Dissonance-Based Eating Disorder Prevention for Body-Dissatisfied Brazilian Cisgender Gay and Bisexual Men: A Randomized Controlled Trial With a 1-Year Follow-Up.

OBJECTIVE: Gay and bisexual men are at an increased risk for eating disorders (EDs) and muscle dysmorphia (MD) compared with their heterosexual counterparts. Existing dissonance-based (DB) EDs prevention programs for this population have been evaluated in the United States; however, these programs have not been evaluated in the Brazilian context. Thus, we investigated the feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy of a DB ED prevention program (i.e., the PRIDE Body Project) among Brazilian cisgender gay and bisexual men. METHOD: Eligible men were randomly assigned to either a DB intervention (n = 74) condition or an assessment-only control (AOC) condition (n = 75). Participants completed measures assessing ED and MD risk and protective factors at baseline, post-intervention, 1-month, 6-month, and 1-year follow-up. Those in the intervention condition also completed acceptability measures. RESULTS: Feasibility and acceptability ratings were highly favorable. Regarding efficacy, post-intervention results were not significant, except for self-objectification, which showed a significantly greater decrease in the DB condition compared with the AOC condition at all time-points of follow-ups (Cohen's d = -0.31 to -0.76). At follow-up, the DB condition showed significantly greater decreases in appearance-ideal internalization, drive for muscularity, self-objectification, ED and MD symptoms at 1-month, 6-month, and 1-year follow-ups (d = -0.33 to -0.92) compared with the AOC condition. Significant increases were observed in the DB compared with the AOC condition for body appreciation at 1-month, 6-month, and 1-year follow-ups (d = 0.31-0.81). DISCUSSION: Results support the feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy of the PRIDE Body Project up to 1-year in Brazilian cisgender gay and bisexual men. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (ReBEC; available at http://www.ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/) number of registration: RBR-62fctqz.

Factor structure and measurement invariance of the Body Appreciation Scale - 2 among Brazilian gender-expansive individuals and transgender men.

Among gender-expansive individuals and transgender men, body appreciation can play a protective role against minority stressors and is associated with gender euphoria. The Body Appreciation Scale (BAS-2; Tylka & Wood-Barcalow, 2015) is a leading measure of body appreciation that has been mainly validated in cisgender and mixed-gender samples; however, it has not been validated among Brazilian gender-expansive individuals and transgender men. Therefore, we evaluated the psychometric properties of the BAS-2 among adult Brazilian gender-expansive individuals and transgender men. Participants (158 gender-expansive individuals and 138 transgender men) were recruited through social media in Brazil. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) supported the original 10-item, unidimensional solution. Multigroup CFA showed configural, metric, and scalar invariance of the BAS-2 between gender-expansive individuals and transgender men. Moreover, the BAS-2 demonstrated significant negative associations, ranging from small to large, with self-objectification, drive for muscularity, and appearance-ideal internalization. We also found good internal consistency and test-retest reliability of the measure. Taken together, our results support the psychometric properties of the BAS-2 among Brazilian gender-expansive individuals and transgender men. The present work offers a valuable contribution towards better understanding facets of positive body image across gender-expansive and transgender populations.

Validation and measurement invariance of the Compulsive Exercise Test among Brazilian and American young adults.

PURPOSE: To evaluate compulsive exercise, researchers often rely on the widely used Compulsive Exercise Test (CET). However, the measure has shown unstable factor structure in several validation studies and is not available in Portuguese for use in Brazil. We aimed to describe the translation and cultural adaptation of the CET to Brazilian Portuguese, to test several factor structures among Brazilian and US samples of men and women, to test measurement invariance across countries, and to evaluate its internal consistency. Furthermore, we sought to evaluate convergent validity, correlating the CET with a measure of eating disorder symptoms, and to compare compulsive exercise symptoms between countries. METHODS: Four models of the latent structure of the CET were tested using confirmatory factor analyses (CFAs), three-factor structure with 15 items, three-factor structure with 18 items, four-factor structure with 21 items, and the original five-factor structure with 24 items, in a sample of 1,531 young adults (601 Brazilians and 930 Americans), aged 18-35 years. RESULTS: A series of CFAs demonstrated that the three-factor structure with 15 items showed a better fit to the data. This model demonstrated good convergent validity and internal consistency. Results from the CET multigroup CFA showed evidence for the invariance at the configural, metric, and scalar levels across Brazilians and Americans. Furthermore, significant differences were found between Brazilians and Americans, with Brazilians demonstrating higher scores on the Avoidance and rule-driven behavior and Mood improvement subscales, whereas US participants scored higher on the Weight control exercise subscale. CONCLUSIONS: Results support the three-factor structure with 15 items to be used as a measure of compulsive exercise among Brazilians and Americans, allowing cross-cultural comparisons between these countries. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level V, Cross-sectional, Psychometric study.

A randomized controlled trial of a dissonance‐based eating disorder prevention intervention for body-dissatisfied Brazilian men: results from a 1-year follow-up

Objective: To test the efficacy of a dissonance-based (DB) intervention in targeting risk factors for eating disorders (EDs) and predisposing factors for muscle dysmorphia (MD) symptoms in body-dissatisfied Brazilian men over 1 year of follow-up and evaluate whether reductions in body-ideal internalization would mediate the intervention's impact on ED and MD symptoms. Methods: Participants were randomized to a two-session DB intervention (n=89) or assessment-only control (AOC) (n=91), and completed validated measures assessing body-ideal internalization, body dissatisfaction, ED, and MD symptoms at baseline, post-intervention, 1-month, 6-month, and 1-year follow-ups. Results: The DB condition showed significantly greater reductions in MD symptoms and body dissatisfaction compared with the AOC group over a 1-year follow-up, while significant differences were not observed for body-ideal internalization and ED symptoms. Changes in body-ideal internalization from baseline to 1-month follow-up completely mediated the relationship between condition and the changes observed in both ED and MD symptoms. Conclusion: These results provide further evidence of the efficacy of the tested intervention through 1-year follow-up in reducing body dissatisfaction and MD symptoms, but no such result was observed for body-ideal internalization and EDs. Our findings provide support for theoretical models of eating pathology and MD symptoms in Brazilian men. Clinical Trial Registration: Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (ReBEC): RBR-27dc264.

Preditores de dismorfia muscular em homens brasileiros de minoria sexual e de gênero / Muscle dysmorphia predictors among sexual and gender minority Brazilian men

RESUMO Objetivos Avaliar preditores de dismorfia muscular em homens brasileiros de minoria sexual e de gênero e descrever normas comunitárias para o Muscle Dysmorphic Disorder Inventory (MDDI), instrumento de avaliação de sinais e sintomas de dismorfia muscular. Métodos Trata-se de estudo transversal realizado com 1.444 homens brasileiros de minoria sexual e de gênero, com idade entre 18 e 50 anos. Por meio de uma pesquisa on-line , os participantes responderam a um questionário sociodemográfico, assim como medidas para avaliação dos sintomas de dismorfia muscular, busca pela muscularidade, internalização da aparência ideal e auto-objetificação. Foram realizadas análises descritivas e de correlação ( rho de Spearman) entre as variáveis do estudo, bem como uma análise de regressão linear múltipla ( stepwise forward ) para avaliar preditores de dismorfia muscular. Resultados Associação positiva e significante, de grande magnitude, foi observada entre os sintomas de dismorfia muscular, busca pela muscularidade, internalização da aparência ideal e auto-objetificação. Regressão linear múltipla demonstrou que todas essas variáveis são preditoras dos sintomas de dismorfia muscular em homens brasileiros de minoria sexual e de gênero. Conclusões Homens brasileiros de minoria sexual e de gênero apresentaram elevado risco para dismorfia muscular. Sintomas de dismorfia muscular estiveram associados com a busca pela muscularidade, internalização da aparência ideal e auto-objetificação, demonstrando que elas são preditoras de dismorfia muscular. Intervenções devem ser direcionadas a essa população, considerando a necessidade de criar estratégias de redução de sintomas de dismorfia muscular, da busca pela muscularidade, da internalização da aparência ideal e da auto-objetificação.

ABSTRACT Objectives To evaluate predictors of muscle dysmorphia in sexual and gender minority Brazilian men and to describe community norms for the Muscle Dysmorphic Disorder Inventory (MDDI), an instrument for assessing muscle dysmorphia symptoms. Methods This cross-sectional study was carried out with 1.444 sexual and gender minority Brazilian men, with ages between 18 and 50 years. By means of an on-line survey the participants answered a sociodemographic questionnaire, as well as muscle dysmorphia symptoms, drive for muscularity, appearance-ideal internalization, and self-objectification measures. Descriptive and correlation (Spearman's rho ) analysis were performed among the study variables, in addition to a multiple linear regression analysis (stepwise forward) to evaluate predictors of muscle dysmorphia. Results A positive and significant association of large magnitude was observed among muscle dysmorphia symptoms, drive for muscularity, appearance-ideal internalization, and self-objectification. Multiple linear regression showed that all these variables are predictors of muscle dysmorphia symptoms in sexual and gender minority Brazilian men. Conclusions Sexual and gender minority Brazilian men present high risk for muscle dysmorphia. Muscle dysmorphia symptoms were associated with drive for muscularity, appearance-ideal internalization, and self-objectification, showing that they are predictors of muscle dysmorphia. Interventions should target this population, considering the need to create strategies to reduce muscle dysmorphia symptoms, the drive for muscularity, appearance-ideal internalization, and self-objectification.

Psychometric Evaluation of the Drive for Muscularity Scale and the Muscle Dysmorphic Disorder Inventory among Brazilian Cisgender Gay and Bisexual Adult Men.

Despite high levels of muscularity concerns among sexual-minority men, most of the existing literature on the drive for muscularity and muscle dysmorphia focuses on heterosexual men and has mainly been conducted in Western and English-speaking regions. The present study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Drive for Muscularity Scale (DMS) and the Muscle Dysmorphic Disorder Inventory (MDDI) in Brazilian cisgender gay and bisexual adult men who were 18-50 years old. We evaluated the factor structure of both measures using a two-step, split-sample exploratory (EFA; n = 704) and confirmatory (CFA; n = 705) factor-analytic approach, which supported the original three-factor structure of the MDDI and resulted in a reduced two-factor solution with 13 items for the DMS. Convergent validity was supported through associations of the DMS and the MDDI with eating disorder symptoms, body-ideal internalization, self-objectification beliefs and behaviors, and body appreciation measures. Additionally, we found good internal consistency, and test-retest reliability of both measures. Results support the validity and reliability of the DMS and the MDDI in Brazilian cisgender gay and bisexual adult men and will support future studies exploring these constructs in Brazilian sexual-minority men.

Psychometric properties of the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire among Brazilian cisgender gay and bisexual adult men.

OBJECTIVE: One of the most widely used assessment tools for disordered eating attitudes and behaviors, the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q), has not yet been evaluated in Brazilian cisgender gay and bisexual men-an at-risk population given the extent of minority stressors in Brazilian culture. The present study aimed to assess the psychometric properties of the EDE-Q among Brazilian cisgender gay and bisexual adult men. METHOD: The Brazilian EDE-Q was administered to a sample of 1409 gay and bisexual adult men, along with measures of self-objectification, body-ideal internalization, drive for muscularity, muscle dysmorphia symptoms, and body appreciation. The factor structure of the Brazilian EDE-Q was assessed using a two-step, split-sample exploratory (EFA; n = 704) and confirmatory factor analytic approach (CFA; n = 705). Additionally, convergent validity, internal consistency, and 2-week test-retest reliability were assessed. RESULTS: Findings from an EFA and CFA revealed a one-factor structure with 22 items and adequate internal consistency (ω = .92, 95% CI = [.91, .93]). Moreover, the scale demonstrated good 2-week test-retest reliability (ICC = .86, 95% CI = [.82, .88], p < .001). The EDE-Q scores showed positive associations with self-objectification, body-ideal internalization, muscle dysmorphia symptoms, and drive for muscularity, as well as a negative association with body appreciation. DISCUSSION: Results provide support for the use of the EDE-Q using a one-factor structure in Brazilian cisgender gay and bisexual adult men and give insights for future studies on eating disorders in sexual minorities in Latin America. PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE: The Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q) is one of the most widely used self-report measures of eating disorder symptoms. However, there is a lack of research on the validity and reliability of the EDE-Q in Latin American countries. This study evaluated the validity and reliability of the EDE-Q in Brazilian cisgender gay and bisexual adult men. Our findings give insights for future studies on eating disorders in sexual minorities in Latin America.

Factor structure and psychometric properties of the Body Appreciation Scale-2 among Brazilian cisgender gay and bisexual men.

Positive body image may be particularly relevant to assess for Brazilian gay and bisexual men, given the extent of sexual minority stressors (e.g., harassment, discrimination) in Brazilian culture, which can impair one's self-perception and concept. Thus, the purpose of the present study was to assess the psychometric properties of the Body Appreciation Scale-2 (BAS-2) among Brazilian cisgender gay and bisexual adult men, aged 18-50 years. We evaluated the factor structure using a two-step, split-sample exploratory (EFA; n = 682) and confirmatory factor analytic approach (CFA; n = 727), which supported the one-factor structure of the measure. Additionally, convergent validity, internal consistency, and 2-week test-retest reliability were assessed. The BAS-2 scores showed small to large negative correlations with self-objectification beliefs and behaviors, drive for muscularity and appearance-ideal internalization measures. We also found good internal consistency and test-retest reliability of the measure. Taken together, these results support the use of the BAS-2 in Brazilian cisgender gay and bisexual men and provide an initial understanding of body appreciation and other related constructs among this population.

Dissonance-based eating disorder prevention improves intuitive eating: a randomized controlled trial for Brazilian women with body dissatisfaction.

PURPOSE: Investigate the efficacy of a dissonance-based (DB) intervention (i.e., the Body Project), during which some examples of intuitive eating were provided by peer leaders, in improving intuitive eating and targeting risk and protective factors for eating disorders (ED) among Brazilian women with body dissatisfaction. METHODS: Participants were randomized to a four-session DB intervention (n = 38) or assessment-only control (AOC) (n = 36), and completed validated measures assessing intuitive eating, body appreciation, self-esteem, body-ideal internalization, body dissatisfaction, negative affect, and disordered eating pre-intervention, post-intervention, and at 4- and 24-week follow-ups. RESULTS: The DB condition demonstrated significantly greater increases in intuitive eating, body appreciation and self-esteem scores compared to AOC from pre-intervention to post-intervention (between-condition Cohen's d = 0.73-0.98), 4-week (between-condition Cohen's d = 1.25-1.87) and 24-week follow-up (between-condition Cohen's d = 0.82-1.38). Also, the DB condition showed significantly greater decreases in body-ideal internalization, body dissatisfaction and disordered eating scores from pre-intervention to post-intervention (between-condition Cohen's d = 0.76-1.04), 4-week (between-condition Cohen's d = 1.27-1.71) and 24-week follow-up (between-condition Cohen's d = 1.04-1.19). Regarding negative affect, DB condition showed significantly greater reduction only at 24-week follow-up (between-condition Cohen's d = 0.60). CONCLUSION: Results reinforce the efficacy of DB interventions in reducing ED risk factors for young women and support the preliminary efficacy of these programs in improving intuitive eating, body appreciation, and self-esteem. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level I, randomized controlled trial. ReBEC (Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials; available at http://www.ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/ ) number of registration: RBR-2f57cs. Date of registration: June 1, 2020.

Dissonance-based eating disorder prevention delivered in-person after an online training: A randomized controlled trial for Brazilian men with body dissatisfaction.

OBJECTIVE: Few prevention programs have been developed and empirically evaluated to address eating disorder (ED) and muscle dysmorphia (MD) symptoms in men. Furthermore, new strategies for the broad implementation of available programs are needed. We investigated the acceptability and efficacy of a dissonance-based (DB) intervention for Brazilian undergraduate men with body dissatisfaction to target risk and protective factors for ED and MD symptoms (the Body Project: More Than Muscles) after an online training for facilitators. METHOD: Participants were randomized to a two-session DB-intervention (n = 89) or assessment-only control (AOC) (n = 91), and completed validated measures assessing ED and MD risk and protective factors pre-intervention, post-intervention, and at 4- and 24-week follow-up post-intervention. RESULTS: Acceptability ratings were highly favorable. Regarding efficacy, the DB condition demonstrated significantly greater decreases in ED and MD risk factors compared to AOC from pre-intervention to 4-week (p-values <.05, between-condition Cohen's d = 0.35-1.10) and 24-week follow-up (p-values <.05, between-condition Cohen's d = 0.33-0.78). Results at post-intervention were not significant, with the exception that body appreciation showed significantly greater improvements in the DB condition (post-intervention: p < .01, between-condition Cohen's d = 0.40; 4-week: p < .001, between-condition Cohen's d = 0.80; and 24-week follow-up: p < .001, between-condition Cohen's d = 0.58). DISCUSSION: Results support the acceptability and efficacy of a DB-intervention delivered in-person after an online training for facilitators up to 24-week follow-up in Brazilian men.

Abordagem multiprofissional na Promoção da Saúde: o contexto de olhares, profissional, e do sujeito do cuidar / Multi-professional approach in Health Promotion: from the professional view and the subject of care context / Enfoque multiprofesional en la Promoción de la Salud: el contexto de la percepción profesional y del sujeto del cuidar

Objetivou-se avaliar a abordagem multiprofissional no contexto do olhar profissional e do sujeito da ação do cuidar de um programa de atividade física regular. Como metodologia, o estudo de método misto, fundamentado no modelo RE-AIM (Reach = alcance, Efficacy = eficácia, Adoption = adoção, Implementation = implementação, Maintanance = manutenção), realizado entre outubro/2015 a agosto/2016, em um município do interior da Bahia, por meio de entrevista semi estruturada com profissionais e pessoas adulto-idosas com doença crônica não transmissível, participantes de um programa de atividade física regular, e inquérito documental em prontuário de saúde. Os resultados evidenciaram os benefícios do trabalho integrador à ação social coletiva em saúde das pessoas, no processo de formação profissional e na melhoria da saúde das pessoas, impactando nos índices pressóricos, de modo à sua diminuição aos níveis limítrofes à promoção da qualidade da saúde e viver humano. Como conclusões: A promoção da qualidade de vida e saúde de pessoas em enfrentamento crônico é alavancada quando exercida através de abordagem multiprofissional e enfoque interdisciplinar, elementos necessários à potencialização de políticas públicas e programas de saúde de impacto à saúde pública.

Objective: To evaluate the multi-professional approach in the professional view and the subject of care contexts of a regular physical activity program. Methodology: Mixed method study, based on RE-AIM (Reach = Efficacy = Adoption = Implementation = Maintenance), carried out between October, 2015 and August, 2016, in the countryside of Bahia, through a semistructured interview with professionals and adult-elderly people with a chronic non-communicable disease, participants of a regular physical activity program, and review of medical records. Results: They showed the benefits of integrating work to the collective social health approach in people's health, in professional training and in the improvement of people's health, impacting blood pressure indexes, so as to reduce them to levels that promote quality of health and human life. Conclusions: The promotion of quality of life and health of people living with a chronic disease is improved when performed with a multi-professional and interdisciplinary approach, which are necessary elements to the improvement of public policies and health programs that impact public health.

Objetivo: Evaluar el enfoque multiprofesional en el contexto de la percepción profesional y del sujeto promotor del cuidar de un programa de actividad física regular. Metodología: Estudio de método mixto, basada en el modelo RE-AIM (Reach = alcance, Efficacy = eficacia, Adoption = adopción, Implementation = implementación = Maintanance = mantenimiento), que se realizó entre octubre / 2015 a agosto / 2016, en un municipio del interior de Bahía, por medio de una entrevista semiestructurada con profesionales y personas adultas mayores con enfermedad crónica no transmisible, participantes de un programa de actividad física regular e investigación documental en prontuario de salud. Resultados: evidenciaron los beneficios del trabajo integrador a la acción social colectiva en salud de las personas, en el proceso de formación profesional y en la mejora de la salud de las personas, impactando en los índices presóricos, de modo a su disminución a los niveles limítrofes a la promoción de la calidad de la salud y vivir humano. Conclusiones: La promoción de la calidad de vida y salud de personas en enfrentamiento crónico es impulsada cuando se ejerce a través de un enfoque multiprofesional y enfoque interdisciplinario, elementos necesarios para la potenciación de políticas públicas y programas de salud de impacto a la salud pública.

Sintomas Osteomusculares em Cirurgiões-Dentistas: Um Estudo Piloto / Osteomuscular Symptoms in Dentists: a Pilot Study

Dentists are more likely to develop occupational diseases due to the routine use of arms and shoulders with the same patterns of movement. Musculoskeletal disorders encompass several pathologies that are the main cause of early worker withdrawal and can lead to symptoms that hinder professional activity, such as pain, fatigue and even the spine functional impairment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms related to the dentists' professional activity. This is a cross-sectional quantitative study. Data collection was performed at the Dental Specialties Centers in the cities of Crato, Juazeiro do Norte and Mauriti in the state of Ceará. To collect the data an interview script and the Nordic questionnaire - adapted NMQ were used. Of those interviewed, 83.33% reported pain in the last 12 months; 46.66% reported some pain in the last 7 days; 36.66% reported that pain was an obstacle to work; 53.33% sought a health professional for consultation related to pain in the last 12 months; and 90% correlated the pain experienced with work. The anatomical regions that most professionals reported were pain in the lower back, neck, hands, shoulders and upper back. Given the severity of musculoskeletal symptoms and their consequences on the health of dentists, it is fundamental to adopt practices that aim to prevent their onset.(AU).

Cirurgiões-dentistas estão mais propensos a desenvolver doenças ocupacionais devido ao uso rotineiro dos membros superiores com os mesmos padrões de movimento. Os "distúrbios osteomusculares" abrangem diversas patologias, que configuram a principal causa do afastamento precoce do trabalhador e podem se traduzir em sintomas que dificultam a atividade profissional, como dores, fadiga e até comprometimento funcional da coluna vertebral. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a prevalência dos sintomas osteomusculares relacionados à atividade profissional dos cirurgiões-dentistas. Trata-se de um estudo transversal de abordagem quantitativa. A coleta de dados foi realizada nos Centros de Especialidades Odontológicas nas cidades de Crato, Juazeiro do Norte e Mauriti no estado do Ceará. Para a coleta dos dados foi utilizado um roteiro de entrevista e o questionário nórdico ­ NMQ adaptado. Dos entrevistados, 83,33% relataram dor nos últimos 12 meses; 46,66% relataram alguma dor nos últimos 7 dias; 36,66% alegaram que a dor foi motivo de impedimento para exercer seu trabalho; 53,33% procuraram algum profissional de saúde para consulta relacionada às dores nos últimos 12 meses; e 90% correlacionaram as dores sentidas com o trabalho. As regiões anatômicas que os profissionais mais relataram dor foram a lombar, pescoço, mãos, ombros e região dorsal. Diante da gravidade dos sintomas osteomusculares e de suas consequências sobre a saúde dos cirurgiões-dentistas, torna-se fundamental a adoção de práticas que objetivem prevenir o seu aparecimento. (AU).

Proprioceptive deficit after total elbow arthroplasty: an observational study.

BACKGROUND: During total elbow arthroplasty (TEA), most of the joint capsule is removed, including many mechanoreceptors important for proprioception, which potentially limits the patient's postoperative functional recovery. We quantified proprioceptive loss by measuring the threshold to detection of passive motion (TTDPM) in patients after unilateral TEA compared with the contralateral side. METHODS: A continuous passive motion device moving the elbow at 0.5°/s was used to evaluate TTDPM in 8 patients (mean ± standard deviation age, 69.1 ± 9.93 years) at least 1 year after unilateral semiconstricted linked TEA for a range of diagnoses. Elbow function after TEA was assessed using the Mayo Elbow Performance Scale. RESULTS: Postsurgical Mayo scores revealed 4 excellent results, 2 good, and 2 poor. The TTDPM in the elbows undergoing arthroplasty was still significantly higher compared with the contralateral elbow at 4.2° (15.6 ± 6.9 seconds vs. 7.2 ± 2.6 seconds; D = 3.23, P = .01) equivalent to 8.4 seconds. CONCLUSIONS: Patients who have had severe joint disease requiring semiconstrained TEA have long-term proprioception deficits. A more conservative technique that maximally preserves insertions and soft tissues, might minimize upper limb proprioceptive deficit.

Estimating the concentration of urea and creatinine in the human serum of normal and dialysis patients through Raman spectroscopy.

Urea and creatinine are commonly used as biomarkers of renal function. Abnormal concentrations of these biomarkers are indicative of pathological processes such as renal failure. This study aimed to develop a model based on Raman spectroscopy to estimate the concentration values of urea and creatinine in human serum. Blood sera from 55 clinically normal subjects and 47 patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing dialysis were collected, and concentrations of urea and creatinine were determined by spectrophotometric methods. A Raman spectrum was obtained with a high-resolution dispersive Raman spectrometer (830 nm). A spectral model was developed based on partial least squares (PLS), where the concentrations of urea and creatinine were correlated with the Raman features. Principal components analysis (PCA) was used to discriminate dialysis patients from normal subjects. The PLS model showed r = 0.97 and r = 0.93 for urea and creatinine, respectively. The root mean square errors of cross-validation (RMSECV) for the model were 17.6 and 1.94 mg/dL, respectively. PCA showed high discrimination between dialysis and normality (95 % accuracy). The Raman technique was able to determine the concentrations with low error and to discriminate dialysis from normal subjects, consistent with a rapid and low-cost test.

Quantifying creatinine and urea in human urine through Raman spectroscopy aiming at diagnosis of kidney disease.

Due to their importance in the regulation of metabolites, the kidneys need continuous monitoring to check for correct functioning, mainly by urea and creatinine urinalysis. This study aimed to develop a model to estimate the concentrations of urea and creatinine in urine by means of Raman spectroscopy (RS) that could be used to diagnose kidney disease. Midstream urine samples were obtained from 54 volunteers with no kidney complaints. Samples were subjected to a standard colorimetric assay of urea and creatinine and submitted to spectroscopic analysis by means of a dispersive Raman spectrometer (830 nm, 350 mW, 30 s). The Raman spectra of urine showed peaks related mainly to urea and creatinine. Partial least squares models were developed using selected Raman bands related to urea and creatinine and the biochemical concentrations in urine measured by the colorimetric method, resulting in r = 0.90 and 0.91 for urea and creatinine, respectively, with root mean square error of cross-validation (RMSEcv) of 312 and 25.2 mg/dL, respectively. RS may become a technique for rapid urinalysis, with concentration errors suitable for population screening aimed at the prevention of renal diseases.

Observation of yttrium oxide nanoparticles in cabbage (Brassica oleracea) through dual energy K-edge subtraction imaging.

BACKGROUND: The potential transfer of engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) from plants into the food chain has raised widespread concerns. In order to investigate the effects of ENPs on plants, young cabbage plants (Brassica oleracea) were exposed to a hydroponic system containing yttrium oxide (yttria) ENPs. The objective of this study was to reveal the impacts of NPs on plants by using K-edge subtraction imaging technique. RESULTS: Using synchrotron dual-energy X-ray micro-tomography with K-edge subtraction technique, we studied the uptake, accumulation, distribution and concentration mapping of yttria ENPs in cabbage plants. It was found that yttria ENPs were uptaken by the cabbage roots but did not effectively transferred and mobilized through the cabbage stem and leaves. This could be due to the accumulation of yttria ENPs blocked at primary-lateral-root junction. Instead, non-yttria minerals were found in the xylem vessels of roots and stem. CONCLUSIONS: Synchrotron dual-energy X-ray micro-tomography is an effective method to observe yttria NPs inside the cabbage plants in both whole body and microscale level. Furthermore, the blockage of a plant's roots by nanoparticles is likely the first and potentially fatal environmental effect of such type of nanoparticles.

Textual Definitions in the Leukemia Domain: Methodological Guidelines for Biomedical Ontologies.

The goal of our study is to establish methodological guidelines for the formulation of definitions in biomedical ontologies thatare not so common in the field of Library & Information Science.

Representation of Biomedical Expertise in Ontologies: a Case Study about Knowledge Acquisition on HTLV viruses and their clinical manifestations.

In this paper, we introduce a set of methodological steps for knowledge acquisition applied to the organization of biomedical information through ontologies. Those steps are tested in a real case involving Human T Cell Lymphotropic Virus (HTLV), which causes myriad infectious diseases. We hope to contribute to providing suitable knowledge representation of scientific domains.

Linked Health Data: how linked data can help provide better health decisions.

This paper provides a brief survey about the use of linked data in healthcare to foster better health decisions and increase health knowledge. We present real cases from the Brazilian experience and emphasize some issues in research. This paper is not intending to be fully comprehensive, we discuss some open issues and research challenges in linked data and the technologies involved. We conclude that even though linked data has been adopted in many countries, some challenges have to be overcome, for example, interoperability between different standards. A defined solution able to foster the semantic interoperability between different standards must be developed. Benefits contributed through linked health data involve better decision making on diagnostics, assertive treatments, knowledge acquisition, improvements in quality healthcare service to citizens.