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Context Vitamin D deficiency is considered a global public health issue, even in low-latitude countries where there is abundant sunlight radiation. Nevertheless, the prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency in the South American continent has not been well characterized. Objective The aim of this review was to estimate the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (25-hydroxy-calciferol < 20 ng/mL) in South American populations. Data Sources Seven electronic databases (MEDLINE, Web of Science, Embase, Biblioteca Virtual de Saúde, SciELO, Scopus, and Google Scholar) were searched systematically for observational studies published before July 1, 2021, and reporting vitamin D status of healthy adults in South America. Data Extraction Data were extracted using a standardized form. Risk of bias was assessed by the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Instrument for Studies Reporting Prevalence. All steps were conducted independently by two authors. Data were pooled using a random-effects model. Stratified meta-analysis and meta-regression were conducted (R software). Data Analysis Of 9460 articles identified, 96 studies with a total of 227 758 participants were included. The overall prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was 34.76% (79 studies; 95%CI, 29.68–40.21; I2  = 99%). There were significant differences in prevalence rates related to age, sex, country, latitude, season, and year of publication. Conclusion The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency is unexpectedly elevated in South American populations. Public health strategies should include efforts to prevent, detect, and treat vitamin D deficiency. Systematic Review Registration PROSPERO registration number CRD42020169439. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

California farmers who use reduced-disturbance tillage and winter cover cropping can boost production and improve soil health. However, some farmers are hesitant to try these conservation practices due to uncertainty about whether planting winter cover crops will deplete soil moisture in already drought-stricken regions. Our study addresses these concerns by looking at how long-term reduced-disturbance tillage and winter cover cropping, compared to fallowed soils with standard tillage, affected soil moisture. Although we found a statistical difference in total soil water content, the difference was only about 0.3 inches of water per foot of soil. On average, the soil water content of the top 0-96 inches was highest for the reduced-disturbance fields with winter cover crops. This was especially evident during our driest field season, from November 1, 2017, to March 15, 2018, when cumulative rainfall was only 1.9 inches. Our findings show that winter cover cropping and reduced-disturbance tillage can improve soil without depleting soil water levels in row crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fully adaptive computations of the resistive magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) equations are presented in two and three space dimensions using a finite volume discretization on locally refined dyadic grids. Divergence cleaning is used to control the incompressibility constraint of the magnetic field. For automatic grid adaptation a cell-averaged multiresolution analysis is applied which guarantees the precision of the adaptive computations, while reducing CPU time and memory requirements. Implementation issues of the open source code CARMEN-MHD are discussed. To illustrate its precision and efficiency different benchmark computations including shock-cloud interaction and magnetic reconnection are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Myopia is a common eye abnormality that occurs when the image of a distant object forms before the retina with the ciliary muscle at rest. Among the predisposing factors, genetics and the environment stand out, with the latter gaining importance nowadays, considering the growing increase in the use of electronic screens. In this literature review, the authors seek the relationship between myopia and the use of screens by quantifying and analyzing the conclusions of research related to this topic. Some meta-analyzes sought to point out the existence of an association between myopia and the use of screens. However, the need for further studies to prove this link was highlighted almost unanimously among the texts. This was due to the fact that it is not possible to adequately separate whether the evolution of myopia occurred via electronics or by stimulating the use of near vision, which is associated with the former. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Patients with COPD in advanced stages who need long-term home oxygen therapy (LTHOT) have difficulty participating in outpatient pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) programs. This difficulty is due to the severity of their disease, limitations involving transportation and mobility, high costs, and issues related to patients' safety and individual needs. Unsupervised home-based physical training (PT) is frequently used.Research Question: The main objective of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of a supervised home-based PT program on exercise capacity and other outcomes in patients with COPD receiving LTHOT.Study Design and Methods: In a randomized clinical trial, patients with COPD who were on LTHOT were allocated into two groups: the supervised physical training (PT) group, consisting of patients who received home-based supervised muscle strength and endurance training in twice-weekly 60-min sessions for 12 weeks; and the unsupervised activity booklet group, consisting of patients who received a booklet advising them to perform exercise twice a week for 12 weeks. All participants were assessed prior to and following the intervention in terms of exercise capacity (6-min step-test and the 1-min sit-to-stand test); dyspnea (Medical Research Council scale); fatigue (Brazilian Portuguese version of the Fatigue Severity Scale); and health status (COPD Assessment Test).Results: A total of 44 patients were assessed (mean age, 70 ± 8 years; FEV1, 33 ± 14% predicted) (PT group, n = 22; booklet group, n = 22). Only the PT group patients presented significant improvement in the 6-min step-test (21 ± 9 vs 14 ± 11; P = .001), Medical Research Council scale (3.3 ± 1.0 vs 3.9 ± 0.9; P = .013), Brazilian Portuguese version of the Fatigue Severity Scale (5.0 ± 1.4 vs 5.2 ± 1.3; P = .015), and COPD Assessment Test (21 ± 8 vs 26 ± 6; P = .001). No adverse effects were observed.Interpretation: Supervised home-based PT was effective and safe in improving exercise capacity, dyspnea, fatigue, and health status in patients with COPD on LTHOT.Clinical Trial Registration: Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials; No.: RBR-535smn; URL: http://www.ensaiosclinicos.gov.br. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to evaluate the habits and breakfast composition of young university students, the factors that influence the accomplishment of this meal and its association with the nutritional state. Methodology: Online questionnaire arranged in a virtual platform for the creation of forms, containing sociodemographic data (name, age, gender, course and the exercise of remunerated activity); anthropometric data (weight and height); specific questions related to breakfast consumption, such as composition, frequency, time and place of consumption and company; and factors that influence the adoption of this meal. Results and discussion: A total of 143 undergraduate students were analyzed. From this total, 67.8% have regular consumption of breakfast, with in natura and minimally processed foods being the most consumed. It was observed that students in the biological area have breakfast more frequently than university students in the human and exact areas. Among the participants, 23.7% were overweight. Conclusion: The study showed that only the act of making or not breakfast is not associated with the nutritional status. The nutritional status referring to the appropriate weight was positively correlated with the female gender, not to exercise remunerated activity, body satisfaction and to have this meal alone, as well as the greatest concern with overweight was correlated with women, and highest weight, with university students who exercised paid activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To identify the prevalence of injuries in male adults' athletes of the Brazilian team of taekwondo. Methods: Eleven athletes aged of 24±4.5 years answered two semi-structured questionnaires and objective questions for investigation of the following aspects: age; time practicing; taekwondo's graduation; anatomical region injured during training and/or competitions; injury mechanisms during competitions and training; periodization; duration and frequency of training and competitions in the last year; and if there was interruption of taekwondo practice due to injuries. Results: The contusion was the most frequent injury, and the lower limbs were most affected, 27% reported discontinuation of training and/or competition greater than or equal to 1 day due to injuries. The mean frequency of competitions; training days per week and training months per year were: 6±3 times/year; 5±1 days/week and 10±3 months/year. Conclusion: The most prevalent injury of athletes from the Brazilian team of taekwondo was the contusion in the thigh and forearm during competitions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text. Background: 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron-emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) was recently introduced as a new tool for the diagnosis of prosthetic heart valve endocarditis (PVE). Previous studies reporting a modest diagnostic accuracy may have been hampered by unstandardized image acquisition and assessment, and several confounders, as well. The aim of this study was to improve the diagnostic performance of FDG PET/CT in patients in whom PVE was suspected by identifying and excluding possible confounders, using both visual and standardized quantitative assessments. Methods: In this multicenter study, 160 patients with a prosthetic heart valve (median age, 62 years [43–73]; 68% male; 82 mechanical valves; 62 biological; 9 transcatheter aortic valve replacements; 7 other) who underwent FDG PET/CT for suspicion of PVE, and 77 patients with a PV (median age, 73 years [65–77]; 71% male; 26 mechanical valves; 45 biological; 6 transcatheter aortic valve replacements) who underwent FDG PET/CT for other indications (negative control group), were retrospectively included. Their scans were reassessed by 2 independent observers blinded to all clinical data, both visually and quantitatively on available European Association of Nuclear Medicine Research Ltd–standardized reconstructions. Confounders were identified by use of a logistic regression model and subsequently excluded. Results: Visual assessment of FDG PET/CT had a sensitivity/specificity/positive predictive value/negative predictive value for PVE of 74%/91%/89%/78%, respectively. Low inflammatory activity (C-reactive protein <40 mg/L) at the time of imaging and use of surgical adhesives during prosthetic heart valve implantation were significant confounders, whereas recent valve implantation was not. After the exclusion of patients with significant confounders, diagnostic performance values of the visual assessment increased to 91%/95%/95%/91%. As a semiquantitative measure of FDG uptake, a European Association of Nuclear Medicine Research Ltd–standardized uptake value ratio of ≥2.0 was a 100% sensitive and 91% specific predictor of PVE. Conclusions: Both visual and quantitative assessments of FDG PET/CT have a high diagnostic accuracy in patients in whom PVE is suspected. FDG PET/CT should be implemented early in the diagnostic workup to prevent the negative confounding effects of low inflammatory activity (eg, attributable to prolonged antibiotic therapy). Recent valve implantation was not a significant predictor of false-positive interpretations, but surgical adhesives used during implantation were. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gentamicin shows large variations in half-life and volume of distribution (Vd) within and between individuals. Thus, monitoring and accurately predicting serum levels are required to optimize effectiveness and minimize toxicity. Currently, two population pharmacokinetic models are applied for predicting gentamicin doses in adults. For endocarditis patients the optimal model is unknown. We aimed at: 1) creating an optimal model for endocarditis patients; and 2) assessing whether the endocarditis and existing models can accurately predict serum levels. We performed a retrospective observational two-cohort study: one cohort to parameterize the endocarditis model by iterative two-stage Bayesian analysis, and a second cohort to validate and compare all three models. The Akaike Information Criterion and the weighted sum of squares of the residuals divided by the degrees of freedom were used to select the endocarditis model. Median Prediction Error (MDPE) and Median Absolute Prediction Error (MDAPE) were used to test all models with the validation dataset. We built the endocarditis model based on data from the modeling cohort (65 patients) with a fixed 0.277 L/h/70kg metabolic clearance, 0.698 (±0.358) renal clearance as fraction of creatinine clearance, and Vd 0.312 (±0.076) L/kg corrected lean body mass. External validation with data from 14 validation cohort patients showed a similar predictive power of the endocarditis model (MDPE -1.77%, MDAPE 4.68%) as compared to the intensive-care (MDPE -1.33%, MDAPE 4.37%) and standard (MDPE -0.90%, MDAPE 4.82%) models. All models acceptably predicted pharmacokinetic parameters for gentamicin in endocarditis patients. However, these patients appear to have an increased Vd, similar to intensive care patients. Vd mainly determines the height of peak serum levels, which in turn correlate with bactericidal activity. In order to maintain simplicity, we advise to use the existing intensive-care model in clinical practice to avoid potential underdosing of gentamicin in endocarditis patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Formamide and N -methylformamide solutions containing variable amounts of Co(II) and Co(III) halide were employed as model systems to explain the catalytic potential of these ions towards amide bond cleavage reaction. The ν CO downshifts in the IR spectra and the ν CN upshifts in the Raman spectra are in agreement with the stabilization of a molecular structure near the dipolar amide form, which is considered the active species for catalysis. Quantitative analyses performed at the ν CN and δ OCN regions reveal the existence of four- and five-coordinate Co(II) complexes, but the addition of an oxidizing agent leads to the formation of five- and six-coordinate structures around Co(III) in 1:1 and 1:2 (O 2 /Co) type adducts. Attempt to correlate the electrostatic potential with the limiting canonical amide forms is also presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present an adaptive multiresolution method for the numerical simulation of ideal magnetohydrodynamics in two space dimensions. The discretization uses a finite volume scheme based on a Cartesian mesh and an explicit compact Runge–Kutta scheme for time integration. Harten's cell average multiresolution allows to introduce a locally refined spatial mesh while controlling the error. The incompressibility of the magnetic field is controlled by using a Generalized Lagrangian Multiplier (GLM) approach with a mixed hyperbolic–parabolic correction. Different applications to two-dimensional problems illustrate the properties of the method. For each application CPU time and memory savings are reported and numerical aspects of the method are discussed. The accuracy of the adaptive computations is assessed by comparison with reference solutions computed on a regular fine mesh. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The psoriasis Objective: to analyze methylphenidate prescriptions notifications of health facilities in the city of Ipatinga - MG, in 2012, highlighting characteristics of users and prescribers, as well as to evaluate aspects of the therapy. Method: a descriptive cross sectional study in which were analyzed 146 prescriptions and reports of methylphenidate users in health public system. Frequencies and quantitative variables were evaluated and possible associations, such as age, gender, family constitution, among others. Results: in the study, 83.6% of patients were male, mostly between the 7-12 years old (69%) and methylphenidate was prescribed for ADHD treatment in 78.8% of cases. Most prescribers were family health physicians (43.2%). A large number of patients were assessed by a psychiatrist (67.8%), followed by psychologists (35.6%), and neurologist (10.3%). In relation to the dosage and family income, 39.0% use the dose of 20mg / day and 50% of households earn around the minimum wage. About family constitution, 81.5% live with their mother, and from that, 43.8% live with 2 people. Conclusion: the results were similar to national and international profile highlighting the difference to prescriber physician, which demonstrated the Family health physician as the main prescriber, among medical specialties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Much has been discussed on the affirmative actions adopted by public universities and its character of assistance. Several papers have been developed questioning this approach, but few with empirical methodologies needed to more conclusive criticism. In an attempt to close this gap, this study intends to verify the impact of some socioeconomic variables have on the performance of candidates to the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN) and, concomitantly, to compare performance between students with access to affirmative actions and students without access to affirmative actions, through the index of academic performance. The data used for analysis were a census of the years 2006 to 2010, allowing a quantitative analysis and providing data for a discussion and evaluation of the affirmative actions policy adopted by the institution. The study shows that the most important factor to enter the University is the origin school of the candidate and, despite the benefits of access offered to students from public high schools, the better results are still recorded by students coming from private schools. This demonstrates that there is a discrepancy between the teaching done in these two types of schools. However, once admitted on the University, there is a tendency to stability in academics performance. Thus, it can be concluded that considering only the academic performance there seems not to be a gap between students. However, since it is a social emergency, there must be investment in basic education and a plan for that not be necessary to use affirmative actions as a permanent policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The aim of this study was to determine the effects of a progressive loading exercise program on the bone and skeletal muscle properties of female osteopenic rats. Forty female Wistar rats (12 weeks old) were divided into four groups (n =10): sham-operated sedentary (SS); osteopenic-sedentary (OS); sham-operated training (ST) and osteopenic training (OT). Osteopenia was induced by ovariectomy (OVX). The exercise program was performed every 48h for 8 weeks and consisted of four bouts of 10 jumps. After 8 weeks, the animals were sacrificed and submitted to bone and muscle excision. The tibias were submitted to an evaluation of the physical properties and a biomechanical test. The soleus and tibialis anterior muscles were weighed and frozen for a cross-sectional area evaluation. Osteopenic sedentary animals showed a decrease in bone strength, weight and density. The OT group showed higher values for ash weights, bone mineral density and strength, as compared to the OS group. The soleus and tibialis anterior muscles of the OT group weighed more than those of the osteopenic sedentary and ST groups. Moreover the muscle weight showed a significant positive correlation to bone strength. The results of this study suggest that the exercise program had a stimulatory effect on the bone and muscle tissue of osteopenic rats, leading to the suggestion that muscle tissue hypertrophy could have a stimulatory effect on bone mass. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Stretching is widely used in rehabilitation and sports activities to improve joint range-of-motion and flexibility in humans, but the effect of stretching on the gene expression of skeletal muscle is poorly understood. We evaluated the effect of short bouts of passive stretching of rat soleus muscle on myo-D, myostatin, and atrogin-1 gene expressions. Six groups of animals were submitted to a single session of stretching (10 stretches of 1 minute with 30 seconds of rest between them, performed manually) and were evaluated immediately (I), and 8, 24, 48, 72, and 168 hours after the session. To evaluate the effect of repetitive sessions of stretching on the soleus muscle over 1 week, three groups of animals received a single session per day of stretching and the muscle was evaluated immediately after 2, 3, and 7 sessions. The mRNA levels of myo-D, myostatin, and atrogin-1 were determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction. A single session of stretching increased the mRNA levels of myo-D (after 24 h), myostatin (I, and 168 h later), and atrogin-1 (after 48 h). Repeated daily session of stretching over 1 week increased myostatin (after 7 sessions) and atrogin-1 expression (after 2, 3, and 7 sessions). Thus, short bouts of passive stretching are able to increase the gene expression of factors associated with muscle growth (myo-D), negative regulation of muscle mass (myostatin), and atrophy (atrogin-1), indicating muscle remodeling through different pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated two different stretching protocols employed during a period of hind-limb immobilization in terms of their effects on muscle morphology. Quantitative data regarding the soleus muscle were obtained based on the clinical hypothesis that a high frequency of this exercise would improve the recovery of muscle structure. Twenty-four male Wistar rats were divided into four groups ( n = 6 each): the control group (C); the immobilized group, in which the left hind limb was immobilized in order to maintain the soleus muscle in a fully shortened position for 3 weeks (I); the ‘immobilized and stretched every 3 days’ group, in which the left hind limb was immobilized as in the immobilized group, but with the soleus muscle stretched every 3 days for 40 min (Ist3); and the ‘immobilized (as in the immobilized group) and stretched every 7 days’ group (ISt7). All soleus muscles were excised 21 days after the beginning of the experiment, and were processed for (1) haematoxylin and eosin and myosin ATPase to evaluate muscle morphology and cross-sectional area and the proportions of the different fibre types, and (2) ultrastructural analysis. The cross-sectional area was found to have decreased in all fibre types (I, II and C), mainly in ISt7, when compared with the C group and ISt3 group. The proportion of the different fibre types did not show statistical difference between groups. Light and electron microscopy examination revealed signs of cell degeneration that was more intense in the group immobilized and stretched three times a week. In conclusion, sessions of passive stretching applied to the soleus during immobilization induce muscle fibre injury, suggesting that this therapeutic tool should be applied carefully to disused muscles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optimal antimicrobial treatment of infective endocarditis requires identification and susceptibility patterns of pathogens. Sonication of explanted heart valves could increase the identification and culture of pathogens, as shown in prosthetic joint and pacemaker/ICD infections. We tested 26 explanted heart valves from 20 patients with active definite endocarditis for added diagnostic value of sonication to the standard microbiological workup in a prospective diagnostic proof of concept study. Two sonication protocols (broth enrichment vs. centrifugation) were compared in an additional 35 negative control valves for contamination rates. We selected sonication/centrifugation based on acceptable false positive rates (11.4%; 4/35). Sonication/enrichment yielded many false positive results in negative controls (28.6%; 10/35), mainly Propionibacterium acnes (next-generation sequencing excluded technical problems). Compared to direct culture only, adding sonication/centrifugation (including molecular testing) significantly increased the diagnostic yield from 6/26 to 17/26 valves (p = 0.003). Most importantly, culture positives almost doubled (from 6 to 10), providing unique quantitative information about antimicrobial susceptibility. Even if direct molecular testing was added to the standard workup, sonication/centrifugation provided additional diagnostic information in a significant number of valves (8/26; 31%; p = 0.013). We concluded that sonication/centrifugation added relevant diagnostic information in the workup of heart valves with infective endocarditis, with acceptable contamination rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Surgical treatment of complicated aortic valve endocarditis often is challenging, even for experienced surgeons. We aim at demonstrating a standardized surgical approach by stentless bioprostheses for the treatment of aortic valve endocarditis complicated by paravalvular abscess formation.Methods: Sixteen patients presenting with aortic valve endocarditis (4 native and 12 prosthetic valves) and paravalvular abscess formation at various localizations and to different extents were treated by a standardized approach using stentless bioprostheses. The procedure consisted of thorough debridement, root replacement with reimplantation of the coronary arteries and correction of accompanying pathologies (aortoventricular and aortomitral dehiscence, septum derangements, Gerbode defect, total atrioventricular conduction block, mitral and tricuspid valve involvement).Results: All highly complex patients included (14 males and 2 females; median age 63 years [range 31-77]) could be successfully treated with stentless bioprostheses as aortic root replacement. Radical surgical debridement of infected tissue with anatomical recontruction was feasible. Although predicted operative mortality was high (median logarithmic EuroSCORE I of 40.7 [range 12.8-68.3]), in-hospital and 30-day mortality rates were favorable (18.8 and 12.5% respectively).Conclusions: Repair of active aortic valve endocarditis complicated by paravalvular abscess formation and destruction of the left ventricular outflow tract with stentless bioprosthesis is a valuable option for both native and prosthetic valves. It presents a standardized approach with a high success rate for complete debridement, is readily available, and yields comparable clinical outcomes to the historical gold standard, repair by homografts. Additionally, use of one type of prosthesis reduces logistical issues and purchasing costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sensitivity and specificity of the modified Duke criteria for native valve endocarditis are both suboptimal, at approximately 80%. Diagnostic accuracy for intracardiac prosthetic material-related infection is even lower. Non-invasive imaging modalities could potentially improve diagnosis of infective endocarditis; however, their diagnostic value is unclear. We did a systematic literature review to critically appraise the evidence for the diagnostic performance of these imaging modalities, according to PRISMA and GRADE criteria. We searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases. 31 studies were included that presented original data on the performance of electrocardiogram (ECG)-gated multidetector CT angiography (MDCTA), ECG-gated MRI, 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) PET/CT, and leucocyte scintigraphy in diagnosis of native valve endocarditis, intracardiac prosthetic material-related infection, and extracardiac foci in adults. We consistently found positive albeit weak evidence for the diagnostic benefit of 18F-FDG PET/CT and MDCTA. We conclude that additional imaging techniques should be considered if infective endocarditis is suspected. We propose an evidence-based diagnostic work-up for infective endocarditis including these non-invasive techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • All soil textures and moisture contents supported anoxic microsites. • Anoxic microsite abundance and protection of soil C was greatest in coarser soils. • Anoxic protection of soil C was greater in soils with higher moisture content. • Anoxically protected C is vulnerable to aeration via physical disturbance. Anoxic microsites, zones of oxygen depletion in otherwise oxic soils, may slow soil C turnover. However, the abundance of anoxic microsites and their contribution to soil C protection is yet undefined. In this study, we determine the contribution of anoxic microsites to soil C protection in soils of three distinct textures (clay loam, loam, sandy loam) across a range of soil moistures. We examined the influence of soil oxygen supply by increasing oxygen content in the incubation atmosphere (oxygen enrichment) and through disaggregation. We attributed increases in CO 2 efflux to the aeration of anoxic microsites. The contribution of anoxic microsites to soil C protection increased with decreasing clay content. Clay loam CO 2 efflux was relatively unaffected by aeration. Moderately moist, loam soils had CO 2 effluxes that did not increase with oxygen enrichment but increased by 375% upon disaggregation. Sandy loam soil CO 2 efflux increased by 50–75% with oxygen enrichment and 250% with disaggregation. Geochemical and microbial data reveal that anoxic microsite abundance also increased with decreasing clay content. The proportion of acid extractable Fe present as Fe(II) increased with decreasing clay content, and methanogens were more abundant in loam and sandy loam soils. Our results suggest that oxygen demand, rather than supply, can regulate anoxic microsite formation and that anoxic protection of soil C can be diminished through physical disruption of soil structure. Our findings further illustrate that anoxic microsites should be included in conceptual models of soil C protection to avoid soil C loss and improve predictions of soil C response to disturbance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The contamination of soils due to traffic-related activities has been an ever-growing concern since the mid-20th century. This global issue impacts both rural soils often used for agriculture and grazing, and urban soils in densely populated urban areas. Therefore, this work aimed to evaluate the distribution of catalytic converters-related elements (Pd, Pt, Rh, Mo, and Ni) in roadside soils from the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Four highways, Linha Vermelha, Avenida Brasil, Via Dutra, and BR-465, were selected according to their daily traffic volume and urban/non-urban settings. Linha Vermelha and Avenida Brasil cross areas with high population density, while Via Dutra and BR-465 intersect non-urban locations. In addition to several physicochemical parameters, soil concentrations of three platinum group elements (Pd, Pt, and Rh), Mo and Ni were determined in samples collected at different distances from each highway (1, 3, 5, 10, and 15 m). While the results for Mo, Ni, Pt, and Rh are within reference levels in all highways, alarming concentrations of Pd were found, especially in soils bordering urbanized areas – note that Pd emissions to roadside soils are unique to automobile catalytic converters. Hence, as per the calculated geoaccumulation indexes, soils adjacent to Linha Vermelha and Avenida Brasil are either highly polluted or extremely polluted by Pd at all sampling points (averaging concentrations of 376 and 112 μg kg−1, respectively). The high traffic volume, frequent traffic congestion, and incidence of anthropogenic processes are the most probable roots for greater metal pollution in soils neighboring the selected urban highways. Contrariwise, soil metal levels in the non-urban areas are mainly dependent on traffic emissions and thereby in agreement with the pertaining literature, as concentrations decline with increasing distances from the road. Moreover, in comparison with the soils adjoining the urban highways, the acidic pH, reduced exchange capacity, and high organic matter content, suggest an insignificant contribution from other anthropic activities at Via Dutra and BR-465. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This systematic review aimed to evaluate the antifungal effectiveness of polymethylmetacrylate (PMMA) modified by nanoparticles (NPs) and to compare it with conventional acrylic resins for denture bases. The present study was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). Searches were performed using PubMed, SCOPUS, SciELO, EMBASE, and LILACS. Eligibility criteria were as recommended by PRISMA. The studies presented great variability regarding NP type, synthesis method, antifungal evaluation method, and antifungal effect. The most commonly used NPs were silver (AgNP) and zinc oxide (ZnONP), ranging in size from 10 to 100 nm. The incorporation methods were mechanical or agitated. Despite PMMA modification by ZnONP being shown in vitro to be a combination with the best antifungal effect, future studies are still needed to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration for Candida spp. and assess its biocompatibility before the protocol is clinically tested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Remobilization of a previously immobilized rat right hindlimb in the ankle plantar-flexion-shortened position by free movement alone or associated with intermittent passive stretching was assessed by analysis of gait variables and dorsiflexion range of motion. The variables were related with the expression of extracellular matrix proteins and the addition of serial sarcomeres. Sixty-four female Wistar rats were divided into 8 groups: immobilized, free for 10 days, immobilized/stretched/free for 1, 3 or 10 days, immobilized/free for 1, 3 or 10 days. Gait variables, range of motion, serial sarcomeres number, localization and staining intensity of fibronectin, and expressions of types I and III collagen were analyzed. The hypokinesia changed the functional variables of gait, reduced the dorsiflexion range of motion (ROM), increased the number of fibers with intracellular fibronectin/total number of fibers (FIF/TNF), and decreased the expression of the type I collagen. After three days, morphological changes were exacerbated and the number of serial sarcomeres was increased in both groups, immobilized/stretched/free and immobilized/free. Functional impairment, ROM restriction and increased FIF/TNF were also observed. Despite the above described alterations, 10 days of stretching program increased the effectiveness of remobilization leading to recovery of the abnormalities observed in the muscle. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The objective of this study was to adapt a model of hind limb immobilization to newly weaned female rats and to determine the morphology of shortened soleus and plantaris muscles. Female Wistar rats were divided into three groups: control zero ( n = 3) and control and free ( n = 8), animals aged 21 and 31 days, respectively, submitted to no intervention, and immobilized ( n = 25), animals aged 21 days submitted to immobilization for 10 days and sacrificed at 31 days of age. The device used for immobilization had advantages such as easy connection, good fit, and low cost. The immobilized rats showed a reduction in muscle fiber area and in connective tissue. The adaptation of this immobilization model originally used for adult rats was an excellent alternative for newly weaned rats and was also efficient in inducing significant hind limb disuse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Post-modernity requires from individuals critical awareness and, consequently, changes in the educational sector, favoring the triggering of mental disorders in professors, main contributor in the creation of this awareness. Auriculotherapy is an easy-to-apply practice that can be useful in these problems. Objective: To analyze the effect of auriculotherapy in the anxiety and stress scores of professors working in Elementary School I and II and in the Youth and Adult Education program of a municipal Elementary School in João Pessoa, capital of the state of Paraíba. Method: An intervention study of the before-and-after type, approved by the Ethics and Research Committee of the Federal University of Paraíba under CAAE: 16803119.3.0000.5188. Five data collection instruments were applied: three semi-structured questionnaires and two scales (Hamilton Anxiety Scale and Perceived Stress Scale). By applying the exclusion criteria, data of 11 professors were analyzed, which were organized in statistical spreadsheets and analyzed through descriptive analysis, Tukey's test, ANOVA, and Wald. Results: Auriculotherapy attained a statistically significant effect on anxiety between the first and fourth sessions and, for stress, between the first and ninth sessions, given that, for anxiety, this effect was intensified in the professors who worked in two educational institutions. Conclusions: Auriculotherapy was successful in the reduction of the stress and anxiety scores, contributed to the improvement in the main symptoms of these disorders, and promoted self-perception. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to compare different methods to assess body fat (BF). We hypothesized that bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) or anthropometry may be used to estimate BF in prefrail older women, equivalently to dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). The cross-sectional study included 72 prefrail community-dwelling older women (71.13 ± 4.65 years old; body mass index [BMI] 28.89 ± 4.23 kg/m2). The BF percentage (%BF) was estimated using anthropometry with the Durnin & Womersley (D&W) and Petroski's predictive equations, BIA with 2 Baumgartner predictive equations (BIA 1 and BIA 2), and DXA. All methods differed significantly from DXA according to assessments using repeated measures ANOVA and pairwise comparisons. The mean %BF varied between 39.99 ± 3.42% (D&W) and 43.93 ± 5.06% (DXA). Multiple regression analysis with age and BMI as covariates showed positive correlations (R2 = 0.91) in models with D&W equation and BMI, and with BIA 2 and BMI; however, BMI explained more of the model (71%) than the equations. Furthermore, Bland-Altman test revealed a proportional bias for D&W and for BIA 2, with underestimation of BF varying across different %BF values. Petroski's skinfold equation showed a positive correlation on linear regression (R2 = 0.74) and no proportional bias; however, Bland-Altman analysis revealed high limits of agreement (-13.6 to -0.05), thus compromising clinical application. To conclude, compared with DXA, all the equations tested showed a high disagreement and wide limits of agreement, restricting their use in clinical practice to estimate the BF in prefrail older women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of stretching and therapeutic ultrasound (TUS) on desmin and laminin contents of rat muscle after contusion. Male Wistar rats (n = 35, 8–9 weeks of age, 271 ± 14g body weight) were divided into five groups: Control group (CG) (n= 03); Injured group (IG) (n= 8); Injured + ultrasound group (IUSG) (n= 8); Injured+stretching group (ISG) (n= 8); Injured +ultrasound + stretching group (IUSSG) (n= 8). The application of ultrasound started 72 hours after the contusion, using the 50 % pulsed mode, 0.5 W/cm2, 5 min, once a day, for five consecutive days. Passive manual stretching was started on the tenth day after injury, with four repetitions of 30 s each and 30 s rest between repetitions, once a day, five times per week, for a total of ten applications. After 22 days, the rats were euthanazied and the gastrocnemius of both limbs removed for desmin and laminin immunohistochemistry morphometric measurement. Analysis was conducted using ANOVA one way post-hoc Tukey to parametric data and Kruskall-Wallis for non-parametric data. The IUSSG animals showed a larger area of desmin than ISG (p<0.05). It was found a decrease in laminin comparing IUSG to IG. However, laminin area was higher in ISG than all groups (p<0.05). UST isolated or in combination with stretching influenced gastrocnemius regeneration in different manners. While stretching applied isolated enhanced gastrocnemius regeneration noticed by the increase in laminin area, in combination with TUS strengthened the muscle healing rising desmin area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the chronic effects of stretching exercise on soleus muscle histomorphology and histomorphometry of young and aged rats. Thirty-eight female rats were divided into young control group (YCG, n=10;274±50 g); young stretching group (YSG, n=8;274±12 g); aged control group (ACG, n=10;335±39 g); and aged stretching group (ASG, n=10;321±32g). A mechanical apparatus was used to stretch muscle in 4 repetitions, 60 s each, 30 s interval between repetitions in each session, 3 times a week for 3 weeks. Twenty-four hours after the last stretching session, soleus muscle was removed for micromorphology and immunostaining analysis. Data analyses were performed with one-way ANOVA, post-hoc Tukey, or Kruskal-Wallis tests for parametric and nonparametric, respectively (p£0.05). Muscle fiber cross-sectional area (MFCSA) of ACG was lower (18 %) compared to the YCG. Stretching increased MFCSA comparing YSG to YCG (5,681.15± 1,943.61 mm2 vs 5,119.84±1,857.73 mm2, p=0.00), but decreased comparing ASG to ACG (3,919.54± 1,694.65 mm2 vs 4,172.82±1,446.08 mm2, p=0.00). More serial sarcomere numbers were found in the YSG than YCG (12,062.91±1,564.68 vs 10,070.39±1,072.38, p=0.03). Collagen I and collagen III were higher in YSG than ASG (7.44±7.18 % vs 0.07±0.09 %, p=0.04) and (14.37 %± 9.54 % vs 5.51 %±5.52 %, p=0.00), respectively. TNF-a was greater in ASG than YSG (43.42 %±40.19 % vs 1.72 ± 2.02 %, p=0.00). Epimysium was larger in the YSG compared to YCG (201.83±132.07 % vs 181.09±147.04 %, p=0.00). After 3-week stretching the soleus muscles from aged rats were smaller than their younger counter-parts. Interestingly, while stretching appeared to positively affect young soleus muscle, the opposite was detected in the muscle of the aged rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a pop dance exergaming protocol on fall risk factors-depressive symptoms, fear of falling, and musculoskeletal function-in community-dwelling older female fallers and nonfallers. There were 47 community-dwelling older women assigned to the intervention group (IG) [fallers (n = 10, 69.8 ± 4.3 years); nonfallers (n = 12, 68.9 ± 3.3 years)] and the control group (CG) [fallers (n = 12, 73.6 ± 5.4 years); nonfallers (n = 13, 68.7 ± 4.8 years)]. The CG maintained their lifestyle and the IG performed a videogame dance training three times per week for 12 weeks. The Dance Central game for Xbox 360® and Kinect motion sensor were used. The primary outcomes were geriatric depressive symptoms, fear of falling, and concentric and eccentric isokinetic peak torque (PT) of quadriceps and hamstrings. Secondary outcomes included cross-sectional area of quadriceps and hamstring muscles, functionality (Timed Up and Go test, gait speed, the Five Times Sit-to-Stand test), and a fall circumstances and outcomes recording. The depressive symptoms decreased in the Intervention Fallers Group. The eccentric hamstrings PT at 180°/s increased in the Intervention Nonfallers Group. There were no significant differences between groups for the other variables analyzed. The training attendance was 83% for the Intervention Fallers Group and 88% for the Intervention Nonfallers Group. Dance exergaming can be indicated to decrease depressive symptoms in fallers and increase the PT in nonfallers among community-dwelling older women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Frailty is one of the key geriatric syndromes and is related to the loss of functional independence. However, the practice of physical training (PT) combined with protein supplementation (PS) may improve musculoskeletal function (MF).Objective: To verify the effect of PT using 'exergames' with or without PS on MF, nutritional status, and risk of falls in pre-frail older women.Method: The protocol is for a randomized controlled clinical trial with a sample of pre-frail older women, divided into 5 groups: control group; PT using exergames; PS; PT using exergames combined with PS; PT using exergames combined with isoenergetic supplementation. The primary outcomes will be: the strength and power of the lower limbs, assessed by isokinetic dynamometer and the sit-and-stand test carried out 5 times; muscle architecture, assessed by ultrasound; body composition, assessed by anthropometric measurements, bioelectrical impedance and dual energy X-ray absorptiometry; and functional mobility and risk of falls, assessed using the Timed-Up and Go test. The secondary outcomes will be: centre of pressure (CoP), assessed using a force plate; and fear of falling, assessed using the Falls Efficacy Scale - International, Brazil. PT using exergames with a gradual increase in the mass weighted vest will be carried out twice a week for 50 min over 3 months. The supplements will be ingested 5 days a week for 3 months. All outcomes will be assessed before and after 3 months.Discussion: The WiiProtein study will be the first clinical trial to examine the effects of PT using exergames with progressive resistance, which may or may not be combined with PS, on MF, nutritional status, and risk of falls in pre-frail older women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Depression is accompanied by metabolic disorders in iron metabolism, lipoproteins, and insulin resistance. We measured plasma levels of ferritin, iron, lipids, insulin, and glucose and computed the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA2IR) and atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) in MS patients with and without depression and healthy controls. Explanatory variables were serum uric acid, interleukin (IL)-6, lipid hydroperoxides (CL-LOOH), albumin, and C-reactive protein (CRP). Depression was assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), neurological disability using the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), and disease progression using ∆EDSS over five years earlier. HOMA2IR and insulin were predicted by diagnosis (increased in MS), age and body mass index (BMI); AIP by diagnosis, sex, BMI, CRP, and uric acid; triglycerides by diagnosis (higher in MS without depression), age, BMI and uric acid; ferritin by diagnosis (higher in MS), sex, CRP, and albumin; and iron by albumin. The HADS score was significantly predicted by ∆EDSS, gastro-intestinal symptoms, iron (inverse), and age. MS is characterized by significantly increased insulin resistance, which is determined by increased insulin levels; and increased ferritin, a biomarker of inflammation. Depression in MS is not associated with increased insulin resistance and atherogenicity but with lowered iron. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It has been shown that stretching exercises can improve the flexibility and independence of the elderly. However, although these exercises commonly constitute training programs, the morphological adaptations induced by stretching exercises in aged skeletal muscle are still unclear. Objective To assess the acute effects of passive mechanical static stretching on the morphology, sarcomerogenesis and modulation of important components of the extracellular matrix of the soleus muscle of aged female rats. Methods Fifteen old female rats with 26 months were divided into two groups: stretching ( n = 8, SG) and control ( n = 7, CG): The stretching protocol consisted of 4 repetitions each of 1 min with 30 s interval between sets. Stretching was performed on the left soleus muscle, 3 times a week for 1 week. After three sessions, the rats were anesthetized to remove the left soleus muscle, and then euthanized. The following analyses were carried out: muscle fiber cross-sectional area and serial sarcomere number; immunohistochemistry for the quantification of collagen I, III and TGFβ-1. Results a decrease in muscle fiber cross-sectional area of the SG was observed when compared to the CG ( p = 0.0001, Kruskal–Wallis); the percentage of type I collagen was significantly lower in the SG when compared to the CG ( p = 0.01, Kruskal–Wallis), as well as the percentage of TGFβ-1 ( p = 0.04, Kruskal–Wallis); collagen III was significantly higher in the SG than in the CG (7.06 ± 6.88% vs 4.92 ± 5.30%, p = 0.01, Kruskal–Wallis). Conclusion Although the acute stretching induced muscle hypotrophy, an antifibrotic action was detected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the effects of stretching and/or resistive exercise, followed by detraining, on the functional status of older people. Methods: Forty-five subjects were divided into four groups: control (CG; n=13; 66±6 years), stretching (SG; n=10; 69±6 years), resistive exercise (RG; n=13; 69±5 years), and resistive exercise and stretching (RSG; n=9; 66±5 years). The CG did not perform any exercise. The SG, RG, and RSG had warm-up sessions prior to performing lower-body exercises twice a week. The SG performed 4 repetitions of stretching. Resistive exercise was performed at a load of 65% of 10 repetitions maximum (RM) for five weeks, 70% for the next four weeks, and 75% for the last three weeks of the program. The RSG performed both exercises. Cardiorespiratory capacity was evaluated using the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) at baseline, at the six- and 12-week follow-ups, and after a six-week period of detraining. Lower limb muscle strength was assessed using the stand up from a chair and sit down test (SUCSD), and blood pressure was measured using a sphygmomanometer and a stethoscope. The results were analyzed using ANOVA (p≤0.05). Results: Six weeks of training increased walking distance (6MWT) in the RG and decreased SUCSD time in the SG. However, detraining increased systolic blood pressure (SBP) in the RG compared to the SG. Diastolic blood pressure (DBP) decreased after six weeks in the RSG and 12 weeks in the SG. Conclusions: Six weeks of stretching or resistive training can improve the functional status of older people. Nevertheless, DBP decreased after six weeks with the combination of resistive exercise and stretching. Detraining increased SBP when resistive exercise alone was used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the effects of stretching and/or resistive exercise, followed by detraining, on the functional status of older people. Methods: Forty-five subjects were divided into four groups: control (CG; n=13; 66±6 years), stretching (SG; n=10; 69±6 years), resistive exercise (RG; n=13; 69±5 years), and resistive exercise and stretching (RSG; n=9; 66±5 years). The CG did not perform any exercise. The SG, RG, and RSG had warm-up sessions prior to performing lower-body exercises twice a week. The SG performed 4 repetitions of stretching. Resistive exercise was performed at a load of 65% of 10 repetitions maximum (RM) for five weeks, 70% for the next four weeks, and 75% for the last three weeks of the program. The RSG performed both exercises. Cardiorespiratory capacity was evaluated using the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) at baseline, at the six- and 12-week follow-ups, and after a six-week period of detraining. Lower limb muscle strength was assessed using the stand up from a chair and sit down test (SUCSD), and blood pressure was measured using a sphygmomanometer and a stethoscope. The results were analyzed using ANOVA (p≤0.05). Results: Six weeks of training increased walking distance (6MWT) in the RG and decreased SUCSD time in the SG. However, detraining increased systolic blood pressure (SBP) in the RG compared to the SG. Diastolic blood pressure (DBP) decreased after six weeks in the RSG and 12 weeks in the SG. Conclusions: Six weeks of stretching or resistive training can improve the functional status of older people. Nevertheless, DBP decreased after six weeks with the combination of resistive exercise and stretching. Detraining increased SBP when resistive exercise alone was used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Winter cover crops could contribute to more sustainable agricultural production and increase resiliency to climate change; however, their adoption remains low in California. This paper seeks to understand barriers to winter cover crop adoption by monetizing their long-term economic and agronomic impacts on farm profitability in two of California's specialty crop systems: processing tomatoes and almonds. Our modeling effort provides a present, discounted valuation of the long-term use of winter cover crops through a cost-benefit analysis. A net present value model estimates the cumulative economic value of this practice. We then explore how the long-term trade-offs associated with winter cover crops can affect an operation's profits under a spectrum of hypothetical changes in California's agricultural landscape. Our analysis sheds light on the barriers to adoption by reporting benefit-cost ratios that indicate profitability across several scenarios; however, benefits and costs accrue differently over time and with long planning horizons. At the same time, a small portion of gained benefits are external to the grower. Findings from this study reveal that winter cover crops in California can be profitable in the long-term, but the extent of profit depends on the cropping system, extent of irrigation savings due to improved soil function, access to financial subsidies and climate change. Winter cover crops can return positive net benefits to growers who have flexible contractual obligations, can wait for the long-term return on investment and manage cover crops as closely as cash crops. This analysis contributes to the study of conservation agriculture practices by explaining possible reasons for low adoption through an economic valuation of the implications of soil management choices and policy counterfactuals. • Net present value models were used to understand winter cover crop adoption in California. • Winter cover cropping can increase baseline profits in specialty crop systems sometimes. • The value of winter cover crops accrues over many planting seasons. • Reduced irrigation and increased subsidies can increase adoption of cover crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Gastrocnemius muscle thickness has correlation with calf circumference in older women. • Excess weight is a limitation condition when using gastrocnemius muscle thickness. • Gastrocnemius muscle thickness might be a complementary measure of calf circumference. Calf circumference (CC) is an indirect method used to evaluate muscle mass in older adults. Ultrasound has also been studied as a method for measuring muscle mass. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to correlate CC and muscle thickness of the medial gastrocnemius muscle (MGM) in healthy older women. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 74 healthy older women. The MGM thickness was evaluated using an ultrasound device (Logiq Book XP, General Electric®). The reference value for adequate CC was ≥ 31 cm. Weight and height were measured for the calculation of the body mass index (BMI), which was dichotomized as with or without excess weight based on the cutoff points recommended by the World Health Organization (1995) ; Lipschitz (1994) and the Pan-American Health Organization (2001). All participants were ≥ 64 years of age. Mean weight and height were 66.19 kg (SD: 10.48) and 1.55 m (SD: 0.06), respectively. Half of the participants had a BMI higher than 27.53 kg/m2. Moderate positive correlations were found between CC and MGM thickness (ρ = 0.432; p < 0.001), MGM thickness and weight (r = 0.422; p < 0.001) and between MGM thickness and BMI (r = 0.438; p < 0.001). However, the correlation between CC and MGM thickness was non-significant among the women with excess weight. A moderate positive correlation between MGM thickness and CC was found in healthy older women. However, this correlation was weak and non-significant among those with excess weight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]