and phloretic acid. These metabolites, as well as others that were not significantly increased (although they did increase in several individuals), are probably the product of the microbiota metabolism of the major phenolic compounds present in the B. alicastrum Sw. seed flour and other food ingredients. A significant decrease in 4-ethyl-phenol, a biomarker of stress, was observed in the samples. Results showed that the incorporation of foods rich in phenolic compounds into the regular diet of older adults contributes to the increase in bioactive compounds in plasma, that could substantially benefit their mental, cardiovascular, and digestive health.

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INTRODUCTION:  Motion analysis, the study of movement patterns to evaluate performance, plays a crucial role in surgical training. It provides objective data that can be used to assess and improve trainee's precision, efficiency, and overall surgical technique. The primary aim of this study is to employ accelerometer-based sensors placed on the wrist to analyze hand motions during endoscopic sinus surgery training using the sheep's head. By capturing detailed movement data, the study seeks to quantify the motion characteristics that distinguish different levels of surgical expertise. This approach seeks to quantify motion characteristics indicative of surgical expertise and enhance the objectivity and effectiveness of surgical training feedback mechanisms. MATERIALS AND METHODS:  Twenty-four participants were divided into three groups based on their experience with endoscopic endonasal surgery. Each participant was tasked with performing specified procedures on an individual sheep's head, concentrating on exploring both nasal passages. A single Bluetooth Accelerometer WitMotion sensor was mounted on the dorsal surface of each hand. This facilitates the evaluation of efficiency parameters such as time, path length, and acceleration during the training procedures. Accelerometer data were collected and imported in CSV format (comma-separated values) for each group of surgeons-senior, specialist, and resident-mean values and standard deviations were computed. The Shapiro-Wilk Test assessed the normality of the distribution. The Kruskal-Wallis test was employed to compare procedural time, acceleration, and path length differences across the three surgeon experience levels. RESULTS:  For the procedural time, statistical significance appears in all surgical steps (p<0.001), with the biggest difference in the septoplasty group in favor of the senior group. A clear difference can be observed between the resulting acceleration of the dominant hands (instrument hand) and the non-dominant hand (endoscopic hand) and between the study groups. The difference between groups reaches statistical significance with a p-value <0.001. A statistically significant difference can be seen between the paths covered by each hand of every participant (p<0.001). Also, senior doctors covered significantly less movement with both hands than the specialists and the resident doctors (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS:  The data show a clear learning curve from resident to senior, with residents taking more time and using more hand movements to complete the same tasks. Specialists are in the intermediate phase, showing signs of honing their technique towards efficiency. This comprehensive data set can help tailor training programs to focus on both efficiency (quicker procedures) and economy of motion (reduced path length and acceleration), especially in more complex procedures where the difference in performance is more pronounced.

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There are no studies regarding the estimation of genetic parameters and genetic trends for reproductive traits and somatic cells in goats. Their knowledge allows optimization of selection schemes. The objective of this study was to estimate genetic parameters and genetic and phenotypic trends for age at first kidding (AFK), kidding interval (KIN) and somatic cell score (SCS). Analyses were conducted within and across seven US goat breeds, namely, Nubian (NU), Alpine (AL), LaMancha (LM), Toggenburg (TO), Saanen (SA), Nigerian Dwarf (ND) and Oberhasli (OB), and a set of all of these breeds (AB). The restricted maximum likelihood methodology and trivariate animal models were used. Genetic and phenotypic trends were estimated using regression models. The average and standard deviation of AFK, KIN and SCS for AB were 573.6 ± 178.5 days, 418.8 ± 125.5 days and 4.67 ± 2.23 Log2, respectively. The heritabilities (h2) and standard errors of AFK, KIN and SCS for AB were 0.28 ± 0.02, 0.04 ± 0.02 and 0.22 ± 0.01, respectively. The h2 ranged from 0.15 (SA) to 0.37 (NU) for AFK, from 0.04 (AB) to 0.10 (AL) for KIN, and from 0.11 (TO) to 0.26 (LM and ND) for SCS. Genetic correlations between AFK and KIN and between AFK and SCS for AB were positive and weak (0.07 and 0.12, respectively) but significant (P < 0.01). Genetic correlations between SCS and KIN were significant (P < 0.01) for all the breeds and ranged from -0.15 (NU) to 0.44 (AL). Genetic correlations between AFK and SCS in the NU and AL breeds were similar (approximately 0.21). A positive genetic trend was found for KIN in the SA breed, which caused an increase in the number of days between consecutive kiddings. The genetic trend of SCS for the NU, AL and ND breeds was negative and decreased annually, which is beneficial for producers. These first results show the intensity and direction of some favorable/unfavorable relationships between AFK or KIN and SCS Log2 in some U.S. goat genetic groups.

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INTRODUCTION: Training young doctors in functional endoscopic sinus surgery requires dedicated centers for cadaveric dissections. However, ethical constraints have limited cadaver availability. Alternative anatomical models, like the ovine model, are being explored for effective training, offering easier procurement and resembling human head anatomy. This study aims to demonstrate that the ovine model is useful for endoscopic sinus surgery training, highlighting the anatomical, imaging, histological, and endoscopic aspects. METHODS: Three adult Native Romanian Turcana sheep's heads were obtained fresh and frozen from a local slaughterhouse. Using a helical scanner, CT scans were performed, and anatomical structures in the images were carefully labeled. Two heads frozen at -20°C were serially sectioned, with one cut sagittally, dividing the skull, and the other head sectioned transversely with 2.5 cm thickness. Sectional photographs were taken. The third sheep's head underwent endoscopy, and samples from the septal mucosa and inferior turbinate were collected for histopathology examination. The specimens were processed, stained, and examined by a pathologist. RESULTS: The study successfully highlighted the gross anatomy, CT imaging aspects, histological characteristics of sheep nasal mucosa, and endoscopic features, demonstrating the similarity of the sheep's head to human anatomy, making it a suitable anatomical training model for endoscopic sinus surgery. CONCLUSION: The use of sheep's heads as substitutes for human cadaver heads in nasal surgery simulations presents a promising avenue for research. The anatomical similarities and cost-effectiveness make sheep's heads a practical choice for certain aspects of nasal surgery investigation. However, researchers must approach this methodology with a thorough understanding of its limitations, including anatomical and biomechanical differences. Validation studies comparing outcomes with human models are crucial to establishing reliability. The sheep's head anatomical model provides a highly valuable experience for young trainees in endoscopic sinus surgery. Despite encountering several challenges, including some anatomical differences, considering its advantageous attributes renders it an ideal material for mimicking surgical procedures in functional endoscopic sinus surgery.

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BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: Alcohol consumption is increasing in women, who more frequently report abdominal symptoms compared to men. We aimed to examine differences in presentation of acute pancreatitis [AP] in male and female patients hospitalized with alcohol-associated AP. METHODS: We analyzed 138 patients enrolled in an ongoing case-crossover study of alcohol-associated AP conducted across 5 medical centers in the U.S. Patients meeting the Revised Atlanta Classification of AP and who scored 3 or higher on the AUDIT-C instrument were invited to participate in the study and were interviewed while hospitalized with AP. Sex differences in the timing and type of pancreas-associated pain, alcohol consumption, clinical presentation, and quality of life were examined by Chi-squared tests, Wilcoxon rank sum tests and t-tests. RESULTS: Female patients reported significantly longer interval from onset of pain to deciding to seek medical attention (median 40 h, interquartile range [IQR] 14, 74) as compared to males (14 h, IQR 4, 50; p = 0.005). While male patients were more likely to have been admitted to the intensive care unit [ICU] (21%) as compared to female patients (7%; p = 0.04), the incidence of SIRS or severe AP did not differ by sex. Quality of life measures as reported through the PROMIS-29 instrument were equally suboptimal in both sexes. Anxiety disorders were diagnosed more frequently among females (61%) than in males (41%, p = 0.009). CONCLUSION: In a large case series of alcohol-associated AP, we found that female patients delayed seeking medical care compared to males. However, there were no differences in the type, location and intensity of abdominal pain.

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As the availability of tobacco forms has evolved, emerging products known as heated tobacco products (HTPs) are increasingly being consumed worldwide and are claimed to be less harmful than tobacco cigarette smoking. To date, it is unknown whether Arab cigarette smokers are using or susceptible to HTPs. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the association between cigarette smoking behavior and the use of and susceptibility to HTPs in the Eastern Mediterranean region. Arab cigarette smokers (n = 628) from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Kuwait, and Yemen were recruited using a convenience sampling technique. A cross-sectional survey comprised questions related to sociodemographic characteristics, cigarette smoking behavior characteristics (quitting attempts and desire to quit cigarette smoking, nicotine dependence, and consideration of switching to nicotine products with reduced health risks), and awareness of, use of, and susceptibility to use of HTPs. Descriptive and logistic regression models were used for analysis. The participants indicated a high frequency of past quitting attempts and a desire to quit smoking cigarettes. They were also considering switching to a nicotine product with reduced health risks. However, their awareness of HTPs was relatively low (24.2%), and the proportion of participants who had ever used HTPs or were currently using them was quite low as well (10.7% and 5.0%, respectively). A history of quit attempts was associated with more likely lifetime use of HTPs (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.63, 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.21-5.71]). Nicotine-dependent cigarette smokers were more likely to be susceptible to HTP use (AOR = 1.12, 95% CI [1.01-1.24]). Moreover, those who would consider switching to a product that provided nicotine and could reduce health risks by 99% were more likely to be susceptible to using HTPs (AOR = 2.17, 95% CI [1.05-4.51]). Awareness of HTPs is relatively low among Arab cigarette smokers. Attempts to quit cigarette smoking, nicotine dependence, and the consideration of switching to a product that delivers nicotine with reduced health risks were significantly associated with using HTPs. The findings of this study provide potential for evidence-based treatment for smokers and will help prevent the use of tobacco industry tactics in marketing HTPs.

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Due to its nutritional quality and palatability, chocolate milk beverages are gaining popularity globally. Alkalized cocoa powder is mostly used in its production since it provides for more intense color and dispersibility, but it has a negative effect on the phytochemical content of cocoa powder. Studies have suggested that water buffalo milk is superior to other milk due to its higher protein content and superior emulsion properties. As such, this study investigated the physico-chemical characteristics, sensory profile, and consumer acceptability of commercial and prototype water buffalo chocolate milk incorporated with alkalized and natural cocoa powder. Based on four buffalo chocolate milk samples, consumer acceptance was assessed by 120 consumers, which was combined with descriptive sensory data using a trained panel (n = 8) to determine drivers of liking. Compositional proximate analysis of alkalized and natural cocoa powders showed a significant difference in pH, moisture content, ash content, and fat content. Descriptive analysis showed that 8 out of 13 attributes (color, visual sandiness, cocoa and vanilla aroma, smoothness, creaminess, vanilla taste, and chocolate aftertaste) were effective discriminators of sensory attributes. Overall, buffalo chocolate milk samples were equally liked, but hedonic ratings of the individual attributes revealed that the samples were statistically different for color, viscosity (mouthfeel), and chocolate flavor. Partial least square regression (PLSR) identified chocolate flavor, viscous appearance, viscous mouthfeel, and bitter aftertaste as positive "drivers of liking". The darker color provided by alkalized cocoa powder did not increase consumer liking. The purchase intention was equal for all chocolate milk samples, whether alkalized or natural. Both cocoa powders showed comparable performance in the manufacture of buffalo chocolate milk. Using natural cocoa powder may be beneficial to local producers of cocoa powder and cocoa farmers since it is easier to produce, while it can provide a marketing advantage for dairy beverages in the global trend of going back to "organic" and "natural".

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The beneficial health effect of red wine depends on its phenolic content and the phenolic content in red wines is affected by ecological, agricultural, and enological practices. Enriched wines have been proposed as an alternative to increase the phenolic content in wines. Nevertheless, phenolic compounds are related to the sensory characteristics of red wines, so enrichment of red wines requires a balance between phenolic content and sensory characteristics. In the present study, a Merlot red wine was enriched with a phenolic extract obtained from Cabernet Sauvignon grape pomace. Two levels of enrichment were evaluated: 4 and 8 g/L of total phenolic content (gallic acid equivalents, GAE). Wines were evaluated by a trained panel to determine their sensory profile (olfactive, visual, taste, and mouthfeel phases). The bioaccessibility of phenolic compounds from enriched red wines was evaluated using an in vitro digestive model and phenolic compounds were quantified by High Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). Enrichment increased mainly flavonols and procyanidins. Such an increase impacted astringency and sweetness perceived by judges. This study proposes an alternative to increase the phenolic content in wines without modifying other main sensory characteristics and offers a potential beneficial effect on the health of consumers.

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Abdominal wall reconstruction aims at restoring the anatomical, functional and aesthetic integrity of this region, while providing protection of abdominal viscera and prevent herniation. There are various techniques used for abdominal wall reconstruction. We present a difficult case of abdominal wall reconstruction performed with a pedicled antero-lateral thigh (ALT] flap with good postoperative results.

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The TgF344 rat model of Alzheimer's disease (AD) provides a comprehensive neuropathology presentation, with age-dependent development of tau tangles, amyloid-beta (A[Formula: see text]) plaques, neuronal loss, and increased gliosis. The behavioral trajectory of this model, particularly relating to spatial learning and memory, has yet to be fully characterized. The current experiment evaluated spatial working and reference memory performance, as well as several physiological markers of health, at 3 key age points in female TgF344-AD rats: 6-months, 9-months, and 12-months. At 6 months of age, indications of working and reference memory impairments were observed in transgenic (Tg) rats on the water radial-arm maze, a complex task that requires working and reference memory simultaneously; at 12 months old, Tg impairments were observed for two working memory measures on this task. Notably, no impairments were observed at the 9-month timepoint on this maze. For the Morris maze, a measure of spatial reference memory, Tg rats demonstrated significant impairment relative to wildtype (WT) controls at all 3 age-points. Frontal cortex, entorhinal cortex, and dorsal hippocampus were evaluated for A[Formula: see text]1-42 expression via western blot in Tg rats only. Analyses of A[Formula: see text]1-42 expression revealed age-dependent increases in all 3 regions critical to spatial learning and memory. Measures of physiological health, including heart, uterine, and body weights, revealed unique age-specific outcomes for female Tg rats, with the 9-month timepoint identified as critical for further research within the trajectory of AD-like behavior, physiology, and pathology.

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We report on an ongoing collaboration between epidemiological modellers and visualization researchers by documenting and reflecting upon knowledge constructs-a series of ideas, approaches and methods taken from existing visualization research and practice-deployed and developed to support modelling of the COVID-19 pandemic. Structured independent commentary on these efforts is synthesized through iterative reflection to develop: evidence of the effectiveness and value of visualization in this context; open problems upon which the research communities may focus; guidance for future activity of this type and recommendations to safeguard the achievements and promote, advance, secure and prepare for future collaborations of this kind. In describing and comparing a series of related projects that were undertaken in unprecedented conditions, our hope is that this unique report, and its rich interactive supplementary materials, will guide the scientific community in embracing visualization in its observation, analysis and modelling of data as well as in disseminating findings. Equally we hope to encourage the visualization community to engage with impactful science in addressing its emerging data challenges. If we are successful, this showcase of activity may stimulate mutually beneficial engagement between communities with complementary expertise to address problems of significance in epidemiology and beyond. See https://ramp-vis.github.io/RAMPVIS-PhilTransA-Supplement/. This article is part of the theme issue 'Technical challenges of modelling real-life epidemics and examples of overcoming these'.

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INTRODUCTION: In Mexico, the prevalence of childhood obesity is 35%, and it continues to increase. OBJECTIVE: To determine the correlation between self-image, self-esteem and depression in children aged 8 to 14 years with and without obesity. METHODS: Cross-sectional, comparative study of 295 children: 116 with overweight/obesity (group 1) and 179 with normal weight (group 2). Body mass index, scholarship, school achievement, school problems, socioeconomic status, self-image (current, desired), satisfaction, self-esteem and presence of depression were recorded. Descriptive statistics, Spearman's rho and Mann-Whitney's U-test were used; a p-value ≤ 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: In group 1, 53.4% perceived themselves as with normal weight, and in 77.6%, the desired self-image was normal weight; 67.2% wanted to be slimmer; in 53.4%, self-esteem was high, and 75.9% had no depression. In group 2, current self-image was normal weight in 79.3%, and the desired self-image was normal weight in 85.5%; 35.2% wanted to be slimmer; self-esteem was high in 49.7% and 77.1% had no depression. Significant correlations were observed for self-esteem-depression (r = 0.228) and self-esteem-socioeconomic status (r = 0.130). CONCLUSIONS: Current self-image and body satisfaction are different with and without obesity. The relationship between self-esteem and depressive symptoms begins at school age.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La obesidad infantil es un problema de salud pública mundial. En México, la prevalencia es de 35 % y continúa ascendiendo. OBJETIVO: Determinar la correlación entre autoimagen, autoestima y depresión en niños de ocho a 14 años con y sin obesidad. MÉTODOS: Estudio transversal comparativo de 295 niños: 116 niños con sobrepeso u obesidad (grupo 1) y 179 sin obesidad (grupo 2). Se registró índice de masa corporal, escolaridad, aprovechamiento escolar, conflictos escolares, nivel socioeconómico, autoimagen (actual, deseada), satisfacción, autoestima y presencia de depresión. Se utilizó estadística descriptiva, rho de Spearman y U de Mann-Whitney; p ≤ 0.05 se consideró significativa. RESULTADOS: En el grupo 1, 53.4 % de los niños se autopercibió con normopeso y en 77.6 % la autoimagen deseada era normopeso; 67.2 % deseaba ser más delgado; en 53.4 % la autoestima era elevada; 75.9 % se observó sin depresión. En el grupo 2, en 79.3 % la autoimagen actual era normopeso y la autoimagen deseada en 85.5 % fue normopeso; 35.2 % deseaba ser más delgado; la autoestima era elevada en 49.7 % y 77.1 % no presentaba depresión. Se identificaron correlaciones significativas en autoestima-depresión (r = 0.228) y autoestima-nivel socioeconómico (r = 0.130). CONCLUSIONES: La autoimagen actual y la satisfacción corporal son diferentes en niños y adolescentes con y sin obesidad. La relación de la autoestima y síntomas depresivos inicia desde la edad escolar.

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Resumen: Introducción: La obesidad infantil es un problema de salud pública mundial. En México, la prevalencia es de 35 % y continúa ascendiendo. Objetivo: Determinar la correlación entre autoimagen, autoestima y depresión en niños de ocho a 14 años con y sin obesidad. Métodos: Estudio transversal comparativo de 295 niños: 116 niños con sobrepeso u obesidad (grupo 1) y 179 sin obesidad (grupo 2). Se registró índice de masa corporal, escolaridad, aprovechamiento escolar, conflictos escolares, nivel socioeconómico, autoimagen (actual, deseada), satisfacción, autoestima y presencia de depresión. Se utilizó estadística descriptiva, rho de Spearman y U de Mann-Whitney; p ≤ 0.05 se consideró significativa. Resultados: En el grupo 1, 53.4 % de los niños se autopercibió con normopeso y en 77.6 % la autoimagen deseada era normopeso; 67.2 % deseaba ser más delgado; en 53.4 % la autoestima era elevada; 75.9 % se observó sin depresión. En el grupo 2, en 79.3 % la autoimagen actual era normopeso y la autoimagen deseada en 85.5 % fue normopeso; 35.2 % deseaba ser más delgado; la autoestima era elevada en 49.7 % y 77.1 % no presentaba depresión. Se identificaron correlaciones significativas en autoestima-depresión (r = 0.228) y autoestima-nivel socioeconómico (r = 0.130). Conclusiones: La autoimagen actual y la satisfacción corporal son diferentes en niños y adolescentes con y sin obesidad. La relación de la autoestima y síntomas depresivos inicia desde la edad escolar.

Abstract Introduction: In Mexico, the prevalence of childhood obesity is 35%, and it continues to increase Objective: To determine the correlation between self-image, self-esteem and depression in children aged 8 to 14 years with and without obesity. Methods: Cross-sectional, comparative study of 295 children: 116 with overweight/obesity (group 1) and 179 with normal weight (group 2). Body mass index, scholarship, school achievement, school problems, socioeconomic status, self-image (current, desired), satisfaction, self-esteem and presence of depression were recorded. Descriptive statistics, Spearman's rho and Mann-Whitney's U-test were used; a p-value ≤ 0.05 was considered significant. Results: In group 1, 53.4% perceived themselves as with normal weight, and in 77.6%, the desired self-image was normal weight; 67.2% wanted to be slimmer; in 53.4%, self-esteem was high, and 75.9% had no depression. In group 2, current self-image was normal weight in 79.3%, and the desired self-image was normal weight in 85.5%; 35.2% wanted to be slimmer; self-esteem was high in 49.7% and 77.1% had no depression. Significant correlations were observed for self-esteem-depression (r = 0.228) and self-esteem-socioeconomic status (r = 0.130). Conclusions: Current self-image and body satisfaction are different with and without obesity. The relationship between self-esteem and depressive symptoms begins at school age.

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A group of 23 elderly persons was given functional meals (a beverage and a muffin) specially formulated for the prevention of sarcopenia (age-related loss of muscle mass). Plasma samples were taken at the beginning of the intervention and after 30 days of consuming the functional meals. A semi-targeted ultra-high-performance chromatography coupled with tandem mass (UPLC-MS/MS) analysis was carried out to identify phenolic compounds and their metabolites. Plasma proteins were precipitated with ethanol and the samples were concentrated and resuspended in the mobile phase (1:1 acetonitrile: water) before injection into the UPLC-MS/MS instrument. Separation was carried out with a C18 reverse-phase column, and compounds were identified using their experimental mass, isotopic distribution, and fragment pattern. Compounds of interest were compared to those of data banks and the internal semi-targeted library. Preliminary results showed that the major metabolites identified after the intervention were phenylacetic acid, glycitin, 3-hydroxyphenylvaleric acid, and gomisin M2.

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El tatuaje de amalgama o argirosis focal, es una lesión iatrogénica que sigue a la implantación traumática de partículas de amalgama en tejido blando o a la transferencia pasiva por fricción crónica de la mucosa contra una restauración de amalgama se caracteriza por el depósito de restos de material restaurativo compuesto por una mezcla de plata, mercurio, zinc, estaño y cobre en el tejido conectivo. Objetivo presentar el caso clínico de un paciente con tatuaje por amalgama y el tratamiento que fue realizado previo a su rehabilitación dental. Métodos Se realizó diagnóstico y la biopsia excisional de la lesión pigmentada Resultado como resultado de la biopsia encontramos tatuaje por amalgama con reacción granulomatosa a cuerpo extraño. Conclusión: Por medio de una Biopsia excisional se comprobó el diagnósticode la lesión que se observóen la paciente, resultando así un tatuaje por amalgama con reacción granulomatosa a cuerpo extraño

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Because of the relative lack of understanding of the neurobiological mechanisms that drive toxic effects of cadmium in bone, the purpose of this study was to characterize a preclinical model of chronic cadmium exposure. Adult male C57BL/6 J mice were exposed to cadmium 25 mg/L (as CdCl2) in drinking water for 16 weeks. During this time, pain-related behaviors including hindpaw mechanical sensitivity and vertical rears were evaluated every four weeks. We assessed changes in bone microarchitecture at the femoral neck and L5 vertebra by microcomputed tomography and quantified the density of nerve fibers expressing PGP 9.5 (a pan-neuronal marker) and CGRP (a marker of sensory nerve fibers subfamily) at the femoral neck and glabrous skin of the hindpaw using immunohistochemistry. Cadmium exposure produced mechanical hypersensitivity in both hindpaws along with decreased rearing activity (surrogate for musculoskeletal-related pain) without affecting the horizontal activity (a measure of locomotor behavior) in comparison to the control group. Intraperitoneal acute treatment with morphine and gabapentin reversed pain-related behaviors in cadmium-exposed mice. Furthermore, exposure to cadmium resulted in significant trabecular bone deterioration at the femoral neck and L5 vertebra. We also observed a significant reduction in the density of both CGRP+ and PGP 9.5+ nerve fibers in the femoral neck, but not in the hindpaw glabrous skin, suggesting tissue-dependent neurotoxicity. This model may help in developing a mechanism-based understanding of the factors that generate and maintain musculoskeletal pain and bone loss caused by chronic cadmium exposure and in translating these findings into new therapies for treating cadmium-induced bone toxicity.

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Un Abrazo Para La Familia™ (Abrazo) is a 3-h modular preventive intervention designed for low-income caregivers who are co-survivors of cancer. Here we (1) consider the benefit to survivors of cancer, that is, the care recipients who participate in Abrazo; (2) summarize the literature specific to research outreach to low-income, underserved populations when they are faced with cancer; and (3) describe current steps being taken in Southern Arizona to reach these populations via Abrazo. Specific to considering the benefit to care recipients, we analyzed care recipient data derived from three existing cohorts of Abrazo participants. Analyses of the combined cohorts of these data demonstrate that Abrazo is effective with care recipients given statistically significant higher cancer knowledge and self-efficacy scores, pre- vs. post-intervention. We can now report benefit to care recipients who participate in Abrazo. This allows us, with confidence, to expand research recruitment efforts to include care recipients as part of the Abrazo intervention in our efforts to serve low-income, underserved populations when faced with cancer.

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The wheat flour tortilla (WFT) is a Mexican food product widely consumed in the world, despite lacking fiber and micronutrients. Ramón seed flour (RSF) is an underutilized natural resource rich in fiber, minerals and bioactive compounds that can be used to improve properties of starchy foods, such as WFT. The study evaluated the impact of partial replacement of wheat flour with RSF on the physicochemical, sensory, rheological and nutritional properties and antioxidant capacity (AC) of RSF-containing flour tortilla (RFT). Results indicated that RFT (25% RSF) had higher dietary fiber (4.5 times) and mineral (8.8%; potassium 42.8%, copper 33%) content than WFT. Two sensory attributes were significantly different between RTF and WFT, color intensity and rollability. RFT was soft and it was accepted by the consumer. Phenolic compounds (PC) and AC were higher in RFT (11.7 times, 33%-50%, respectively) than WFT. PC identification by ultra-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF-MS) showed that phenolic acids esterified with quinic acid, such as chlorogenic and other caffeoyl and coumaroyl derivatives were the major PC identified in RSF, resveratrol was also detected. These results show that RSF can be used as an ingredient to improve nutritional and antioxidant properties of traditional foods, such as the WFT.

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Public Health Laboratories (PHLs) in Puerto Rico did not escape the devastation caused by Hurricane Maria. We implemented a quality management system (QMS) approach to systematically reestablish laboratory testing, after evaluating structural and functional damage. PHLs were inoperable immediately after the storm. Our QMS-based approach began in October 2017, ended in May 2018, and resulted in the reestablishment of 92% of baseline laboratory testing capacity. Here, we share lessons learned from the historic recovery of the largest United States' jurisdiction to lose its PHL capacity, and provide broadly applicable tools for other jurisdictions to enhance preparedness for public health emergencies.