Moniz Game: Usability and User Experience Evaluation of a Musical Game for Motor Coordination.

Purpose: The objective of this research was to develop a musical digital game for rehabilitation of upper limb and to verify its usability and user experience with professionals in the field (physical therapists). Materials and Methods: Thirty working professionals were recruited to evaluate the system. The usability was evaluated with the System Usability Scale (SUS) and the user experience was verified with the Game Flow scale. Results: The overall score of the SUS scale was 88.67 (±9.129); this score is interpreted as "Best Imaginable" (86-100). The user experience rating had most of its domains equal or higher than 4, which indicates that all the requirements for a good user experience were present in the game. Conclusions: The Moniz Game proved to be a game with good usability and can be a tool for application in clinical practice regarding motor coordination. However, further studies are needed to evaluate the effect of the Moniz Game on motor coordination in patients with neurological dysfunctions.

Design of Low-Cost Modular Bio-Inspired Electric-Pneumatic Actuator (EPA)-Driven Legged Robots.

Exploring the fundamental mechanisms of locomotion extends beyond mere simulation and modeling. It necessitates the utilization of physical test benches to validate hypotheses regarding real-world applications of locomotion. This study introduces cost-effective modular robotic platforms designed specifically for investigating the intricacies of locomotion and control strategies. Expanding upon our prior research in electric-pneumatic actuation (EPA), we present the mechanical and electrical designs of the latest developments in the EPA robot series. These include EPA Jumper, a human-sized segmented monoped robot, and its extension EPA Walker, a human-sized bipedal robot. Both replicate the human weight and inertia distributions, featuring co-actuation through electrical motors and pneumatic artificial muscles. These low-cost modular platforms, with considerations for degrees of freedom and redundant actuation, (1) provide opportunities to study different locomotor subfunctions-stance, swing, and balance; (2) help investigate the role of actuation schemes in tasks such as hopping and walking; and (3) allow testing hypotheses regarding biological locomotors in real-world physical test benches.

Avaliação da gravidade dos sinais e sintomas da COVID-19 em pacientes submetidos à cirurgia bariátrica / Assessment of the severity of signs and symptoms of COVID-19 in patients undergoing bariatric surgery / Evaluación de la gravedad de los signos y sintomas de COVID-19 em pacientes sometidos a cirurgía bariátrica

Objetivo: Avaliar a gravidade e a incidência dos sinais e sintomas da COVID-19 em pacientes bariátricos, relacionando-os ao índice de massa corporal (IMC) e a outros fatores considerados de risco para a doença.Método: trata-se de um estudo transversal. Os pacientes responderam a um questionário eletrônico e a avaliação da gravidade dos sinais e sintomas da infecção por SARS-CoV-2 foi realizada seguindo o manual "Orientações para manejo de pacientes com covid-19", do Ministério de Saúde do Brasil. Resultados: um total de 60 pacientes foram incluídos. Dos participantes, 60% apresentaram sintomas graves e a fadiga foi o sintoma mais frequente (90%). A análise mostrou uma associação significativa entre a presença de tosse e a condição de sobrepeso/obesidade (OR=3,720; IC=1,060­13,050; p=0,034). Além disso, apenas 6,7% foram hospitalizados, sem casos de intubação, todos com sobrepeso/obesidade (OR=1,333; IC=1,114­1,554). Conclusão:apesar de uma alta taxa de pacientes categorizados com sinais e sintomas graves, verificou-se uma baixa necessidade de internação hospitalar e ventilação mecânica não invasiva. Isso sugere que a perda de peso e a melhora das comorbidades pós-cirurgia podem contribuir para um risco reduzido de hospitalização em casos de infecção por COVID-19

Objective: To assess the severity and incidence of COVID-19 signs and symptoms in bariatric patients, relating them to body mass index (BMI) and other risk factors for the disease. Method:This is a cross-sectional study. Patients completed an electronic questionnaire, and the severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection signs and symptoms was assessed following the "Guidelines for the management of COVID-19 patients" by the Brazilian Ministry of Health. Results:A total of 60 patients were included. Among the participants, 60% presented with severe symptoms, with fatigue being the most frequent symptom (90%). The analysis showed a significant association between the presence of cough and the condition of overweight/obesity (OR=3.720; CI=1.060­13.050; p=0.034). Moreover, only 6.7% were hospitalized, with no cases requiring intubation, all within the overweight/obesity subgroup (OR=1.333; CI=1.114­1.554).Conclusion: Despite a high rate of patients categorized with severe signs and symptoms, there was a low need for hospital admission and non-invasive mechanical ventilation. This suggests that weight loss and improvement of comorbidities post-surgery may contribute to a reduced risk of hospitalization in COVID-19 infection case.

Objetivo: Evaluar la gravedad y la incidencia de los signos y síntomas de COVID-19 en pacientes bariátricos, relacionándolos con el índice de masa corporal (IMC) y otros factores de riesgo para la enfermedad. Metodo:Se trata de un estudio transversal. Los pacientescompletaron un cuestionario electrónico, y la gravedad de los signos y síntomas de la infección por SARS-CoV-2 se evaluó siguiendo las "Guías para el manejo de pacientes con COVID-19" del Ministerio de Salud de Brasil. Resultados:Se incluyó un total de 60 pacientes. Entre los participantes, el 60% presentó síntomas severos, siendo la fatiga el síntoma más frecuente (90%). El análisis mostró una asociación significativa entre la presencia de tos y la condición de sobrepeso/obesidad (OR=3.720; IC=1.060­13.050; p=0.034). Además, solo el 6.7% fueron hospitalizados, sin casos que requirieran intubación, todos dentro del subgrupo de sobrepeso/obesidad (OR=1.333; IC=1.114­1.554). Conclusión:A pesar de una alta tasa de pacientes clasificados con signos y síntomasseveros, hubo una baja necesidad de admisión hospitalaria y ventilación mecánica no invasiva. Esto sugiere que la pérdida de peso y la mejora de las comorbilidades postoperatorias pueden contribuir a un riesgo reducido de hospitalización en casos de infección por COVID-19

Carbon Nanomaterial-Based Hydrogels as Scaffolds in Tissue Engineering: A Comprehensive Review.

Carbon-based nanomaterials (CBNs) are a category of nanomaterials with various systems based on combinations of sp2 and sp3 hybridized carbon bonds, morphologies, and functional groups. CBNs can exhibit distinguished properties such as high mechanical strength, chemical stability, high electrical conductivity, and biocompatibility. These desirable physicochemical properties have triggered their uses in many fields, including biomedical applications. In this review, we specifically focus on applying CBNs as scaffolds in tissue engineering, a therapeutic approach whereby CBNs can act for the regeneration or replacement of damaged tissue. Here, an overview of the structures and properties of different CBNs will first be provided. We will then discuss state-of-the-art advancements of CBNs and hydrogels as scaffolds for regenerating various types of human tissues. Finally, a perspective of future potentials and challenges in this field will be presented. Since this is a very rapidly growing field, we expect that this review will promote interdisciplinary efforts in developing effective tissue regeneration scaffolds for clinical applications.

Predictive Models of Muscle Strength in Older People with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Purpose: To propose predictive models for absolute muscle strength (AMS) of elderly people with type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM2) in primary health care. Patients and Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted with 138 elderly diabetics. The AMS was measured by a JAMAR® hydraulic handgrip dynamometer, determined by the sum of both hands. The following indices were evaluated: waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), body mass index (BMI), Lipid Accumulation Product (LAP), Triglyceride/High Density Lipoprotein (TG/HDL) ratio and platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR). Multiple linear regression was used in the statistical analysis. Results: The final regression model indicated 66.4% (R²=0.66) of the variation in AMS. WHtR decreased AMS by 41.1% (ß = -0.19; t = -3.70; p < 0.001), while PLR by 11.3% (ß = -0.12; t = -2.36; p = 0.020). Male sex increased AMS by 10.6% (ß = 0.32; t = 4.16; p < 0.001), and lean mass (LM) by 0.89% (ß = 0.46; t = 6.03; p < 0.001). Conclusion: WHtR and PLR predicted a decrease, while male sex and LM predicted an increase in AMS. It is suggested that these markers be used as screening measures for variation in AMS in older adults with DM2. These results have relevant practical application in primary health care since the markers are easy to use.

Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy in the Approach of Complication After Implantation of Spiculated Polydioxanone Threads.

The present manuscript is a clinical case report in which antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) - using a low-power laser (660 nm) associated with methylene blue photosensitizer (0.01%) - was considered for treating a case of complication after implantation of spiculated polydioxanone (PDO) threads, an aesthetic procedure worldwide performed in facial cosmetic non-surgical procedures. A 72-year-old female patient presented an infection in the face region where the PDO thread was implanted (mandible angle). After divulsion and local drainage, it was decided to associate aPDT using a low-level laser associated with a 0.01% methylene blue photosensitizer. Two sessions of aPDT were performed - on sequential days - and within 48 hours the region was dry and without signs of secretion. The use of aPDT seems to be a promising and effective option in cases of infections after implantation of PDO threads, consisting of a safe technique, of low execution complexity and without adverse effects.

Poder, crise e insurgência no Brasil e o direito a ter direitos / Power, crisis, and insurgency in Brazil and the right to have rights / Pouvoir, crise et insurrection au Brésil et le droit d'avoir des droits / Poder, crisis e insurgencia en Brasil y el derecho a tener derechos

Resumo Este ensaio reflete as condicionantes do poder em uma sociedade marcada pela emergência do conservadorismo que põe em risco a dignidade e os direitos humanos conquistados no período pós-ditadura militar brasileira. A partir do pensamento de autores críticos, tecemos considerações sobre como enfrentar essa nova configuração social e garantir a proteção dos direitos humanos. Para tanto, pensar o papel da universidade numa perspectiva praxiológica de ação política comprometida com a mudança social pressupõem buscar alternativas, saídas psicopolíticas, para uma sociedade capitalista submergida numa crise civilizatória. Como parte dessa análise, abordamos casos como o do assassinato de Marielle Franco, decorrente do avanço do conservadorismo e da violência política que o acompanha.

Abstract This essay reflects on the conditions of power in a society marked by the emergence of conservatism that puts at risk the dignity and human rights achieved in the post-military dictatorship period in Brazil. Based on the thought of critical authors, we make considerations about how to face this new social configuration and guarantee the protection of human rights. To this end, thinking about the role of the university in a praxeological perspective of political action committed to social change presupposes the search for alternatives, psycho-political ways out, for a capitalist society submerged in a crisis of civilization. As part of this analysis, we address cases such as the assassination of Marielle Franco, due to the advance of conservatism and of the political violence that accompanies it.

Résumé Cet essai réfléchit sur les conditions du pouvoir dans une société marquée par l'émergence d'un conservatisme qui met en danger la dignité et les droits de l'homme gagnés dans la période post-dictature militaire brésilienne. Basés sur la pensée d'auteurs critiques, nous formulons des considérations sur la manière de faire face à cette nouvelle configuration sociale et de garantir la protection des droits de l'homme. Pour ce faire, penser le rôle de l'université dans une perspective praxéologique d'action politique engagée dans le changement social présuppose la recherche d'alternatives, d'issues psycho-politiques, pour une société capitaliste submergée dans une crise civilisatrice. Dans le cadre de cette analyse, nous abordons des cas tels que l'assassinat de Marielle Franco, découlant de l'avancée du conservatisme et de la violence politique qui l'accompagne.

Resumen Este ensayo reflexiona sobre las condiciones del poder en una sociedad marcada por el surgimiento de un conservadurismo que pone en peligro la dignidad y los derechos humanos conquistados en el período de la dictadura militar brasileña. A partir del pensamiento de autores críticos se hacen consideraciones sobre cómo afrontar esta nueva configuración social y garantizar la protección de los derechos humanos. Para ello, pensar el papel de la universidad en una perspectiva praxeológica de acción política comprometida con el cambio social presupone la búsqueda de alternativas y de salidas psicopolíticas para una sociedad capitalista inmersa en una crisis civilizatoria. En este análisis se abordan casos como el asesinato de Marielle Franco como consecuencia del avance del conservadurismo y la violencia política que lo acompaña.

Prevalência de aditivos alimentares em produtos industrializados e a tendência clean label / The impact of food additive intake on human health and the clean label trend

Introdução: A ingestão de aditivos por meio dos alimentos industrializados pode impactar a saúde humana. Diante disso, surge à tendência clean label visando produtos mais saudáveis e naturais. Objetivo: Analisar a proporção de produtos clean label e dos principais aditivos presentes em alimentos industrializados, comparando-os aos análogos clean label. Métodos: Estudo transversal, descritivo, onde compilou-se aditivos presentes nas listas de ingredientes de três categorias de alimentos (hambúrgueres de carne, iogurtes e pós para o preparo de gelatina). As informações foram extraídas de um banco de dados de 2021, por meio de coleta em supermercados de Belo Horizonte-Minas Gerais (MG). Resultados e Discussão: Atingiu-se um número final de 157 produtos: hambúrgueres de carne (n=14), pós para o preparo de gelatina (n=51) e iogurtes (n=92). Apenas 16 produtos (10,2%) foram considerados clean label ou similares. A categoria de pós para o preparo de gelatina apresentou maior média de aditivos (7,3). Os principais aditivos encontrados foram: Tripolifosfato de Sódio (100%; n=12) nos hambúrgueres de carne, Sorbato de Potássio (92%; n=77) nos iogurtes e Acessulfame de Potássio (89%; n=40) nos pós para o preparo de gelatina. Após levantamento dos aditivos mais frequentes, uma discussão sobre o impacto na saúde foi realizada. Conclusão: Os resultados indicaram que a maioria dos produtos avaliados possui 5 ou mais aditivos em sua composição e que os aditivos mais frequentes podem ter efeito negativo à saúde, logo a alternativa de alimentos clean label pode oferecer um mesmo aporte nutricional sem os riscos inerentes à ingestão de aditivos químicos. (AU)

Introduction: The ingestion of food additives in processed foods can impact human health. Considering this, the clean label trend arises with healthier and more natural ingredients. Objective: To analyze the proportion of clean label products and the main additives present in industrialized foods, comparing them to their clean label analogues. Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive study, in which the additives present in the ingredients lists of three categories of industrialized foods (meat-based hamburgers, yogurts and powders for gelatin) were compiled. The information was extracted from a database built in 2021, through collection in supermarkets in Belo Horizonte-MG. Results and Discussion: A final number of 157 products was reached: meat-based hamburgers (n=14), powders for gelatin (n=51) and yogurts (n=92). Only 16 products (10.2%) were considered clean label or similar. The category of powders for gelatin had the highest average of additives per product (7.3). The main additives found were: Sodium Tripolyphosphate (100%; n=12) in meat-based hamburgers, Potassium Sorbate (92%; n=77) in yogurts and Acesulfame Potassium (89%; n=40) in powders for gelatin. After surveying the most frequent additives, a discussion about their impact on health was held. Conclusion: The results indicated that most of the evaluated products have 5 or more additives in their composition and that the most frequent additives can have a negative effect on health, so the clean label food alternative can offer the same nutritional contribution without the risks inherent to the ingestion of chemical additives. (AU)

Coexistence of high content of critical nutrients and claims in food products targeted at Brazilian children / Coexistência de altos teores de nutrientes críticos e alegações em produtos alimentícios voltados para crianças brasileiras

ABSTRACT Objective: This study aimed to evaluate food labels targeted at children and identify the concomitant presence of claims and high levels of critical nutrients and/or the presence of sweeteners. As a secondary objective, it aimed to list different types of claims and check which marketing strategies are most used. Methods: We collected 409 products, from 8 popular food groups targeted at children, in Brazilian market (i.e., fruit drinks, dairy drinks, sandwich cookies, cakes, breakfast cereals, jellies, corn snacks, and yogurts). The contents of critical nutrients (e.g., sugar, total fat, saturated fat, and trans-fat, and sodium) and presence/absence of sweetener were calculated, considering Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) parameters. Then, we verified the presence and types of claims in these products. Results: Overall, 265 (64.7%) labels presented claims. In three of the eight categories (i.e., breakfast cereals, dairy drinks, and yogurt), all products with claims (50, 34, and 34 products, respectively) had one or more nutrients in harmful concentrations (critical nutrients above PAHO's nutritional profile and/or presence of sweeteners). In the other categories, only one product (of 63 sandwich cookies and 26 breakfast cereals with claims) and three products (of 22 cakes and 28 jellies with claims) had no nutrient in critical concentration. The presence of claims, like "rich/source" of micronutrient, was predominant in seven of the eight food groups. Conclusion: In the present study, there was a high presence of claims, of different types, in foods targeted at children, which, for the most part, also have excess of at least one critical nutrient, according to PAHO.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar rótulos de alimentos direcionados ao público infantil e identificar a presença concomitante de alegações e de altos teores de nutrientes críticos e/ou presença de adoçantes. Como objetivo secundário, listar os diferentes tipos de alegações e verificar quais estratégias de marketing são mais utilizadas. Métodos: Foram coletados 409 produtos provenientes das oito categorias de alimentos mais populares entre crianças brasileiras (bebidas à base de frutas, bebidas lácteas, biscoitos recheados, bolos, cereais matinais, gelatinas, salgadinhos de milho e iogurtes). Foram calculados os teores de nutrientes críticos (açúcares, gorduras totais, saturadas e trans e sódio) e presença/ausência de adoçante, considerando-se os parâmetros da Organização Pan-Americana de Saúde (OPAS). Em seguida, verificamos a presença e os tipos de alegações nesses produtos. Resultados: No total, 265 (64,7%) rótulos apresentaram alegações. Em três das oito categorias (cereais matinais, bebidas lácteas e iogurtes), todos os produtos com alegações (50, 34 e 34 produtos, respectivamente) continham um ou mais nutrientes em concentrações prejudiciais (nutrientes críticos acima do preconizado pela OPAS e/ou presença de edulcorantes). Nas demais categorias, apenas um produto (de 63 biscoitos recheados e 26 cereais matinais com alegação) e três (de 22 bolos e 28 gelatinas com alegação) não apresentavam nutrientes em concentração crítica. A presença de alegações, como "rico" ou "fonte" de micronutriente, foi predominante em sete dos oito grupos de alimentos. Conclusões: Observou-se alta presença de alegações, de diferentes tipos, em alimentos destinados a crianças, que, em sua maioria, também possuem excesso de pelo menos um nutriente crítico, de acordo com a OPAS.

Coexistence of high content of critical nutrients and claims in food products targeted at Brazilian children.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate food labels targeted at children and identify the concomitant presence of claims and high levels of critical nutrients and/or the presence of sweeteners. As a secondary objective, it aimed to list different types of claims and check which marketing strategies are most used. METHODS: We collected 409 products, from 8 popular food groups targeted at children, in Brazilian market (i.e., fruit drinks, dairy drinks, sandwich cookies, cakes, breakfast cereals, jellies, corn snacks, and yogurts). The contents of critical nutrients (e.g., sugar, total fat, saturated fat, and trans-fat, and sodium) and presence/absence of sweetener were calculated, considering Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) parameters. Then, we verified the presence and types of claims in these products. RESULTS: Overall, 265 (64.7%) labels presented claims. In three of the eight categories (i.e., breakfast cereals, dairy drinks, and yogurt), all products with claims (50, 34, and 34 products, respectively) had one or more nutrients in harmful concentrations (critical nutrients above PAHO's nutritional profile and/or presence of sweeteners). In the other categories, only one product (of 63 sandwich cookies and 26 breakfast cereals with claims) and three products (of 22 cakes and 28 jellies with claims) had no nutrient in critical concentration. The presence of claims, like "rich/source" of micronutrient, was predominant in seven of the eight food groups. CONCLUSION: In the present study, there was a high presence of claims, of different types, in foods targeted at children, which, for the most part, also have excess of at least one critical nutrient, according to PAHO.

From the most to the least flexible nutritional profile: Classification of foods marketed in Brazil according to the Brazilian and Mexican models.

Nutrient profiling is the science of classifying or ranking foods according to their nutritional composition, for reasons related to disease prevention and health promotion. To be effective, policies such as front-of-pack nutrition labeling (FoPNL) must have an adequate nutritional profile model, since it will determine which products will be eligible to receive a FoPNL. This study aimed to determine the percentage of packaged food and drink products available in Brazil that would be subject to FoPNL under two different legislations: Brazilian and Mexican. This is a cross-sectional study in which we collected information on food products (photos of the ingredients list, the front label, the barcode, and the nutrition facts table) from one of the largest stores of a supermarket chain in the city of Belo Horizonte-MG, Brazil, from March to May 2021 (~6 months after the publication of the Brazilian legislation about FoPNL and a year and a half before the legislation came into force). The products were classified in relation to the BNPM (added sugars, saturated fats, and sodium) and the MNPM (energy, free sugars, saturated fats, trans fats, sodium, non-sugar sweeteners, and caffeine). A total of 3384 products were collected and, after applying the exclusion criteria, 3,335 products were evaluated. Of these, 2,901 would be eligible to receive FoPNL in Brazil and 2,914 would be eligible to receive FoPNL in Mexico. According to the BNPM, 56.7% (95% CI 54.9; 58.5%) of the products were "high in" critical nutrients, 27.1% (95% CI 25.5; 28.7%) of the products in added sugars, 26.7% (95% CI 25.2; 28.4%) of the products in saturated fats, and 21.4% (95% CI 19.9; 22.9%) of the products in sodium. As for the MNPM, 96.8% (95% CI 96.1; 97.4%) of them were "high in" up to five critical nutrients and up to two warning rectangles (caffeine and non-sugar sweeteners), 45.8% (95% CI 44.0; 47.6%) of them in free sugars, 43.7% (95% CI 41.9; 45.5%) of them in saturated fats, and 47.9% (95% CI 46.1; 49.7%) of them in sodium. We concluded that the eligibility to receive FoPNL by BNPM and MNPM was relatively similar between products; however, almost all products would have at least one FoPNL and/or warning rectangles according to Mexican legislation, and nearly half of them would have at least one FoPNL, considering BNPM. The MNPM is much more restrictive than the BNPM. The Nutrient Profile Model (NPM) that regulates FoPNL, and other health policies, must be carefully defined to ensure that foods are properly classified according to their healthiness.

Corrigendum: Comparison of two front-of-pack nutrition labels for Brazilian consumers using a smartphone app in a real-world grocery store: A pilot randomized controlled study.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.898021.].

Comparison of two front-of-pack nutrition labels for Brazilian consumers using a smartphone app in a real-world grocery store: A pilot randomized controlled study.

One of the suggestions for improving the understanding of food labels is implementing front-of-pack nutrition labeling (FoPNL), where nutritional information is objectively made available to consumers. Scientific data on the best FoPNL model to be adopted for the Brazilian population is still emerging, especially in real-world purchase situations. This study aims to evaluate/compare the proposed Brazilian and Mexican FoPNL systems, on different outcome measures, using an application, in dairy foods available in a supermarket aisle. This pilot randomized controlled trial in a real-world purchase situation was conducted in June/July 2021. A total of 230 participants were randomly allocated to one of the three study arms (Mexican and Brazilian FoPNL systems or control-nutritional information table and ingredients list). Using a smartphone, the participants scanned a product barcode and received the allocated FoPNL (with information about excessive added sugars, sodium, and/or saturated fat content) or the control. After, they answered questions related to our primary outcome (decision to buy or not to buy a product) and secondary outcomes (perceived healthiness, facilitation of a quick purchase decision, and identification of excess nutrients). The Mexican FoPNL system performed better in the primary outcome (3.74 ± 1.34) and "facilitation of a quick purchase decision" (3.59 ± 1.31), compared to the control (3.28 ± 1.45;p = 0.043 and 3.11 ± 1.42; p = 0.029). The Mexican FoPNL system performed better in supporting consumers to identify dairy foods, among the selected sample in this study, high in added sugars than the control (82.2% and 63.5% of correct answers, respectively; p = 0.009). For saturated fats, the Brazilian FoPNL resulted in 93.1% of correct answers against 48.2% for the control and 58.9% for the Mexican system (p ≤ 0.001). The Mexican FoPNL system facilitated consumer decision-making on when to buy or not to buy a selected dairy product and in helping to quickly decide which dairy products to buy, among the selected sample in this study, compared to the control. Considering the right answers of critical nutrients in excess or not, both models of FoPNL, delivered by a smartphone app, performed well.

Initial Muscle Quality Affects Individual Responsiveness of Interleukin-6 and Creatine Kinase following Acute Eccentric Exercise in Sedentary Obese Older Women.

This study aimed to evaluate the time course and responsiveness of plasma interleukin-6 (IL-6) and creatine kinase (CK) levels following acute eccentric resistance exercise in sedentary obese older women with a different muscle quality index (MQI). Eighty-eight participants (69.4 ± 6.06 years) completed an acute eccentric resistance exercise (7 sets of 10 repetitions at 110% of 10-repetition maximum with 3 min rest interval). Participants were divided into two groups: high or low MQI according to 50th percentile cut-off. The responsiveness was based on minimal clinical important difference. There were no differences between groups and time on IL-6 and CK levels (p > 0.05). However, the high MQI group displayed a lower proportion of low responders (1 for laboratory and 2 for field-based vs. 5 and 4) and a higher proportion of high responders for IL-6 (7 for laboratory and 6 for field-based vs. 4 and 5) compared to low MQI group. In addition, the high MQI group showed a higher proportion of high responders for CK (11 for laboratory and 9 for field-based vs. 6 and 6) compared to low MQI. A prior MQI screening can provide feedback to understand the magnitude response. Individual responsiveness should be taken into consideration for maximizing eccentric exercise prescription.

Inhibition of bacterial growth through LED (light-emitting diode) 465 and 630 nm: in vitro.

Photobiomodulation has been used to inactivate bacterial growth, in different laser or LED protocols. Thus, the aim of this study was to verify the inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli, in ATCC strains and bacteria collected from patients with skin burns, after irradiation with LED; 300 µl of saline solution with bacterial suspension was irradiated at a concentration of 0.5-0.63, by the McFarland scale, after five serial dilutions, with evaluation of pre- and post-irradiation pH and temperature control. The cultures were placed in a bacteriological incubator at 37 °C for 24 h for later counting of colony-forming units (CFU). Data were analyzed by Shapiro-Wilk tests and single-factor ANOVA, with Tukey post hoc (p < 0.05). Both wavelengths and energy densities tested showed inhibition of bacterial growth. The comparison of the irradiated groups (ATCC) with the control group showed the following: S. aureus and P. aeruginosa 465 nm (40 J/cm2) and 630 nm (50 J/cm2) and E. coli 465 nm (40 J/cm2) and 630 nm (30 J/cm2). Among the ATCC S. aureus groups, there was a difference for 630 nm (30 J/cm2) and 465 nm (30, 40, 50 J/cm2). The bacteria from the burned patients were S. aureus (30 and 50 J/cm2) and P. aeruginosa (50 J/cm2). We conclude that different bacterial strains were reduced into colony-forming units after LED irradiation.

Evaluation of the Anatomic Position of the Mandibular Canal Regarding to the Segments of the Mandibular Sagittal Split Ramus Osteotomy to Diminish the Possibility of Injuries: a Pilot Study.

Objectives: This pilot study evaluated the relationship between inferior alveolar nerve location through computed tomography scan and intraoperative inferior alveolar nerve entrapment after bilateral sagittal split osteotomy. Material and Methods: Overall, 20 helicoidal computed tomography scans were evaluated in patients with facial deformities who underwent to bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (BSSO). The distance from the mandibular canal to the internal surface of the buccal and lingual cortical bone, mandibular thickness, bone density and proportion of medullary and cortical bone in 3 regions were evaluated. During the intraoperative period, the segment to which the nerve remained adhered after performing BSSO was analysed, and the data correlated. Results: The distance from the mandibular canal to the buccal cortical bone showed a mean of 2.6 mm when the inferior alveolar nerve was adhered to the distal segment and mean of 0.7 mm when the nerve was adhered to the proximal segment. The thickness was 11.2 mm and 9.8 mm when the nerve was adhered the distal the proximal segments respectively. Mandibular thickness, distance from the mandibular canal to the buccal and lingual cortical were statistically related to intraoperative nerve entrapment (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Narrow jaws and the distance from the mandibular canal to buccal cortical bone less than 2 mm increases the risk of the inferior alveolar nerve entrapment in bilateral sagittal split osteotomy.

Actn3 gene polymorphism and factors associated with functional performance in elderly women assisted in primary health care / Polimorfismo do gene actn3 e os fatores associados ao desempenho funcional de idosas atendidas na atenção primária em saúde

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze potential influences of the R/X genetic polymorphism of the ACTN3 gene, as well as of anthropometric and metabolic characteristics on the functional performance of elderly women assisted in primary health care. Method: One hundred and forty-one elderly women were assessed in terms of anthropometric, metabolic and functional aspects, in addition to clinical, cognitive and demographic characteristics. Allele and genotype frequencies of ACTN3 gene polymorphism were determined. Results: 141 elderly women (68.30 ± 6.18 years) were evaluated. No significant differences (p > 0.05) were observed between the RR and RX/XX genotypes in the elderly women's functional performance, anthropometric or metabolic characteristics. The TUG test completion time showed positive correlations with age, body mass index, waist circumference, and fat percentage (s = 0.315; p < 0.001; s = 0.238; p = 0.005; s = 0.174; p = 0.039; s = 0.207; p = 0.014), respectively. Negative correlations were found between the TUG test with absolute handgrip strength (s = - 0.314; p < 0.001) and relative handgrip strength (s = - 0.380; p < 0.001). Conclusion: In our study, there were no influences from ACTN3 gene polymorphisms on the functional performance of the elderly women, which is influenced by other factors.

RESUMO Objetivo: analisar as potenciais influências do polimorfismo genético R/X do gene ACTN3 e das características antropométricas e metabólicas no desempenho funcional de mulheres idosas atendidas na atenção primária em saúde. Método: Cento e quarenta e uma idosas foram avaliadas em relação as características antropométricas, metabólicas, funcionais, aspectos clínicos, cognitivos e demográficos. Foram determinadas as frequências de alelos e genótipos do polimorfismo do gene ACTN3. Resultados: 141 idosas (68,30 ± 6,18 anos) foram avaliadas. Não foram observadas diferenças significativas (p > 0,05) entre os genótipos RR e RX/XX no desempenho funcional, características antropométricas ou metabólicas das idosas. O tempo de realização do TUG apresentou correlações positivas com idade, índice de massa corporal, circunferência da cintura e percentual de gordura (s = 0,315; p < 0,001; s = 0,238; p = 0,005; s = 0,174; p = 0,039; s = 0,207; p = 0,014) respectivamente. Correlações negativas foram observadas entre o TUG com força de preensão manual absoluta (s = - 0,314; p < 0,001) e relativa (s = - 0,380; p < 0,001). Conclusão: Em nosso estudo, não foram observadas influências dos polimorfismos do gene ACTN3 no desempenho funcional das idosas, sendo este, influenciado por outros fatores.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: scintigraphy in the diagnosis of steatohepatitis.

OBJECTIVE: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is the most prevalent cause of chronic liver disease worldwide. Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis is associated with increased mortality rates due to the liver and cardiovascular diseases. The gold standard for discriminating nonalcoholic fatty liver disease activity and staging is the anatomopathological examination, which is an invasive method. In this regard, noninvasive methods, such as scintigraphy, have been under investigation. This study investigated the role of scintigraphy in the diagnosis of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis in obese patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease undergoing bariatric surgery. METHODS: Patients undergoing bariatric surgery and liver biopsy were prospectively included. 99mTc-phytate scintigraphy was performed to assess liver/spleen, spleen/heart, and liver/heart uptake ratios, while 99mTc-isonitrile scintigraphy assessed liver/heart ratio. To evaluate the presence of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, the results of 99mTc-phytate scintigraphy and 99mTc-isonitrile scintigraphy were compared with the anatomopathological examination. RESULTS: Sixty-one patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease were allocated into two groups, namely, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (n=49) and non-nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (n=12). The results of scintigraphic images obtained after the infusion of radiopharmaceutical 99mTc-phytate in liver/spleen, spleen/heart, liver/heart ratios and 99mTc-isonitrile liver/heart ratio presented no difference between groups with and without nonalcoholic steatohepatitis with an accuracy of 47.5, 37.7, 50.8, and 52.5%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Scintigraphy was not proven to be a useful method to differentiate patients with and without nonalcoholic steatohepatitis.

Out-of-time-order correlations and the fine structure of eigenstate thermalization.

Out-of-time-order correlators (OTOCs) have become established as a tool to characterise quantum information dynamics and thermalization in interacting quantum many-body systems. It was recently argued that the expected exponential growth of the OTOC is connected to the existence of correlations beyond those encoded in the standard Eigenstate Thermalization Hypothesis (ETH). We show explicitly, by an extensive numerical analysis of the statistics of operator matrix elements in conjunction with a detailed study of OTOC dynamics, that the OTOC is indeed a precise tool to explore the fine details of the ETH. In particular, while short-time dynamics is dominated by correlations, the long-time saturation behavior gives clear indications of an operator-dependent energy scale ω_{GOE} associated to the emergence of an effective Gaussian random matrix theory. We provide an estimation of the finite-size scaling of ω_{GOE} for the general class of observables composed of sums of local operators in the infinite-temperature regime and found linear behavior for the models considered.

Comparative evaluation of inflammatory parameters and substitute insulin resistance indices in elderly women with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus.

PURPOSE: To analyze the influence of inflammatory parameters and substitute insulin resistance indices on the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) development in elderly women, as well as to compare anthropometric measures and metabolic parameters according to the presence of type 2 DM and HbA1c levels. PATIENTS AND METHODS: One hundred and twenty elderly women (67.9 ± 6.0 years) were submitted to anthropometric analysis, determination of inflammatory and metabolic parameters. They also underwent indices of lipid accumulation product (LAP), high density triglyceride/lipoprotein ratio (TG/HDL), triglyceride glucose index (TyG), as well as TyG by body mass index (BMI) ratio (TyG-BMI) assessment. RESULTS: Body mass index, tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin-2, blood glucose, TG, LAP, TG/HDL, TyG and TyG-BMI were significantly higher in elderly women with DM compared to non-diabetic women. LAP ≥ 55.4 (OR = 2.29; P = .027); TyG ≥ 8.8 (OR = 3.52; P < .001) and TyG-BMI ≥ 264.8 (OR = 3.54; P = .001) were identified as risk factors for DM. CONCLUSION: High pro-inflammatory parameters, low levels of anti-inflammatory markers and higher levels of substitute insulin resistance indices are risk predictors for DM development in elderly women in primary health care.