Goniometry and fleximetry measurements to assess cervical range of motion in individuals with chronic neck pain: a validity and reliability study.

PURPOSE: To assess the test-retest and inter-rater reliability of goniometry and fleximetry in measuring cervical range of motion in individuals with chronic neck pain. METHODS: A reliability study. Thirty individuals with chronic neck pain were selected. Cervical range of motion was measured by goniometry and fleximetry at two time points 7 days apart. To characterize the sample, we used the numerical pain rating scale, Pain-Related Catastrophizing Thoughts Scale, and Neck Disability Index. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), standard error of measurement (SEM) and minimum detectable change (MDC) were calculated. Correlations between goniometry and fleximetry measurements were performed using Spearman's correlation coefficient (rho). RESULTS: For goniometry, we found excellent test-retest reliability (ICC ≥ 0.986, SEM ≤ 1.89%, MDC ≤ 5.23%) and inter-rater reliability (ICC ≥ 0.947, SEM ≤ 3.91%, MDC ≤ 10.84%). Similarly, we found excellent test-retest reliability (ICC ≥ 0.969, SEM ≤ 2.71%, MDC ≤ 7.52%) and inter-rater reliability (ICC ≥ 0.981, SEM ≤ 1.88%, MDC ≤ 5.20%) for fleximetry. Finally, we observed a strong correlation between the goniometry and the fleximetry for all cervical movements (rho ≥ 0.993). CONCLUSION: Goniometry and fleximetry measurements are reliable for assessing cervical range of motion in individuals with chronic neck pain.

Prevalência e fatores associados à síndrome metabólica em Agentes Comunitários de Saúde / Prevalence and factors associated with metabolic syndrome in Community Health Workers

A síndrome metabólica é um distúrbio metabólico complexo, caraterizada pela associação de fatores de risco cardiovascular e resistência à insulina. Na Atenção Primária à Saúde, algumas condições laborais as quais os profissionais estão expostos podem ser fonte de adoecimento, e a literatura evidencia que aspectos laborais estão associados à síndrome metabólica, ou seja, que o contexto ocupacional é capaz de ser um fator de exposição para o desenvolvimento deste problema. O objetivo deste estudo foi estimar a prevalência de síndrome metabólica e os fatores associados em Agentes Comunitários de Saúde de uma cidade do Norte de Minas Gerais, Brasil. Estudo transversal, no qual coletaram dados sociodemográficos, estilo de vida, laborais, antropométricos, bioquímicos e aspectos emocionais. A variável dependente síndrome metabólica foi definida conforme o critério do National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III. Realizaram-se análises descritivas e de regressão múltipla de Poisson, com variância robusta, considerando um nível de significância de 5% (p<0,05) para o modelo final. Foram avaliados 673 Agentes Comunitários de Saúde, a prevalência de síndrome metabólica foi de 20,8% e associou-se à faixa etária ≥40 anos, menor escolaridade (Fundamental e/ou Médio), sobrepeso/obesidade, lipoproteína de baixa densidade ≥130 mg/dl e proteína C-reativa >5,0 mg/dl. Constatou-se uma elevada prevalência de síndrome metabólica em Agentes Comunitários de Saúde. Verifica-se a necessidade de estudos para o aprofundamento sobre a temática e o desenvolvimento de ações que visem a promoção de hábitos comportamentais saudáveis, bem como a prevenção de fatores de riscos.

Metabolic syndrome is a complex metabolic disorder, characterized by the association of cardiovascular risk factors and insulin resistance. In Primary Health Care, some work conditions to which professionals are exposed can be a source of illness and the literature shows that work aspects are associated with metabolic syndrome, that is, that the occupational context is capable of being an exposure factor for the development of this problem. The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and associated factors among community health workers in a city in the North of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Cross-sectional study, in which sociodemographic, lifestyle, work, anthropometric, biochemical, and emotional aspects of data were collected. The dependent variable metabolic syndrome was defined according to the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III criteria. Descriptive and multiple Poisson regression analyzes were carried out with robust variance, considering a significance level of 5% (p<0.05) for the final model. 673 community health workers were evaluated, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 20.8% and was associated with the age group ≥40 years, lower education (elementary and/or secondary), overweight/obesity, low-density lipoprotein ≥130 mg/dl and C-reactive protein >5.0 mg/dl. A high prevalence of metabolic syndrome was found in community health workers. There is a need for studies to delve deeper into the topic and develop actions aimed at promoting healthy behavioral habits, as well as preventing risk factors.

"Cocaine Shark": First report on cocaine and benzoylecgonine detection in sharks.

Cocaine (COC) and benzoylecgonine (BE), the main COC metabolite, have been detected in aquatic ecosystems. Studies focusing on wild fish are, however, very limited, and no reports concerning elasmobranchs are available. This study investigated COC and BE levels in Brazilian Sharpnose sharks (Rhizoprionodon lalandii) (n = 13) using LC-MS/MS. All samples (13/13) tested positive for COC, with 92 % (12/13) testing positive for BE. COC concentrations (23.0 µg kg-1) were over 3-fold higher than BE (7.0 µg kg-1). COC levels were about three-fold significantly higher in muscle (33.8 ± 33.4 g kg-1) compared to liver (12.2 ± 14.2 µg kg-1). Females presented higher COC concentrations in muscle (40.2 ± 35.8 µg kg-1) compared to males (12.4 ± 5.9 µg kg-1). Several positive statistical correlations were noted between COC and BE (rho = 0.84) in females, indicating systemic COC transport and metabolization, as well as between BE and weight (rho = 0.62), and between COC and the Condition Factor (rho = 0.73). A strong correlation was noted between BE and COC in the muscle of non-pregnant females (rho = 1.00). This study represents the first COC and BE report in free-ranging sharks, and the findings point to the potential impacts of the presence of illicit drugs in environments.

Siderite and vivianite as energy sources for the extreme acidophilic bacterium Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans in the context of mars habitability.

Past and present habitability of Mars have been intensely studied in the context of the search for signals of life. Despite the harsh conditions observed today on the planet, some ancient Mars environments could have harbored specific characteristics able to mitigate several challenges for the development of microbial life. In such environments, Fe2+ minerals like siderite (already identified on Mars), and vivianite (proposed, but not confirmed) could sustain a chemolithoautotrophic community. In this study, we investigate the ability of the acidophilic iron-oxidizing chemolithoautotrophic bacterium Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans to use these minerals as its sole energy source. A. ferrooxidans was grown in media containing siderite or vivianite under different conditions and compared to abiotic controls. Our experiments demonstrated that this microorganism was able to grow, obtaining its energy from the oxidation of Fe2+ that came from the solubilization of these minerals under low pH. Additionally, in sealed flasks without CO2, A. ferrooxidans was able to fix carbon directly from the carbonate ion released from siderite for biomass production, indicating that it could be able to colonize subsurface environments with little or no contact with an atmosphere. These previously unexplored abilities broaden our knowledge on the variety of minerals able to sustain life. In the context of astrobiology, this expands the list of geomicrobiological processes that should be taken into account when considering the habitability of environments beyond Earth, and opens for investigation the possible biological traces left on these substrates as biosignatures.

Translation, cross-cultural adaptation, and validation of the 10-item spine functional index (SFI-10) in the Brazilians with musculoskeletal spine disorders.

PURPOSE: To translate and cross-culturally adapt the Spine Functional Index (SFI) into Brazilian Portuguese (SFI-Br) in individuals with musculoskeletal spine disorders. METHODS: Participants (n=194) answered the Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36), Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire for General Pain (RMDQ-g), and SFI-25 incorporating the SFI-10. Structural validity, from confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), used comparative fit index (CFI), Tucker-Lewis index (TLI), root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA), and chi-square/degrees of freedom (DF). The best structure was considered from the lower values of the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) and Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC). Construct and criterion validity used Spearman's correlation coefficient (rho). Internal consistency used Cronbach's alpha, reliability used intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC2,1), with ceiling and floor effects determined. Error used the standard error of the measurement (SEM) and minimal detectable change, 90% level (MDC90). RESULTS: Adequate fit indices demonstrated an unequivocal one-factor structure only for the SFI-10 (chi-square/DF <3.00, CFI and TLI >0.90, RMSEA <0.08). The SFI-10-Br correlation was high with the SFI-Br (rho=0.914, p<0.001), moderate for the RMDQ-g (rho=-0.78), SF-36 functional capacity domain (rho=0.718) and NPRS (rho=-0.526); and adequate for the remaining SF-36 domains (rho>0.30). Test-retest reliability (ICC2,1=0.826) and internal consistency (alpha=0.864) were high. No ceiling or floor effects were observed, and error was satisfactory (SEM=9.08%, MDC90=25.15%). CONCLUSION: The SFI Brazilian version was successfully produced with the 10-item version showing an unequivocal one-factor structure, high construct and criterion validity, reliability, internal consistency, and satisfactory error. Further research on responsiveness is required.

A multi-biomarker approach to verify chronic effects on Eisenia andrei earthworms exposed to tailings from one of the world's largest mining disasters.

Mining is of great relevance to the global economy, but its activities are challenging due to socio-environmental impacts. In January 2019, an iron ore tailings dam collapsed in Brumadinho (Minas Gerais, Brazil) releasing 12 × 106 m3 of tailings, causing human losses and devastation around 3.13 × 106 m2 of a watershed. In this context, the present study aimed to investigate the potential toxic effects of tailings from the collapsed dam using earthworms Eisenia andrei as a model organism for terrestrial environments. An extensive set of tests was performed, including behavioral (avoidance), acute (mortality and biomass) and chronic tests, such as biomass, reproduction and cytotoxicity (viability and cell density and change in coelomocyte pattern). The physical-chemical characterization revealed a higher density of the tailings in relation to the control soil, which can result in physical changes, such as soil compaction and surface sealing. Aluminum, Ca, Fe, Hg, Mg, Mn, K, Na and P registered higher concentrations in the tailings compared to the control soil, while Total Nitrogen, Total Organic Carbon and Organic Matter were higher in the natural soil. Based on the avoidance test, an EC50 of 27.18 ± 2.83% was estimated. No lethality was observed in the acute exposure, nor variations in biomass in the acute and chronic assays. However, there was a tendency to reduce the number of juveniles in relation to cocoons in the proportions of 3125; 12.5 and 25%. Significant changes in viability, cell density and pattern of amebocytes and eleocytes were observed up to the 35th day of exposure. A multi-biomarker approach (Integrated Biological Response version 2) indicated concentration-dependent effects and attenuation of cellular changes over time. These are the first results of chronic effects on earthworms exposed to tailings from the B1 dam. Despite being conclusive, we highlight the possible heterogeneity of the tailings and the necessary care in extrapolating the results.

Hydroxymethylnitrofurazone lymphatic uptake with nanostructured lipid carrier after oral administration in rats.

Background: Leishmaniasis, caused by the protozoan Leishmania sp., infects phagocyte cells present in lymphatic organs. This study demonstrates the influence of nanostructured lipid carrier-loaded hydroxymethylnitrofurazone (NLC-NFOH) on lymphatic uptake using a chylomicron-blocking flow model in rats. Method: Lymphatic uptake of NFOH was assessed 1 h after oral administration of dimethyl sulfoxide with NFOH or NLC-NFOH with and without cycloheximide pretreatment. Result: Dimethyl sulfoxide with NFOH and NLC-NFOH showed NFOH serum concentrations of 0.0316 and 0.0291 µg/ml, respectively. After chylomicron blocking, NFOH was not detected. Conclusion: Despite log P below 5, NFOH was successfully taken up by the lymphatic system. Long-chain fatty acids and particle size might be main factors in these findings. NLC-NFOH is a promising and convenient platform for treating leishmaniasis via oral administration.

Antioxidant system alterations, oxidative, and genotoxic effects in Danio rerio (zebrafish) exposed to leachate from a dumpsite.

Water body contamination by leachate originated from dumpsites is a concern for municipal solid waste (MSW) management. In this context, this study aimed to evaluate antioxidant system alterations and oxidative and genotoxic effects in Danio rerio (zebrafish) exposed to leachate from a closed dumpsite. Groups comprising 50 fish were exposed (96 h) to different leachate concentrations (5, 15, 30, and 50%) to evaluate effects on liver and brain superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activities and reduced glutathione (GSH) and metallothionein (MT) concentrations, as well as malondialdehyde (MDA) and protein carbonylation (PTC) levels. Blood genotoxicity was evaluated by the comet assay. The investigated dumpsite leachate pond presented high chloride concentrations (Cl-; 2288.4 ± 69.5 mg L-1) and high electrical conductivity (EC; 8434.0 mS cm-1), indicating the presence of leachate. Concerning Danio rerio exposure, higher SOD (37%), CAT (67%), and GST (39%) activities and higher GSH (57%) concentrations were observed in liver following exposure to 50% leachate, while decreased brain GST (42%) activities and GSH (90%) levels were observed at the same leachate concentration. A significant increase in the olive tail moment (OTM; 280%) indicative of genotoxicity in blood was observed. A principal component analysis indicated that increased enzymatic activities and high levels of both GSH and MT were not sufficient to prevent the accumulation of reactive oxygen species, resulting in PTC and genotoxicity. Therefore, leachate exposure causes sublethal Danio rerio effects, altering the antioxidant system, increasing ROS production, and leading to PTC and genotoxicity. The findings demonstrate the need to further develop sublethal level assessments in zebrafish using leachate from different sources to subsidize risk assessments regarding MSW management.

Organic selenium and vitamin E for gilts and sows bred in equatorial climate.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the dietary supplementation of organic selenium (Se) and vitamin E for sows from 1st and 2nd parity order, without adiabatic cooling on physiological parameters, reproductive performance, milk composition, litter performance and blood concentrations of antioxidant enzymes. A total of 96 sows were allotted in a 4 × 2 completely factorial design, with 4 experimental groups and 2 parity orders (1st and 2nd). The experimental groups consisted of: ACCon-sows receiving adiabatic cooling and no dietary supplementation of organic Se and vitamin E; WACCon-sows without adiabatic cooling and no dietary supplementation of organic Se and vitamin E; WACSe-sows without adiabatic cooling with dietary supplementation of 0.3 mg/kg organic Se; WACSeE-sows without adiabatic cooling with dietary supplementation of 0.3 mg/kg organic Se and 90 UI of vitamin E. ACCon Sows had lower respiratory rate, rectal temperature and body surface temperature when compared to the others sows (p < 0.05). Sows without evaporative cooling had lower daily milk production and weaned litters with lower weight and average daily gain when compared to the other groups (p < 0.05). ACCon sows presented higher weaned piglets to WACSeE sows. WACSeE Sows had higher concentrations of GSH-Px when compared to other experimental groups and higher levels of SOD than sows from ACCon and WACSe. Piglets of sows from WACSeE group presented higher levels of GSH-Px and SOD when compared to the other experimental groups. ACCon sows have higher milk yield and higher litter weight than others groups. Under equatorial climate conditions, dietary supplementation of organic Se and vitamin E from first and second parity order sows does not respond efficiently on thermoregulatory physiology and performance compared to adiabatic cooling, but modulates the enzymatic antioxidant balance of sows and piglets.

Pediatric epilepsy syndromes with associated developmental impairment.

In 2022, the International League Against Epilepsy revised their classification of epilepsy syndromes for clinicians to better understand the relationships between different epilepsy syndromes, their underlying causes, and their associated developmental and behavioral features. This review highlights portions of the current classification with an emphasis on epilepsy syndromes that readily present with developmental challenges and provides a unique framework, based on electroencephalography, to easily identify and understand these syndromes. Included in this review are a helpful categorization scheme with visual aid, descriptions of updated epilepsy syndromes, figures of relevant identifiers of syndrome and information regarding future directions toward treatment and research. Covered syndromes include developmental and epileptic encephalopathy, Dravet syndrome, Rasmussen syndrome, and infantile epileptic spasm syndrome, among others. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: The revised epilepsy syndrome classification by the International League Against Epilepsy aims to improve the outcomes for children with epilepsy. The electroencephalography features of epilepsy syndromes are grouped based on a categorization model. This model allows clinicians to understand overlapping phenotypes and aid with both identification and diagnosis.

Beta-Carotene Supplementation for Sows: Reproductive Parameters and Productive Performance of Piglets.

The rapid fetal development and the increased demand for milk result in a catabolic state and oxidative stress in hyperprolific sows. Despite animal defense mechanisms, the dietary supplementation of antioxidants is being evaluated to reduce the impacts of excess free radicals. The aim of this study was to evaluate the short- and long-term effects of beta-carotene supplementation for sows on the reproductive response and performance of suckling piglets. A total of 120 sows were distributed in a 3 × 4 factorial arrangement of three supplementation levels (B0-no supplementation, B200-200 mg beta-carotene/day and B400-400 mg beta-carotene/day) and four groups of parity order (1st, 2nd, 3rd, above 4th). Beta-carotene supplementation during lactation resulted in a higher litter weight at weaning. A higher average weight of piglets and litter weight at birth were observed, as well as a greater number of piglets weaned and litter weight at weaning in sows supplemented with 400 mg of beta-carotene during gestation and lactation periods. Supplementation with 200 and 400 mg of beta-carotene resulted in a greater weight at weaning and daily weight gain in piglets. Daily supplementation with 400 mg of beta-carotene in the prepartum and lactation phases provides a greater litter weight at weaning and, when supplemented in the pre-gestation and gestation periods, results in a greater litter weight at birth and at weaning.

Dietary replacement of soybean meal with heat-treated grain soybean in diets of feedlot-finished beef cattle: impacts on intake, digestibility, and ruminal parameters.

The objective of this study was to assess the impact of increasing levels of heat-treated soybean in the diet of crossbred cattle during the finishing phase on nutrient intake and digestibility, ruminal parameters, digesta passage rate, nitrogen balance, and microbial protein synthesis. Five steers, crossbred 7/8 Jersey x Zebu, fitted with rumen cannulas and with an average weight of 350 ± 50 kg, were utilized. The experimental treatments consisted of 0, 7, 14, 21, and 28% inclusion of heat-treated soybean in the total diet dry matter. The animals were randomly allocated in a 5 × 5 Latin square design. Evaluation of the animals took place over five experimental periods, each lasting 20 days. During each experimental period, the first 15 days were allocated for animal adaptation to the experimental diets, followed by five days of data collection. No significant differences were observed among the diets in terms of dry matter intake (average of 6.57 kg day-1; P = 0.615) and organic matter intake (average of 6.23 kg day-1; P = 0.832). However, heat-treated soybean had a significant impact on the digestibility of dry matter (P = 0.02), organic matter (P = 0.01), crude protein (P < 0.01), and neutral detergent fiber (P < 0.01). There was no observed change on microbial protein synthesis (average of 409.6 g day-1) in animals with the inclusion of heat-treated soybean in the diets. With each 1% inclusion of heat-treated soybean in the cattle diet, there was an increase of 0.00754 units in ruminal pH values and a reduction of 0.75839 mg dL-1 in ruminal ammoniacal nitrogen values. This study suggests that heat-treated soybean can be included in up to 15% of the dry matter in diets for finishing feedlot cattle.

Optimizing adjuvant inhaled chemotherapy: Synergistic enhancement in paclitaxel cytotoxicity by flubendazole nanocrystals in a cycle model approach.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death. In addition to new innovative approaches, practical strategies that improve the efficacy of already available drugs are urgently needed. In this study, an inhalable dry powder formulation is used to repurpose flubendazole, a poorly soluble anthelmintic drug with potential against a variety of cancer lineages. Flubendazole nanocrystals were obtained through nanoprecipitation, and dry powder was produced by spray drying. Through fractional factorial design, the spray drying parameters were optimized and the impact of formulation on aerolization properties was clarified. The loading limitations were clarified through response surface methodology, and a 15% flubendazole loading was feasible through the addition of 20% L-leucine, leading to a flubendazole particle size of 388.6 nm, median mass aerodynamic diameter of 2.9 µm, 50.3% FPF, emitted dose of 83.2% and triple the initial solubility. Although the cytotoxicity of this formulation in A549 cells was limited, the formulation showed a synergistic effect when associated with paclitaxel, leading to a surprising 1000-fold reduction in the IC50. Compared to 3 cycles of paclitaxel alone, a 3-cycle model combined treatment increased the threshold of cytotoxicity by 25% for the same dose. Our study suggests, for the first time, that orally inhaled flubendazole nanocrystals show high potential as adjuvants to increase cytotoxic agents' potency and reduce adverse effects.

Spontaneous radial nerve palsy with hourglass-like constriction.

Hourglass-like constriction (HLC) is an uncommon spontaneous mononeuropathy that is typically characterised by a sudden onset of pain followed by palsy, affecting branches of the radial (posterior interosseous nerve) and median nerves (anterior interosseous nerve). HLC of the radial nerve (RN) is rare, with only a few reported cases. Here, we report a case of a man who presented with acute wrist and finger drop due to the HLC of the RN. Surgery was recommended 5 months after clinical observation, when the lesion was resected and primarily repaired, resulting in satisfactory recovery. There is still much that remains unknown about HLC, especially for RN. The current understanding points out an inflammatory disease that should be treated conservatively for 3-7 months. The surgical technique depends mostly on the severity and extent of constriction; however, considering only RN constrictions, primary repair by neurorrhaphy or nerve grafts resulted in better functional outcomes.

The Placental Function Beyond Pregnancy: Insights from Latin America.

Currently, more than 100,000 papers had been published studying the placenta in both physiological and pathological contexts. However, relevant health conditions affecting placental function, mostly found in low-income countries, should be evaluated deeper. This review will raise some - of what we think necessary - points of discussion regarding challenging topics not fully understood, including the paternal versus maternal contribution on placental genes imprinting, placenta-brain communication, and some environmental conditions affecting the placenta. The discussions are parts of an international effort to fulfil some gaps observed in this area, and Latin-American research groups currently evaluate that.

ACT-107, a novel variant of AmpC ß-lactamase from Enterobacter huaxiensis isolated from Neotropical leaf frog (Phyllomedusa distincta) inhabiting the Brazilian Atlantic Forest.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to characterise a broad-spectrum cephalosporin-resistant AmpC-positive Enterobacter huaxiensis colonising the skin of a Neotropical frog (Phyllomedusa distincta) inhabiting the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. METHODS: During a genomic surveillance study of antimicrobial resistance, we screened skin samples from P. distincta. Gram-negative bacteria growing on MacConkey agar plates supplemented with 2 µg/mL ceftriaxone were identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation time-of-flight mass spectrometry. A cephalosporin-resistant E. huaxiensis was sequenced using the Illumina NextSeq platform. Genomic data were analysed using bioinformatics tools, whereas AmpC ß-lactamase was characterised in depth by comparative analysis of amino acids, in silico modelling, and analysis of susceptibility to ß-lactam antibiotics and combinations of ß-lactamase inhibitors. RESULTS: Whole-genome sequencing analysis revealed a novel variant of AmpC ß-lactamase belonging to the ACT family, designated ACT-107 by NCBI. This variant contains 12 novel amino acid mutations within the ACT family, 5 in the signal peptide sequence (Ile2, Met14, Tyr16, Gly18 and Thr20), and 7 in the mature protein (Gln22, His43, Cys60, Thr157, Glu225, Ala252 and Asn310). In silico modelling showed that substitutions occurring in the mature chain are localised in the solvent-accessible surface of the protein, where they are not expected to affect the ß-lactamase activity, as observed in the resistance profile. Strikingly, 'not designated' ACT variants from E. huaxiensis were clustered (> 96% identity) with ACT-107. CONCLUSION: Since E. huaxiensis has been isolated from human infection, ACT-107 requires surveillance and the attention of clinicians.

Zebrafish (Danio rerio) as a model to assess the effects of cocaine as a drug of abuse and its environmental implications.

Cocaine (COC) use concerns are on the increase for both authorities and civil society. Despite this, it is important to investigate COC effects or those of its main metabolite, belzoylecgonine (BE), in consolidated aquatic model organisms, such as the zebrafish (Danio rerio). This (mini) review consists in an assessment regarding toxicological studies carried out employing zebrafish (embryos, larvae or adults) exposed to COC and/or BE indexed at the SCOPUS and Web of Science databases. Ten different endpoints were analyzed in both embryos and larvae, whereas only four were analyzed in adults. Of the 23 studies, only five investigated COC and/or BE effects following an environmental approach when exposing zebrafish, while most (18 studies) analyzed COC effects under a drug of abuse approach. Cocaine exposure was noted as altering the expression of several genes, such as those linked to COC transport proteins, dopamine receptors, SP substance production, the tachykinin system, and the tyrosine hydroxylase enzyme. BE exposure resulted in more oxidative and proteomic effects than COC in embryos. Cocaine abstinence resulted in hyperactivity associated with stereotypy in adult fish, in addition to reduced responses to visual stimuli to red light and neuronal development pattern alterations. Cocaine was noted as accumulating in zebrafish eyes, possibly due to melanin binding, and causing dose-response cardiac effects in both embryos and adults. Despite the different effects addressed by our survey, we emphasize the lack of COC and BE exposure assessments in zebrafish employing an environmental point of view.

A prática do kitesurf e as lesões relacionadas: uma revisão narrativa da literatura / Kitesurfing practice and related injuries: a narrative review of the literature

Objetivo: realizar uma revisão na literatura para caracterizar o perfil epidemiológico das lesões traumáticas provocadas pela prática dessa modalidade. Metodologia: realizou-se uma revisão narrativa da literatura acerca das lesões decorrentes da prática esportiva do kitesurf na base de dados da Scielo, Ovid MEDLINE e Google Scholar de artigos de janeiro de 2000 a dezembro de 2022. Resultados: foram eleitos 14 artigos que se ajustaram aos objetivos dessa revisão. Mediante análise dos artigos, foram encontradas discussões que direcionam os principais mecanismos de trauma, riscos de lesões, estruturas mais frequentemente acometidas e propostas para minimizar os danos e a recuperação. Conclusão: as lesões que podem acometer os praticantes deste esporte aquático, em sua maioria, são leves e principalmente nos membros inferiores; entretanto, podem ser letais, o que desperta a necessidade de maior investigação epidemiológica e clínica dos casos atendidos, bem como a adoção de medidas de prevenção.

Objective: the objective of this study is to conduct a literature review to characterize the epidemiological profile of traumatic injuries caused by the practice of this modality. Methods: a narrative review of the literature was carried out on injuries resulting from the practice of kitesurfing in the database of Scielo, Ovid MEDLINE, and Google Scholar articles from January 2000 to December 2022. Results: 14 articles were chosen that suited the objectives of this review. Through the analysis of the articles, discussions were found that guide the main mechanisms of trauma, risk of injuries, structures most frequently affected, and proposals to minimize damage and recovery. Conclusion: the injuries that can affect practitioners of this aquatic sport are mostly mild and mainly in the lower members; however, they can be lethal, which raises the need for further epidemiological and clinical investigation of the cases treated, as well as the adoption of measures of prevention.

Additional effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in a therapeutic exercise program for sedentary with chronic neck pain: A double-blind randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the additional effect of high frequency (HF) or low frequency (LF) transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) in a specific therapeutic exercise program for the treatment of patients with chronic neck pain. METHODS: A randomized controlled trial. Sixty participants of both sexes and with chronic neck pain were randomized into three groups: therapeutic exercise group + placebo TENS (n = 20), therapeutic exercise group + HF TENS (n = 20) and therapeutic exercise group + low TENS frequency (n = 20). The following assessment instruments were used: Numerical Pain Rating Scale, Neck Disability Index, Pain-Related Catastrophizing Thoughts Scale and Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia. Participants were evaluated before the interventions, after eight treatment sessions and 1 month after the end of treatment. Primary outcome was disability measured after the eight treatment sessions. Secondary outcomes were pain intensity, catastrophizing, and kinesiophobia after eight treatment sessions and pain intensity 4 weeks after the end of the treatment sessions. RESULTS: The three groups were similar at baseline for personal and clinical characteristics. Regarding the main study analyses, there were no significant (p > 0.05) or clinical (d < 0.80) differences between the groups for the main variable (disability), nor for the secondary variables (pain intensity, catastrophizing and kinesiophobia). CONCLUSION: HF or LF TENS, compared to placebo TENS, does not provide additional clinical benefits to an exercise program for patients with chronic neck pain.