Mechanism of high-mannose N-glycan breakdown and metabolism by Bifidobacterium longum.

Bifidobacteria are early colonizers of the human gut and play central roles in human health and metabolism. To thrive in this competitive niche, these bacteria evolved the capacity to use complex carbohydrates, including mammalian N-glycans. Herein, we elucidated pivotal biochemical steps involved in high-mannose N-glycan utilization by Bifidobacterium longum. After N-glycan release by an endo-ß-N-acetylglucosaminidase, the mannosyl arms are trimmed by the cooperative action of three functionally distinct glycoside hydrolase 38 (GH38) α-mannosidases and a specific GH125 α-1,6-mannosidase. High-resolution cryo-electron microscopy structures revealed that bifidobacterial GH38 α-mannosidases form homotetramers, with the N-terminal jelly roll domain contributing to substrate selectivity. Additionally, an α-glucosidase enables the processing of monoglucosylated N-glycans. Notably, the main degradation product, mannose, is isomerized into fructose before phosphorylation, an unconventional metabolic route connecting it to the bifid shunt pathway. These findings shed light on key molecular mechanisms used by bifidobacteria to use high-mannose N-glycans, a perennial carbon and energy source in the intestinal lumen.

Impact of Pressure Recovery Adjustment on Aortic Valve Area Classification of Disease Severity in Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement Patients.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the impact of pressure recovery (PR) adjustment on disease severity grading in patients with severe aortic stenosis. The authors hypothesized that accounting for PR would result in echocardiographic reclassification of aortic stenosis severity in a significant number of patients. DESIGN: A retrospective observational study between October 2013 and February 2021. SETTING: A single-center, quaternary-care academic center. PARTICIPANTS: Adults (≥18 years old) who underwent transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). INTERVENTIONS: TAVI. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: A total of 342 patients were evaluated in this study. Left ventricle mass index was significantly greater in patients who continued to be severe after PR (100.47 ± 28.77 v 90.15 ± 24.03, p = < 0.000001). Using PR-adjusted aortic valve area (AVA) resulted in the reclassification of 81 patients (24%) from severe to moderate aortic stenosis (AVA >1.0 cm2). Of the 81 patients who were reclassified, 23 patients (28%) had sinotubular junction (STJ) diameters >3.0 cm. CONCLUSION: Adjusting calculated AVA for PR resulted in a reclassification of a significant number of adult patients from severe to moderate aortic stenosis. PR was significantly larger in patients who reclassified from severe to moderate aortic stenosis after adjusting for PR. PR appeared to remain relevant in patients with STJ ≥3.0 cm. Clinicians need to be aware of PR and how to account for its effect when measuring pressure gradients with Doppler.

The Midfoot Joint Complex (Foot Arch) Contributes to the Upper Body Position in Bipedal Walking and Coordinates With the Lower Limb Joints.

This study estimated the contribution of the midfoot joint complex (MJC) kinematics to the pelvis anterior-posterior positions during the stance phase of walking and investigated whether the MJC is functionally coordinated with the lower limb joints to maintain similar pelvic positions across steps. Hip, knee, ankle, and MJC sagittal angles were measured in 11 nondisabled participants during walking. The joints' contributions to pelvic positions were computed through equations derived from a link-segment model. Functional coordination across steps was identified when the MJC contribution to pelvic position varied and the summed contributions of other joints varied in the opposite direction (strong negative covariations [r ≤ -.7] in stance phase instants). We observed that the MJC plantarflexion (arch raising) during the midstance and late stance leads the pelvis backward, avoiding excessive forward displacement. The MJC was the second joint that contributed most to the pelvis positions (around 18% of all joints' contributions), after the ankle joint. The MJC and ankle were the joints that were most frequently coordinated with the other joints (≅70% of the stance phase duration). The findings suggest that the MJC is part of the kinematic chain that determines pelvis positions during walking and is functionally coordinated with the lower limb joints.

Critical Percolation in the Ordering Kinetics of Twisted Nematic Phases.

I report on the experimental confirmation that critical percolation statistics underlie the ordering kinetics of twisted nematic phases in the Allen-Cahn universality class. Soon after the ordering starts from a homogeneous disordered phase and proceeds toward a broken Z_{2}-symmetry phase, the system seems to be attracted to the random percolation fixed point at a special timescale t_{p}. At this time, exact formulas for crossing probabilities in percolation theory agree with the corresponding probabilities in the experimental data. The ensuing evolution for the number density of hull-enclosed areas is described by an exact expression derived from a percolation model endowed with curvature-driven interface motion. Scaling relation for hull-enclosed areas versus perimeters reveals that the fractal percolation geometry is progressively morphed into a regular geometry up to the order of the classical coarsening length. In view of its universality and experimental possibilities, the study opens a path for exploring percolation keystones in the realm of nonequilibrium, phase-ordering systems.

Quantifying quality: The impact of measures of school quality on children's academic achievement across diverse societies.

Recent decades have seen a rapid acceleration in global participation in formal education, due to worldwide initiatives aimed to provide school access to all children. Research in high income countries has shown that school quality indicators have a significant, positive impact on numeracy and literacy-skills required to participate in the increasingly globalized economy. Schools vary enormously in kind, resources, and teacher training around the world, however, and the validity of using diverse school quality measures in populations with diverse educational profiles remains unclear. First, we assessed whether children's numeracy and literacy performance across populations improves with age, as evidence of general school-related learning effects. Next, we examined whether several school quality measures related to classroom experience and composition, and to educational resources, were correlated with one another. Finally, we examined whether they were associated with children's (4-12-year-olds, N = 889) numeracy and literacy performance in 10 culturally and geographically diverse populations which vary in historical engagement with formal schooling. Across populations, age was a strong positive predictor of academic achievement. Measures related to classroom experience and composition were correlated with one another, as were measures of access to educational resources and classroom experience and composition. The number of teachers per class and access to writing materials were key predictors of numeracy and literacy, while the number of students per classroom, often linked to academic achievement, was not. We discuss these results in the context of maximising children's learning environments and highlight study limitations to motivate future research. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: We examined the extent to which four measures of school quality were associated with one another, and whether they predicted children's academic achievement in 10 culturally and geographically diverse societies. Across populations, measures related to classroom experience and composition were correlated with one another as were measures of access to educational resources to classroom experience and composition. Age, the number of teachers per class, and access to writing materials were key predictors of academic achievement across populations. Our data have implications for designing efficacious educational initiatives to improve school quality globally.

Preoperative Pulmonary Artery-to-Aorta Diameter Ratio as a Predictor of Postoperative Severe Right Ventricular Failure and 1-Year Mortality After Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantation.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the association of pulmonary artery diameter and pulmonary artery- to-aorta diameter ratio (PA/Ao) with right ventricular failure and mortality within 1 year after left ventricular assist device implantation. DESIGN: This was a retrospective observational study between March 2013 and July 2019. SETTING: The study was conducted at a single, quaternary-care academic center. PARTICIPANTS: Adults (≥18 years old) receiving a durable left ventricular assist device (LVAD). Inclusion if (1) a chest computed tomography scan was performed within 30 days before the LVAD and (2) a right and left heart catheterization was completed within 30 days before the LVAD. INTERVENTIONS: A left ventricular assist device was used for intervention. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: A total of 176 patients were included in this study. Median PA diameter and PA/Ao ratio were significantly greater in the severe right ventricular failure (RVF) group (p = 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively). Receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed PA/Ao and RVF as predictors for mortality (area under the curve = 0.725 and 0.933, respectively). Logistic regression analysis-predicted probability gave a PA/Ao ratio cutoff point of 1.04 (p < 0.001). Survival probability was significantly worse in patients with a PA/Ao ratio ≥1.04 (p = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: The PA/Ao ratio is an easily measurable noninvasive indicator that can predict RVF and 1-year mortality after LVAD implantation.

Association of Cycling Kinematics With Anterior Knee Pain in Mountain Bike Cyclists.

CONTEXT: Comfort and pain in cyclists are often discussed as a result of the posture on the bike, and bike fit, including motion analysis, is advocated as a strategy to minimize these conditions. The relationship between cycling kinematics, comfort, and pain is still debatable. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the association of ankle, knee, and trunk kinematics with the occurrence of anterior knee pain (AKP) in mountain bike cyclists. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHODS: Fifty cross-country mountain bike cyclists (26 with AKP and 24 without AKP) had their pedaling kinematics assessed. Linear and angular data from trunk, hip, knee, ankle, and foot from cyclists with and without AKP were recorded using Retül motion analysis system. RESULTS: The binary logistic regression model showed that kinematic variables such as peak ankle plantar flexion, peak knee flexion, and forward trunk lean were significant predictors of AKP. Both larger peak plantar flexion and knee flexion decreased the probability of reporting AKP. On the other hand, larger forward trunk lean increased the probability of reporting AKP. CONCLUSIONS: Ankle, knee, and trunk sagittal kinematics may predict AKP in cross-country mountain bike cyclists, whereas hip, knee, and ankle alignment in the frontal plane showed no association with occurrence of AKP. In other words, cyclists with larger ankle plantar flexion and knee flexion are less likely to have AKP, whereas those with increased trunk forward lean are more likely to have AKP.

The Sleep Parameters of Paralympic Athletes: Characteristics and Assessment Instruments.

CONTEXT: Sleep serves many important functions for athletes, particularly in the processes of learning, memory, recovery, and cognition. OBJECTIVES: Define the sleep parameters of Paralympic athletes and identify the instruments used to assess and monitor sleep Paralympic athletes. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: This systematic review was carried out based on the PRISMA guidelines. The survey was conducted in April 2020, the searches were carried out again in September 2021 to check whether there were new scientific publications in the area of sleep and Paralympic sport, searches were performed in the following databases: PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, Virtual Health Library (BIREME), and SciELO. This systematic review has included studies that investigated at least one of the following sleep parameters: total sleep time, sleep latency, sleep efficiency, number of awakenings, quality of sleep, daytime sleepiness, and chronotype; the participants were comprised of athletes with disabilities. Studies published at any time in English, Portuguese, and Spanish, were included. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: Data extraction and study selection were performed by 2 researchers independently, and a third author was consulted as necessary. The search returned a total of 407 studies. Following the screening based on exclusion and inclusion criteria, a total of 13 studies were considered. Paralympic athletes have a low amount (7.06 h) of sleep with poor quality and sleep latency (28.05 min), and 57.2% have daytime sleepiness, with the majority belonging to the indifferent chronotype (53, 5%). Moreover, 11 studies assess sleep using subjective instruments (questionnaires), and 2 studies used an objective instrument (actigraphy). CONCLUSIONS: Sleep disorders are common among Paralympic athletes, poor sleep quality and quantity, and high rates of daytime sleepiness. Subjective methods are most commonly used to assess sleep.

Publisher Correction: Structural insights into ß-1,3-glucan cleavage by a glycoside hydrolase family.

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.

Structural insights into ß-1,3-glucan cleavage by a glycoside hydrolase family.

The fundamental and assorted roles of ß-1,3-glucans in nature are underpinned on diverse chemistry and molecular structures, demanding sophisticated and intricate enzymatic systems for their processing. In this work, the selectivity and modes of action of a glycoside hydrolase family active on ß-1,3-glucans were systematically investigated combining sequence similarity network, phylogeny, X-ray crystallography, enzyme kinetics, mutagenesis and molecular dynamics. This family exhibits a minimalist and versatile (α/ß)-barrel scaffold, which can harbor distinguishing exo or endo modes of action, including an ancillary-binding site for the anchoring of triple-helical ß-1,3-glucans. The substrate binding occurs via a hydrophobic knuckle complementary to the canonical curved conformation of ß-1,3-glucans or through a substrate conformational change imposed by the active-site topology of some fungal enzymes. Together, these findings expand our understanding of the enzymatic arsenal of bacteria and fungi for the breakdown and modification of ß-1,3-glucans, which can be exploited for biotechnological applications.

Examining relations between performance on non-verbal executive function and verbal self-regulation tasks in demographically-diverse populations.

Self-regulation is a widely studied construct, generally assumed to be cognitively supported by executive functions (EFs). There is a lack of clarity and consensus over the roles of specific components of EFs in self-regulation. The current study examines the relations between performance on (a) a self-regulation task (Heads, Toes, Knees Shoulders Task) and (b) two EF tasks (Knox Cube and Beads Tasks) that measure different components of updating: working memory and short-term memory, respectively. We compared 107 8- to 13-year-old children (64 females) across demographically-diverse populations in four low and middle-income countries, including: Tanna, Vanuatu; Keningau, Malaysia; Saltpond, Ghana; and Natal, Brazil. The communities we studied vary in market integration/urbanicity as well as level of access, structure, and quality of schooling. We found that performance on the visuospatial working memory task (Knox Cube) and the visuospatial short-term memory task (Beads) are each independently associated with performance on the self-regulation task, even when controlling for schooling and location effects. These effects were robust across demographically-diverse populations of children in low-and middle-income countries. We conclude that this study found evidence supporting visuospatial working memory and visuospatial short-term memory as distinct cognitive processes which each support the development of self-regulation.

Pediatric Critical Care Transport: Survey of Current State in Latin America. Latin American Society of Pediatric Intensive Care Transport Committee.

METHODS: An electronic, anonymous, multicenter survey housed by Monkey Survey was sent to physicians in LA and included questions about hospital and pediatric critical transport, resources available and level of car. Nineteen Latin-American countries were asked to complete the survey. RESULTS: A total of 212 surveys were analyzed, achieving a representativity of 19 LA countries, being most participants (59.4%, n = 126) from South America (Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela). Most surveys were conducted by physicians of tertiary level centers (60.8%, n = 129), most of the institutions were classified by the participants as public health care centers (81.6%, n = 173). Most of the surveyed physicians (63.7%, n = 135) reported that there is a coordination center for critical care transport (CCT). In most cases, physicians report that a unified transport system for pediatric critical patients does not exist in their countries (67.45%, n = 143). Only 59 (30.7%) surveys reported the use of an exclusively pediatric critical care transport system. Most of these transport systems are described as a mixture of public and private efforts (51.56%, n = 99), but there is also a considerable involvement of government-funded critical transport systems (43.75%, n = 84). Specific training for personnel devoted to transportation of critically ill patients is reported in 55.6% (90), and the medical equipment necessary to carry out the transport is available in 67.7%. The majority (83.95%, n = 136) mentioned that access to advanced life support courses is possible. Training in triage and disaster is available in 44.1%. Physicians and registered nurse were identified as the transport providers in 41.5%, and only one third were made by pediatricians-pediatric nurse. The main reasons for transfers were respiratory illness, neonatal pathologies, trauma, infectious diseases, and neurological conditions. Overall, pediatric transport was reported as insufficient (70.19%, n = 148) by the surveyed physicians in LA and nonexisting by some of them (6.83%, n = 15). There were no regulations or laws in the majority of the surveyed countries (63.13%), and in the places where physicians reported regulatory laws, there were no dissemination (84.9%) by the local authorities. CONCLUSIONS: In LA, there is a great variability in personnel training, equipment for pediatric-neonatal transport, transport team composition, and characterization of critical care transport systems. Continued efforts to improve conditions in our countries by generating documents that standardize practices and generating scientific information on the epidemiology of pediatric transfers, especially of critically ill patients, may help reduce patient morbidity and mortality.

Reduced Dose of Beta-Alanine Is Sufficient to Maintain Performance in Repeated Sprints.

ABSTRACT: Zandona, BA, Ramos, RA, de Oliveira, CdS, McAnulty, SR, Ferreira, LHB, Smolarek, AC, Enes, AAN, Urbinati, KMdSS, Aragon, AA, Schoenfeld, BJ, and de Souza Junior, TP. Reduced Dose of Beta-Alanine Is Sufficient to Maintain Performance in Repeated Sprints. J Strength Cond Res 36(6): 1636-1642, 2022-Beta-alanine (BA) supplementation has been shown to be effective in improving physical performance by increasing carnosine concentration. However, it is still necessary to know the effect of a maintenance dose on performance. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the effects of a maintenance dose of BA supplementation on performance. Forty-four anaerobically trained men with 23.9 ± 3.8 years of age, 176.0 ± 0.05 cm height, 81.2 ± 7.5 kg body mass, and 15.5 ± 2.9% of body fat performed a cycle ergometer test consisting of 4 sprints of 30 s with 4 minutes of active recovery. The study comprised 3 phases: (a) presupplementation, (b) supplementation with 6.4 g·d-1 BA or placebo, and (c) postsupplementation with a maintenance dose of 1.2 g·d-1 of BA or interruption of supplementation. Data were analyzed using generalized estimated equations with a priori 0.05 level of significance. The placebo group and interruption group presented a lower power (7.28 ± 0.66 and 7.71 ± 0.42 W·kg-1 vs. 8.04 ± 0.84 and 9.25 ± 1.18 W·kg-1, respectively; p < 0.05) during the third sprint in postsupplementation, whereas the maintenance group maintained the required power (7.47 ± 1.03 vs. 8.74 ± 1.07 W·kg-1; p > 0.05). The placebo group also presented higher percentage of fatigue (44.5% ± 12.3 and 44.8% ± 7.7 vs. 37.6 ± 7.2%; p = 0.021) and higher subjective perception of exertion (8.92 ± 0.90 vs. 8.00 ± 1.60; p = 0.028). Therefore, the maintenance dose of 1.2 g·d-1 BA was effective in maintaining performance, whereas a reduction in performance was observed after supplementation interruption.

Tissue Doppler Imaging (E/e') and Pulmonary Capillary Wedge Pressure in Patients With Severe Aortic Stenosis.

OBJECTIVE: Although American and European consensus statements advocate using the ratio of the transmitral E velocity and tissue Doppler early diastolic mitral annular velocity (E/e') in the assessment of left-sided heart filling pressures, recent reports have questioned the reliability of this ratio to predict left atrial pressures in a variety of disease states. The authors hypothesized that there is a clinically significant correlation between E/e' and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) in patients with severe aortic stenosis. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. PARTICIPANTS: The study comprised 733 consecutive patients with severe aortic stenosis who underwent transcatheter aortic valve replacement for severe aortic stenosis. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: PCWP and E/e'ave (average of the lateral and medial annulus tissue Doppler velocities) were measured with a pulmonary artery catheter and transthoracic echocardiography during preprocedural evaluation. Patients were grouped by left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≥50% and LVEF <50%. Spearman rank correlation, analysis of variance, and t and chi-square tests were used to analyze the data. Seventy-nine patients met the inclusion criteria. There was no significant correlation between E/e'ave and PCWP (n = 79, Spearman r = 0.096; p = 0.3994). This correlation did not improve when ventricular function was considered (LVEF <50%: n = 11, Spearman r = -0.097; p = 0.776 and LVEF ≥50%: n = 68, Spearman r = 0.116; p = 0.345). There was no statistically significant difference in mean PCWP between each range of E/e'ave. CONCLUSION: A clinically relevant relationship between E/e' and PCWP was not observed in patients with severe aortic stenosis.

Spinal cord injury and work challenges: an analysis of paid work status and pathways of return to work in Brazil.

DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. OBJECTIVES: To investigate paid work status and return to work (RTW) pathways after spinal cord injury (SCI). SETTING: SARAH Network of Rehabilitation Hospitals. METHODS: Participants were adults with traumatic SCI, aged between 18 and 60 years at the time of the injury, admitted between 2000 and 2017. In the first stage, socio-demographic, injury-related, and functional status data were collected from medical records. In the second stage, data on paid work, means of mobility, driving ability, return to study, ability to work, and satisfaction with the work status were collected through an online survey conducted between January and March 2020. RESULTS: A total of 154 participants were included in the sample. Of these, 90% were working at the time of SCI and 23% were engaged in paid work at the time of the study. Three RTW pathways were identified among those who were working at the time of the injury and: did not return to work (78%); returned to a different occupation (12%) and returned to the same occupation (9%). Number of post-injury complications, returning to study, good work ability, and satisfaction with the work status were predictors of paid work. The model's adjusted coefficient was 56.5% (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Working-age people with SCI who underwent rehabilitation in Brazil had a low rate of paid work. Fewer complications at the time of the injury, returning to study, good ability to work and greater satisfaction with the work status increased the likelihood of being engaged in paid work.

Reliability of a Low-Cost Assessment of Tibial Torsion and Transverse-Plane Posture of the Lower Limb and Pelvis Using a Smartphone Compass.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to investigate intra- and interrater reliability and minimal detectable change (MDC) of clinical measures proposed to assess tibial torsion and the posture of the lower limbs and pelvis in the transverse plane. METHODS: Twenty-five able-bodied and asymptomatic participants (mean age 27 ± 4.03, 12 women) were assessed during relaxed standing with a compass application on a smartphone coupled to a caliper. Two trained examiners measured tibial torsion and angular postures of the pelvis, hip, femur, and tibia. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were used to investigate reliabilities, and MDCs were calculated. RESULTS: The results showed predominantly good-to-excellent reliability for the measures of the femur, hip, and tibia postures and tibial torsion (0.77 < ICC < 0.94), including some moderate-to-good reliability (0.65 < ICC < 0.75). The pelvic posture measure was predominantly moderate to good (0.55 < ICC < 0.86). MDCs have been reported (2.14°-7.86°) to assist clinicians in identifying postural changes that are within or outside the random measure variation. CONCLUSION: The use of a smartphone digital compass coupled to a caliper showed to be a reliable method to assess tibial torsion and transverse-plane postures of the lower limb and pelvis.

Integration of experiment and computational modeling on the Tb doping process in CaMoO4 obtained by USP method: An efficient way to obtain photoluminescent materials.

In this paper, we present a combined experimental and theoretical study to disclose, the structure, electronic and optical properties of CaMoO 4 :xTb 3+ ( x = 1%, 2%, and 4%) microspheres. The microspheres were prepared by ultrasonic spray pyrolysis method and characterized by experimental and theoretical techniques. Theoretical calculations and XRD patterns indicate that these crystals have a scheelite-type tetragonal structure. The morphology of the CaMoO 4 :xTb 3+ ( x = 1%, 2% and 4% mol) samples were investigated from the FEG-SEM results and the formation of microspheres with a spherical shape were observed. The optical properties were investigated by UV-Vis and PL spectroscopy, as well as the chromaticity coordinates of these compounds. This also allowed us to understand the charge transfer process that happens in the singlet state and the excited states, generating the photoluminescence emissions of the Tb doping process in CaMoO 4 microspheres.

Motor function in children with congenital Zika syndrome.

AIM: To evaluate gross motor function and associated factors in children with congenital Zika syndrome (CZS). METHOD: Fifty-nine children (30 males, 29 females) with CZS at a mean (SD) age of 14.7 (3.9), months (range 5-29mo) were evaluated using the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) and classified according to the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS). Neurological damage was evaluated by neuroimaging. The mothers' sociodemographic characteristics and general data on the children were obtained from interviews with the mothers and from the children's medical records. Correlational and multiple regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with these children's motor function. RESULTS: In 81% of the children, motor function impairment was severe, classified as GMFCS level V. The overall GMFM score ranged from 5 to 210 (median 18; interquartile range 11), with only four children receiving scores in the D and E dimensions. The factors found to affect motor function were the presence of severe malformations of cortical development and small head circumference at birth. INTERPRETATION: Although motor impairment may be mild in some children, it is generally severe. Severe malformations of cortical development and small head circumference at birth were factors associated with poorer motor function, reflecting the greater severity of brain damage. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: Motor impairment is severe in most children with congenital Zika syndrome (CZS). Motor skills are adequate or close to adequate for age in 7% of children with CZS. Severe malformations of cortical development are associated with poor motor control. Small head circumference at birth is also associated with poor motor control.

FUNCIÓN MOTORA EN NIÑOS CON SÍNDROME DE ZIKA CONGÉNITO: OBJETIVO: Evaluar la función motora gruesa y los factores asociados en niños con síndrome de Zika congénito (CZS). MÉTODO: Cincuenta y nueve niños (30 varones, 29 mujeres) con CZS a una edad media (DE) de 14,7 (3,9), meses (rango 5-29 meses) se evaluaron utilizando la Medida de la función motora gruesa (GMFM) y se clasificaron de acuerdo con el Sistema de Clasificación de la Función Motora Gruesa (GMFCS). El impacto estructural neurológico se evaluó mediante neuroimagen. Las características sociodemográficas de las madres y los datos generales de los niños se obtuvieron en entrevistas con las madres y de los registros médicos de los niños. Se realizaron análisis de regresión correlacional y múltiple para identificar los factores asociados con la función motora de estos niños. RESULTADOS: En el 81% de los niños, el deterioro de la función motora fue grave, clasificado como nivel V de GMFCS. El puntaje general de GMFM varió de 5 a 210 (mediana 18; rango intercuartil 11), y solo cuatro niños recibieron puntajes en las dimensiones D y E. Los factores que afectaron la función motora fueron la presencia de malformaciones graves del desarrollo cortical y la circunferencia de la cabeza (microcefalia) al nacer. INTERPRETACIÓN: Aunque el deterioro motor puede ser leve en algunos niños, generalmente el impacto de CZS es grave. Las malformaciones graves del desarrollo cortical y la microcefalia al nacer fueron factores asociados con una función motora más limitada, lo que refleja la mayor gravedad del daño cerebral.

FUNÇÃO MOTORA EM CRIANÇAS COM SÍNDROME CONGÊNITA DE ZIKA: OBJETIVO: Avaliar a função motora grossa e fatores associados em crianças com síndrome congênita de Zika (SCZ). MÉTODO: Cinquenta e nove crianas (30 do sexo masculino, 29 do sexo feminino) com SCZ com uma média (DP) de idade de 14,7 (3,9) meses (variação 5-29m) foram avaliadas usando a Medida da Função Motora Grossa (GMFM) e classificadas de acordo com o Sistema de Classificação da Função Motora Grossa (GMFCS). O dano neurológico foi avaliado por neuroimagem. As características sócio-demográficas da mãe e dados gerais sobre as crianças foram obtidos em entrevistas com as mães e a partir dos prontuários medicos. Análises de correlação e de regressão múltipla foram realizadas para identificar fatores associados com a função motora destas crianças. RESULTADOS: Em 81% das crianças, o comprometimento da função motora era severo, classificao como nível GMFCS V. O escore geral da GMFM various de 5 a 210 (mediana 18; intervalo interquartil 11), com apenas quatro crianças recebendo pontuações nas dimensões D e E. Os fatores que afetaram a função motora grossa foram a presença de malformações severas no desenvolvimento cortical, e o pequeno perímetro cefálico ao nascimento. INTERPRETAÇÃO: Embora a deficiência motora possa ser leve em algumas crianças, em geral ela é severa. Malformações severas no desenvolvimento cortical e o pequeno perímetro cefálico foram fatores associados com pior função motora, refletindo a maior severidade do dano cerebral.

The effects of diets varying in fibre sources on nutrient utilization, stool quality and hairball management in cats.

Pet food companies use fibrous ingredients in cat foods to aid weight and hairball management. Miscanthus grass could be an alternative novel fibre source for cat foods. The objectives of this work were to determine the effects of Miscanthus grass as a fibre source on nutrient utilization, stool quality and hairball management in cats. Dry extruded cat foods (average chemical composition; digestibility trial: 94.54% dry matter-DM, 34.47% crude protein-CP, 11.67% crude fat, 7.06% ash and 13.04% total dietary fibre-TDF; and hairball trial: 94.88% DM, 34.60% CP, 11.30% crude fat, 7.02% ash and 9.77% TDF) were fed to 12 cats for a 9-day (digestibility trial) or 16-day (hairball trial) adaptation period followed by a 5-day total faecal collection period. Digestibility trial was performed as a replicated Latin square design, and the hairball trial was performed as a switchback design. In general, the cats fed the beet pulp diet (BPD) had higher DM, organic matter, gross energy and TDF digestibility than cats fed Miscanthus grass (MGD) or cellulose (CED) diet (p < .05). However, CP digestibility was lower for cats fed BPD (82.1 vs. 84.7 and 85.1%, respectively, for BPD, MGD and CED). These differences could be due to the differences in dietary fibre content and(or) composition. Faecal scores were lower for cats fed BPD (2.84) compared with MGD (3.32) and CED (3.21; p < .05). No effects due to fibre were reported on the faecal hairball variables, with the exception of less total hair weight and hair clumps per gram of dry faeces for cats fed Miscanthus grass (MGH) compared with control diet (COH; p < .05). In conclusion, Miscanthus grass could be used as an alternative ingredient to cellulose in cat diets.

Altered Scapular Time Series in Individuals With Subacromial Pain Syndrome.

Altered scapular movement in subacromial pain syndrome has been demonstrated using discrete data reduction approach. However, this approach does not consider the data collinearity and variability, and scapular translations are poorly investigated in symptomatic individuals. The purpose of this study was to investigate the scapular rotation and translation of asymptomatic individuals and those with subacromial pain syndrome during arm motions using principal component analysis. Scapulothoracic kinematics were evaluated in 47 participants with subacromial pain syndrome and 50 asymptomatic individuals. The symptomatic group had increased range of scapular anterior/posterior tilt during arm elevation (P = .01, effect size = .59) and arm lowering (P < .01, effect size = .61), and increased range of scapular forward/backward translation during arm lowering (P < .01, effect size = .60) compared with the asymptomatic group. In addition, the symptomatic group had a reduced difference in anterior tilt angular velocities between the early-arm and mid-arm lowering phases and between the mid- and late-arm lowering phases compared with the asymptomatic group (P = .03, effect size = .44). This study demonstrated that scapular anterior/posterior tilt motion and angular velocity and scapular forward/backward translation of symptomatic individuals were different from asymptomatic individuals when considering the entire arm movement.