Digital Commons Network^™

The Biological Responses Of Vitamin K2: A Comprehensive Review, Quanxiang Yan, Tao Zhang, Christine O'Connor, James W. Barlow, John Walsh, Gaia Scalabrino, Feng Xu, Helan Sheridan

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Vitamin K1 (VitK1) and Vitamin K2 (VitK2), two important naturally occurring micronutrients in the VitK family, found, respectively, in green leafy plants and algae (VitK1) and animal and fermented foods (VitK2). The present review explores the multiple biological functions of VitK2 from recently published in vitro and in vivo studies, including promotion of osteogenesis, prevention of calcification, relief of menopausal symptoms, enhancement of mitochondrial energy release, hepato-and neuro-protective effects, and possible use in treatment of coronavirus disease. The mechanisms of action associated with these biological effects are also explored. Overall, the findings presented here suggest that VitK, especially VitK2, is …

Effect Of Process Variables And Ingredients On Controlled Protein Network Creation In High-Moisture Plant-Based Meat Alternatives, Animesh Singh Sengar, Michael Beyrer, Ciara Mcdonagh, Uma Tiwari, Shivani Pathania

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The market has observed a rapid increase in the demand for plant-based foods as an alternative to animal meat products. Technologies such as high-moisture extrusion (HME) have the potential to develop anisotropic structures using alternative protein ingredients. This article discusses the different possible mechanisms responsible for structure formation and the effect of extrusion process parameters and outlines the recent advances in the long cooling dies (LCDs) used for meat alternative development. The role of different protein ingredients and the impact of combining them with other biopolymers were also evaluated. The underlying mechanism behind anisotropic structure formation during HME is a …

Considerations For Scaling A Social Enterprise: Key Factors And Elements, Clodagh O'Reilly, Lucia Walsh, Ziene Mottiar

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No abstract provided.

A Review Of Alternative Proteins For Vegan Diets: Sources, Physico-Chemical Properties, Nutritional Equivalency, And Consumer Acceptance, Rutwick Surya Ulhas, Rajeev Ravindran, Alok Malviya, Anushree Priyadarshini, Brijesh K. Tiwari, Gaurav Rajauria

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Alternate proteins are gaining popularity as a more sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to animal-based proteins. These proteins are often considered healthier and are suitable for people following a vegetarian or vegan diet. Alternative proteins can be recovered from natural sources like legumes, grains, nuts, and seeds, while single cell proteins (mycoproteins), and algal proteins are being developed using cutting-edge technology to grow fungus, yeast and algal cells in a controlled environment, creating a more sustainable source of protein. Although, the demand for alternative protein products is increasing, there still happens to be a large gap in use among the …

Evaluation Of Selenomethionine Entrapped In Nanoparticles For Oral Supplementation Using In Vitro, Ex Vivo And In Vivo Models, Shane Forde, Giuliana Vozza, David J. Brayden, Jesus Maria Frias, Sinead M. Ryan

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Selenium methionine (Se Met) is an essential micronutrient required for normal body function and is associated with additional health benefits. However, oral administration of Se Met can be challenging due to its purported narrow therapeutic index, low oral bioavailability, and high susceptibility to oxidation. To address these issues, Se Met was entrapped in z e i n-coated nanoparticles made from chitosan using an ionic gelation formulation. The high stability of both the Se Met and s e l e n o methionine nanoparticles (Se Met-NPs) was established using cultured human intestinal and liver epithelial cells, rat liver homogenates, and rat …

How Has Entrepreneurship Opportunity Formation Amongst Immigrants Been Influenced By The Covid-19 Pandemic?, Osa-Godwin Osaghae, Thomas M. Cooney

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The purpose of this paper is to investigate how entrepreneurship opportunity formation amongst immigrants has been influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic, given that environmental changes and irregularity can contribute to entrepreneurship opportunity formation in the immigrant set-up.

Taste And Smell Abnormalities In Advanced Cancer: Negative Impact On Subjective Food Intake, Aidan O'Donoghue, Michelle Barrett, Pauline Uí Dhuibhir Pauline Uí Dhuibhir, Aileen Kennedy, Norma O'Leary, Declan Walshe

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Background: Taste and smell abnormalities (TSAs) are present in all cancer stages and may contribute to malnutrition. Despite this, they are rarely screened for. This study examined the prevalence and characteristics of TSAs and their influence on subjective food intake in advanced cancer. Methods: Consecutive patients with advanced cancer were recruited. A modified Taste and Smell Survey assessed subjective TSAs. Objective TSAs were assessed with validated taste strips and "Sniffin Sticks." A six-item food intake questionnaire identified any effect TSAs had on food preferences/aversions. Nutrition status was evaluated with the abridged Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment. Results: All 30 participants had …

Assessment Of The Environmental Impact Of Food Consumption In Ireland-Informing A Transition To Sustainable Diets, Laura B Kirwan, Janette Walton, Albert Flynn, Anne P. Nugent, John Kearney, Nicholas M. Holden, Breige A. Mcnulty

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Dietary changes are required to mitigate the climatic impact of food consumption. Food consumption databases can support the development of sustainable food based dietary guidelines (SFBDG) when linked to environmental indicators. An improved knowledge base is crucial to the transition to sustainable diets, and multiple environmental indicators should be considered to ensure this transition is evidence based and accounts for trade-offs. The current study aimed to quantify the environmental impact of daily diets across population groups in Ireland. Nationally representative food consumption surveys for Irish children (NCFSII; 2017-2018), teenagers (NTFSII; 2019-2020), and adults (NANS; 2008-2010) were used in this analysis. …

Implementation Of A Food Science And Nutrition Module In A Dental Undergraduate Curriculum, Michael Crowe, Michael O'Sullivan, Lewis Winning, Oscar Cassetti, Brian O'Connell, Aifric O'Sullivan, Eileen Gibney, Suzanne Doyle, Annemarie Bennett, Paula Moynihan

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Although it is generally acknowledged that nutrition should be a core subject in curricula, most dental programmes do not specifically include nutrition education.1–5 The rationale for improving the nutrition education of dental students is supported by the multidirectional and synergistic relationship between nutrition and oral health.6,7 As highlighted recently, achieving a population-wide reduction in free sugar consumption has now become a central tenet for public health authorities and professional healthcare workers globally.8 However, dentists do not have the confidence or competencies to assess or deliver appropriate dietary interventions.

Peptidases Are Potential Targets Of Copper(Ii)-1,10-Phenanthroline-5,6-Dione Complex, A Promising And Potent New Drug Against Trichomonas Vaginalis, Graziela Vargas Rigo, Fernando Gomes Cardoso, Matheus Menonca Pereira, Michael Devereux, Malachy Mccann, Andre L.S. Santos, Tiana Tasca

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Trichomonas vaginalis is responsible for 156 million new cases per year worldwide. When present asymptomatically, the parasite can lead to serious complications, such as development of cervical and prostate cancer. As infection increases the acquisition and transmission of HIV, the control of trichomoniasis represents an important niche for the discovery and development of new antiparasitic molecules. This urogenital parasite synthesizes several molecules that allow the establishment and pathogenesis of infection. Among them, peptidases occupy key roles as virulence factors, and the inhibition of these enzymes has become an important mechanism for modulating pathogenesis. Based on these premises, our group recently …

A Qualitative Analysis Of Women’S Postnatal Experiences Of Breastfeeding Supports During The Perinatal Period In Ireland, Niamh Lawlor, Lucia Prihodova, Deborah Byrne, Megan Etherton, Felicienne Rahill, Catie Wilson, Elizabeth O'Sullivan

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Ireland has among the lowest rates of breastfeeding worldwide. Despite policies to support breastfeeding, breastfeeding initiation and exclusivity remain low in Ireland. Greater knowledge about support received in the maternity unit may—in part—shed light on why this is so. Our aim was to analyse women’s experiences of the breastfeeding supports available in the early postnatal period in Ireland. We conducted an analysis of an open-ended question on a cross-sectional survey about breastfeeding support conducted in the Republic of Ireland in 2022. Participants were asked to provide comments about the breastfeeding support they received in the maternity unit or during your …

Peptidases Are Potential Targets Of Copper(Ii)-1,10-Phenanthroline-5,6-Dione Complex, A Promising And Potent New Drug Against Trichomonas Vaginalis, Graziela Vargas Rigo, Fernanda Gomes Cardoso, Matheus Mendonca Pereira, Michael Devereux, Malachy Mccann, Andre L.S. Santos, Tiana Tasca

Articles

Trichomonas vaginalis is responsible for 156 million new cases per year worldwide. When present asymptomatically, the parasite can lead to serious complications, such as development of cervical and prostate cancer. As infection increases the acquisition and transmission of HIV, the control of trichomoniasis represents an important niche for the discovery and development of new antiparasitic molecules. This urogenital parasite synthesizes several molecules that allow the establishment and pathogenesis of infection. Among them, peptidases occupy key roles as virulence factors, and the inhibition of these enzymes has become an important mechanism for modulating pathogenesis. Based on these premises, our group recently …

The Iris Clinic: A Protocol For A Mixed-Methods Study Evaluating The Management Of Hyperemesis Gravidarum, Eileen O'Brien, Jean Doherty, Sarah Louise Killeen, Melanie Bennett, Lillian Murtagh, Sinead Curran, Suzanne Murphy, Helen Mchale, Lucille Sheehy

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Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG) is a severe form of nausea and vomiting in pregnancy that affects 0.3–3% of women and has profound nutritional, physical and psychological consequences. Research is lacking regarding the most effective management of the condition. In response to patient feedback, a multidisciplinary HG day-case service (IRIS Clinic) was launched in 2020 at The National Maternity Hospital, Ireland. The clinic provides routine, day-case care in a comfortable space with pre-booked appointments. The MDT involves midwives, dietitians, perinatal mental health, obstetrics and pharmacy, and the nature of the clinic enables peer-to-peer support. As this clinic is the first of its …

A Qualitative Analysis Of Women's Postnatal Experiences Of Breastfeeding Supports During The Perinatal Period In Ireland, Niamh Lawlor, Lucia Prihodova, Deborah Byrne, Megan Etherton, Felicienne Rahill, Catie Wilson, Elizabeth J. O'Sullivan

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Ireland has among the lowest rates of breastfeeding worldwide. Despite policies to support breastfeeding, breastfeeding initiation and exclusivity remain low in Ireland. Greater knowledge about support received in the maternity unit may—in part—shed light on why this is so. Our aim was to analyse women's experiences of the breastfeeding supports available in the early postnatal period in Ireland. We conducted an analysis of an open-ended question on a cross-sectional survey about breastfeeding support conducted in the Republic of Ireland in 2022. Participants were asked to provide comments about the breastfeeding support they received in the maternity unit or during your …

Adolescent Overweight And Obesity In Ireland—Trends And Sociodemographic Associations Between 1990 And 2020, Aoibhín Moore Heslin, Aisling O'Donnell, Laura Kehoe, Janette Walton, Albert Flynn, John Kearney, Breige Mcnulty

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Background: Overweight and obesity in adolescence is a growing issue and can have a range of both short- and long-term consequences on health. Objectives: To analyse trends in adolescent weight status in Ireland across a 30-year period and to examine the influence of sociodemographic factors on overweight/obesity in Irish adolescents over time. Methods: Body composition and body mass index weight status of Irish adolescents were compared using data from three nationally representative, cross-sectional Irish national food consumption surveys from 1990, 2006 and 2020. Adjusted analysis of associations between socio-demographic factors with the risk of adolescent overweight/obesity at each time point …

Parents' Experiences Of Infant And Young Child Feeding During The Covid-19 Pandemic In Ireland, Elizabeth J. O'Sullivan, Aileen Kennedy

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Objective: The WHO has urged member states to develop preparedness plans for infant and young child feeding (IYCF) during emergencies. Ireland has no such plan. We aimed to identify the needs of caregivers in Ireland with regards IYCF during the COVID-19 pandemic. Design: Online survey conducted in May-June 2020. Setting: Ireland, during the first period of severely restricted movement due to COVID-19 (lockdown). Participants: Respondents (n 745) were primary caregivers of a child under 2 years; they were primarily well educated and likely of higher socio-economic status. Results: Among those who breastfed, being unable to access breast-feeding support groups and …

Review Of The Valorization Initiatives Of Brewing And Distilling Byproducts, Ekene C. Umego, Catherine Barry-Ryan

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Beer and spirits are two of the most consumed alcoholic beverages in the world, and their production generates enormous amounts of by-product materials. This ranges from spent grain, spent yeast, spent kieselguhr, trub, carbon dioxide, pot ale, and distilled gin spent botanicals. The present circular economy dynamics and increased awareness on resource use for enhanced sustainable production practices have driven changes and innovations in the management practices and utilisation of these by-products. These include food product development, functional food applications, biotechnological applications, and bioactive compounds extraction. As a result, the brewing and distilling sector of the food and drinks industry …

Determining The Food Choice Motivations Of Irish Teens And Their Association With Dietary Intakes, Using The Food Choice Questionnaire, Aisling Daly, Elizabeth O'Sullivan, Janette Walton, Laura Kehoe, Breige A. Mcnulty, Albert Flynn, John M. Kearney

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During adolescence, teens start making their own food choices. While health and nutrition are important, practical and social concerns are also influential. This study aims to determine factors that motivate the food choices of Irish teens (using Food Choice Questionnaire), using data from the National Teens' Food Survey II (N = 428, 50% male, 13-18 years), and to identify how these motivations relate to dietary intakes (4-day semi-weighed food diaries). Data analysis used PCA to determine the food choice motivation subscales, and correlation and comparative statistical tests (t-test, ANOVA). Eight motivating factors were identified for Irish teens: Sensory Appeal, Price …

Physicochemical, Technofunctional, In Vitro Antioxidant, And In Situ Muscle Protein Synthesis Properties Of A Sprat (Sprattus Sprattus) Protein Hydrolysate, Niloofar Shekoohi, Azza Silotry Naik, Miryam Amigo Benevent, Padraigin A. Harnedy-Rothwell, Brian P. Carson, Richard J. Fitzgerald

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This study characterized the physicochemical, technofunctional, and in vitro antioxidant properties along with the AA profile and score of a sprat protein enzymatic hydrolysate (SPH). Furthermore, the impact of the SPH on the growth, proliferation, and muscle protein synthesis (MPS) in skeletal muscle (C2C12) myotubes was examined. The SPH displayed good solubility and emulsion stabilization properties containing all essential and non-essential AAs. Limited additional hydrolysis was observed following in vitro-simulated gastrointestinal digestion (SGID) of the SPH. The SGID-treated SPH (SPH-SGID) displayed in vitro oxygen radical antioxidant capacity (ORAC) activity (549.42 μmol TE/g sample) and the ability to reduce (68%) reactive …

Recovery Of Protein From Industrial Hemp Waste (Cannabis Sativa, L.) Using High-Pressure Processing And Ultrasound Technologies, Eduarda M. Cabral

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Hemp seeds are currently used mainly for oil extraction, generating waste that could be potentially exploited further as a source of proteins and other bio-actives. This study aims to valorise hemp waste (Cannabis sativa, L.) from previous oil extraction as a source of protein by analysing the effect of high-pressure processing (HPP) pre-treatments (0–600 MP a; 4–8 min) combined with conventional or ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) methods on protein recovery/purity, amino acid composition, and protein structure. Overall, maximum protein recovery (62%) was achieved with HPP (200 MP a, 8 min) with UAE. The highest protein purity (76%) was achieved with HPP …

Do The Culturable Microbial Groups Present In Cutaway Bogs Change According To Temporal Variation? Pilot Study Based On The Midlands In The Republic Of Ireland, Gouri Nilakshika Atapattu, Tara Battersby, Michelle Giltrap, Furong Tian

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Cutaway peatlands in the midlands of the Republic of Ireland are rarely the focus of scientific studies. The soil quality and related microenvironment have been severely impacted by peat extraction. Returning them to a ‘near-natural state' would require greater insights into this ecological niche. The current research took the initiative to study the microbiology of vast cutaway sites in the midlands of Ireland. Peat was collected over two seasons in January, February and April. Homogenised peat was aseptically cultured on a range of specific and non-specific culture media. Microbial enumeration, Gram staining and other microscopic observations of morphologically distinct microorganisms …

Tfos Lifestyle - Evidence Quality Report: Advancing The Evaluation And Synthesis Of Research Evidence, Laura E. Downie, Alexis Ceecee Britten-Jones, Ruth E. Hogg, Isabelle Jalbert, Tianjing Li, Gareth Lingham, Su-Hsun Liu, Riaz Quereshi, Ian J. Saldanha, Sumeer Singh, Jennifer P. Craig

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Evidence-based practice is a dominant paradigm in healthcare that emphasizes the importance of ensuring the translation of the best available, relevant research evidence into practice. An Evidence Quality Subcommittee was established to provide specialized methodological support and expertise to promote rigorous and evidence-based approaches for the Tear Film and Ocular Surface Society (TFOS) Lifestyle Epidemic reports. The present report describes the purpose, scope, and activity of the Evidence Quality Subcommittee in the undertaking of high-quality narrative-style literature reviews, and leading prospectively registered, reliable systematic reviews of high priority research questions, using standardized methods for each topic area report. Identification of …

Tfos Lifestyle: Impact Of The Digital Environment On The Ocular Surface, James S. Wolffsohn, Gareth Lingham, Laura E. Downie, Bykie Huntjens, Takenori Inomata, Saleel Jivraj, Emmanuel Kobia-Acquah, Alex Muntz, Karim Mohamed-Noriega, Sotiris Plainis, Michael Read, Rony R. Sayegh, Sumeer Singh, Tor P. Utheim, Jennifer P. Craig

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Eye strain when performing tasks reliant on a digital environment can cause discomfort, affecting productivity and quality of life. Digital eye strain (the preferred terminology) was defined as “the development or exacerbation of recurrent ocular symptoms and/or signs related specifically to digital device screen viewing”. Digital eye strain prevalence of up to 97% has been reported, due to no previously agreed definition/diagnostic criteria and limitations of current questionnaires which fail to differentiate such symptoms from those arising from nondigital tasks. Objective signs such as blink rate or critical flicker frequency changes are not ‘diagnostic’ of digital eye strain nor validated …

Polyphenol Characterization And Antioxidant Capacity Of Multi-Species Swards Grown In Ireland—Environmental Sustainability And Nutraceutical Potential, Samuel Rapisarda, Nissreen Abu-Ghannam

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Ruminant production systems are major contributors to greenhouse gases emissions, with animal feeding practices being the main cause for methane and nitrous oxide’s release. Although feeding animals forages has been proven to be more sustainable, traditional ryegrass monocultures still require a lot of input (e.g., fertilisers and pesticides). Multi-species swards, consisting of different swards, such as grasses, forage legumes and herbs, need less management and fertiliser, produce more dry matter, and also add a variety of phytochemicals into the animal diet. In particular, polyphenols have been associated with a positive impact on animal health and productivity. However, data on the …

Do The Culturable Microbial Groups Present In Cutaway Bogs Change According To Temporal Variation? Pilot Study Based On The Midlands In The Republic Of Ireland, Gouri Atapattu, Tara Battersby, Michelle Giltrap, Furong Tian Nanolab Research Centre, Focas Research Institute, Technological University Dublin

Articles

Cutaway peatlands in the midlands of the Republic of Ireland are rarely the focus of scientific studies. The soil quality and related microenvironment have been severely impacted by peat extraction. Returning them to a ‘near-natural state’ would require greater insights into this ecological niche. The current research took the initiative to study the microbiology of vast cutaway sites in the midlands of Ireland. Peat was collected over two seasons in January, February and April. Homogenised peat was aseptically cultured on a range of specific and non-specific culture media. Microbial enumeration, Gram staining and other microscopic observations of morphologically distinct microorganisms …

A Review On Nanomaterials And Nanohybrids Based Bio-Nanocomposites For Food Packaging, Kalpani Y. Perera, Amit K. Jaiswal, Swarna Jaiswal

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With an increasing demand for a novel, eco-friendly, high-performance packaging material “bio-nanocomposites” has attracted great attention in recent years. The review article aims at to evaluating recent innovation in bio-nanocomposites for food packaging applications. The current trends and research over the last three years of the various bio-nanocomposites including inorganic, organic nanomaterials, and nanohybrids, which are suitable as food packaging materials due to their advanced properties such as high mechanical, thermal, barrier, antimicrobial, and antioxidant are described in detail. In addition, the legislation, migration studies, and SWOT analysis on bio-nanocomposite film have been discussed. It has been observed that the …

Cold Plasma Technology In Food Packaging, Kalpani Y. Perera, Jack Prendeville, Amit K. Jaiswal, Swarna Jaiswal

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Cold plasma (CP) is an effective strategy to alter the limitations of biopolymer materials for food packaging applications. Biopolymers such as polysaccharides and proteins are known to be sustainable materials with excellent film-forming properties. Bio-based films can be used as an alternative to traditional plastic packaging. There are limitations to biopolymer packaging materials such as hydrophobicity, poor barrier, and thermos-mechanical properties. For this reason, biopolymers must be modified to create a packaging material with the desired applicability. CP is an effective method to enhance the functionality and interfacial features of biopolymers. It etches the film surface allowing for better adhesion …

Bidirectional Recanalization Of A Complete Postradiation Stricture Of The Hypopharynx And Esophagus, Fateh Bazerbachi Md, Georgios Mavrogenis Md, Konstantinos Markoglou, Sandro Porceddu

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A 65-year-old patient was referred for endoscopic management of a complete radiation-induced stricture, 5 cm in length, of the hypopharynx and esophagus (Fig. 1, Video 1). He had a history of curative chemoradiation therapy for T2N1 squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx. His nutrition was exclusively maintained through a percutaneous gastrostomy. Recanalization of the esophagus was considered after a multidisciplinary discussion.

Changes In Depressive Symptoms, Perceived Stres, And Food Security Among Study Participants With Metabolic Syndrome During A Covid-19-Mandated Research Pause, Barbara A. Lohse, Anahi Ramirez, Jenna Hickey, Lisa Bailey-Davis, Betty Drees, Kevin S. Masters, Elizabeth H. Ruder, Nicole Trabold

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Introduction: This study explored how food security, perceived stress and mental health of persons with metabolic syndrome (MetS) changed in the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: An online survey was administered to persons enrolled in a 2-year lifestyle intervention trial to reverse metabolic syndrome at baseline; the survey was repeated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Outcomes were a change in depressive symptoms, perceived stress, and food security as measured by the Patient Health Questionnaire-8, Cohen Stress Scale, and USDA 10-item Food Security Screener. Changes in outcomes were analyzed with measures of association, paired t-test, repeated measures and independent t-test.

Results: Participants (n = …

Correction Of Velopharyngeal Insufficiency Secondary To Palatal Gunshot Wound: Case Presentation And Review Of The Literature, Rogelio Martinez-Wagner, Cristopher Cardenas-Cruz, Ivan Ortiz-Monasterio, Edgar Vargas, Maria M. Cabrera, Pablo A. Ysunza, M. Del Carmen Pamplona, Diane E. Campos-Lopez

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Reconstruction of midfacial traumatic defects secondary to a gunshot wound (GSW) is one of the most challenging head surgeries. The high impact on the functional and aesthetic quality of life, and the small margin of error to achieve a successful outcome are significant hurdles in the surgical treatment of these cases. Here we report a 33-years old patient who suffered a GSW with an entrance wound penetrating between the soft and hard palate and an exit wound on the right malar region. A description of the case and a systematic review of the literature were conducted. The treatment depends on …