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Ocular toxoplasmosis (OT) is characterised by intraocular inflammation due to Toxoplasma gondii infection. Studies have found that interleukin 17 (IL‐17) plays a central role in the pathology of OT. However, nucleotide variability in IL17 and interleukin 17 receptor (IL17R) genes has not been characterised in OT. As cytokine gene polymorphisms may influence the expression of these molecules, the aim of this study was to verify whether IL17A (rs2275913), IL17F (rs763780), IL17RA (rs4819554) and IL17RC (rs708567) polymorphisms are associated with OT in a Brazilian population. This study enrolled 214 patients seropositive for T. gondii (110 with OT and 104 without) and 107 controls. Polymorphisms were identified by PCR‐restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis, validated by DNA sequencing with chi‐square and multivariate analyses being used to assess possible associations between polymorphisms and OT. Logistic regression under the dominant model revealed a protection factor against OT of the C mutant allele of the IL17F (rs763780) polymorphism. The T/C‐C/C genotypes were significantly more common in patients without OT compared to those with OT (p value = 0.0066) and controls (p value = 0.014). Findings from this study suggest that the IL17F polymorphism may have an influence in the immunopathology of OT in Brazilian individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patellofemoral pain (PFP) is a prevalent musculoskeletal disorder associated with functional impairments. Although postural control is commonly assessed in people with PFP, there are inconsistent results regarding potential postural control deficits in this population. This review aims to evaluate whether postural control is impaired in people with patellofemoral pain (PFP) and the effectiveness of interventions on postural control measures. We searched six databases from their inception to May 5, 2023. We included studies assessing clinic- or laboratory-based postural control measures in people with PFP compared to pain-free controls, and intervention studies with PFP populations. We assessed risk of bias using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal checklists and the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool. We assessed the certainty of evidence using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) approach. We used random-effects meta-analyses considering subgroups based on type of task, measure, and intervention. Fifty-three studies were included. Very low certainty evidence indicated that people with PFP have shorter anterior (SMD = 0.53, 95 %CI:0.16,0.90), posteromedial (SMD = 0.54, 95 %CI:0.04,1.03) and posterolateral (SMD = 0.59, 95 %CI:0.11,1.07) reach distance, and worse composite score (SMD = 0.46, 95 %CI:0.22,0.70). Very low to moderate certainty evidence indicated that people with PFP have worse anterior-posterior and overall stability indexes during single-leg stance (SMD = −0.71, 95 %CI:−1.29,−0.14; SMD = −0.63, 95 %CI:−0.94,−0.32) and overall stability index during double-leg stance (SMD = −0.39, 95 %CI:−0.78,−0.00), but no differences in center of pressure area during stair ascent (SMD = 0.32, 95 %CI:−2.72, 3.36). Low certainty evidence indicated that kinesio taping improved anterior reach distance (SMD = −0.49, 95 %CI:−0.89,−0.09), while no significant differences were observed between pre- and post-intervention outcomes for conventional rehabilitation and rigid taping. Clinicians should use clinic- (star excursion or Y-balance tests) and laboratory-based (stability indexes) measures to identify impairments of postural control in people with PFP. Low certainty of evidence suggests short-term improvement in postural control with kinesio taping. • People with PFP present impairments in clinic-based measures of postural control. • People with PFP have worse stability indexes compared to pain-free controls. • There are no alterations in center of pressure parameters in people with PFP. • Kinesio taping improved postural control of people with PFP at short-term. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Edwards, CM, da Silva, DF, Puranda, JL, Souza, SCS, Semeniuk, K, and Adamo, KB. Associations between rank, sex, and parity with musculoskeletal injuries sustained during annual military physical fitness test. J Strength Cond Res 38(2): 367-373, 2024-Musculoskeletal injuries pose a significant threat to the well-being of military personnel. Attempts to use physical employment standard test results as predictors of injury are underway, but little is known about injuries sustained during the tests. This study sought to identify body regions most likely to be reported as injured during the annual Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) physical fitness evaluation. In addition, sex, rank, and parity status are explored as possible associated factors for injury. A total of 1,796 actively serving CAF members were categorized by sex (1,030 male participants; 766 female participants), rank (1,142 Non-Commissioned Members [NCM]; 638 Officers), and parity (314 parous female participants; 435 nulliparous female participants). Sex, rank, and parity were associated with body regions reportedly injured during an annual CAF fitness assessment (significance p#0.05). When compared with male participants, female participants were more likely to be injured {aOR: 1.797 (95% [confidence interval] CI: 1.45-2.23)} and more prone to injury of the wrist (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.933 [95% CI: 1.20-3.12]), hip (aOR: 3.445 [95% CI: 2.07-5.728]), or lower back (aOR: 1.55 [95% CI: 1.18-2.04]). Non-Commissioned Members were more likely to injure the neck (aOR: 2.14 [95% CI: 1.18-3.88]) or shoulder (aOR: 2.03 [95% CI: 1.31-3.15]), when compared with Officers. Parous female participants reported pelvis/abdomen injury at a higher rate than the nulliparous group (5 vs. 1.7%, p 5 0.019). Injuries sustained during an annual CAF fitness assessment differ based on sex, rank, and parity. Canadian Armed Forces female participants, NCM, and parous female participants may require specific physical fitness support in preparation for the annual physical fitness test. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Produced water (PW) is an effluent from the petrochemical industry that has a significant environmental impact due to its high salinity and presence of chemical compounds and heavy metal. Microalgae have been considered promising to phytoremediation of this effluent and producing biomass with high added value. Therefore, this study aimed to stimulate the production of biomass and biomolecules from Chlorella vulgaris by supplementation with PW and evaluate the synergistic effect of sources of physical and chemical stress. C. vulgaris was cultivated in different PW concentations of PW (not autoclaved) and BG11 medium under a 24 h photoperiod, with inoculum pre-adapted the same photoperiod. The culture containing 70% of BG11 and 30% PW (PW 30%) was the most viable, with a biomass production of 1.35 g/L and a higher concentration of carbohydrates (37.46%) and ash (18.21%) than the control culture (100% BG11). Furthermore, PW 30% also resulted in considerable amounts of lipids (9.92%), proteins (21.94%), chlorophyll-a (6.64 μg/mL), chlorophyll-b (10.57 μg/ mL), and carotenoids (21.38 μg/mL). The major fatty acids were C18:3n6 (21.50%), C20:0 (19.96%), C16:0 (17.12%), and C18:0 (12.15%). The PW 30% treatment showed removal efficiencies for iron (61.80%), chlorides (79.64%), phosphates (97.18%), and petroleum hydrocarbons including total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH; 45.39%) and resolved petroleum hydrocarbons (RPH; 57.57%). The analyzed fuel properties presented an ideal profile for the production of biodiesel and bioethanol, which can be obtained from carbohydrates. Simultaneously, treatment PW 30% resulted in the production of biomolecule-rich in biomass in addition to the bioremediation effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to verify the association between the weekly frequency of physical education (PE) classes and leisure sitting time among adolescents. We analyzed data from 73 countries using the Global School-based Student Health Survey (283,233 adolescents between 11 and 18 years of age). Leisure sitting time and weekly frequency of PE classes were self-reported. Sex, age, and food insecurity were used as covariates and the analyses were stratified by world regions and country income level. Poisson regression models (random-effects meta-analysis) were used for the main analyses. In comparison with 1 PE class per week (reference group), those with no PE classes presented a lower prevalence of ≥ 3 h/d of leisure sitting time (PR [95%CI] = 0.94 [0.91; 0.98]). On the other hand, adolescents with 2 days (PR [95%CI] = 1.06 [1.02; 1.26]), 3–4 days (PR [95%CI] = 1.17 [1.12; 1.22]), and 5 days (PR [95%CI] = 1.08 [1.04; 1.11]) of PE classes presented a higher likelihood of ≥ 3 h/d of leisure sitting time. No clear differences were observed for the different world regions and country income levels. We conclude that a higher weekly frequency of PE classes is associated with increased leisure sitting time among adolescents worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent comprehensive systematic reviews indicate that females are at greater risk of musculoskeletal injuries (MSKi) than males in military populations. Considering the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) goal of increasing female representation in the next few years, exploring these trends is essential. We aimed to determine the association between biological sex and MSKi in the CAF. An online survey was conducted with active-duty and former CAF members aged 18–65 years. Sex disparities in MSKi (acute or repetitive strain [RSI]) were analyzed using bivariate associations and binary logistic regressions with significance level at p < 0.05. Analyses were stratified by military environment (i.e., Army, Navy, and Air Force). From the 1947 respondents whose biological sex was reported, 855 were females and 1092 were males. Rates of RSI sustained by females and males while serving were 76.2% and 70.5% (p = 0.011), respectively, whereas 61.4% of females reported acute injuries compared to 63.7% of males (p = 0.346). Females were more likely to report overall RSI (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.397; 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 1.068–1.829), RSI having a greater impact on daily activities (aOR [95%CI]: 2.979 [2.093–4.239]) and greater impact on career progress/length (aOR [95%CI]: 1.448 [1.066–1.968]). Acute injuries, also more prevalent in females, were reported to have a greater impact on daily activities (aOR [95%CI]: 1.688 [1.198–2.379]). This study highlights sex disparities in MSKi prevalence and outcomes. Females within the CAF sample presented greater likelihood of reporting RSI, perceived impact of RSI on daily activities and career progress/length, and perceived impact of acute injuries on daily activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quantitative knowledge of river discharge measurements is essential for understanding coastal and estuarine dynamics and salinity variations. However, direct measurements are scarce for a large portion of rivers in Brazil. In this study, five simple models based on remote sensing and local rainfall datasets (MERGE) for the Ribeira de Iguape catchment are used to estimate the Valo Grande Channel (VGC) discharge on the southeastern coast of Brazil. These models use linear, quadratic, exponential, and two different multiple linear regression methods. The predicted VGC discharge time series resulting from each model is compared with the estimated time series based on in situ data from the Water and Electric Energy Department (DAEE in Portuguese). The estimated time series presented reasonable results, with skills varying from 0.84 to 0.92 and Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE) indices varying from 0.54 to 0.75, with the highest values corresponding to the multiple linear regression models. This methodology allowed us to reproduce longer time series at a daily frequency, as well as monthly averages between 2000 and 2020. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cells of all domains of life can secrete extracellular vesicles (EV). These secreted vesicles have been indicated as vehicles carrying molecules that facilitate intra- and inter-species interaction. Lactobacillus johnsonii N6.2, a bacterium used in probiotic preparations, has been shown to produce nano-sized EV. In the present work we used L. johnsonii N6.2 EV, concentrated from exosome-depleted MRS supernatant, to identify the uptake mechanisms of EV and the impact of the RNA cargo in the EV on the upregulation of the cellular response of βlox5 human pancreatic cells. Using eukaryotic uptake inhibitors, it was found that EV are internalized by the clathrin/dynamin mediated endocytosis pathway. Further co-localization experiments with the endosome markers RAB5, RAB7 and LAMP1 as well as calcein indicated that EV escape the endosome shortly after RAB7 fusion. Using the expression of the 2',5'-oligoadenylate synthetase (OAS) host pathway, previously identified as targeted by L. johnsonii EV, we found that the host cellular response to the EV are dependent on the integrity of the external components of the EV as well as on the RNA cargo. Global transcriptome analysis was performed on EV and the bacterial whole cell. It was found that the RNA transcripts found within the EV largely represent the most abundantly transcribed genes in the bacterial cells such as those associated with protein synthesis and glycolysis. Further analysis showed an enrichment of smaller size transcripts as well as those encoding for membrane bound or extracellular proteins in L. johnsonii's EV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An NMR weakly‐aligning polymer gel has been prepared by copolymerization of acrylonitrile and 2‐acrylamide‐2‐methyl‐1‐propanesulfonic acid in the presence of 1,4‐butanediol diacrylate as a cross‐linker. The polymer readily swells in water in a large range of temperatures, although the swelling ratio is decreased in saline solutions. The swollen gel can be mechanically compressed, in a reversible way, generating anisotropy, as easily shown in 2H NMR experiments, and allowing measurement of 1DCH residual dipolar couplings (RDCs) through F1‐coupled HSQC experiments. The performance of this gel as a NMR alignment medium was evaluated in several water‐soluble organic molecules and, while it provided RDCs of proper size for sucrose and even such as small molecule as 5‐norbornen‐2‐ol, in the case of azidothymidine and cefuroxime sodium salt the strong interaction of these molecules with the gel prevented successful extraction of the RDCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Musculoskeletal injuries (MSKi) play a role in member retention in the military. In general, female military members have higher rates of MSKi than males and female reproductive health characteristics may be contributing to these disparities. This study seeks to characterize reproductive health factors in female Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members and their relationship with MSKi. Materials and Methods: An electronic survey (SurveyMonkey®) was made available to present and former CAF members 18–65 years of age. Responses were collected between September 2020 and February 2021. Seven female reproductive characteristics were assessed: age of menarche, menstrual cycle regularity, birth control use, having given birth while serving, endometriosis, early menopause, and secondary oligomenorrhea/amenorrhea. Binary logistic regressions were used to analyze associations between reproductive characteristics with repetitive strain (RSI) and acute injuries. Results: A total of 2,001 participants consented to the survey with 855 respondents being female. Females reporting menstrual cycles as never regular, irregular for a few months, who never had a period, and whose periods stopped while serving presented a greater likelihood of reporting RSI compared to their peers who reported regular menstrual cycles (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.898, confidence interval [CI]: 1.138–3.166). Participants who have experienced endometriosis presented a higher likelihood of reporting acute injuries than those who did not (aOR: 2.426, CI: 1.030–5.709). Conclusion: This examination of females within the CAF suggests that irregular menstrual cycles or absent periods increase the likelihood of experiencing MSKi, namely those categorized as RSI injuries and reporting endometriosis were associated with greater rates of acute injuries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The flow of deformable particles, such as droplets, dragged by a fluid, through a network of narrow pores inside rocks or other porous media is key in a range of applications, from enhanced oil recovery and water filtration to lab on a chip sorting of cells. The collective dynamics and its impact on the flow are poorly understood. Here, using droplets as a prototype, we show that collective transport can occur for conditions under which a single particle would get trapped at a pore channel. When a series of droplets gets trapped, the fluid flow is affected significantly, leading to an increase of the pressure difference across the pore channels, which, in turn, squeezes the particles through the channels. We analyze the conditions for a single droplet to flow through one pore and derive the corresponding Bond number. We also obtain a rule for the collective flow of droplets in porous media. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Not all anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are preventable. While some ACL injuries are unavoidable such as those resulting from a tackle, others that occur in non-contact situations like twisting and turning in the absence of external contact might be more preventable. Because ACL injuries commonly occur in team ball-sports that involve jumping, landing and cutting manoeuvres, accurate information about the epidemiology of non-contact ACL injuries in these sports is needed to quantify their extent and burden to guide resource allocation for risk-reduction efforts. Objective: To synthesize the evidence on the incidence and proportion of non-contact to total ACL injuries by sex, age, sport, participation level and exposure type in team ball-sports. Methods: Six databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, CINAHL, Scopus and SPORTDiscus) were searched from inception to July 2021. Cohort studies of team ball-sports reporting number of knee injuries as a function of exposure and injury mechanism were included. Results: Forty-five studies covering 13 team ball-sports were included. The overall proportion of non-contact to total ACL injuries was 55% (95% CI 48–62, I2 = 82%; females: 63%, 95% CI 53–71, I2 = 84%; males: 50%, 95% CI 42–58, I2 = 86%). The overall incidence of non-contact ACL injuries was 0.07 per 1000 player-hours (95% CI 0.05–0.10, I2 = 77%), and 0.05 per 1000 player-exposures (95% CI 0.03–0.07, I2 = 97%). Injury incidence was higher in female athletes (0.14 per 1000 player-hours, 95% CI 0.10–0.19, I2 = 40%) than male athletes (0.05 per 1000 player-hours, 95% CI 0.03–0.07, I2 = 48%), and this difference was significant. Injury incidence during competition was higher (0.48 per 1000 player-hours, 95% CI 0.32–0.72, I2 = 77%; 0.32 per 1000 player-exposures, 95% CI 0.15–0.70, I2 = 96%) than during training (0.04 per 1000 player-hours, 95% CI 0.02–0.07, I2 = 63%; 0.02 per 1000 player-exposures, 95% CI 0.01–0.05, I2 = 86%) and these differences were significant. Heterogeneity across studies was generally high. Conclusion: This study quantifies several key epidemiological findings for ACL injuries in team ball-sports. Non-contact ACL injuries represented over half of all ACL injuries sustained. The proportion of non-contact to total ACL injuries and injury incidence were higher in female than in male athletes. Injuries mostly occurred in competition settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The replacement of traditional classroom desks for active-permissive desks has been tested to reduce sitting time during classes. However, their impact on other domains is still unclear. We aimed to verify the potential effects of a classroom standing desk intervention on cognitive function and academic achievement in 6th-grade students. This was a controlled trial conducted with two classes [intervention (n = 22) and control (n = 27)] from a public school in Lisbon, Portugal. The intervention was carried out for 16 weeks and consisted of multi-level actions (students, parents, and teachers) centered on the implementation of standing desks in the intervention classroom. The control group had traditional classes with no use of standing desks or any other interference/action from the research team. Pre- and post-assessments of executive functions (attention, inhibitory function, memory, and fluid intelligence) and academic achievement were obtained. No differences between groups were found at baseline. Both groups improved (time effect) academic achievement (p < 0.001), memory span (p < 0.001), and inhibitory function (p = 0.008). Group versus time interactions were observed regarding operational memory (intervention: + 18.0% and control: + 41.6%; p = 0.039) and non-verbal fluid intelligence (intervention: − 14.0% and control: + 3.9%; p = 0.017). We concluded that a 16-week classroom standing desk intervention did not improve cognitive performance or academic achievement more than the traditional sitting classes. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier (NCT03137836) (date of first registration: 03/05/2017). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigate the association of fear of movement and (re)injury with clinical outcomes in women with patellofemoral pain (PFP). This cross-sectional study included 92 women with PFP who completed the TAMPA scale for kinesiophobia. The TAMPA score and its two subscales – activity avoidance and somatic focus were correlated with BMI, physical activity level, pain catastrophizing scale, health-related quality of life, pain sensitivity via pressure pain threshold, self-reported disability, and worst knee pain in last month. Greater fear of movement and (re)injury, activity avoidance, and somatic focus were correlated with lower local pain sensitivity (rho = −0.29 to −0.55), lower health-related quality of life (rho = −0.38 to −0.42), greater pain catastrophizing (rho = 0.41 to 0.47), and greater self-reported disability (rho = −0.31 to −0.52). Greater fear of movement and (re)injury and activity avoidance were correlated with adjacent and remote pain sensitivity (rho = −0.24 to −0.39). Greater fear of movement and (re)injury and somatic focus were correlated with greater worst knee pain in last month (rho = 0.21 to 0.32). Fear of movement and (re)injury predicted pain measures, disability, and health-related quality of life (p ≤ 0.010). The relationship of greater fear of movement and (re)injury with greater disability, pain catastrophizing, pain sensitization, and poorer health-related quality of life highlights the potential importance of considering this psychological feature of PFP during assessment and management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surveillance of health-related physical fitness can improve decision-making and intervention strategies promoting health for children and adolescents. However, no study has comprehensively analyzed surveillance/monitoring systems for physical fitness globally. This review sought to address this gap by identifying: (1) national-level surveillance/monitoring systems for physical fitness among children and adolescents globally, (2) the main barriers and challenges to implementing surveillance/monitoring systems, and (3) governmental actions related to existing surveillance/monitoring systems. We used a scoping review to search, obtain, group, summarize, and analyze available evidence. Our review involved three stages: (1) identification of surveillance systems through a systematic literature review, with complementary search of the grey literature (e.g., reference lists, Google Scholar, webpages, recommendations), (2) systematic consultation with relevant experts using a Delphi method to confirm/add systems and to gather and analyze information on the barriers and challenges to implementing systems, and (3) Web searches for public documents on government sites and surveillance/monitoring system pages, and direct internet searches to identify relevant governmental actions related to surveillance systems. A total of 15 fitness surveillance/monitoring systems met our inclusion criteria. Experts identified a lack of government support and funding, and the low priority of fitness on the public health agenda as the main barriers/challenges to implementation. Several governmental actions related to surveillance systems were identified, including policies, strategies, programs, and guidelines. We propose a Global Observatory of Physical Fitness to help address these issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are few studies that effectively quantify the economic losses resulting from problems caused by leptospirosis in naturally infected dairy cattle. Given this gap, the objective of this study was to propose and apply a method to quantify the economic losses resulting from productive and reproductive problems in a commercial dairy herd naturally infected by Leptospira spp. For this study, the zootechnical and economic indicators at a property with Jersey cattle were analyzed during the period from 2014 to 2017. The leptospirosis outbreak occurred in 2014, and the therapeutic approach was carried out between 2015 and 2017, with the latter considered the year of control of the outbreak. The adopted integrated control strategy consisted of dividing the herd according to the serological results obtained through the microscopic agglutination test, the treatment of reagents with streptomycin, and vaccination against leptospirosis of non-reagent heifers and cows. The method used to evaluate the economic indicators of the property was the calculation of the gross margin by taking into account the implicit and explicit cost parameters associated with the manifestation of leptospirosis. The prevalence rate of leptospirosis decreased from 49.4 % in 2015 to 21.6 % in 2017. There was a reduction in the abortion rate (from 40.00 % in 2014 to 9.00 % in 2017), in the stillborn rate (from 2.63 % in 2014 to 1.69 % in 2017) and an increase in the calving rate (from 65.00 % in 2014 to 86.00 % in 2017). In addition, there were increases in the number of lactating cows (from 38 in 2014–57 in 2017) and the mean times of lactation duration, which increased from 275 days in 2014–295 days in 2017. As a result, the average annual production of milk increased from 164,655 liters in 2014–248,521 liters in 2017. In 2014, when treatment hadn't yet started, the gross margin per liter of milk sold, considering implicit and explicit costs, was US$0.00. In 2015 and 2016, US$0.27 and US$0.30 were obtained, respectively, for this variable. In 2017, with the disease under control on the property, the gross margin per liter of milk reached US$0.36. The gross margin per liter of milk sold was higher in the period when the disease was controlled, showing losses of up to 84 % of the gross margin during the outbreak. Immediate treatment of positive cows and preventive measures had a significant impact on improving the productive and economic efficiency of the property. • Leptospirosis reduced animals' performance and increased the occurrence of abortions. • Immediate therapeutic strategy significantly increased the property's gross margin. • Leptospirosis was responsible for a loss of up to 84 % of the annual gross margin. • The control of the leptospirosis outbreak improved economic indicators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil desertification poses a critical ecological challenge in arid and semiarid climates worldwide, leading to decreased soil productivity due to the disruption of essential microbial community processes. Fungi, as one of the most important soil microbial communities, play a crucial role in enhancing nutrient and water uptake by plants through mycorrhizal associations. However, the impact of overgrazing-induced desertification on fungal community structure, particularly in the Caatinga biome of semiarid regions, remains unclear. In this study, we assessed the changes in both the total fungal community and the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal community (AMF) across 1. Natural vegetation (native), 2. Grazing exclusion (20 years) (restored), and 3. affected by overgrazing-induced degradation (degraded) scenarios. Our assessment, conducted during both the dry and rainy seasons in Irauçuba, Ceará, utilized Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) gene sequencing via Illumina® platform. Our findings highlighted the significant roles of the AMF families Glomeraceae (∼71% of the total sequences) and Acaulosporaceae (∼14% of the total sequences) as potential key taxa in mitigating climate change within dryland areas. Moreover, we identified the orders Pleosporales (∼35% of the total sequences) and Capnodiales (∼21% of the total sequences) as the most abundant soil fungal communities in the Caatinga biome. The structure of the total fungal community differed when comparing native and restored areas to degraded areas. Total fungal communities from native and restored areas clustered together, suggesting that grazing exclusion has the potential to improve soil properties and recover fungal community structure amid global climate change challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There has been widespread application of grazing exclusion in soil conservation, particularly in semiarid regions. However, it is unclear how grazing exclusion reduces the negative effects of overgrazing on functional genes related to essential nutrient cycles, such as N and P, in the Caatinga biome. This study evaluated the impact of long-term overgrazing and grazing exclusion on the soil microbial functional pools related to N and P cycling compared to native Caatinga soil. There were significant variations in the abundance of functional genes across the three areas (p < 0.05). In the dry season, both native and restored areas showed notably higher copy numbers per gram of dry soil of nif H and nir K genes (ranging from 4.90E+05 to 6.86E+06) compared to the degraded area (ranging from 2.88E+05 to 1.97E+06). Copy numbers of archaeal amo A, nir S, and nos Z genes exhibited no significant variation among areas, except for bacterial amo A, which was higher in the native area (∼ 5.43E+05). Similar results were observed in the rainy season; however, nir S gene abundance was higher in the degraded area (∼1.38E+08), and nos Z showed higher abundance in the native area (∼3.37E+05). The high abundance of nos Z and nir S genes, coupled with the concurrent lower levels of amo A and nif H genes associated with nitrification and biological nitrogen fixation in areas under desertification, indicates an augmented denitrification activity. This suggests an escalated degradation of organic nitrogen, potentially leading to reduced availability of N inputs for soil organisms. Consequently, It may exacerbate N losses within the soil. Overall, these findings underscore a potential imbalance in the N cycle, particularly during the dry season. The results also substantiate that restoration improved the soil properties highlighting the potential of grazing exclusion as a restoration strategy for degraded soils in the Caatinga biome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • C-, N-, and P-acquiring enzymes were higher in both preserved and restored soils. • Degradation decreases the activity of β-glucosidase, urease, and acid phosphatase. • C-, N-, and P-acquiring enzymes were influenced by organic C and microbial biomass. • The preserved soil showed higher values for both the C/P and N/P ratios. • Degraded soil, by overgrazing, in Brazilian semi-arid can be microbially P-limited. Land degradation has emerged as a significantly pressing environmental concern, contributing to the decline of soil properties in both arid and semiarid regions. Despite this, there is limited understanding of how degradation and subsequent long-term restoration efforts impact enzymatic stoichiometry in soils of the Brazilian semiarid area. Therefore, our study aimed to quantify C-, N-, and P-acquiring enzymes in soil samples from the Caatinga, a Brazilian semiarid region. We compared three different conditions: (a) Native Caatinga vegetation, primarily dominated by Fabaceae species; (b) Restored land, resulting from two decades of grazing exclusion; and (c) Degraded land due to overgrazing, characterized by high-intensity grazing practices. A total of 54 soil samples were collected at depths of 0–10 cm during both dry and rainy seasons to evaluate the levels of C-, N-, and P-acquiring enzymes and their respective stoichiometries. Our findings revealed that, overall, C- and N-enzymes showed higher and similar levels between native and restored land, whereas these enzyme levels significantly decreased (approximately 60% for C-enzymes and 80% for N-enzymes) in degraded land. Moreover, P-acquiring enzymes exhibited a notable decrease (approximately 70%) in degraded land specifically during the dry season. The degraded land exhibited a higher C/N ratio (8.5) during the rainy season compared to native land (4.8). Conversely, higher values of C/P and N/P ratios (both during rainy seasons) were observed in native land (0.3 and 0.07, respectively). Redundancy analysis showed that native and restored lands clustered with all acquiring enzymes and were notably influenced by key soil properties such as organic C, microbial biomass C, and nutrients. In contrast, degraded land showed correlations with Al3+ and Na+. Our results provide substantial evidence that Caatinga soils affected by degradation may be microbially P-limited. This underscores the necessity of integrating P-enriched amendments or fertilizers and implementing long-term restoration practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in individuals working in radio and television stations (TV) in Sergipe state, Northeast Brazil. This cross-sectional study was conducted from December 1 to December 20, 2020, a period which was considered as the beginning of the second wave of COVID-19 in the state. One hundred and thirteen professionals from the three largest media companies in the state were included in this study. Venous blood was collected using venipuncture and a fluorescence immunoassay for qualitative detection and differentiation of IgM and IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 was performed. Twenty-eight media workers had detectable levels of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies (11 IgM+, 6 IgM+/ IgG+, and 11 IgG+) and the estimated seroprevalence was 24.8 % (95 % CI 17.7 - 33.5). Our findings showed a high seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in radio and TV workers during the second wave of COVID-19 in Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aimed to investigate correlates of TV viewing and other types of screen-based behaviors in a nationally representative sample of Brazilian adults. In the 2019 Brazilian National Health Survey (including 88,509 adults), TV viewing time and other types of screen behaviors (computer, tablet, and cellphone use) were self-reported and different geographical, sociodemographic, behavioral, and health status factors were investigated as potential correlates. Multinomial logistic regression models were used for the main analyses. Living in capital cities, urban areas, being unemployed, high consumption of soft drinks, obesity, and elevated depressive symptoms were each associated with more TV viewing and more time using other types of screens. There were differential associations between TV viewing and the use of other types of screen across age and socioeconomic variables. For instance, younger adults have a more diverse portfolio of screen time than older adults. To conclude, levels of screen-based behaviors vary by geographical, sociodemographic, behavioral, and health status characteristics. Interventions should focus on high-risk population groups and may benefit from targeting specific sedentary behaviors of interest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quarantine periods change routines and behaviors with potential impact on different health outcomes. To determine the association between changes in physical activity and sedentary behaviors with changes in back pain during the COVID-19 pandemic quarantine among Brazilian adults. This was a nationwide survey through online questionnaires using data from 43,062 adults (≥ 18 years of age). Information on back pain was assessed using questions about episodes of back pain and worsening symptoms during the quarantine. The pattern of movement behaviors adopted before and during the pandemic were considered for physical inactivity (< 150 min/week of activity), high TV-viewing (≥ 4 h/d), and high computer/tablet use (≥ 4 h/d). Covariates included sex, age group, academic achievement, skin color, working status during the quarantine, and adherence to the quarantine. Logistic regression models were used for statistical analyses (weighted for national representativity). Becoming inactive (OR=1.76, 95% CI: 1.32, 2.37), with high TV-viewing (OR=1.35, 95% CI: 1.14, 1.61) and high computer/tablet use (OR=1.39, 95% CI: 1.11, 1.73) during the pandemic were associated with a higher incidence of back pain. The incidence of physical inactivity was also associated with increased back pain (OR=2.71, 95%CI: 1.64, 4.48). We conclude that increased physical inactivity and sedentary behaviors due to the COVID-19 pandemic quarantine are associated with the incidence and worsening symptoms of back pain among Brazilian adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Our aim was to verify the incidence of physical inactivity and excessive screen time during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic among Brazilian adults, as well as to identify subgroups that are more affected by the quarantine actions.Methods: The data of 39,693 Brazilian adults were collected through an online questionnaire between April 24th and May 24th, 2020. Information about physical activity (weekly frequency and daily duration), TV viewing, and computer/tablet use (daily duration) before and during the pandemic period were reported. The correlates adopted were sex, age group, highest academic achievement, skin color, per capita income, country macro region, working status during the quarantine, and adherence to the quarantine. Logistic regression models were used.Results: The incidence of physical inactivity (<150 min/week), high TV viewing (≥4 h/d), and computer/tablet use (≥4 h/d), were, respectively, 70.4%, 31.4%, and 37.9% during the COVID-19 pandemic. The younger age group showed higher incidences of physical inactivity (78%) and high computer/tablet use (59%), while middle-age adults (30-59 years) showed a higher incidence of TV viewing (34%). People who adhered to stricter measures of quarantine presented a higher incidence of excessive screen time.Conclusion: High incidences of physical inactivity and excessive screen time were identified in specific population subgroups during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ferreira, AS, de Oliveira Silva, D, Barton, CJ, Briani, RV, Taborda, B, Pazzinatto, MF, and de Azevedo, FM. Impaired isometric, concentric, and eccentric rate of torque development at the hip and knee in patellofemoral pain. J Strength Cond Res 35(9): 2492-2497, 2021-The aims of this study were to compare maximal muscle strength and rate of torque development (RTD) of knee extensor and hip abductor during isometric, concentric, and eccentric contractions between women with and without patellofemoral pain (PFP). Thirty-eight women with PFP (PFPG) and 38 pain-free women (CG) participated in this study. Isometric, concentric, and eccentric maximal torque and RTD of knee extensor and hip abductor were assessed using an isokinetic dynamometer. Rate of torque development was calculated as the change in torque over the change in time from torque onset to 30, 60, and 90% of the maximal torque (RTD30%, RTD60%, and RTD90%) during isometric, concentric, and eccentric contractions. PFPG had lower isometric, concentric, and eccentric knee extensor maximal torque (29.9, 28.3, and 26.7%) compared with the CG. For knee extensor RTD, PFPG had slower isometric RTD30% (17.8%), RTD60% (21.5%), and RTD90% (23.4%); slower concentric RTD30% (35.7%), RTD60% (29.3%), and RTD90% (28.2%); and slower eccentric RTD30% (20.5%), RTD60% (25.2%), and RTD90% (22.5%) compared with the CG. PFPG had lower isometric, concentric, and eccentric hip abductor maximal torque (28.3, 21.8, and 17%) compared with the CG. For hip abductor RTD, PFPG had slower isometric RTD30% (32.6%), RTD60% (31.1%), and RTD90% (25.4%); slower concentric RTD90% (11.5%); and slower eccentric RTD30% (19.8%), RTD60% (26.4%), and RTD90% (24%) compared with the CG. In conclusion, women with PFP presented deficits in both maximal strength and RTD of knee extensor and hip abductor during isometric, concentric, and eccentric contractions, which highlight the potential importance of addressing different aspects of muscle function through exercise therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent developments in UV-LED technology open up new possibilities for water treatment. TiO 2 photocatalysis can benefit from optimized photoreactor design to increase hydroxyl radical production and reduce its electrical energy per order (E EO) demands, which still ranks high among advanced oxidation processes. However, literature on UV-LED photoreactor design is largely lacking. In this work, a detailed investigation of photoreactor design is proposed. The simulation of a lab scale cylindrical reactor with 8 different UV-LED arrays was run with the professional version of an optic software. The increase of radiant flux and irradiance on the reactor's middle cross section and side walls, respectively, was related to an increasing number of LEDs and to a shorter distance from the reactor but not necessarily to an increase in homogeneity of light distribution. A full factorial experimental design was applied to evaluate the degradation of a representative contaminant of emerging concern (ciprofloxacin) considering 4 independent variables and their interactive effects on kinetic rates and E EO values. The significance of these effects was evaluated with ANOVA and a prediction model was established. The results show that the presence of a TiO 2 nanofilm was the most significant tested effect. The number of LEDs, their distance from the reactor's wall and the adoption of controlled periodic illumination also greatly influenced kinetic rates but were less relevant for reducing E EO values because the energetic trade-off was not sufficient to turn the kinetic gain into lower electricity demands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research was carried out to investigate the differences in adhesion and growth during biofilm formation of L. monocytogenes from different sources and clonal complexes. Biofilm by L. monocytogenes (isolates CLIST 441 and 7: both lineage I, serotype 1/2b, CC3; isolates 19 and 508: both lineage II, serotype 1/2c, CC9) was grown on stainless steel coupons under different stressing conditions (NaCl, curing salts and quaternary ammonium compounds—QAC), to determine the expression of different genes involved in biofilm formation and stress response. CLIST 441, which carries a premature stop codon (PMSC) in agrC, formed high-density biofilms in the presence of QAC (7.5% w/v) or curing salts (10% w/v). Reverse Transcriptase-qPCR results revealed that L. monocytogenes isolates presented differences in transcriptional profile of genes related to biofilm formation and adaptation to environmental conditions. Our results demonstrated how L. monocytogenes can survive, multiply and form biofilm under adverse conditions related to food processing environments. Differences in transcriptional expression were observed, highlighting the role of regulatory gene networks for particular serotypes under different stress responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies have reported enhanced thermoregulatory function as pregnancy progresses; however, it is unclear if differences in thermoregulation are attributed to weight gain or other physiological changes. This study aimed to determine if total body weight will influence thermoregulation (heat production (Hprod)), heart rate, and perceptual measurements in response to weight-bearing exercise during early to late pregnancy. A cross-sectional design of healthy pregnant women at different pregnancy time points (early, T1; middle, T2; late, T3) performed a 7-stage weight-bearing incremental exercise protocol. Measurements of Hprod, HR, and RPE were examined. Two experimental groups were studied: (1) weight matched and (2) non-weight matched, in T1, T2, and T3. During exercise, equivalent Hprod at T1 (326 ± 88 kJ), T2 (330 ± 43 kJ), and T3 (352 ± 52 kJ) (p = 0.504); HR (p = 0.830); and RPE (p = 0.195) were observed in the WM group at each time point. In the NWM group, Hprod (from stages 1–6 of the exercise) increased across pregnancy time points, T1 (291 ± 76 kJ) to T2 (347 ± 41 kJ) and T3 (385 ± 47 kJ) (p < 0.001). HR increased from T1 to T3 in the warm-up to stage 6 (p = 0.009). RPE did not change as pregnancy time point progressed (p = 0.309). Total body weight, irrespective of pregnancy time point, modulates Hprod and HR during exercise. Therefore, accounting for total body weight is crucial when comparing thermoregulatory function during exercise across pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of the biphasic isotropic/nematic region in a bisperylene imide‐based lyotropic liquid crystal system allows the extraction of proton‐carbon 1DCH residual dipolar couplings in aqueous solution from a single F1‐coupled HSQC experiment. The method was successfully applied to the RDC‐based conformational analysis of sucrose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Our aim was to analyse the association of change patterns on TV-viewing and computer/tablet use and incidence of elevated consumption of ultra-processed food consumption and lower consumption of fruits and vegetables during the COVID-19 pandemic. Design: Data of 39 208 Brazilian adults from a Behaviour Web Survey were used. Unhealthy nutrition habits were eating fruits or vegetables for <5 d/week and ultra-processed food (sugary foods, snacks, ready-to-eat frozen foods and embedded foods) for ≥5 d/week. For incidence indicators, we only considered participants without unhealthy behaviour before the quarantine. We created four categories of change in TV-viewing and computer/tablet use, considering a cut-off point of 4 h/d for each behaviour (1 – consistently low, 2 – become low during the quarantine, 3 – become high during the quarantine or 4 – consistently high). Analyses were adjusted for sex, age group, highest academic achievement, per capita income, working status during the quarantine, skin colour and adherence to the quarantine. Setting: Brazil. Participants: Brazilian adults (nationally representative). Results: Logistic regression models revealed that high TV-viewing and computer/tablet use incidence were associated with higher odds for elevated frequency of ultra-processed food consumption (TV-viewing: OR 1·70; 95 % CI 1·37, 2·12; computer/tablet: OR 1·73; 95 % CI 1·31, 2·27) and low consumption of fruit and vegetables (TV-viewing: OR 1·70; 95 % CI 1·29, 2·23; computer/tablet: OR 1·53; 95 % CI 1·08, 2·17) incidence. Consistent high computer/tablet use also presented higher odds for incidence of elevated frequency of ultra-processed food consumption. Conclusions: Participants with incidence of sedentary behaviours were also more likely to present incidence of unhealthy diet during the COVID-19 pandemic quarantine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Our aim was to analyse the association of change patterns on TV-viewing and computer/tablet use and incidence of elevated consumption of ultra-processed food consumption and lower consumption of fruits and vegetables during the COVID-19 pandemic.Design: Data of 39 208 Brazilian adults from a Behaviour Web Survey were used. Unhealthy nutrition habits were eating fruits or vegetables for <5 d/week and ultra-processed food (sugary foods, snacks, ready-to-eat frozen foods and embedded foods) for ≥5 d/week. For incidence indicators, we only considered participants without unhealthy behaviour before the quarantine. We created four categories of change in TV-viewing and computer/tablet use, considering a cut-off point of 4 h/d for each behaviour (1 - consistently low, 2 - become low during the quarantine, 3 - become high during the quarantine or 4 - consistently high). Analyses were adjusted for sex, age group, highest academic achievement, per capita income, working status during the quarantine, skin colour and adherence to the quarantine.Setting: Brazil.Participants: Brazilian adults (nationally representative).Results: Logistic regression models revealed that high TV-viewing and computer/tablet use incidence were associated with higher odds for elevated frequency of ultra-processed food consumption (TV-viewing: OR 1·70; 95 % CI 1·37, 2·12; computer/tablet: OR 1·73; 95 % CI 1·31, 2·27) and low consumption of fruit and vegetables (TV-viewing: OR 1·70; 95 % CI 1·29, 2·23; computer/tablet: OR 1·53; 95 % CI 1·08, 2·17) incidence. Consistent high computer/tablet use also presented higher odds for incidence of elevated frequency of ultra-processed food consumption.Conclusions: Participants with incidence of sedentary behaviours were also more likely to present incidence of unhealthy diet during the COVID-19 pandemic quarantine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context : Injury surveillance and training load monitoring are both essential for the development of preventative strategies for gradual-onset musculoskeletal injuries in elite sport. Our aim was to survey health professionals working with elite tennis players on whether and how they monitor injuries and training load. Design.· A cross-sectional multinational online open-survey. Methods.· The survey was developed and advertised in English, Spanish, and Portuguese languages on social media channels, a tennis academic journal, professional tennis associations, and clinical networks of the research team, from December 2020 to April 2021 . Results : 71 health professionals from 27 different countries working with elite tennis players responded to the survey. Injury surveillance is performed by 94% (68/72) of the survey respondents, with only 10% (7/68) using the consensus- recommended Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center questionnaire. Most common barriers identified by health professionals to injury surveillance are time constraints (66%), lack of knowledge (43%), and technology (31%). Training load monitoring is performed by 50% (36/72) of the health professionals working with elite tennis players. Main metrics monitored are weekly differences in training load (72%) and acute:chronic workload ratio (58%). Most common reasons for training load monitoring are injury prevention (94%), training planning (81 %), and player feedback (53%). Conclusions: Despite a high percentage of health professionals implementing injury surveillance metrics, most of them do not use any validated method. Only half of health professionals working with elite tennis players monitor training load. Lack of knowledge and technology were the main barriers reported for adequately monitoring injuries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Tuberculosis, characterized by the World Health Organization as a global health emergency, is a disease of global impact. Objective: To investigate a series of tuberculosis cases during 17 years in Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil, considering the historic relationship between mining and the disease. Method: Data was obtained through the city's system of tuberculosis notifications, plus active search through medical records, and compared to the amount of notified cases present in the System of Information of Notifications Complications. For trend analysis, polynomial regression models were used for the historic series. Results: The average age was 40.3 ± 16.4 years old. Men showed 2.23 times more cases and chances (odds ratio) of 2.07 times higher for negative outcomes. The most observed form was lung (85%) and HIV serology was performed in only 16.3% of the logs. The main observed outcome was a cure (70%) and negative outcomes accounted for 20.2% of the logs. The average incidence rate was 29.76 and 16.23 cases/100 thousand inhabitants in the city and district zones, respectively. Conclusion: Despite the historical relationship between mining and tuberculosis in the municipality, it is observed that the same still presents worrying vulnerabilities about disease surveillance, temporal series analysis suggested a decline in the proportion of cases cured between 2009 and 2015. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Deficits in knee flexor strength and rate of torque development (RTD) might be present in women with patellofemoral pain (PFP). In addition, maximal strength and RTD of the knee flexors and extensors might be related with subjective and objective function in women with PFP. However, both conjectures are still poorly understood.Research Question: Do women with PFP have deficits in the maximal strength and RTD of the knee flexors and extensors during isometric, concentric, and eccentric contractions? Is there a relationship between maximal strength and RTD of the knee flexors and extensors with subjective and objective function in women with PFP?Methods: Fifty-six women with, and 46 women without, PFP participated. Maximal strength and RTD (to 30% and 60% maximal torque) during isometric, concentric, and eccentric contractions of the knee flexors and extensors were assessed using an isokinetic dynamometer. Objective assessment included single leg hop test (SLHT) and forward step-down test (FSDT). Subjective assessment involved the anterior knee pain scale.Results: Women with PFP had small to large deficits in maximal strength and RTD of the knee flexors and extensors during isometric, concentric and eccentric contractions (Effect sizes: -0.43 to -1.10; p ≤ 0.016). Small to moderate correlations of maximal concentric and eccentric knee flexor strength and RTD with SLHT and FSDT (r = 0.28 to 0.41; p ≤ 0.037) were identified. Subjective or objective function were not correlated with maximal isometric knee flexor strength and RTD, or any knee extensor measures (p > 0.05).Significance: Maximal strength and RTD deficits of the knee flexors and extensors were identified in this female PFP cohort, but they were unrelated to subjective function. The relationship of concentric and eccentric knee flexor strength and RTD deficits with poor objective function should be considered in future exercise trials for women with PFP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our aim was to investigate the mediating role of worsening sleep quality in the association of the incidence of physical inactivity, high TV-viewing, and high computer/tablet use with loneliness, sadness, and anxiety. Data of 45,161 Brazilian adults from a nationwide behavior survey, conducted between April 24th and May 24th (2020), were used. Participants reported physical inactivity (PI; <150 min/week), high TV-viewing (TV; ≥4 h/day), and high computer/tablet use (PC; ≥4 h/day) before and during COVID-19 quarantine (exposures). For incidence indicators, we only considered participants without the risk behavior before quarantine. Changes in sleep quality during the quarantine period (maintained/got better or worsened) were treated as a mediator. Elevated frequencies of feelings of loneliness, sadness (feel sad, crestfallen, or depressed), and anxiety (feel worried, anxious, or nervous) during the pandemic period were the study outcomes. Analyses were adjusted for sex, age group, highest academic achievement, working status during quarantine, skin color, previous diagnosis of depression, and adherence to quarantine. Mediation models were created using the Karlson Holm Breen method. The incidence of PI, high TV, and high PC use were associated with loneliness, sadness, and anxiety feelings. Worsening sleep quality partly mediated the association of the incidence of PI, high TV, and high PC use with loneliness (PI:30.9%; TV:19.6%; PC: 30.5%), sadness (PI:29.8%; TV:29.3%; PC: 39.1%), and anxiety (PI:21.9%; TV:30.0%; PC:38.5%). The association of the incidence of physical inactivity and sedentary behaviors with mental health indicators is partly mediated by worsening sleep quality during the COVID-19 pandemic quarantine. • Both the incidence of physical inactivity and sedentary behaviors were hegatively with mental health indicators. • Incidence of high sedentary behaviors and physical inactivity were associated with lower mental health during the quarantine. • Worsening sleep quality partly mediated the association between unhealthy movement behaviors and lower mental health indicators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The present study analyzed the association between (i) eating habits during pregnancy, (ii) advice from family or friends about gestational weight gain (GWG), and iii) personal effort to stay within weight gain limits, and meeting GWG recommendations. Methods: Participants included pregnant and postpartum women who completed the validated electronic maternal health survey (EMat). Sociodemographic, lifestyle variables, and body mass index were covariates used in the analyses. Results: Among all eligible women (1171), and a subset of women receiving a specific GWG target from HCP (365, 31.2%), participants who considered that their eating habits became less healthy, or could not evaluate if habits changed, had a higher likelihood of gaining above (adjusted odds ratio, aOR = 2.62; 95% CI 1.84; 3.73 for the total sample (TS); aOR = 4.79; CI 2.32;9.88 for the subset) GWG guidelines after adjusting for the covariates. Women who received advice from family or friends about how much weight they should gain while pregnant were more likely to experience GWG below (TS: aOR = 1.49; CI 1.02;2.17; subset: aOR = 1.95; CI 1.03;3.68) and above (TS: aOR = 1.42; CI 1.01;1.99; subset: aOR = 1.92; CI 1.06;3.48) guidelines, when compared to women who did not receive family/friends advice. Moreover, lower personal effort to stay within weight gain limits was associated with gaining below (TS: aOR = 1.77; CI 1.07;2.92; subset: aOR = 2.71; CI 1.30; 5.65) GWG guidelines. Conclusions for Practice: Women self-reporting less healthy eating habits than before pregnancy, receiving advice from family/friends about GWG, and lower personal effort to stay within guidelines, had an increased odds of weight gain discordant with recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Altered patellofemoral joint (PFJ) loading and elevated kinesiophobia are commonly reported in people with patellofemoral pain (PFP). However, the relative relationship of these physical‐psychological variables with pain and disability in people with PFP is unknown. Aim: To explore the relationship of PFJ loading during stair ascent and kinesiophobia, with self‐reported pain and disability in women with PFP. Methods: Fifty‐seven women with PFP completed the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia, a Visual Analog Scale (0‐100 mm) for pain during stair ascent, and the Anterior Knee Pain Scale (disability). Stair ascent mechanics were assessed via three‐dimensional motion analysis while participants ascended an instrumented seven‐step staircase. Peak PFJ contact force and stress, and PFJ contact force and stress loading rates were estimated using a musculoskeletal model. The relationships of PFJ kinetics during stair ascent and kinesiophobia, with the Anterior Knee Pain Scale (disability) and pain during stair ascent, were evaluated with Spearman rank correlation. Variables (kinetics and kinesiophobia) significantly correlating with the dependent variables (pain and disability) were inserted in linear regression models. Results: Kinesiophobia was moderately associated with self‐reported pain (rho = 0.37) and disability (rho = −0.58) in women with PFP. No PFJ loading variables were found to be associated with self‐reported pain or disability (P >.05). Kinesiophobia explained 14% of the variance of participants' pain while ascending stairs and 33% of the variance of participant's self‐reported disability. Conclusion: Addressing kinesiophobia during treatment of women with PFP may be important to reduce self‐reported pain and disability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Obesity in children and adolescents is usuallyrelated to metabolic alterations, and intervention programs are one of the strategies for the treatment of obesity and associated comorbidities. At the beginning of the intervention, the stages of readiness to change behavior indicate specific habits that the teenager plans to modify or not, and how long he or she intends to make the alterations. Objective: To assess the metabolic profile and their association with the stages of readiness to change eating habits and exercise behaviors in adolescents with overweight. Methods: Eighty-three adolescents with excess body weight underwent an assessment of anthropometric variables and metabolic profile (glucose, total cholesterol, LDL-c, HDL-c, non-HDL-c, VLDL, triglycerides, insulin). Besides, the stages of readiness to change behaviors for "size and amount of portions," "amount of fat in the diet," fruits and vegetable consumption," and "physical activity practice," anthropometric variables and metabolic profile were compared according to the stages of change. Results: About "fruits and vegetable consumption," adolescents in the Maintenance group presented lower body weight than those from Action and Preparation groups. The Action group presented higher body weight than group "Contemplation" and it showed higher non-HDL-cholesterol than the groups "Pre-contemplation" and "Preparation." In "physical activity practice," the Maintenance group presented lower body weight, Body Mass Index, and body fat (in kg) than Action, Preparation, and Contemplation groups. The alterations in HDL-cholesterol reduced as the stages of change progressed in the "physical activity practice" domain. Conclusion: The stages of readiness to change behaviors impact anthropometric and metabolic variables in adolescents with excess body weight, and it is a recommended instrument to monitor intervention programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: To contextualize the use of methodological tools and report the experiences with the course "Assessment and Prescription of Physical Activity for Health and Disease" ministered for professionals/residents in Physical Education (PE). METHODS: The article presents the descriptions of activities developed for two professionals of the first class from the multidisciplinary residence of the Midwestern Parana State University (Unicentro-PR). We aimed to innovate in teaching aspects, using methodological references such as evidence-based physical activity and program-based learning. RESULTS: There are some highlighted experiences such as the importance of searching for the theoretical reference and the timing to apply the topics, optimizing the application of science in the residences' practice and the pragmatic trials stimulating evidences that reflects practices. CONCLUSION: We hope this report provides the continuous discussion on multidisciplinary residence courses about the optimization of science applied into practice by PE professionals in the primary health care context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study validates the adaptation of a loyalty scale for the library scenario and recovers the hierarchical nature of the perceived service quality (PSQ) by operationalizing it as a second‐order level construct, composed by the determinants of service quality (DSQ) identified by Parasuraman, Zeithaml, and Berry in 1985. Our hypothesis was that DSQ are distinct and complementary dimensions, in opposition to the overlapping of DSQ proposed in the SERVQUAL and LibQUAL+® models. In addition, the influence of PSQ on user loyalty (UL) was investigated. Using structural equation modeling, we analyzed the survey data of 1,028 users of a network of academic libraries and report 2 main findings. First, it was shown that the 10 DSQ are statistically significant for the evaluation of PSQ. Second, we demonstrated the positive effect of PSQ for UL. The model presented may be used as a diagnostic and benchmarking tool for managers, coordinators, and librarians who seek to evaluate and/or assess the quality of the services offered by their libraries, as well as to identify and/or manage the loyalty level of their users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nascimento, MA, Silva, DRP, Ribeiro, AS, Pina, FLC, Gerage, AM, Gobbo, LA, Mayhew, JL, and Cyrino, ES. Agreement between bioelectrical impedance and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry to track changes in fat-free mass after resistance training in older women. J Strength Cond Res 34(6): 1700–1708, 2020—The aim of our study was to compare the agreement between bioelectrical impedance (BIA) and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) to track changes on fat-free mass (FFM) after a resistance training (RT) program in older women. Forty-three older women (65.2 ± 4.6 years, 59.5 ± 9.2 kg, 156.4 ± 6.0 cm, 24.3 ± 3.3 kg.m-2) participated in a RT intervention (12 weeks, 8 exercises, 2 sets, 10–15 repetitions, 3 nonconsecutive days per week). Fat-free mass changes were determined by a single-frequency BIA device (EQ1), 6 BIA prediction equations for older women (EQ2, EQ3, EQ4, EQ5, EQ6, and EQ7), and DXA. At pretraining, 3 equations overpredicted, and 3 underpredicted DXA FFM (F = 244.63, p < 0.001), although all equations had high correlations with DXA (r = 0.78–0.83). After training, 4 equations overpredicted and one underpredicted DXA FFM (F = 176.25, p < 0.001). Dualenergy X-ray absorptiometry detected significant gains in FFM (0.65 ± 0.82 kg; p < 0.05), as did EQ3 (0.55 ± 1.69 kg; p < 0.05), and EQ4 (0.61 ± 1.88 kg; p < 0.05), whereas the remaining equations did not indicate significant changes in FFM. Low correlations between FFM and equation change values suggest that single-frequency BIA-derived equations may not provide sufficient accuracy to track changes in FFM after 12 weeks of RT in older women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditionally, resting heart rate variability (rHRV) is measured for 10 min using the last 5 min for analyses (e.g., criterion period). It is unknown whether the measurement period can be shortened in pregnant women as there are currently no established standards. We aimed to compare shorter time segments (e.g., from the 1st to 10th minutes) of the parasympathetic index natural logarithm transformation of root mean square of successive R–R differences (Ln rMSSD) with the criterion period in pregnant and nonpregnant women. Twelve pregnant (age: 30.8 ± 3.4 years; gestational age: 20.1 ± 5.0 weeks) and 15 nonpregnant women (age: 29.8 ± 4.0 years) were included. rHRV was measured using a portable heart rate monitor for 10 min while sitting. Ln rMSSD difference/agreement between shorter time segments and criterion period was analyzed. The result observed between the 4th–5th minutes was the shortest time segment not different from/highly agreed with the criterion period in pregnant women (difference [95% confidence interval (CI)]: −0.10 [−0.22 to 0.02]/bias ± 1.96 × SD: −0.06 [−0.38 to 0.25]). In nonpregnant women, the 2nd–3rd-minute segment was the shortest with similar results (difference [95% CI]: −0.04 [−0.15 to 0.07]/bias ± 1.96 × SD: −0.03 [−0.39 to 0.32]). The Ln rMSSD was found to be stable from the 5th–10th minutes and the 3rd–10th minutes in pregnant and nonpregnant women, respectively. A shortened rHRV assessment can increase its applicability in clinical/exercise-training settings. Novelty Ln rMSSD can be measured for 5 min in pregnant women, with the last 1-min segment analyzed. The last 1-min segment from 3 min can be used for rHRV measurement in nonpregnant women. The shortened rHRV assessment can facilitate its applicability in clinical/exercise-training settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, newly identified small molecules were examined for efficacy against 'Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus' in commercial groves of sweet orange (Citrus sinensis) and white grapefruit (Citrus paradisi) trees. We used benzbromarone and/or tolfenamic acid delivered by trunk injection. We evaluated safety and efficacy parameters by performing RNAseq of the citrus host responses, 16S rRNA gene sequencing to characterize citrus-associated microbial communities during treatment, and qRT-PCR as an indirect determination of 'Ca. L. asiaticus' viability. Analyses of the C. sinensis transcriptome indicated that each treatment consistently induced genes associated with normal metabolism and growth, without compromising tree viability or negatively affecting the indigenous citrus-associated microbiota. It was found that treatment-associated reduction in 'Ca. L. asiaticus' was positively correlated with the proliferation of several core taxa related with citrus health. No symptoms of phytotoxicity were observed in any of the treated trees. Trials were also performed in commercial groves to examine the effect of each treatment on fruit productivity, juice quality and efficacy against 'Ca. L. asiaticus'. Increased fruit production (15%) was observed in C. paradisi following twelve months of treatment with benzbromarone and tolfenamic acid. These results were positively correlated with decreased 'Ca. L. asiaticus' transcriptional activity in root samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Listeria monocytogenes contamination was assessed in different steps of a pork production chain. Ten lots of pigs were sampled at termination barns, at slaughter (after bleeding, after buckling, after evisceration, and after final washing), at processing (knives, deboning tables, and employees' hands), and of end products (ribs, shoulder, ham, and sausage). All samples (n = 670) were subjected to L. monocytogenes detection, and the obtained isolates (n = 18, identified as Listeria spp.) were characterized by their biochemical characteristics, serogroups, virulence genes, pulsed-field gel electrophoresis profiles, antibiotic resistances (ampicillin, penicillin, gentamicin, and sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim), and adhesion abilities. The results revealed the low occurrence of Listeria spp. in the evaluated pork production chain. However, four tested sausage samples (40%) were positive for Listeria spp., with L. monocytogenes identified in two (20%) of these samples. Ten isolates were identified as L. monocytogenes (eight from serogroup 1/2a or 3a and two from serogroup 4b, 4d, or 4e): all isolates were also positive for the virulence-related genes hlyA, iap, plcA, actA, inlA, inlB, inlC, and inlJ and susceptible to the tested antibiotics. One sausage sample was contaminated by both serogroups 1/2a or 3a and 4b, 4d, or 4e. Isolates from serogroup 1/2a or 3a obtained during visits 5 and 6 presented distinct genetic profiles by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, indicating that contamination may come from different sources. The adhesion potential exhibited by Listeria spp. isolates (n=18) ranged from weak (serogroup 4b, 4d, or 4e) to moderate (L. innocua and L. monocytogenes serogroup 1/2a or 3a). Despite the low occurrence of L. monocytogenes, pathogenic serogroups were detected in sausages, demanding control measures by the industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To determine the effects of HRV-guided running training on mood state and recovery-stress factors in untrained women. Thirty untrained women were randomized into two groups. The CG performed a pre-defined training program while the HRVG completed their running training regarding the intensity distribution according to the parasympathetic activity. The questionnaires of perception of recovery-stress and mood state were answered pre and post-training. The CG reported reduced emotional stress (-0.8±1.3), conflicts/pressure (-0.8±0.8), and increased sleep quality (0.9±1.1), personal acceptance (0.9±1.6), self-regulation (0.8±1.3), specific recovery mean (0.6±0.9), and total recovery mean (0.4±0.7). The HRVG reported decreased general stress (-0.5±0.8), emotional stress (-0.7±1.2), social stress (-0.8±1.0), lack of energy (-0.8±0.8), general stress mean (-0.5±0.8), and increased self-regulation (0.7±1.1). This group also decreased tension (-2.8±3.7), depression (-2.7±4.2), anger (-2.8±4.4) and fatigue (-2.7±3.7) and TMD (-10.7±14.2). HRVG reduced negative scales of mood state and stress factors that were not observed in the controls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Presence of knee crepitus did not affect knee strength or objective function. • People with knee crepitus present lower self-reported physical function (small effect). • People with knee crepitus present lower quality of life (small effect). Crepitus is a common clinical feature of knee osteoarthritis. However, the importance of crepitus in the overall clinical presentation of individuals with knee osteoarthritis is unknown. (A) To compare function, pain and quality of life between individuals with knee osteoarthritis with and without crepitus; (B) to compare whether individuals with knee osteoarthritis in both knees, but crepitus in just one, differ in terms of function pain, and knee strength. Setting : Observational study. Participants : (A) A total of 584 participants with crepitus who had the same Kellgren–Lawrence grade on both knees were matched for gender, body mass index and Kellgren-Lawrence grade to participants without crepitus on both knees. (B) 361 participants with crepitus in only one knee and with the same Kellgren-Lawrence grade classification on both knees were included. Main outcome measure(s) : A – Self-reported function, pain, quality of life, 20-m walk test and chair-stand test. B –Knee extensor and flexor strength, self-reported function and pain. A – Individuals with crepitus had lower self-reported function, quality of life and higher pain compared to those without crepitus (3–11%; small effect = 0.17–0.41, respectively). No difference was found in objective function between groups. B – Self-reported function was lower in the limb with crepitus compared to the limb without crepitus (15%; trivial effect = 0.09). No difference was found in pain and knee strength between-groups. Individuals with knee osteoarthritis and knee crepitus have slightly lower self-reported physical function and knee-related quality of life (small or trivial effect). However, the presence of knee crepitus is not associated with objective function or knee strength. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: In‐person physiotherapy services are not readily available to all individuals with musculoskeletal conditions, especially those in rural regions or with time‐intensive responsibilities. The COVID‐19 pandemic highlighted that telehealth may facilitate access to, and continuity of care, yet many physiotherapists lack telehealth confidence and training. This project co‐developed and evaluated a web‐based professional development toolkit supporting physiotherapists to provide telehealth services for musculoskeletal conditions. Methods: A mixed‐methods exploratory sequential design applied modified experience‐based co‐design methods (physiotherapists [n = 13], clinic administrators [n = 2], and people with musculoskeletal conditions [n = 7]) to develop an evidence‐informed toolkit. Semi‐structured workshops were conducted, recorded, transcribed, and thematically analysed, refining the toolkit prototype. Subsequently, the toolkit was promoted via webinars and social media. The usability of the toolkit was examined with pre‐post surveys examining changes in confidence, knowledge, and perceived telehealth competence (19 statements modelled from the theoretical domains framework) between toolkit users (>30 min) and non‐users (0 min) using chi‐squared tests for independence. Website analytics were summarised. Results: Twenty‐two participants engaged in co‐design workshops. Feedback led to the inclusion of more patient‐facing resources, increased assessment‐related visual content, streamlined toolkit organisation, and simplified, downloadable infographics. Three hundred and twenty‐nine physiotherapists from 21 countries completed the baseline survey, with 172 (52%) completing the 3‐month survey. Toolkit users had greater improvement in knowledge, confidence, and competence than non‐users in 42% of statements. Seventy‐two percentage of toolkit users said it changed their practice, and 95% would recommend the toolkit to colleagues. During the evaluation period, the toolkit received 5486 total views. Discussion: The co‐designed web‐based Musculoskeletal Telehealth Toolkit is a professional development resource that may increase physiotherapist's confidence, knowledge, and competence in telehealth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • UV-assisted ozonation improved recalcitrant pollutant degradation in all matrices. • The modified R OHO3 demonstrated the enhanced radical pathway by UV-light addition. • Photocatalytic ozonation consumed almost half of the ozone dose for MP depletion. • UV-C and photocatalytic ozonation need higher ozone doses than currently employed. Abstract In this work, the performances of ozonation, photolytic ozonation (UV-C/O 3), and photocatalytic ozonation (UV-A/TiO 2 /O 3) in degrading ozone recalcitrant micropollutants in four different real domestic wastewaters were evaluated in semi-continuous operation, together with the influence of water matrices in the ozone mass transfer and pollutant degradation rates. The OH exposure per consumed ozone ratio, defined as R OH,O3 , was applied for single ozonation and modified for light-assisted ozonation processes to evaluate and compare the contribution of radical pathway on micropollutants abatement for the different wastewaters studied. R OH,O3 plots presented good fitting (R2 > 0.95) in two stages, corresponding to different ozone mass transfer regimes, for all cases. Light-assisted ozonation attained higher pollutant degradation for all water matrices compared to single ozonation, although the performance of UV-assisted processes was more sensitive to matrix factors like composition and turbidity. Moreover, the improvement brought by both light-based processes on R OHO3 values mainly took place during the second stage. Thus, photocatalytic ozonation reached R OHO3 values higher than double for all wastewaters, compared with single ozonation (between 105% and 127% increase). These values represent a saving of almost half of the overall ozone needs (42%) for the same ozone recalcitrant micropollutant depletion, although it would require the adoption of higher ozone doses than the currently employed for ozonation in wastewater treatment plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the sequence of our study on the effect of color on the production of responses to Rorschach, it was decided to consider the effect of color on the formal quality of responses to Cards II, III, VIII, IX, and X of Rorschach, in their original and in an achromatic version, with a group of young people aged 15-21 years old. In the current study, we considered only the answers given to the last three colored cards (2002 e 2009). Results confirm those obtained previously (2014), as they reveal a highly significant difference between means, favorable to the chromatic version, in Card X, and in all three cards taken together. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate cardiorespiratory fitness’ tracking from childhood to adolescence, as well as to test the moderation role of somatic maturation. Methods: Our sample was composed by 375 children (197 boys), with a baseline age between 7 and 10 years old. The children were followed-up over three years. Body mass and stature were measured as anthropometric indicators and were used to estimate maturity status through Moore’s method. Cardiorespiratory fitness was evaluated through 9-minute running test. Body adiposity was estimated through the subcutaneous skinfold method, with measures of triceps and subscapular skinfolds and used as a covariate. Sample was categorized into tertiles. Thereafter, the Kappa (k) coefficient and Lin’s concordance correlation coefficient (LCCC) tests were adopted to verify stability. Dummy variable in regression was used to test moderation effects. All analyses were conducted in Stata 14.0, adopting p<0.05. Results: Cardiorespiratory fitness presented a moderate to low tracking from childhood to adolescence (k=0.294; LCCC=0.458). Moreover, maturity status significantly moderated the association between cardiorespiratory fitness at childhood and adolescence (regardless of cohort and body adiposity) among boys (β=0.644; p=0.003) and role sample (β=0.184; p=0.020), but not girls (-0.217; p=0.413).Objective: To evaluate cardiorespiratory fitness’ tracking from childhood to adolescence, as well as to test the moderation role of somatic maturation. Methods: Our sample was composed by 375 children (197 boys), with a baseline age between 7 and 10 years old. The children were followed-up over three years. Body mass and stature were measured as anthropometric indicators and were used to estimate maturity status through Moore’s method. Cardiorespiratory fitness was evaluated through 9-minute running test. Body adiposity was estimated through the subcutaneous skinfold method, with measures of triceps and subscapular skinfolds and used as a covariate. Sample was categorized into tertiles. Thereafter, the Kappa (k) coefficient and Lin’s concordance correlation coefficient (LCCC) tests were adopted to verify stability. Dummy variable in regression was used to test moderation effects. All analyses were conducted in Stata 14.0, adopting p<0.05. Results: Cardiorespiratory fitness presented a moderate to low tracking from childhood to adolescence (k=0.294; LCCC=0.458). Moreover, maturity status significantly moderated the association between cardiorespiratory fitness at childhood and adolescence (regardless of cohort and body adiposity) among boys (β=0.644; p=0.003) and role sample (β=0.184; p=0.020), but not girls (-0.217; p=0.413). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]