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Resumen Antecedentes La perdida de equilibrio en los adultos mayores es multifactorial y aumenta el riesgo de caidas en esta poblacion. Existen pruebas para evaluar el equilibrio, sin embargo, se centran en la evaluacion de una sola tarea, en entornos estaticos, sin considerar las demandas del control postural en situaciones de la vida cotidiana, como la interaccion de la persona con el contexto y las actividades multitarea. Objetivo Disenar y validar una prueba de equilibrio para adultos mayores con caracteristicas contextuales. Materiales y metodo Se desarrollo una metodologia de recoleccion de datos mixta, con un diseno metodologico exploratorio secuencial DEXPLOX derivativo de un diseno de triangulacion concurrente DITRIAC. Resultados Los resultados hallados en las primeras 3 fases permitieron construir los items de la prueba de evaluacion de equilibrio, luego se realizo la primera validacion de expertos, con un coeficiente kappa de Fleiss de 0,4 y una validez de contenido de Lawshe de 0,95. La segunda validacion por expertos dio como resultado en la validez facial una fuerza de concordancia interevaluadores excelente y una validez de contenido de Lawshe en relevancia de 0,95 y en pertinencia de 0,97. Conclusiones La prueba disenada ha demostrado caracteristicas de validez fuertes y puede ser aplicada en adultos mayores, pues se incluyen items que exigen respuestas somatosensoriales, como las que se realizan en las actividades de la vida diaria e items con actividades de doble tarea cognitivas en el contexto real.

The goal is to present a descriptive study related an unprecedent case of spinal myoclonus (SM) following subarachnoid anesthesia (SA). SM are sudden, brief, involuntary non-generalized spasms that can be an adverse effect of drug administration via neuraxial routes. Female, 67y, ASA II, proposed for hip replacement surgery, with normal preoperative exams. 7min after SA with 10mg of bupivacaine 0,5%, no motor blockade observed, and patient complained of unbearable pain in legs and perineum and bilateral, asymmetrical and arrhythmic myoclonic movements in the lower limbs. The latter solved after 48h of general anesthesia and rocuronium perfusion, amongst other therapeutics. Accordingly, intrathecal bupivacaine appears to be the SM most likely cause, regarding the absence of neurologic and electrolyte disorders, spinal cord direct trauma, drug exchange and normal perioperative examination, imaging and laboratory testing.It is mandatory to always take the patients' anaesthetic histories and recognize, treat and report rare anaesthetic complications.

Background: Diagnosis of paradoxical tuberculosis-associated immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (TB-IRIS) is challenging and new tools are needed for early diagnosis as well as to understand the biochemical events that underlie the pathology in TB-IRIS. Methods: Plasma samples were obtained from participants from a randomized HIV/TB treatment strategy study (AIDS Clinical Trials Group [ACTG] A5221) with (n = 26) and without TB-IRIS (n = 22) for an untargeted metabolomics pilot study by liquid-chromatography mass spectrometry. The metabolic profile of these participants was compared at the study entry and as close to the diagnosis of TB-IRIS as possible (TB-IRIS window). Molecular features with p

In this paper we propose to study the cross-correlation between the air temperature and the air relative humidity using the DCCA cross-correlation coefficient ρ D C C A . We choose four cities (meteorological stations) located in the State of Bahia (Brazil), as our case study. Our data were available hourly from the Brazilian Institute of Meteorology. Accordingly, in addition to showing that the variables have a negative cross-correlation, we present a new vision about these variables, producing the detrended cross-correlation contour map. As a result, we can see (or not) islands of cross-correlations, that depend on the local time and also the time scale involved.

Bioleaching is a mature technology, which is widely employed commercially in the leaching of low-grade secondary copper sulphide ores. In this work, the bioleaching potential of a low-grade (marginal) ore with a significant content of fluoride was assessed. Small columns were inoculated with a strain of At. ferrooxidans, at 30 °C, and resulted in copper extractions above 89%, in 255 days. The dissolution of fluorite from the gangue minerals accounted for up to 2.5 g/L fluoride in solution, which affected bioleaching shortly after column inoculation. However, both the released of aluminium from the ore and ferric iron production by the bacteria reduced fluoride toxicity. A fluoride-toxicity parameter (η) was proposed to represent the mass ratio between total fluoride, total aluminium and total ferric iron concentrations in the system. Low values of the η parameter resulted from high ferric iron and aluminium concentrations and implied in large bacterial population in the systems. Thus, the presence of fluoride-bearing minerals in the ore may be an important issue, but the content of both cations should be also considered. Despite the absence of ferric iron and a high fluoride concentration prior to first solution bleeding, the η parameter was lower than 0.3 in the column containing an external aluminium source. In this condition, as the aluminium content surpassed that of fluoride the bacterial population reached 107 cells/mL and enabled copper bioleaching.

We investigate the structural, quasi-static and dynamic magnetic properties of a Co 2 FeAl single layered film and a Co 2 FeAl/Ag multilayer, both grown onto amorphous substrate. We verify that both films have A2 structure and anisotropic magnetic behavior, as well as present the well-known magnetoimpedance behavior of anisotropic systems. The magnetization dynamics is discussed in terms of the mechanisms that govern the magnetoimpedance effect in a wide range of frequencies, as well as of the orientation between the external magnetic field and electrical current with respect to the magnetic anisotropy. The single layer has the largest magnetoimpedance variations values of ~ 50 % for 3.0 GHz, while the multilayer present considerable higher values, reaching to ~ 200 % at the same frequency. The association of kind of sample structure, anisotropic magnetic behavior and low damping parameter α of the CFA alloy opens possibilities to reach higher magnetoimpedance performances. The results place the CFA full-Heusler alloy as a promising candidate for applications in magnetoimpedance-based sensors and radio frequency range devices.

Diet can influence both the qualitative and quantitative traits of ruminant meat. This study evaluated the effects of castor de-oiled cake on the meat of mixed-breed male goat kids. After 165days of diet treatment, no alterations (p>0.05) were observed in the in vivo performance, anatomic components, dissection and proximate composition of the Longissimus dorsi muscle, as well as in the color and pH of the carcasses. However, diet had an effect (p

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of de-oiled castor cake on reproductive traits of crossbreed goats. Fourteen males were grouped into two lots (n = 7/group), as described: group without de-oiled castor cake (WCC) and group fed with de-oiled castor cake (CC). Goats received two diets containing a mixture of Bermudagrass hay and concentrates with the same energy (73% total digestive nutrients) and protein content (15% crude protein) during 150 days, corresponding to ages from 40 (puberty) to 60 weeks. Blood plasma concentrations of urea, albumin, lactate dehydrogenase, creatinine, alanine aminotransferase and testosterone were determined. We also evaluated scrotal circumference, sperm parameters, quantitative aspects of spermatogenesis and daily sperm production (DSP), as well as the proteome of seminal plasma and sperm membrane. Seminal fluid and sperm proteins were analyzed by 2D SDS–PAGE and mass spectrometry. After 150 days of castor cake feeding, animals had no changes in the biochemical composition of blood plasma, suggesting the absence of intoxication by ingestion of ricin. There were no alterations in dry mater intake, weight gain, testis size, peripheral concentrations of testosterone, sperm concentration, motility and morphology. Sertoli and germ cell populations in the testis and DSP were not affected either. However, there were significant variations in the expression of five seminal plasma proteins and four sperm membrane proteins. In conclusion, the replacement of soybean meal by castor cake (with ricin concentrations of 50 mg/kg) did not interfere with the growth and core reproductive development of male goats. However, the diet with ricin altered the expression of certain seminal plasma and sperm membrane proteins, which play roles in sperm function and fertilization. Lower expression of these proteins may impair the ricin-fed animals to perform as high-fertility sires.

This study aimed to assess the effects of dietary supplementation with crude glycerin on embryo quality and expression profile of genes from superovulated goats. Twenty-four hours (1 day) and 72 h (3 days) after mating animals received an oral drench of 200 mL saline solution (Control group), 100 mL glycerol (100 mL group) or 200 mL glycerol (200 mL group). Both insulin and glucose levels were measured after glycerol drenching. The relative expression of genes (Glut-1, IGF-1, Hsp70, Sod and Bax) in grade I and II embryos from groups was analyzed by sensitive TaqMan qPCR. Administration of crude glycerin raised insulin and glucose (p 0.05). A higher relative abundance of IGF-1 transcripts was observed in 200 mL group. Also none differences were observed for transcripts of apoptotic (Bax) and stress (Hsp70) genes. In conclusion, enhancement of circulating glucose and insulin generated from drenching crude glycerin after mating was associated with higher IGF-I expression and increased proportion of transferable embryos.

Microorganisms that grow at high temperatures can improve Fe(II) bio-oxidation and thereby its technological applications, such as bioleaching and H 2 S removal. Conversely, elements present in industrial growth media, such as fluoride, can inhibit bacterial growth and iron bio-oxidation. In this work, the influence of fluoride on the kinetics of ferrous-iron bio-oxidation with Sulfobacillus thermosulfidooxidans was investigated. The effects of fluoride concentrations (0–0.5 mmol L −1 ) on both iron oxidation and bacterial growth rates were assessed. In addition, the effect of the addition of aluminum, which was intended to complex free fluoride and reduce the concentration of HF through the formation of aluminum–fluoride complexes, was also investigated. The results show that 0.5 mmol L −1 NaF completely inhibited bacterial growth within 60 h. Nevertheless, fluoride toxicity to S. thermosulfidooxidans was minimized by control of the aluminum–fluoride ratio in the system because, at a 2:1 aluminum–fluoride molar ratio, bacterial growth was similar to that observed in the absence of fluoride ions. Despite a slower bacterial growth rate, fluoride concentrations less than the inhibitory concentration increased the Fe(II) oxidation rate. Successful copper bioleaching (80–100%) from fluoride-containing sulfide ores (1% total fluoride) was demonstrated in the presence of aluminum.

This paper proposes a new method for determination of amoxicillin in pharmaceutical suspension formulations, based on transflectance near infrared (NIR) measurements and partial least squares (PLS) multivariate calibration. A complete methodology was implemented for developing the proposed method, including an experimental design, data preprocessing by using multiple scatter correction (MSC) and outlier detection based on high values of leverage, and X and Y residuals. The best PLS model was obtained with seven latent variables in the range from 40.0 to 65.0 mg mL(-1) of amoxicillin, providing a root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) of 1.6 mg mL(-1). The method was validated in accordance with Brazilian and international guidelines, through the estimate of figures of merit, such as linearity, precision, accuracy, robustness, selectivity, analytical sensitivity, limits of detection and quantitation, and bias. The results for determinations in four commercial pharmaceutical formulations were in agreement with the official high performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method at the 99% confidence level. A pseudo-univariate calibration curve was also obtained based on the net analyte signal (NAS). The proposed chemometric method presented the advantages of rapidity, simplicity, low cost, and no use of solvents, compared to the principal alternative methods based on HPLC.

Resumo: Introdução: A exposição ao fumo do tabaco (EFT) é factor de risco para Doença Pulmonar Obstrutiva Crónica e um problema major de saúde pública. A EFT pré e/ou pós-natal determina redução precoce da função pulmonar e aumento da morbilidade respiratória, dependente da dose. Tem sido sugerido que a EFT domiciliária é influenciada por factores socioeconómicos. Métodos: Estudo de rastreio epidemiológico transversal de dados de 313 crianças (52% rapazes) de 4 Escolas Básicas de Lisboa [1.° ano (54%) e 4.° ano]. A EFT e sintomatologia respiratória foram avaliadas a partir de questionário auto-preenchido pelos pais. Todas as crianças efectuaram espirometria na escola e 54% foram consideradas aceitáveis de acordo com critérios ATS/ERS. Efectuou-se análise descritiva e bivariada das variáveis com maior interesse e análise de regressão logística múltipla ajustada para as variáveis com significado clínico/estatístico. Resultados: Em 41% dos casos a criança convivia com fumadores no domicílio (EFT na gravidez 18%, mãe fumadora 32%, pai fumador 38%). Os pais fumadores tinham escolaridade inferior e ocupações menos qualificadas. Tosse foi mais frequente nas crianças com mãe fumadora (OR ajustado = 2,1 95%CI 1,1â4,0) e sibilância nas crianças com EFT na gravidez e com mãe/pai fumadores. Todas as diferenças foram significativas (p <  0,05). Não se encontrou associação entre educação parental e sintomatologia respiratória ou ETF e infecções respiratórias/asma/diminuição de valores espirométricos. Conclusão: A EFT é frequente em crianças em idade escolar em Lisboa e condiciona morbilidade respiratória significativa. Intervenções dirigidas devem ter em conta condições sociais. Neste estudo a espirometria de campo foi pouco útil na detecção precoce de diminuição da função pulmonar em crianças associada à EFT. Abstract: Introduction: Tobacco smoke is a risk factor for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and a major public health problem. Prenatal maternal smoking and post-natal environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) lead to dose-dependent decrease in lung function and respiratory morbidity. Influence of different socioeconomic indicators and ETS in the home has also been suggested. Methods: Data on 313 children (52% male) from 4 public schools in Lisbon was analyzed [1st (46%) and 4th graders]. ETS assessment and respiratory symptoms were based on a self-answered questionnaire. All children performed standard spirometry in the school setting and 54% were acceptable according to ATS/ERS criteria. Descriptive and bivariate analysis of the most relevant variables was done, followed by multiple logistic regression analysis adjusted to the variables with clinical/statistical relevance. Results: ETS in the home was found in 41% (maternal smoking during pregnancy 18%, smoking mother 32%, smoking father 38%). Smoking fathers had lower education and less qualified occupation. Cough was more frequent in children with a smoking mother (adjusted OR = 2.1 95CI 1.1â4.0) and wheezing in children with maternal smoking during pregnancy and smoking parents. All differences were significant (pÂ

Introduction The tumour microenvironment is a complex and dynamic niche that has a fundamental role in tumour cell proliferation, angiogenesis, invasion and metastasis. Macrophages (Mac) are described as having a central role in tumour progression and dendritic cells (DC) as having an immature/immunosuppressive profile, which limits T cells activity. Therapeutic strategies targeting these cells have been emerging as adjuvants to anticancer conventional treatments, aiming at their recruitment and repolarization towards an immunostimulatory phenotype favouring cancer cell elimination. Here, we focused on the potential of Chitosan/Poly(γ-glutamic acid) nanoparticles (NPs) to modulate cellular immunity and, consequently, to affect cancer-cell related activities. Material and methods NPs were prepared by co-acervation method. Primary human monocyte-derived M2 Mac (obtained by stimulation with IL-10) were incubated with NPs. Control experiments with unstimulated Mac and LPS-stimulated Mac (M1 phenotype) were performed. After 72 hour, cell metabolic activity, cell phenotype and cytokine production were evaluated. Mac ability to induce T cell proliferation/activation and tumour cell invasion were also assessed. The same studies were performed with human-monocyte derived DC. For in vivo models, 1 × 106 E0771 cells were injected in the mammary fat pad of C57BL/6 mice. After 10 days of tumour implantation, animals were treated every two days with NPs. Tumour growth was assessed by calliper every two days. Results and discussions NPs re-educated IL-10-stimulated Mac towards a pro-inflammatory profile, decreasing CD163 expression and promoting IL-12p40 and TNF-α secretion. NPs also induced an immunostimulatory phenotype on DC, enhancing the expression of the co-stimulatory molecules CD86, CD40 and HLA-DR, and secretion of the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-12 and IL-6. Interestingly, these phenotypic alterations induced both CD4+ and CD8+ T cell activation/proliferation and counteracted cancer cell invasion, in vitro. Regarding the in vivotumour model, we observed a decrease in tumour growth in NPs-treated animals comparing to the control, after 23 days of E0771 cell implantation. Additional experiments with other tumour models are currently being explored. Conclusion Overall, our findings open new perspectives on the use of NPs as an immunomodulatory therapy for tumour microenvironment reprogramming, providing a new tool for anticancer therapies.

Introduction Prism adaptation is a form of sensorimotor learning where participants have to regain normal pointing accuracy under circumstances where their entire visual field is shifted to one side by prism glasses. Once the goggles are removed, prism aftereffects are expressed as pointing errors in the direction opposite to that of the prismatic shift. When coupled with prism adaptation, anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (a-tDCS) to the primary motor cortex (M1) increases retention of prism aftereffects in healthy participants. However, the mechanisms by which this motor memory boost occurs remain largely unknown. Objectives We sought to investigate the brain mechanisms underlying stimulation-enhanced motor memory by examining how inter-individual differences in neurochemical and functional response to a-tDCS relate to inter-individual differences in its effect on prism aftereffects. Materials and methods Participants underwent two MR scanning sessions during which they either received sham or real a-tDCS to M1. We used Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS) and resting state functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (rs-fMRI) to characterise individuals’ neurochemical and functional response to a-tDCS ( Bachtiar et al., 2015 , Stagg et al., 2009 ). Participants also underwent two behavioural sessions during which prism adaptation was either combined with sham or real a-tDCS. Results Preliminary results suggest that the bigger the reduction in GABA concentration in M1 following a-tDCS, the stronger the effect of a-tDCS on the retention of prism aftereffects. Conclusion This result supports the idea that the effect of anodal tDCS on motor memory depends on its effect on the GABAergic system. Further analyses will also consider the influence of the a-tDCS induced changes in functional connectivity within the motor network.

Introduction Cystic Fibrosis (CF) patients develop sleep hypoxemia and hypercapnia in the course of disease.The magnitude of nocturnal oxygen desaturation (NOD) may correlate with the severity of lung disease and the development of pulmonary hypertension.In children studies are scarce and controversial.Aim: to identify predictive factors of NOD using nocturnal Oxygen Desaturation Index (ODI) and its association with clinical severity in CF children. Materials and methods Twenty-four CF patients were included, January 2012 to June 2013.Clinical files were reviewed and data about nutritional status (BMI z -score), hospitalizations, bacterial isolates and pattern, and X-ray imaging findings were collected.Patients underwent a nocturnal pulse oximetry and ODI was classified as normal ( Results Twenty-four patients, median age 12.5 years (min7; max 18), twelve (50%) are homozygous for delF508.Twelve (50%) patients had nocturnal hypoxemia, either mild (6;50%), moderate (3;25%) or severe (3;25%).Twenty-two patients (92%) had bacterial isolates, sixteen (67%) of which were chronic.Seven patients (29%) had been hospitalized during the period of study.None children had a normal imaging and sixteen (67%) had bronchiectasis.No correlation was found between ODI and number of hospitalizations, total number and chronic isolates, microorganisms identified, BMI z-score and imaging changes.After ODI severity stratification, a significant correlation was found between moderate ODI and number of chronic isolates ( ρ = 0.999, p = 0.021).Although non significant, we found a moderate correlation between mild ODI and total number of isolates ( ρ = 0.639, p = 0.172) and isolation of MRSA ( ρ = 0.644, p = 0.150), moderate ODI and isolation of MRSA ( ρ = 0.866, p = 0.333) and severe ODI and isolation of B. cepacia ( ρ = 0.866, p = 0.333). Conclusion We couldn’t find a correlation between ODI and clinical severity.The only factor that showed a strong and statistically significant ODI correlation was the number of chronic bacterial isolations in the moderate ODI group.The small number of patients may explain some of the non-significant correlations, further and larger studies in children are needed. Acknowledgements - Dr. Rita Jotta – Patients and their families.