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Abstract The current study aimed to analyze the validity and reliability of the T-Force and Chronojump systems to measure the movement velocity in the leg press (LP) and chest press (CP) exercises in older people. Eighteen older adults (6 men and 12 women, 79.9 ± 8.5 years) performed a set of procedures over three weeks: (i) the first week was to familiarize participants with the testing procedures, (ii) the second was to perform a progressive loading test until reaching one-repetition maximum (1RM) in the LP and CP, and (iii) in the third week, participants performed three repetitions against five loads (40, 50, 60, 70, and 80% of 1RM). The mean velocity of each repetition was recorded simultaneously through the T-Force and Chronojump devices. Linear regressions (coefficient of determination [r2] and standard error of the estimate [SEE]) analyzed the inter-device validity, and Bland-Altman plots illustrated the systematic differences between devices. A mixed-effects model estimated the mean velocity differences between devices. The relative reliability was analyzed by the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC[1,k]), while the absolute reliability was by the standard error of measurement (SEM) and the coefficient of variation (CV). The results showed that the T-Force and Chronojump presented a high association level in measuring mean velocity in the LP and CP (r 2 range: 0.96–0.99; SEE range: 0.01–0.02 m·s− 1) and low systematic bias (0.02–0.03 m·s− 1). The mean velocity values of T-Force were significantly higher than Chronojump only for 40% 1RM (p = 0.04). Excellent reliability inter-device (ICC range: 0.95–0.98; CV range: 1.7–3.2%) and intra-device (ICC range: 0.90–0.97; CV range: 3.4–6.5%) was observed. This study shows that the T-Force and Chronojump systems are valid and reliable for measuring movement velocity in the CP and LP machines when used by older adults.

Abstract Background Elevated mammographic density (MD) for a woman’s age and body mass index (BMI) is an established breast cancer risk factor. The relationship of parity, age at first birth, and breastfeeding with MD is less clear. We examined the associations of these factors with MD within the International Consortium of Mammographic Density (ICMD). Methods ICMD is a consortium of 27 studies with pooled individual-level epidemiological and MD data from 11,755 women without breast cancer aged 35–85 years from 22 countries, capturing 40 country-& ethnicity-specific population groups. MD was measured using the area-based tool Cumulus. Meta-analyses across population groups and pooled analyses were used to examine linear regression associations of square-root (√) transformed MD measures (percent MD (PMD), dense area (DA), and non-dense area (NDA)) with parity, age at first birth, ever/never breastfed and lifetime breastfeeding duration. Models were adjusted for age at mammogram, age at menarche, BMI, menopausal status, use of hormone replacement therapy, calibration method, mammogram view and reader, and parity and age at first birth when not the association of interest. Results Among 10,988 women included in these analyses, 90.1% (n = 9,895) were parous, of whom 13% (n = 1,286) had ≥ five births. The mean age at first birth was 24.3 years (Standard deviation = 5.1). Increasing parity (per birth) was inversely associated with √PMD (β: − 0.05, 95% confidence interval (CI): − 0.07, − 0.03) and √DA (β: − 0.08, 95% CI: − 0.12, − 0.05) with this trend evident until at least nine births. Women who were older at first birth (per five-year increase) had higher √PMD (β:0.06, 95% CI:0.03, 0.10) and √DA (β:0.06, 95% CI:0.02, 0.10), and lower √NDA (β: − 0.06, 95% CI: − 0.11, − 0.01). In stratified analyses, this association was only evident in women who were post-menopausal at MD assessment. Among parous women, no associations were found between ever/never breastfed or lifetime breastfeeding duration (per six-month increase) and √MD. Conclusions Associations with higher parity and older age at first birth with √MD were consistent with the direction of their respective associations with breast cancer risk. Further research is needed to understand reproductive factor-related differences in the composition of breast tissue and their associations with breast cancer risk.

At the time of colorectal cancer (CRC) diagnosis, approximately 25% of patients present with liver metastases, and 70% develop them during follow-up. This is the primary cause of therapeutic failure and most associated deaths, making it imperative to understand the molecular mechanisms involved in this process and the biological components involved. In the process of anaerobic glycolysis occurring in these cells, to maintain cellular homeostasis, excess lactate is removed via monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs). This study aimed to characterize monocarboxylate transporter 4 (MCT4), human glucose transporter protein isoform 1(GLUT1), cluster of differentiation 147 (CD147), and the acidic cell surface adhesion protein (CD44) in various cellular and histological compartments of liver metastases from CRC in 45 patients diagnosed with metastatic CRC. The characterization revealed significant correlations between the compartmentalization of these markers and the patients’ clinicopathological data. The findings for MCT4, GLUT1, CD147, and CD44 obtained in this study are very promising in relation to considering these markers as therapeutic targets in further investigations.

Abstract Biofilms are known to be critical for Legionella settlement in engineered water systems and are often associated with Legionnaire’s Disease events. One of the key features of biofilms is their heterogeneous three-dimensional structure which supports the establishment of microbial interactions and confers protection to microorganisms. This work addresses the impact of Legionella pneumophila colonization of a Pseudomonas fluorescens biofilm, as information about the interactions between Legionella and biofilm structures is scarce. It combines a set of meso- and microscale biofilm analyses (Optical Coherence Tomography, Episcopic Differential Interference Contrast coupled with Epifluorescence Microscopy and Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy) with PNA-FISH labelled L. pneumophila to tackle the following questions: (a) does the biofilm structure change upon L. pneumophila biofilm colonization?; (b) what happens to L. pneumophila within the biofilm over time and (c) where is L. pneumophila preferentially located within the biofilm? Results showed that P. fluorescens structure did not significantly change upon L. pneumophila colonization, indicating the competitive advantage of the first colonizer. Imaging of PNA-labelled L. pneumophila showed that compared to standard culture recovery it colonized to a greater extent the 3-day-old P. fluorescens biofilms, presumably entering in VBNC state by the end of the experiment. L. pneumophila was mostly located in the bottom regions of the biofilm, which is consistent with the physiological requirements of both bacteria and confers enhanced Legionella protection against external aggressions. The present study provides an expedited methodological approach to address specific systematic laboratory studies concerning the interactions between L. pneumophila and biofilm structure that can provide, in the future, insights for public health Legionella management of water systems.

Abstract Purpose Interventions are essential for the management of built heritage because they extend the lifespan of buildings and enable them to be enjoyed by multiple generations. International organisations and institutions, such as UNESCO and ICOMOS, have adopted doctrinal documents over time, stimulating best practices in built heritage management worldwide. Although these documents are often referenced in academic work, they are seldom systematically researched. Which interventions are referenced or omitted? Are they defined? What trends are noted in the understanding of best practices as interventions? Design/methodology/approach This research consists of a systematic content analysis of nine international doctrinal documents, which were selected from nearly seventy international doctrinal documents—mainly adopted by UNESCO and ICOMOS. The main aim is to reveal and compare the concepts used for reference interventions and further use the definitions to reveal and discuss the relationships between them. The trends of these interventions being used were determined based on the frequency of mentions per intervention term in the selected documents. Findings Regarding the definition of the intervention concepts, there are three main findings. First, instead of being treated as a single concept, ‘conservation’ has been presented as an umbrella concept for other interventions and thus has been the most popular concept since the first version (1992) of the New Zealand Charter was implemented. In contrast, ‘preservation’ remains a single concept, among the highest scales, to maintain the integrity of built heritage, including use. Second, ‘repair’ was found to play a paradoxical role between ‘restoration’ and ‘reconstruction’, which created divergent opinions in the documents. Third, since the notions of ‘use’ have expanded from the functions of monuments (International Charter for the Conservation and Restoration of Monuments and Sites: The Venice Charter, 1964) to the ‘associations of places’ (The Burra Charter: The Australia ICOMOS Charter for Places of Cultural Significance, with associated Guidelines and Code on the Ethics of Co-existence, 1999; The Burra Charter: The Australia ICOMOS Charter for Places of Cultural Significance, 2013), which include activities, traditional habits, accessibility, etc., the complexity of mentioning different forms of ‘use’ has led to some (re)interventions, such as ‘adaptation’, ‘adaptive reuse’, and ‘rehabilitation’, being put into grey areas and used interchangeably. Originality This research advances the current understanding of intervention concepts and their relationships, as well as differences and similarities in definitions.

Abstract We propose a mathematical framework for developing social-choice games that are designed to mediate decision-making processes for city planning, urban area redevelopment, and architectural configuration of urban housing complexes. The proposed framework features a digital serious gaming approach for participatory design to support transparency and inclusion in the process of decision-making and ensure an equitable balance of sustainable development goals in spatial design outcomes. The mathematical process consists of a Markovian design machine for balancing the design decisions of actors, a massing configurator equipped with fuzzy logic and multi-criteria decision analysis, algebraic graph-theoretical accessibility evaluators, and automated solar-climatic evaluators using geospatial computational geometry. We demonstrate the effectiveness of the framework by implementing a multi-player online game that facilitates a participatory decision-making workshop for forming multi-functional building complexes by providing a generative configurator equipped with automated appraisal/scoring mechanisms for revealing the aggregate impact of alternatives. The EquiCity game empowers a group of decision-makers to reach a fair consensual spatial design by mathematically simulating many rounds of reasonable trade-offs between their decisions, with different levels of interest or control over various types of investments. The novelty of the framework is in its capability to encompass decision-making about the most idiosyncratic aspects of a site related to its heritage status and cultural significance to the most generic aspects such as balancing access to sunlight for the site while respecting ‘the right to sunlight’ of the neighbours of the site, ensuring coherence of the entire configuration with regards to a network of desired closeness ratings, the satisfaction of a programme of requirements, and intricately balancing individual development goals in conjunction with communal goals and environmental design codes.

Resumo Neste artigo, buscou-se refletir sobre a atenção ofertada às mulheres em situação de violência sexual (VS) em duas unidades de saúde especializadas (UE) do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS). A partir da análise qualitativa de entrevistas com profissionais dessas UE e de observações participantes realizadas entre novembro/2021 e agosto/2022, notaram-se problemas como: dificuldades em abordar o tema da VS e do aborto; despreparo para acolher mulheres em situação de VS; e fragilidades na atuação em rede. Como avanços, destacam-se: a compreensão da VS como problema social e de saúde por profissionais das equipes multidisciplinares, que se configuram como referências positivas para organização do trabalho em torno da VS nas UE; a disponibilidade de insumos necessários; e a percepção da melhoria na humanização da atenção à VS, desde a implementação da coleta de vestígios no SUS. É evidente que, para além das questões técnicas, o atendimento à VS é permeado por questões socioculturais e de gênero que atravessam os processos de trabalho, afetando a organização e a forma como o cuidado será ofertado. Enfatiza-se a importância da resistência feminista dos profissionais das equipes multidisciplinares para realização do trabalho e a urgência da formação de profissionais sensíveis para tratar das violências de gênero.

Abstract Background Breast density (BD) is a strong risk factor for breast cancer. Little is known about how BD develops during puberty. Understanding BD trajectories during puberty and its determinants could be crucial for promoting preventive actions against breast cancer (BC) at early ages. The objective of this research is to characterize % fibroglandular volume (%FGV), absolute fibroglandular volume (AFGV), and breast volume (BV) at different breast Tanner stages until 4-year post menarche in a Latino cohort and to assess determinants of high %FGV and AFGV during puberty and in a fully mature breast. Methods This is a longitudinal follow-up of 509 girls from low-middle socioeconomic status of the Southeast area of Santiago, recruited at a mean age of 3.5 years. The inclusion criteria were singleton birth born, birthweight between 2500 and 4500 g with no medical or mental disorder. A trained dietitian measured weight and height since 3.5 years old and sexual maturation from 8 years old (breast Tanner stages and age at menarche onset). Using standardized methods, BD was measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in various developmental periods (breast Tanner stage B1 until 4 years after menarche onset). Results In the 509 girls, we collected 1,442 breast DXA scans; the mean age at Tanner B4 was 11.3 years. %FGV increased across breast Tanner stages and peaked 250 days after menarche. AFGV and BV peaked 2 years after menarche onset. Girls in the highest quartiles of %FGV, AFGV, and BV at Tanner B4 and B5 before menarche onset had the highest values thereafter until 4 years after menarche onset. The most important determinants of %FGV and AFGV variability were BMI z-score (R2 = 44%) and time since menarche (R2 = 42%), respectively. Conclusion We characterize the breast development during puberty, a critical window of susceptibility. Although the onset of menarche is a key milestone for breast development, we observed that girls in the highest quartiles of %FGV and AFGV tracked in that group afterwards. Following these participants in adulthood would be of interest to understand the changes in breast composition during this period and its potential link with BC risk.

Abstract An understanding of the mechanistic drivers of animal‐microbial symbiosis and associations generally requires experiments that manipulate specific symbionts or microbial communities. As part of an ongoing study of the mechanisms that drive microbial communities in coral reef fishes, and specifically the role of cleanerfish in microbial transmission, we tested the effects of the commonly used antibiotics Enrofloxacin and Nitrofurazone on the skin microbiome of three ornamental reef fish species: the four‐eyed butterflyfish, Chaetodon capistratus (Chaetodontidae), the cleanerfish neon goby Elacatinus oceanops (Gobiidae) and the beaugregory damselfish Stegastes leucostictus (Pomacentridae). Our main aim was to characterize dysbiosis prompted by the delivery of the two antibiotics and understand whether both could be used to establish good starting points for microbial transmission experiments. We bathed the fish in antibiotic (or no exposure in the controls), sampled the skin microbiota via swabbing at zero (before treatment) and 3 and 7 days during the treatments, and examined the microbial community using a 16S rRNA gene sequencing approach. Nitrofurazone reduced skin‐associated microbial diversity in all species, whereas the same effect for Enrofloxacin was only seen in S. leucostictus. Although each antibiotic had its own, unique impact in microbial community, all treatments showed positive and negative shifts in the most abundant microbial taxa over time. Moreover, soon after the delivery of both antibiotics, increases in the abundance of opportunistic bacteria or potential pathogens, such as Alteromonas and Vibrio, were observed. Although both antibiotics are effective, Nitrofurazone more successfully reduces microbial diversity and therefore may be more ideal for experiments seeking to disrupt fish microbiomes.

Gene variants in the UGT1A1 gene are strongly associated with circulating bilirubin levels in several populations, as well as other variants of modest effect across the genome. However, the effects of such variants are unknown regarding the Native American ancestry of the admixed Latino population. Our objective was to assess the Native American genetic determinants of serum bilirubin in Chilean admixed adolescents using the local ancestry deconvolution approach. We measured total serum bilirubin levels in 707 adolescents of the Chilean Growth and Obesity Cohort Study (GOCS) and performed high-density genotyping using the Illumina-MEGA array (>1.7 million genotypes). We constructed a local ancestry reference panel with participants from the 1000 Genomes Project, the Human Genome Diversity Project, and our GOCS cohort. Then, we inferred and isolated haplotype tracts of Native American, European, or African origin to perform genome-wide association studies. In the whole cohort, the rs887829 variant and others near UGT1A1 were the unique signals achieving genome-wide statistical significance (b = 0.30; p = 3.34 × 10−57). After applying deconvolution methods, we found that significance is also maintained in Native American (b = 0.35; p = 3.29 × 10−17) and European (b = 0.28; p = 1.14 × 10−23) ancestry components. The rs887829 variant explained a higher percentage of the variance of bilirubin in the Native American (37.6%) compared to European ancestry (28.4%). In Native American ancestry, carriers of the TT genotype of this variant averaged 4-fold higher bilirubinemia compared to the CC genotype (p = 2.82 × 10−12). We showed for the first time that UGT1A1 variants are the primary determinant of bilirubin levels in Native American ancestry, confirming its pan-ethnic relevance. Our study illustrates the general value of the local ancestry deconvolution approach to assessing isolated ancestry effects in admixed populations.

Introdução: A alimentação assume um papel central na perda de peso. No entanto, existe a possibilidade de maximizar a eficiência na saúde durante este processo, dependendo da quantidade ingerida de cada macronutriente. Objetivo: Avaliar o efeito da ingestão proteica na perda de peso em indivíduos com sobrepeso e obesidade. Material e Métodos: Foi realizada uma revisão sistemática da literatura, segundo a metodologia PRISMA, utilizando as bases de dados PubMed, Scopus e Web of Science. Foram incluídos artigos que correspondiam aos critérios de inclusão, obtendo-se 14 elegíveis de 422 inicialmente identificados. Resultados: Estudos revelaram que nos grupos com maior consumo proteico ocorria maior perda de peso e de massa gorda, 4 (28,57%) e 6 estudos (42,86%), respetivamente. Constatou-se também, que associado a esta perda de peso, em 2 estudos (14,29%), registaram-se reduções significativas no colesterol LDL e em 1 estudo (7,14%), observou-se uma redução dos níveis das enzimas aspartato aminotransferase e alanina aminotransferase. Efeitos sobre a saciedade e apetite foram analisados em 4 estudos (28,57%), sendo que 2 (14,29%) relataram níveis mais elevados na saciedade e melhor controlo do apetite no grupo com maior consumo proteico. Conclusão: Uma maior ingestão de proteína pode potenciar efeitos benéficos na perda de peso, em indivíduos com excesso de peso ou obesidade, no entanto verifica-se a necessidade de mais estudos que suportem as ocorrências analisadas nesta revisão.

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess the association between leptin/adiponectin ratio (LAR) and insulin resistance surrogates in prepubertal children. Subjects and methods: Study based on data from the Growth and Obesity Chilean Cohort Study (GOCS) involving 968 Chilean prepubertal children. Plasma insulin, leptin, and adiponectin were determined by immunoassays. Several common insulin resistance surrogates were calculated, including the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), triglyceride/HDL cholesterol index, triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index, and the TyG index corrected for body mass index (BMI; TyG-BMI) and waist circumference (WC; TyG-WC). Associations among variables were assessed using multiple linear and logistic regression analysis. Results: There was a significant direct association between plasma leptin and LAR with BMI z-score but no association between plasma adiponectin and adiposity. After adjustments for sex and age, LAR was significantly associated with all insulin resistance surrogates (which were categorized using the 75th percentile as the cutoff point), with the TyG-WC index emerging as the surrogate with the highest magnitude of association (odds ratio [OR] 2.44, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.05-2.9). After additional adjustment for BMI z-score, only the association between LAR and TyG-WC remained significant (OR 1.64, 95% CI 1.27-2.12). Conclusion: Plasma leptin and LAR were strongly associated with several common insulin resistance surrogates in prepubertal children, most notably with the TyG-WC index. Associations between LAR and insulin resistance indexes were mainly driven by the effect of plasma leptin, which is also directly associated with increased adiposity.

Determining the dietary niche is an essential part of any conservation strategy, and for modeling the community responses to climate change. DNA metabarcoding methods are revolutionizing such approaches, allowing higher taxonomic resolution than typically possible using microscopy. However, few studies have compared directly the approaches to evaluate the differences in methodology. Here we assess the dietary niches of two genetically diverse populations of Atlantolacerta andreanskyi, a lizard endemic to the Atlas Mountains, Morocco, using DNA metabarcoding of faecal samples, and for one of these we compared the results to two previously published assessments of diets obtained using microscopy of pellets and stomach contents respectively. While results at the Order level were similar, the higher taxonomic resolution obtained in this study provided new insights into the dietary niche of this species. Comparisons between the two populations further highlighted how ecologically distinct these are.

Abstract There is currently no evidence to support the use of antiseizure medications to prevent unprovoked seizures following stroke. Experimental animal models suggested a potential antiepileptogenic effect for eslicarbazepine acetate (ESL), and a Phase II, multicenter, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study was designed to test this hypothesis and assess whether ESL treatment for 1 month can prevent unprovoked seizures following stroke. We outline the design and status of this antiepileptogenesis study, and discuss the challenges encountered in its execution to date. Patients at high risk of developing unprovoked seizures after acute intracerebral hemorrhage or acute ischemic stroke were randomized to receive ESL 800 mg/d or placebo, initiated within 120 hours after primary stroke occurrence. Treatment continued until Day 30, then tapered off. Patients could receive all necessary therapies for stroke treatment according to clinical practice guidelines and standard of care, and are being followed up for 18 months. The primary efficacy endpoint is the occurrence of a first unprovoked seizure within 6 months after randomization (“failure rate”). Secondary efficacy assessments include the occurrence of a first unprovoked seizure during 12 months after randomization and during the entire study; functional outcomes (Barthel Index original 10‐item version; National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale); post‐stroke depression (Patient Health Questionnaire‐9; PHQ‐9); and overall survival. Safety assessments include the evaluation of treatment‐emergent adverse events; laboratory parameters; vital signs; electrocardiogram; suicidal ideation and behavior (PHQ‐9 question 9). The protocol aimed to randomize approximately 200 patients (1:1), recruited from 21 sites in seven European countries and Israel. Despite the challenges encountered, particularly during the COVID‐19 pandemic, the study progressed and included a remarkable number of patients, with 129 screened and 125 randomized. Recruitment was stopped after 30 months, the first patient entered in May 2019, and the study is ongoing and following up on patients according to the Clinical Trial Protocol.

Military personnel need physical fitness to effectively carry out operational military activities within their specific field of operation. This research investigates the effects of a 34-week training program on Angolan cadets’ body composition, muscle strength, and cardiorespiratory fitness. Seventy-four volunteer recruits, aged 18 to 26 years, were monitored during their eight-month military service, following an exercise program protocol comprising 12 weeks of strength training followed by 24 weeks of endurance training. Anthropometric variables, including body mass, body mass index, and fat mass, were assessed, along with cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2max), sprint performance, countermovement jump (CMJ), medicine ball throw, push-ups, and curl-ups. The physical training protocol encompassed running sessions, strength exercises, agility drills, and flexibility exercises. The initial assessment revealed gender differences in various parameters such as body mass, body fat percentage, VO2max, sprinting, countermovement jump (CMJ), medicine ball throw, and push-ups. Following the training program, changes were observed in all variables (effect size between 0.48 and 2.33, p < 0.01) for the participants. Significant interactions (sex × time) were found in body mass (F = 5.18, p = 0.03, ηp2 = 0.06), body fat percentage (F = 5.31, p < 0.01, ηp2 = 0.14), and medicine ball throw (F = 10.84, p < 0.01, ηp2 = 0.13). Specifically, males exhibited a greater reduction in body mass (females: 2.70%, males: 3.47%, p < 0.05) and a substantial improvement in ball throwing performance (females: 7.74%, males: 11.47%, p < 0.01), while females experienced a greater reduction in fat mass (females: 5.34%, males: 3.15%, p < 0.01). The physical training regimen effectively influenced body composition, particularly in enhancing strength performance among males. The integration of exercise programs with military service led to a notable reduction in fat tissue and an increase in lean tissue. Hence, the development of tailored training protocols is imperative to enhance the physical capacity and overall health of military recruits, considering sex-specific characteristics and physical attributes.

Background: Kawasaki disease (KD) is a type of vasculitis in which giant coronary artery aneurysms (CAAs) can occur. There are no specific guidelines for managing giant CAAs that develop quickly and are at risk of rupture. Regarding cardiovascular drugs, only beta-blockers are formally recommended in the acute phase of KD. Case presentation: A 6-month-old male patient with multiresistant Kawasaki disease and giant CAAs that continued to enlarge after controlling systemic inflammation was examined. The patient required three doses of intravenous immunoglobulin, methylprednisolone pulses, and anakinra and infliximab to normalize systemic inflammation. Due to the rapid increment of aneurysms’ dimensions and the risk of rupture, we introduced anticoagulant therapy and propranolol plus captopril, and titration doses were introduced according to a tolerated decrease in heart rate and arterial pressure. CAAs increment stabilized and slowly reduced their dimensions. Conclusions: The authors describe an atypical case of multiresistant KD with giant rapidly increasing CAAs even after controlling systemic inflammation. The introduction of a beta-blocker and an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor was demonstrated to be useful for stabilizing giant CAAs growth and reducing the potential risk of rupture.

RESUMO Este artigo apresenta os principais resultados de uma pesquisa sobre Trabalho Escravo Contemporâneo, financiada pela Organização Internacional do Trabalho e realizada no município de Açailândia (MA), com trabalhadores resgatados. A partir da estratégia metodológica dos grupos focais, o objetivo foi analisar a experiência de trabalhadores que vivenciaram o processo de escravização que culmina no trabalho escravo, a partir de suas construções narrativas. As narrativas das experiências dos trabalhadores resgatados forneceram informações fundamentais sobre as distintas dinâmicas que caracterizam o TEC, como o perfil e as condições de vida dos trabalhadores resgatados; o perfil e o modus operandi dos aliciadores; o perfil e o modus operandi dos proprietários das empresas que escravizam sua mão de obra; a sazonalidade e imigração (origem - destino), o processo de exploração e a degradância nas condições de trabalho.

Abstract Using physical tools to assess online, real-time, continuous information about biofilms in technical water systems is a key component of an early-warning antifouling strategy. However, online biofilm monitoring is not yet relevant in real-field practice, nor in lab studies. In this review we analyse online biofilm monitoring from an academic perspective to provide insights on what science can improve to bring it to the spotlight of biofouling management and prevention. We argue the need to involve a broader community of biofilm researchers on the use of online monitoring to deepen biofilm studies (e.g. linking biofilm features, dynamics and operational impact) as well as the need for more, and better detailed studies. This will, consequently, reinforce the added value of biofilm monitoring as part of an early-warning antifouling strategy while bridging the techniques’ potential to the real-field needs. Finally, we propose a framework to improve laboratorial and field studies.

Much of the building stock subjected to the upcoming European Renovation Wave is neither listed as heritage nor considered valuable architecture. This also applies to Dutch housing built between 1965 and 1985, more than 30% of the Dutch housing stock, for which there is no consensus on their cultural significance. Their successful renovation process requires broad support. What attributes do citizens consider significant in their neighbourhood? How do we include a multitude of stakeholders? And can digital methods help collect and process responses? This article reveals significant attributes of residential neighbourhoods from 1965 to 1985, assessed by various stakeholders with a digital tool based on case studies in Amsterdam and Almere. A mobile application allowed individuals to identify significant attributes at various scales while visiting the neighbourhood. By qualitative data analysis of survey and interview results, groups of tangible and intangible attributes were deduced. Results show that identifying attributes by current stakeholders broadens existing expert-led assessments on 1965–1985 neighbourhoods by including, for example, generic attributes not originally intended by the designers. Asking open-ended questions is considered essential to identify undiscovered attributes by alternative stakeholders, although dealing with large numbers of responses is recognised as a challenge to cluster and classify. Lastly, the mobile application appears to be a useful digital tool, but integrating scientific consistency and usability is recommended for further development. Engaging multiple stakeholders with such mobile applications allows for collecting opinions, anticipating conflicts, or shared interests between stakeholders and integration into renovation designs. It can empower citizens to preserve the neighbourhood attributes that are most significant to them.

O Programa Bolsa Família tem sido objeto de estudos que mostram o impacto na redução da extrema pobreza e na redução da insegurança alimentar e nutricional (IAN). Objetivo: investigar a prevalência de IAN e fatores associados entre famílias com crianças menores de sete anos participantes do Programa Bolsa Família, residentes em um município do sul do estado de Minas Gerais. Métodos: Estudo transversal quantitativo realizado com 145 famílias e 206 crianças menores de sete anos. Resultados: A prevalência de IAN foi de 77,9% e de insegurança grave de 15,9%. A associação entre INF e renda familiar (p = 0,024), alimentação após o benefício (p = 0,006), consumo de feijão (p = 0,016) e salgadinhos (p = 0,006) foi encontrada entre crianças de dois anos. a sete anos. Além disso, a anemia ferropriva foi associada à introdução de biscoito recheado (p = 0,023), salgadinho de pacote (p = 0,044) e queijo petit suisse (p = 0,014) antes dos dois anos. Conclusão: Espera-se, portanto, que esta pesquisa contribua para a geração de evidências científicas que serão utilizadas na tomada de decisão para melhorar a eficiência da gestão por meio da redefinição de prioridades e qualificação dos profissionais envolvidos no programa.

Biochemical premature adrenarche is defined by elevated serum DHEAS [≥40 μg/dL] before age 8 y in girls. This condition is receiving more attention due to its association with obesity, hyperinsulinemia, dyslipidemia, and polycystic ovary syndrome. Nevertheless, the link between early androgen excess and these risk factors remains unknown. Epigenetic modifications, and specifically DNA methylation, have been associated with the initiation and progression of numerous disorders, including obesity and insulin resistance. The aim of this study was to determine if prepubertal androgen exposure is associated with a different methylation profile in pubertal girls. Eighty-six healthy girls were studied. At age 7 y, anthropometric measurements were begun and DHEAS levels were determined. Girls were classified into Low DHEAS (LD) [

Esse artigo analisa a institucionalização da assistência social no Brasil e a implicação dos trabalhadores sociais neste campo. Partimos da narrativa de vida de Maria, que da experiência religiosa parte para a militância nos movimentos sociais e institucionaliza sua prática na ampliação da assistência social do governo de Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva em 2004. Neste contexto de luta e paixões, Maria investe em um saber prático que se torna o ponto de partida para a construção de uma sobreimplicação. Pelo método de narrativas de vida e da análise institucional, o trabalho contempla o campo micropolítico de um percurso biográfico para chegar a aspectos sócio-históricos da constituição da pasta no país e a construção de uma sensibilidade peculiar por parte dos trabalhadores. Essa sensibilidade, construída nas experiências anteriores ao trabalho social e potencializada no encontro com a política institucionalizada, pode adoecer os profissionais e favorecer a precarização da política pública quando alimenta um compromisso pessoal que se nega a enxergar a complexidade do que seja manter a seguridade social com competência e seriedade no país.

Introduction: High mammographic density is among the strongest and most established predictors for breast cancer risk. Puberty, the period during which breasts undergo exponential mammary growth, is considered one of the critical stages of breast development for environmental exposures. Benzylbutyl phthalate (BBP) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) are pervasive endocrine disrupting chemicals that may increase hormone-sensitive cancers. Evaluating the potential impact of BBP and PFOA exposure on pubertal breast density is important to our understanding of early-life environmental influences on breast cancer etiology. Objective: To prospectively assess the effect of biomarker concentrations of monobenzyl phthalate (MBzP) and PFOA at specific pubertal window of susceptibility (WOS) on adolescent breast density. Method: This study included 376 Chilean girls from the Growth and Obesity Cohort Study with data collection at four timepoints: Tanner breast stages 1 (B1) and 4 (B4), 1- year post- menarche (1YPM) and 2-years post-menarche (2YPM). Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was used to assess the absolute fibroglandular volume (FGV) and percent breast density (%FGV) at 2YPM. We used concentrations of PFOA in serum and MBzP in urine as an index of exposure to PFOA and BBP, respectively. Parametric G-formula was used to estimate the time-specific effects of MBzP and PFOA on breast density. The models included body fat percentage as a time-varying confounder and age, birthweight, age at menarche, and maternal education as fixed covariates. Results: A doubling of serum PFOA concentration at B4 resulted in a non-significant increase in absolute FGV (β:11.25, 95% confidence interval (CI): −0.28, 23.49)), while a doubling of PFOA concentration at 1YPM resulted in a decrease in % FGV (β:-4.61, 95% CI: −7.45, −1.78). We observed no associations between urine MBzP and breast density measures. Conclusion: In this cohort of Latina girls, PFOA serum concentrations corresponded to a decrease in % FGV. No effect was observed between MBzP and breast density measures across pubertal WOS.

NAFLD has become the leading cause of chronic liver disease in children, as a direct consequence of the high prevalence of childhood obesity. This study aimed to characterize body composition trajectories from childhood to adolescence and their association with the risk of developing nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) during adolescence. The participants were part of the ‘Chilean Growth and Obesity Cohort Study’, comprising 784 children who were followed prospectively from age 3 years. Annual assessments of nutritional status and body composition were conducted, with ultrasound screening for NAFLD during adolescence revealing a 9.8% prevalence. Higher waist circumference measures were associated with NAFLD from age 3 years (p = 0.03), all skin folds from age 4 years (p < 0.01), and DXA body fat measurements from age 12 years (p = 0.01). The fat-free mass index was higher in females (p = 0.006) but not in males (p = 0.211). The second and third tertiles of the fat mass index (FMI) had odds ratios for NAFLD during adolescence of 2.19 (1.48–3.25, 95% CI) and 6.94 (4.79–10.04, 95% CI), respectively. Elevated waist circumference, skin folds, and total body fat were identified as risk factors for future NAFLD development. A higher FMI during childhood was associated with an increased risk of NAFLD during adolescence.

Family support encompasses a wide variety of professionals, sectors, and intervention paradigms that make it difficult to systematize and standardize the skills needed by the family support workforce. The present study aimed to describe the relevant skills of professionals, organize the main skills into different categories, and contribute to the development of intervention standardization guidelines in the field of family support. So, a systematic literature review was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. The search was carried out in five databases and included the analysis of quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods studies, and all studies were qualitatively assessed. Of the initial 3334 articles identified, 59 studies were included, and four categories were identified: professionals’ qualities, essential skills common to all professions and contexts, specific knowledge, and theoretical approaches necessary for family support. Most of the studies were from the United Kingdom, qualitative, published in the last 10 years, used small samples, and included a specific group of professionals. The included studies did not specify whether some skills or characteristics were considered more effective in practice, and they had bias issues related to social desirability. The implications for family support practice are discussed, as well as the gaps to be covered in future studies.

ABSTRACT Objective to describe the sociodemographic profile of reported cases of sexual violence (SV) and the distribution of care services for this health condition in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, 2019. Methods this was a descriptive study of the cases of sexual violence reported on the Notifiable Health Conditions Information System and care services registered in the National Health Establishment Registry. Results a total of 4,418 notifications of SV were identified during the study period, representing more than 12 notifications per day; the majority of notifications were among females (87.0%) and among children and adolescents (72.0%); the distribution of care services showed care gaps in four of the 14 health macro-regions of the state of Minas Gerais; the maximum distances traveled to access referral services ranged from 93 to 327 km. Conclusion the scarcity of care services for people subjected to sexual violence in the micro-regions and macro-regions of Minas Gerais highlights the need for planning public policies aimed at increasing access to these services.

INTRODUCTION: Transition in care (TC): Planned and structured transfer of pediatric care to adult. OBJECTIVE: to compare the transfer process (PCA) of patients with type 1 diabetes (DM1) with (Group A) and without (Group B) TC. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cross-sectional study. Patients with DM1, 18-25 years, followed on the pediatric service of a district hospital. A questionnaire with a likert scale was used: 1 (totally disagree) to 5 (totally agree). Adequate TC: onset 14 years; promotion of autonomy; user participated; understanding the difference in services; multidisciplinary and transmission of information between professionals. RESULTS: Total 29, 14 from Group A. The following medians were obtained for Group A and B: "age at onset of PCA": 17 vs 18 years; "promotion of autonomy": 5 vs 5; "explanation of differences between services": 4 vs 4; "participation in the process": 5 vs 3; "transmission of information between professionals": 4.5 vs 4; "multidisciplinary team": 4 vs 3. In group A 36% responded affirmatively to all items defined for adequate TC. DISCUSSION: On the group with TC, the median age of onset of PCA was lower, although higher than proper. In the remaining items, the response medians were higher in group A, except for promotion of autonomy and explanation of service differences, with a statistical difference in user participation in the process and the involvement of a multidisciplinary team. TC is implemented, but needs to be systematized to improve care provided.

The quantification of the extent and dynamics of land-use changes is a key metric employed to assess the progress toward several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that form part of the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda. In terms of anthropogenic factors threatening the conservation of heritage properties, such a metric aids in the assessment of achievements toward heritage sustainability solving the problem of insufficient data availability. Therefore, in this study, 589 cultural World Heritage List (WHL) properties from 115 countries were analyzed, encompassing globally distributed and statistically significant samples of “monuments and groups of buildings” (73.2%), “sites” (19.3%), and “cultural landscapes” (7.5%). Land-cover changes in the WHL properties between 2015 and 2020 were automatically extracted from big data collections of high-resolution satellite imagery accessed via Google Earth Engine using intelligent remote sensing classification. Sustainability indexes (SIs) were estimated for the protection zones of each property, and the results were employed, for the first time, to assess the progress of each country toward SDG Target 11.4. Despite the apparent advances in SIs (10.4%), most countries either exhibited steady (20.0%) or declining (69.6%) SIs due to limited cultural investigations and enhanced negative anthropogenic disturbances. This study confirms that land-cover changes are among serious threats for heritage conservation, with heritage in some countries wherein the need to address this threat is most crucial, and the proposed spatiotemporal monitoring approach is recommended.

The data presented in this Data in Brief article offers an insight into the scientific literature on conceptual and empirical approaches to public participation and consensus-building. It consists of articles retrieved from the Scopus search engine which feature “public participation”, “consensus”, and “value and attribute” in the title, abstract, and author keywords. Information on the bibliography is recorded, namely title, author(s), year of publication, and source title. Metadata on how the articles were analyzed is provided in the dataset. From 121 publications, most literature (103) analyzes public participation through case studies. The studies were analyzed according to factors that were identified inductively and grouped in two categories: 1) public participation: actor, method, and level of public participation, and 2) consensus: approaches, conflict. The data is related to the research article entitled “Public participation and consensus-building in urban planning from the lens of heritage planning: A systematic literature review”. This paper focuses on the public participation factors as the factors on consensus are already explained in the main article. This paper shows which factors of participation were implemented in the analyzed studies. Given that, this article contributes to researchers and practitioners working on public participation because it reveals the diversity of approaches for consensus-building in public participation processes, which help them realize which level of participation they want to achieve and the means to reach it.

Abstract Higgs decay using an effective Higgs–Yang-Mills interaction in terms of a dimension five operator as well as usual QCD interactions is revisited in the context of Implicit Regularization (IReg) and compared with conventional dimensional regularization (CDR), four dimensional helicity (FDH) and dimensional reduction (DRED) schemes. The decay rate for $$H \rightarrow gg(g)$$ H → g g ( g ) is calculated in this strictly four-dimensional set-up to $$\alpha _s^3$$ α s 3 order in the strong coupling. Moreover we include joint processes that contribute at the same perturbative order in the real emission channels consisting of 3 gluons as well as gluon quark–antiquark final states with light (zero mass) quarks. Unambiguous identification and separation of UV from IR divergences is achieved putting at work the renormalization group scale relation inherent to the method. UV singularities are removed as usual by renormalization, the IR divergences are cancelled due to the method’s compliance with the Kinoshita–Lee–Nauenberg (KLN) theorem. Most importantly, we verify that no evanescent fields such as $$\epsilon $$ ϵ -scalars need be introduced as required by some mixed regularizations that operate partially in the physical dimension.

Abstract Not all individuals with obesity develop metabolic complications, which has brought about the concepts of metabolically healthy and unhealthy obesity (MHO/MUO). However, inconsistent definitions of these conditions have limited their understanding. We assessed whether a recently-proposed consensus definition for MHO/MUO correlates with adiposity and reflects metabolic risk parameters during puberty. Low-middle income children from the Growth and Obesity Cohort Study (Santiago, Chile) were included (n = 949; 1692 visits at Tanner (T)2, T4 and/or one-year post menarche (1YPM)). Anthropometry, body composition and metabolic parameters were compared between MUO and MHO, and also in children without obesity. The risk for presenting MUO phenotype was significantly elevated with higher waist-height ratio (T2), zBMI (T2, T4), trunk fat, and C-reactive protein (T4). Elevated cardiometabolic indices were important predictors of the “unhealthy” phenotype allocation in children with or without obesity. Our observations suggest that the consensus definition in children at T2, T4 and 1YPM reflects metabolic risk and central obesity. Metabolic health phenotype allocation by this equation enables easy detection of risk factors that call for action to prevent long-term metabolic derangements in children with obesity and, importantly, also those without obesity.

Abstract This study compared different approaches to measuring breast density and breast tissue composition (BTC) in adolescent girls (n = 42, aged 14–16 years) and their mothers (n = 39, aged 36–61 years) from a cohort in Santiago, Chile. Optical spectroscopy (OS) was used to measure collagen, water, and lipid concentrations, which were combined into a percent breast density index (%BDI). A clinical dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) system calibrated to measure breast density provided percent fibroglandular volume (%FGV) from manually delineated images. After digitizing mammogram films, the percent mammographic breast density (%MBD) was measured using computer-assisted software. Partial correlation coefficients (r partial) were used to evaluate associations between breast density measures and BTC from these three different measurement approaches, adjusting for age and body mass index. %BDI from OS was associated with %FGV from DXA in adolescent girls (r partial = 0.46, p-value = 0.003), but not in mothers (r partial = 0.17, p-value = 0.32). In mothers, %FGV from DXA was associated with %MBD from mammograms (r partial = 0.60, p-value

Background Host-gut microbiota interactions are complex and can have a profound impact on the ecology and evolution of both counterparts. Several host traits such as systematics, diet and social behavior, and external factors such as prey availability and local environment are known to influence the composition and diversity of the gut microbiota. Methods In this study, we investigate the influence of systematics, sex, host size, and locality/habitat on gut microbiota diversity in five lizard species from two different sites in Portugal: Podarcis bocagei and Podarcis lusitanicus, living in syntopy in a rural area in northern Portugal (Moledo); the invasive Podarcis siculus and the native Podarcis virescens, living in sympatry in an urbanized environment (Lisbon); and the invasive Teira dugesii also living in an urban area (Lisbon). We also infer the potential microbial transmission occurring between species living in sympatry and syntopy. To achieve these goals, we use a metabarcoding approach to characterize the bacterial communities from the cloaca of lizards, sequencing the V4 region of the 16S rRNA. Results Habitat/locality was an important factor explaining differences in gut bacterial composition and structure, with species from urbanized environments having higher bacterial diversity. Host systematics (i.e., species) influenced gut bacterial community structure only in lizards from the urbanized environment. We also detected a significant positive correlation between lizard size and gut bacterial alpha-diversity in the invasive species P. siculus, which could be due to its higher exploratory behavior. Moreover, estimates of bacterial transmission indicate that P. siculus may have acquired a high proportion of local microbiota after its introduction. These findings confirm that a diverse array of host and environmental factors can influence lizards’ gut microbiota.

Industrial biocides aim to keep water systems microbiologically controlled and to minimize biofouling. However, the resulting dead cells are usually not removed from the water streams and can influence the growth of the remaining live cells in planktonic and sessile states. This study aims to understand the effect of dead Pseudomonas fluorescens cells killed by industrial biocides—benzalkonium chloride (BAC) and 2,2-dibromo-3-nitrilopropionamide (DBNPA)—on biofilm formation. Additionally, the effect of different dead/live cell ratios (50.00% and 99.99%) was studied. The inoculum was recirculated in a Parallel Plate Flow Cell (PPFC). The overall results indicate that dead cells greatly affect biofilm properties. Inoculum with DBNPA–dead cells led to more active (higher ATP content and metabolic activity) and thicker biofilm layers in comparison to BAC–dead cells, which seems to be linked to the mechanism of action by which the cells were killed. Furthermore, higher dead cell ratios (99.99%) in the inoculum led to more active (higher culturability, metabolic activity and ATP content) and cohesive/compact and uniformly distributed biofilms in comparison with the 50.00% dead cell ratio. The design of future disinfection strategies must consider the contribution of dead cells to the biofilm build-up, as they might negatively affect water system operations.

Background: Resuming a physical exercise program after a period of cessation is common in older women. Monitoring the responses during this detraining (DT) and retraining (RT) may allow us to analyze how the body reacts to an increase and a reduction in physical inactivity. Therefore, we conducted a follow-up training, DT, and RT in prehypertensive older women to analyze the response to these periods. Methods: Twenty-three prehypertensive older women (EG; 68.3 ± 2.8 years; 1.61 ± 0.44 m) performed 36 weeks of the multicomponent training program (MTP) followed by twelve weeks of DT plus eight weeks of RT. Fifteen prehypertensive older women (CG; 66.3 ± 3.2 years; 1.59 ± 0.37 m) maintained their normal routine. Functional capacity (FC), lipid, and hemodynamic profile were assessed before, during 24 and 36 weeks of the MTP, after 4 and 12 weeks of DT, and after 8 weeks of RT. Results: After 24 weeks of the MTP, only SBP did not improve. Four weeks of DT did not affect lower body strength (30-CS), TC, or GL. Eight weeks of RT improved BP (SBP: −2.52%; ES: 0.36; p < 0.00; DBP: −1.45%; ES: 0.44; p < 0.02), handgrip strength (3.77%; ES: 0.51; p < 0.00), and 30-CS (3.17%; ES: 0.38; p < 0.04) compared with 36 weeks of the MTP. Conclusions: Eight weeks of RT allowed patients to recover the benefits lost with detraining, which after only four weeks affected them negatively, and the systematic practice of exercise contributed to greater regulation of BP since 24 weeks of the MTP proved not to be enough to promote positive effects of SBP.

This work studies the antimicrobial activity of benzyldimethyldodecyl ammonium chloride (BDMDAC)-coated microparticles with distinct morphological structures. Functionalized microparticles were prepared by the layer-by-layer (LbL) self-assembly technique on hydroxyapatite (Hap), calcium carbonate (CaCO3) and glass beads (GB) cores. All particles were characterized, before and after functionalization, by Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Brunner–Emmett–Teller (BET) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analyses. Antimicrobial activity was tested against planktonic Pseudomonas fluorescens. Planktonic bacteria were exposed to 100 mg/L, 200 mg/L and 400 mg/L of BDMDAC-coated microparticles for 240 min. This strategy promoted a complete bacteria reduction at 200 mg/L for Hap microparticles after 240 min. No release of biocide was detected through HPLC analyses during 2 weeks, suggesting that bacteria inactivation may be attributed to a contact killing mechanism.

Background: The multicomponent training program (MTP) is a physical exercise strategy used to combat the sedentary lifestyle in older women (OW). However, periods of interruption in training are common in this population. The aim of our study was to analyze the 8-week MTP effects followed by two, four, and eight weeks of interruption on the lipid profile (LP) and functional capacity (FC) of OW. Methods: Twenty-one OW (experimental group [EG], 67.6 ± 3.1 years; 1.55 ± 0.35 m) were subjected to an 8-week MTP followed by a detraining period, and 14 OW (control group [CG], 69.4 ± 4.7 years; 1.61 ± 0.26 m) maintained their daily routine. FC (i.e., 30-s chair stand [30-CS], 8-foot up and go [8-FUG], 6-min walk [6-MWT], handgrip strength [HGS], and heart-rate peak during 6-WMT [HRPeak]), total cholesterol (TC) and triglycerides (TG) were assessed before and after MTP and two, four, and eight weeks after MTP. Results: 8-week MTP resulted in higher FC and decreased LP values in EG (p < 0.05); two and four weeks of detraining did not promote changes. After eight weeks of detraining TC (ES: 2.74; p = 0.00), TG (ES: 1.93; p = 0.00), HGS (ES: 0.49, p = 0.00), HRPeak (ES: 1.01, p = 0.00), 6-MWT (ES: 0.54, p = 0.04), and 8-FUG (ES: 1.20, p = 0.01) declined significantly. Conclusions: Periods of more than four weeks of detraining should be avoided to promote a good quality of life and health in OW. If older people interrupt training for a period longer than four weeks, physical-education professionals must outline specific training strategies to maintain the adaptations acquired with MTP. Future studies should establish these criteria based on ideal training volume, intensity, and frequency.

Abstract Background Early age at menarche and tall stature are associated with increased breast cancer risk. We examined whether these associations were also positively associated with mammographic density, a strong marker of breast cancer risk. Methods Participants were 10,681 breast-cancer-free women from 22 countries in the International Consortium of Mammographic Density, each with centrally assessed mammographic density and a common set of epidemiologic data. Study periods for the 27 studies ranged from 1987 to 2014. Multi-level linear regression models estimated changes in square-root per cent density (√PD) and dense area (√DA) associated with age at menarche and adult height in pooled analyses and population-specific meta-analyses. Models were adjusted for age at mammogram, body mass index, menopausal status, hormone therapy use, mammography view and type, mammographic density assessor, parity and height/age at menarche. Results In pooled analyses, later age at menarche was associated with higher per cent density (β √PD = 0.023 SE = 0.008, P = 0.003) and larger dense area (β √DA = 0.032 SE = 0.010, P = 0.002). Taller women had larger dense area (β √DA = 0.069 SE = 0.028, P = 0.012) and higher per cent density (β √PD = 0.044, SE = 0.023, P = 0.054), although the observed effect on per cent density depended upon the adjustment used for body size. Similar overall effect estimates were observed in meta-analyses across population groups. Conclusions In one of the largest international studies to date, later age at menarche was positively associated with mammographic density. This is in contrast to its association with breast cancer risk, providing little evidence of mediation. Increased height was also positively associated with mammographic density, particularly dense area. These results suggest a complex relationship between growth and development, mammographic density and breast cancer risk. Future studies should evaluate the potential mediation of the breast cancer effects of taller stature through absolute breast density.

Summary: Body-mass index (BMI) is a hallmark of adiposity. In contrast with adulthood, the genetic architecture of BMI during childhood is poorly understood. The few genome-wide association studies (GWAS) on children have been performed almost exclusively in Europeans and at single ages. We performed cross-sectional and longitudinal GWAS for BMI-related traits on 904 admixed children with mostly Mapuche Native American and European ancestries. We found regulatory variants of the immune gene HLA-DQB3 strongly associated with BMI at 1.5−2.5 years old. A variant in the sex-determining gene DMRT1 was associated with the age at adiposity rebound (Age-AR) in girls (P=9.8×10−9). BMI was significantly higher in Mapuche than in Europeans between 5.5 and 16.5 years old. Finally, Age-AR was significantly lower (P=0.004) by 1.94 years and BMI at AR was significantly higher (P=0.04) by 1.2 kg/m2, in Mapuche children compared with Europeans.

Background: Muscle wasting is a common phenomenon in oncology and seems to be attenuated by exercise training. The aim of this study is to determine the degree of aggressiveness of cancer-induced muscle wasting in two different phenotypic muscles. It will also determine whether exercise training can attenuate this muscle dysfunction. Methods: Fifty Sprague Dawley rats were randomly assigned to four experimental groups: two breast cancer model groups (sedentary and exercise) and two control groups (sedentary and exercise). Breast cancer was induced by 1-methyl-1-nitrosoureia (MNU). After 35 weeks of endurance training, animals were sacrificed, and gastrocnemius and soleus muscles harvested for morphometric analysis. Results: In sedentary tumor-bearing animals, a significant reduction in cross-sectional area was found in both muscles (p < 0.05). Interstitial fibrosis was significantly higher in the gastrocnemius muscle of the sedentary tumor-bearing animals (p < 0.05), but not in the soleus muscle. In the gastrocnemius of sedentary tumor-bearing animals, a shift from large to small fibers was observed. This cancer-related muscle dysfunction was prevented by long-term exercise training. Conclusions: In sedentary animals with tumors, the gastrocnemius muscle showed a very pronounced reduction in cross-sectional area and a marked degree of interstitial fibrosis. There was no difference in collagen deposition between tumor groups, and the soleus muscle showed a less pronounced but significant reduction in cross-sectional area. These contrasting results confirm that cancer-induced muscle wasting can affect specific types of fibers and specific muscles, namely fast glycolytic muscles, and that exercise training can be used to improve it.

Qualitative research has been increasingly used in the field of psychology. Consequently, concerns about the development of students’ skills in qualitative research have arisen. The main goal of this paper is to characterize the current state of art of the qualitative research teaching in Portuguese bachelor’s degrees in psychology. A documentary analysis was performed, and the data collection was conducted through an online search: first on the website of the General Directorate of Higher Education, and afterwards on the online sites of each of the Portuguese universities where the first cycle of psychology is taught. A content analysis was made by two coders and a discussion about categories was made until a consensus was reached. The data revealed the existence of 31 undergraduate courses in psychology at 31 Portuguese teaching institutions. There were 12 undergraduate courses at 12 public universities, and 19 undergraduate courses at 19 private universities. Despite the diversity in the study plans in the degree of psychology, most of them included qualitative research methodology teaching. However, the data analysis revealed different designations of the curricular units (CUs) related to qualitative research, as well as a different number of credits (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System—ECTS). In addition, there were variations in the academic year in which the qualitative research CUs were taught and registered in their syllabi. This study indicates that undergraduate Portuguese psychology students generally have some training in qualitative research but the way it is carried out and the training contents are not uniform for all the existing degrees. It is important to reflect on the importance of qualitative research in psychology and further studies on qualitative methods teaching practices are still needed.

Abstract Background Frequent sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) intake has been associated with indirect markers of breast cancer risk, such as weight gain in adolescents and early menarche. How SSB intake relates to breast composition in adolescent girls has not been explored. Methods We evaluated the association between prospective intake of SSB and breast density in a cohort of 374 adolescent girls participating in the Growth and Obesity Cohort Study in Santiago, Chile. Multivariable linear regression models were used to analyze the association between average daily SSB intake quartiles and breast composition (absolute fibroglandular volume [aFGV], percent fibroglandular volume [%FGV], total breast volume [tBV]). Models were adjusted for potential confounding by BMI Z-score, age, daily energy intake (g/day), maternal education, hours of daily television watching after school, dairy intake (g/day), meat intake (g/day), waist circumference, and menarche. To examine the sensitivity of the association to the number of dietary recalls for each girl, analyses were further stratified by girls with one dietary recall and girls with > one dietary recall. Results A total of 881 dietary recalls were available for 374 girls prior to the breast density assessment. More than 60% of the cohort had > one dietary recall available. In multivariable analyses, we found no association between SSB intake quartile and aFGV (Q2 vs Q1 β: − 5.4, 95% CI − 15.1, 4.4; Q3 vs Q1 β: 1.3, 95% CI − 8.6, 11.3; Q4 vs Q1 β: 3.0, 95% CI − 7.1, 13). No associations were noted for %FGV and tBV. Among girls with at least one dietary recall, we found no significant associations between SSB intake quartiles and %FGV, aFGV, or tBV. Conclusion Overall, we observed no evidence that SSB intake was associated with breast density in adolescent Chilean girls.

Background Anatomopathological staging is the primary method to determine the prognosis of patients with colorectal carcinoma (CRC). However, new tools have been developed that can complement it, such as the analysis of the elevation of systemic inflammatory markers. Objective To evaluate the impact of the elevation of scores based on inflammatory markers (the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio [NLR], the Glasgow Prognostic Score [GPS], and isolated C-reactive protein [CRP]) in the prognosis of patients diagnosed with CRC and submitted to potentially curative surgery in Hospital de Braga, Portugal, between January 1st, 2005, and December 31st, 2010. Methods A retrospective analysis of the data of 426 patients was performed, with a collection of several clinico-pathological variables, as well as the levels of lymphocytes, neutrophils, albumin and CRP, in the pre- and postoperative periods, to apply the different scores to the sample. Results From the analysis of the survival curves, we concluded that patients with increased NLR in the pre- and postoperative periods present a lower cancer-related survival than patients with normal NLR (preoperative period: 93.7 versus 122 months; p

The distribution of the high concentrations of arsenic (As) and fluoride (F-) in groundwater on a Pan-European scale could be explained by the geological European context (lithology and structural faults). To test this hypothesis, seventeen countries and eighteen geological survey organizations (GSOs) have participated in the dataset. The methodology has used the HydroGeoToxicity (HGT) and the Baseline Concentration (BLC) index. The results prove that most of the waters considered in this study are in good conditions for drinking water consumption, in terms of As and/or F- content. A low proportion of the analysed samples present HGT≥ 1 levels (4% and 7% for As and F-, respectively). The spatial distribution of the highest As and/or F- concentrations (via BLC values) has been analysed using GIS tools. The highest values are identified associated with fissured hard rock outcrops (crystalline rocks) or Cenozoic sedimentary zones, where basement fractures seems to have an obvious control on the distribution of maximum concentrations of these elements in groundwaters.

Background: Epidemiologic evidence suggests that environmental factors acting as endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are associated with mammographic breast density and the risk of breast cancer. Exposure to EDCs during puberty, a period of rapid breast development, may affect susceptibility to breast carcinogenesis. Methods: In a cohort of 366 Chilean adolescents from the Growth and Obesity Cohort Study, we evaluated the relation between urinary concentrations of 15 suspected EDC biomarkers across three pubertal time points (Tanner breast stage 1 (B1), 4 (B4), and 1-year post-menarche) and breast fibroglandular volume (FGV; percent FGV [%FGV] and absolute FGV [aFGV]) and total breast volume (tBV) at 2-years post-menarche. We used linear mixed models to test differences in creatinine-corrected EDC biomarker concentrations at B4 and 1-year post-menarche compared to B1 and calculated intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) of EDC concentrations across time points to appraise the consistency of measurements. We fit multivariable generalized estimating equations (GEEs) to evaluate windows of susceptibility for the association between log10-transformed EDCs and log10-transformed breast outcomes. GEEs were adjusted for age, body fat percentage, total caloric intake, and maternal education. Results: Urinary EDC biomarker concentrations highly varied across pubertal time points (ICC range 0.01–0.30). For 12 EDCs, biomarker concentrations decreased over time. Triclosan measured at 1-year post-menarche was inversely associated with %FGV at 2-years post-menarche (β = −0.025, 95 % confidence interval = −0.041, −0.008). Mono(2-ethyl-5-carboxypentyl) phthalate and the sum of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate metabolite concentrations at B4 were positively associated with aFGV and tBV at 2-years post-menarche. No measured phenols were associated with aFGV and tBV, while no measured parabens were associated with %FGV and aFGV. Conclusions: Our study suggests relatively high variability in EDC biomarker concentrations across the peripubertal time period. We also found evidence to suggest that there may be pubertal windows of susceptibility to select EDCs for the association with adolescent breast density.

Appendicectomy is one of the most performed surgical procedures. Neoplasms of the appendix are identified in approximately 1% of appendiceal specimens, and the incidence seems to be rising. The aim of this review was to summarize the current data on these neoplasms, focusing on the recent classification, clinical manifestations, management, and follow-up of such patients, which remain under debate. A literature search was performed using the database PubMed. The keywords used were related to appendiceal neoplasms, mucocele, pseudomyxoma peritonei and treatment. Records without abstracts, case reports, opinion articles and experimental studies were excluded. The appendix tumors can be classified between epithelial or nonepithelial. The epithelial variant is composed by mucinous neoplasms, nonmucinous adenocarcinoma, and signet ring cell tumors; instead, neuroendocrine tumors, lymphoma, and sarcoma are included in nonepithelial neoplasia. Goblet cell carcinoids share characteristics of both epithelial and nonepithelial tumors. The clinical presentation can be variable and the algorithm for evaluation and treatment is complex. Treatment is based on stage and histology. Our intention is to clarify some questions and help the surgeon in operative decisions, treatment strategies, and patient counseling. Doi: 10.28991/SciMedJ-2021-0303-9 Full Text: PDF

Background and objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of specific warm-up on squat and bench press resistance training. Methods: Thirty-four resistance-trained males (23.53 ± 2.35 years) participated in the current study. Among these, 12 were evaluated in the squat and 22 in the bench press. After determining the maximal strength load (1RM), each participant performed a training set (3 × 6 repetitions) with 80% 1RM (training load) after completing a specific warm-up and without warming up, in random order. The warm-up comprised 2 × 6 repetitions with 40% and 80% of the training load, respectively. Mean propulsive velocity, velocity loss, peak velocity, mechanical power, work, heart rate and ratings of perceived exertion were assessed. Results: The results showed that after the warm-up, the participants were able to perform the squat and bench press at a higher mean propulsive velocity in the first set (squat: 0.68 ± 0.05 vs. 0.64 ± 0.06 m⋅s-1, p = 0.009, ES = 0.91; bench press: 0.52 ± 0.06 vs. 0.47 ± 0.08 m⋅s-1, p = 0.02, ES = 0.56). The warm-up positively influenced the peak velocity (1.32 ± 0.12 vs. 1.20 ± 0.11 m⋅s-1, p = 0.001, ES = 1.23) and the time to reach peak velocity (593.75 ± 117.01 vs. 653.58 ± 156.53 ms, p = 0.009, ES = 0.91) during the squat set. Conclusion: The specific warm-up seems to enhance neuromuscular actions that enable a higher movement velocity during the first training repetitions and to allow greater peak velocities in less time.

Resumen: En la actualización del PAPPS de 2022 presentamos aquellas actividades preventivas específicas para la salud de la mujer, exceptuando las relacionadas con la prevención del cáncer (que se incluye en otro documento) y los aspectos relacionados con la morbilidad diferencial de género, aspecto este transversal para todos los grupos de trabajo.La anticoncepción es una actividad preventiva esencial, considerando básico el derecho a decidir tanto el número de hijos como el momento de tenerlos. Debemos informar sobre los posibles métodos anticonceptivos, garantizando en el seguimiento su seguridad, eficacia y efectividad (se incluyen tablas sobre cambio de un método a otro para preservar la protección anticonceptiva). Debemos informar sobre la anticoncepción de urgencia y proponerla en caso de relación sin protección. Todo ello se hará mediante cribado oportunista sin precisar cribado de trombofilia ni de dislipemia, y sí de hipertensión arterial.El embarazo constituye una vivencia vital importante y el médico de familia no debe permanecer ajeno. Debemos ser competentes tanto en la consulta preconcepcional (recomendando la toma de ácido fólico, evitando la exposición a riesgos laborales y medioambientales, realizando cribado de determinadas patologías y valorando la toma de fármacos no indicados durante el embarazo) como en el seguimiento de la gestación. Hagamos o no seguimiento del embarazo, no debemos desentendernos de su control aprovechando este periodo para promocionar estilos de vida saludables y participando de los procesos intercurrentes que puedan acontecer.La menopausia en general y la osteoporosis, en particular, ejemplifican la estrategia de medicalización de procesos vitales que se ha seguido desde diferentes instancias y organismos. En nuestra actualización abordamos la prevención y el tratamiento de aquellos síntomas secundarios a la deprivación estrogénica. Así mismo, planteamos la prevención de la osteoporosis, incluyendo la realización de densitometría en función del riesgo de fractura en los próximos 10 años, y por ello no se aconseja el cribado densitométrico en mujeres menores de 60 años. En la valoración del riesgo preconizamos la utilización de la herramienta frax o mejor, la calibración del riesgo de fractura de cadera con datos de prevalencia de la Comunidad de Madrid. La indicación del tratamiento la vinculamos con la Z-score (densidad mineral ósea comparada con mujeres de su misma edad), al ser una patología asociada al envejecimiento, y no en comparación con mujeres de 20 años de la T-score. Abstract: In the 2022 PAPPS update we present those specific preventive activities for women's health, except those related to cancer prevention (which are included in another document) and those aspects related to differential gender morbidity, a cross-cutting aspect for all working groups.Contraception is an essential preventive activity, considering basic the right to decide both the number of children and the time to have them. We must inform about the possible contraceptive methods, guaranteeing the monitoring of their safety, efficacy and effectiveness (tables are included on changing from one method to another to preserve contraceptive protection). We must inform about emergency contraception and propose it in the event of unprotected intercourse. All this will be done through opportunistic screening without requiring screening for thrombophilia or dyslipidemia, but for arterial hypertension.Pregnancy is an important life experience and the family doctor should not remain oblivious. We must be competent both in the preconception consultation (recommending the intake of folic acid, avoiding exposure to occupational and environmental risks, screening for certain pathologies and assessing the intake of drugs not indicated during pregnancy) and in the monitoring of pregnancy. Whether or not we monitor the pregnancy, we must not disregard its control, taking advantage of this period to promote healthy lifestyles and participating in the intercurrent processes that may occur.Menopause in general and osteoporosis in particular exemplify the strategy of medicalization of vital processes that has been followed from different instances and organizations. In our update we address the prevention and treatment of symptoms secondary to estrogen deprivation. We also propose the prevention of osteoporosis, including carrying out densitometry based on the risk of fracture in the next 10 years, and therefore densitometric screening is not recommended in women under 60 years of age. In risk assessment we recommend the use of the frax tool or better, the calibration of the risk of hip fracture with prevalence data from our setting. We linked the indication for treatment with the Z-Score (bone mineral density compared with women of the same age), as it is a condition associated with aging.