Technical-scientific production and knowledge networks about medicinal plants and herbal medicines in the Amazon.

Introduction: This paper explores the role of Brazilian research institutions in the global and national context of study of medicinal plants. Most of these plants have ethnopharmacological use and herbal medicines related to the Amazon. It highlights Brazil's position in scientific production and the importance of Amazonian resources in developing phytomedicines. The study aims to provide an overview of the technical-scientific production of medicinal plants and herbal medicines related to the Amazon, focusing on scientific impact, collaboration, Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of scientific production, and innovation system maturity. Methods: The study employs a comprehensive methodological approach, including data collection from Scopus covering the period from 2002 to 2022. The data was cleaned and analyzed using bibliometric and network analysis techniques. Advanced natural language processing techniques, such as Latent Dirichlet Allocation and Jaccard distance measure, were used for TRL classification. Results: The findings reveal a predominant contribution from Brazilian institutions and authors, with 1,850 publications analyzed. Key areas identified include Pharmacology, Toxicology, Pharmaceuticals, Medicine, and Biochemistry. The study also uncovers various collaborative networks and technological maturity levels, with a significant focus on early-stage development phases. Discussion: The research concludes that Brazilian institutions, particularly those in the Amazon region, play a significant role in the scientific exploration and development of medicinal plants and herbal medicines. Despite this, countries like the USA were proportionally more productive in clinical trial research. The study underscores the potential of Brazil's rich biodiversity and traditional knowledge in the pharmaceutical industry, particularly for neglected diseases. It suggests the need for stronger research systems and international collaboration to leverage these resources for global health benefits.

Psychotic Disorder after Left Posterior Cerebral Artery Stroke-An Atypical Event.

INTRODUCTION: Stroke survivors usually present physical and neuropsychiatric complications. Post-stroke psychosis (PSPsy) is a particularly neglected sequel despite its disruptive nature. OBJECTIVES: To present a case of early emerging neuropsychiatric symptoms following a left posterior cerebral artery (PCA) stroke. To review and discuss PSPsy clinical manifestations, pathophysiology, and clinical outcomes. CLINICAL CASE: A previously autonomous 68-year-old woman with vascular risk factors and depressive disorder presented to the emergency department with a 5-day history of disorientation, motor aphasia, and right hypoesthesia. Computer tomography revealed a left PCA stroke. She was started on acetylsalicylic acid and rosuvastatin and discharged the next day. Afterward, the patient developed a depressive mood, emotional lability, periods of confusion, delusions of persecution, guilt and unworthiness, auditory hallucinations, and suicide ideation. She was admitted to a psychiatric hospital and started on risperidone with a good response, being discharged after 15 days with the resolution of psychiatric symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: PSPsy is more common after right hemisphere lesions and usually develops after some months. Nevertheless, our patient presented PSPsy following an ischemic event of the left PCA, with neuropsychiatric symptomatology dominating the clinic since the beginning. The involvement of the retrosplenial cortex or its connections was likely important for this atypical presentation. Due to the lack of guidelines on approaching PSPsy, most patients are treated with the same strategies used for non-stroke patients. A better comprehension of the anatomical basis underlining the symptomatology in these patients could deepen the understanding of psychosis and psychotic disorders.

Trace Element Imbalances in Acquired Hepatocerebral Degeneration and Changes after Liver Transplant.

Brain manganese (Mn) accumulation is a key feature in patients with acquired hepatocerebral degeneration (AHD). The role of trace elements other than Mn in AHD needs to be clarified. In this study, using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, we aimed to evaluate blood levels of trace elements in patients with AHD before and after liver transplantation (LT). Trace element levels in the AHD group were also compared with those of healthy controls (blood donors, n = 51). Fifty-one AHD patients were included in the study (mean age: 59.2 ± 10.6 years; men: 72.5%). AHD patients had higher levels of Mn, Li, B, Ni, As, Sr, Mo, Cd, Sb, Tl and Pb and a higher Cu/Se ratio, and lower levels of Se and Rb. Six patients (two women; mean age 55 ± 8.7 years) underwent LT, and there was an improvement in neurological symptoms, a significant increase in the Zn, Se and Sr levels, and a decrease in the Cu/Zn and Cu/Se ratios. In summary, several trace element imbalances were identified in AHD patients. Liver transplantation resulted in the improvement of neurological manifestations and the oxidant/inflammatory status. It is possible that observed changes in trace element levels may play a role in the pathophysiology and symptomatology of AHD.

Impact of delaying botulinum toxin treatment in patients with migraine during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: Due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic response measures, the administration of botulinum toxin (BTX) was delayed for many patients during the first lockdown period in Portugal. OBJECTIVES: To review the impact of postponing BTX treatment on migraine control. METHODS: This was a retrospective, single-center study. Patients with chronic migraine who had done at least three previous BTX cycles and were considered responders were included. The patients were divided into two groups, one that has had their treatment delayed (group P), and one that has not (controls). The Phase III Research Evaluating Migraine Prophylaxis Therapy (PREEMPT) protocol was used. Migraine-related data were obtained at baseline and at three subsequent visits. RESULTS: The present study included two groups, group P (n = 30; 47.0 ± 14.5 years; 27 females, interval baseline -1st visit: 5.5 [4.1-5.8] months) and the control group (n = 6; 57.7 ± 13.2 years; 6 females; interval baseline-1st visit 3.0 [3.0-3.2] months). No difference between the groups was present at baseline. When compared to baseline, the number of days/month with migraine (5 [3-6.2] vs. 8 [6-15] p < 0.001), days using triptans/month (2.5 [0-6] vs. 3 [0-8], p = 0.027) and intensity of pain (7 [5.8-10] vs. 9 [7-10], p = 0.012) were greater in the first visit for group P, while controls did not present a significant variation. The worsening of migraine-related indicators decreased in the following visits; however, even in the third visit, it had not returned to baseline. Correlations were significant between the delayed time to treatment and the increase in days/month with migraines at the first visit after lockdown (r = 0.507; p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: There was a deterioration of migraine control after postponed treatments, with a direct correlation between the worsening of symptoms and the number of months that the treatment was delayed.

ANTECEDENTES: Devido às medidas de resposta à pandemia de coronavirus disease 2019 (covid-19), a administração de toxina botulínica (TXB) foi adiada para muitos pacientes durante o primeiro confinamento em Portugal. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar o impacto do adiamento do tratamento com TXB no controle da enxaqueca. MéTODOS: Estudo retrospectivo unicêntrico. Foram incluídos pacientes com enxaqueca crônica com pelo menos três ciclos prévios de TXB e que tenham sido considerados respondedores. Os pacientes foram divididos em dois grupos, sendo um com atraso do tratamento (grupo P) e outro sem atraso (controles). O protocolo Phase III Research Evaluating Migraine Prophylaxis Therapy (PREEMPT) foi utilizado. Dados clínicos relacionados com a enxaqueca foram obtidos na consulta inicial (T0) e nas três consultas subsequentes (T1­3). RESULTADOS: O presente estudo incluiu dois grupos, o grupo P (n = 30; 47,0 ± 14,5 anos; 27 mulheres, intervalo T0-1ª visita: 5,5 [4,1­5,8] meses) e o grupo controle (n = 6; 57,7 ± 13,2 anos; 6 mulheres; intervalo T0­1ª visita 3,0 [3,0­3,2] meses). Os grupos não apresentavam nenhuma diferença no início do estudo. Quando comparado à T0, o número de dias/mês com enxaqueca (5 [3­6,2] vs. 8 [6­15], p < 0,001), dias usando triptanos/mês (2,5 [0­6] vs. 3 [0­8], p = 0,027) e intensidade da dor (7 [5,8­10] vs. 9 [7­10], p = 0,012) foram maiores na primeira visita no grupo P, não apresentando os controles variação significativa. A piora dos indicadores relacionados com a enxaqueca diminuiu nas visitas seguintes; porém, mesmo na terceira visita, ainda não haviam retornado ao basal. As correlações foram significativas entre o atraso do tratamento e o aumento de dias/mês com enxaqueca na primeira consulta após o confinamento (r = 0,507; p = 0,004). CONCLUSãO: Houve piora clínica da enxaqueca após o adiamento do tratamento em correlação direta com a duração do atraso.

Impact of delaying botulinum toxin treatment in patients with migraine during the COVID-19 pandemic / O impacto do atraso no tratamento com toxina botulínica em pacientes com enxaqueca no contexto da pandemia da COVID-19

Abstract Background Due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic response measures, the administration of botulinum toxin (BTX) was delayed for many patients during the first lockdown period in Portugal. Objectives To review the impact of postponing BTX treatment on migraine control. Methods This was a retrospective, single-center study. Patients with chronic migraine who had done at least three previous BTX cycles and were considered responders were included. The patients were divided into two groups, one that has had their treatment delayed (group P), and one that has not (controls). The Phase III Research Evaluating Migraine Prophylaxis Therapy (PREEMPT) protocol was used. Migraine-related data were obtained at baseline and at three subsequent visits. Results The present study included two groups, group P (n = 30; 47.0 ± 14.5 years; 27 females, interval baseline -1st visit: 5.5 [4.1-5.8] months) and the control group (n = 6; 57.7 ± 13.2 years; 6 females; interval baseline-1st visit 3.0 [3.0-3.2] months). No difference between the groups was present at baseline. When compared to baseline, the number of days/month with migraine (5 [3-6.2] vs. 8 [6-15] p < 0.001), days using triptans/month (2.5 [0-6] vs. 3 [0-8], p = 0.027) and intensity of pain (7 [5.8-10] vs. 9 [7-10], p = 0.012) were greater in the first visit for group P, while controls did not present a significant variation. The worsening of migraine-related indicators decreased in the following visits; however, even in the third visit, it had not returned to baseline. Correlations were significant between the delayed time to treatment and the increase in days/month with migraines at the first visit after lockdown (r = 0.507; p = 0.004). Conclusions There was a deterioration of migraine control after postponed treatments, with a direct correlation between the worsening of symptoms and the number of months that the treatment was delayed.

Resumo Antecedentes Devido às medidas de resposta à pandemia de coronavirus disease 2019 (covid-19), a administração de toxina botulínica (TXB) foi adiada para muitos pacientes durante o primeiro confinamento em Portugal. Objetivos Avaliar o impacto do adiamento do tratamento com TXB no controle da enxaqueca. Métodos Estudo retrospectivo unicêntrico. Foram incluídos pacientes com enxaqueca crônica com pelo menos três ciclos prévios de TXB e que tenham sido considerados respondedores. Os pacientes foram divididos em dois grupos, sendo um com atraso do tratamento (grupo P) e outro sem atraso (controles). O protocolo Phase III Research Evaluating Migraine Prophylaxis Therapy (PREEMPT) foi utilizado. Dados clínicos relacionados com a enxaqueca foram obtidos na consulta inicial (T0) e nas três consultas subsequentes (T1-3). Resultados O presente estudo incluiu dois grupos, o grupo P (n = 30; 47,0 ± 14,5 anos; 27 mulheres, intervalo T0-1ª visita: 5,5 [4,1-5,8] meses) e o grupo controle (n = 6; 57,7 ± 13,2 anos; 6 mulheres; intervalo T0-1ª visita 3,0 [3,0-3,2] meses). Os grupos não apresentavam nenhuma diferença no início do estudo. Quando comparado à T0, o número de dias/mês com enxaqueca (5 [3-6,2] vs. 8 [6-15], p < 0,001), dias usando triptanos/mês (2,5 [0-6] vs. 3 [0-8], p = 0,027) e intensidade da dor (7 [5,8-10] vs. 9 [7-10], p = 0,012) foram maiores na primeira visita no grupo P, não apresentando os controles variação significativa. A piora dos indicadores relacionados com a enxaqueca diminuiu nas visitas seguintes; porém, mesmo na terceira visita, ainda não haviam retornado ao basal. As correlações foram significativas entre o atraso do tratamento e o aumento de dias/mês com enxaqueca na primeira consulta após o confinamento (r = 0,507; p = 0,004). Conclusão Houve piora clínica da enxaqueca após o adiamento do tratamento em correlação direta com a duração do atraso.

Conhecimento, atitude e prática dos médicos residentes de ginecologia e obstetrícia de Pernambuco sobre anticoncepção / Knowledge, attitude and practice of resident physicians in gynecology and obstetrics in Pernambuco about contraception

Resumo Introdução: Anticoncepção corresponde ao uso de métodos e técnicas com a finalidade de impedir que o relacionamento sexual resulte em gravidez. O médico residente em ginecologia e obstetrícia deve estar intimamente familiarizado com as múltiplas opções contraceptivas existentes, o modo de uso, os efeitos colaterais e suas contraindicações. Objetivo: Este estudo teve como objetivos identificar o nível de conhecimento, atitude e prática dos médicos residentes de ginecologia e obstetrícia do estado de Pernambuco sobre anticoncepção, determinar sua autopercepção em indicar e contraindicar os métodos contraceptivos, avaliar as melhores indicações clínicas, como prescrevê-los e orientar seu uso. Método: Foi realizado um estudo de inquérito, do tipo corte transversal, com componente analítico. Durante o período de maio a julho de 2022, aplicou-se um questionário à população-alvo, composta pelos médicos residentes de ginecologia e obstetrícia do estado de Pernambuco, e obteve-se um tamanho amostral de 157 respostas, que foram analisadas no programa estatístico Stata, versão 12.0. Resultado: Os métodos contraceptivos mais utilizados por eles foram o ACO, o DIU Mirena, a camisinha peniana e o DIU de cobre. Mais de 90% da amostra afirmou conhecer os critérios de elegibilidade e o índice de Pearl, e pouco mais da metade respondeu corretamente aos casos clínicos sobre contracepção; 52,9% relataram que não faziam uso da dupla proteção, e 40,1% da amostra mencionou que nunca usava camisinha. A maioria dos entrevistados atestou possuir uma boa prática com LARC e com esterilização cirúrgica; uma boa parcela dos residentes entrevistados considerou-se apta a orientar todos os métodos anticoncepcionais. Conclusão: O conhecimento das indicações e contraindicações pode ser considerado satisfatório, apesar de chamar a atenção a presença de uma disparidade entre a autopercepção do saber e os acertos das questões a respeito de casos clínicos específicos. Em relação à atitude, as respostas foram controversas. No âmbito da prática, obtiveram-se os melhores resultados de autopercepção de habilidade, com destaque para a prática com os LARC e a esterilização cirúrgica. As autoavaliações demonstraram que mais da metade da amostra considerou seus conhecimentos, suas atitudes e suas práticas muito satisfatórios e/ou adequados.

Abstract Introduction: Contraception corresponds to the use of methods and techniques with the purpose of preventing sexual intercourse from resulting in pregnancy. The resident physician in gynecology and obstetrics must be intimately familiar with the multiple existing contraceptive options, how to use them, their side effects and contraindications. Objectives: To identify the level of knowledge, attitude and practice among Gynecology and Obstetrics residents in the state of Pernambuco regarding contraception, determine their self-perception in indicating and contraindicating contraceptive methods, evaluating the best clinical indications, how to prescribe them and offer guidance for their use. Methods: A cross-sectional survey study with an analytical component. During the period from May to July 2022, a test was applied to the target population, composed by resident physicians of Gynecology and Obstetrics in the state of Pernambuco. A sample size of 157 responses was obtained, which were analyzed in the program STATA statistics, version 12.0. Results: The contraceptive methods most used by the resident physicians were the ACO, Mirena IUD, penile condom and copper IUD. More than 90% of the sample claimed to know the Eligibility Criteria and the Pearl Index, and just over half correctly answered the clinical cases on contraception; 52.9% reported not using double protection and 40.1% of the sample stated that they never used condoms. Most interviewees attested to having a good practice with LARC and with surgical sterilization; a good portion of the interviewed residents considered themselves able to guide all contraceptive methods. Conclusion: The knowledge of indications and contraindications can be considered satisfactory, despite a disparity between self-perceived knowledge and correct answers to questions regarding specific clinical cases; regarding attitude, the answers were controversial; within the scope of practice, the best results of self-perceived ability were obtained, with emphasis on the practice with LARC and surgical sterilization. Self-assessments showed that more than half of the sample considered their knowledge, attitudes and practices very satisfactory and/or adequate.

SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients with neuroimmunological disorders in a tertiary referral centre from the north of Portugal.

INTRODUCTION: The impact of COVID-19 in patients with neuroimmunological disorders is not fully established. There is some evidence suggesting an increased risk of more severe infection associated with the use of immunosuppressors in this population. OBJECTIVE: To characterize SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients followed in the neuroimmunology outpatient clinic of a tertiary centre from the north of Portugal. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of neuroimmunological patients with PCR-proven SARS-CoV-2 infection during the observational period of 20 months. RESULTS: Ninety-one patients were infected, 68.1% female, with a mean age of 48.9±16.7 years. The median disease duration was 11.0 (IQR 6.0-19.0) years. Sixty-one patients (67.0%) had Multiple Sclerosis, of which 50 with relapsing-remitting course, 12 (13.2%) Myasthenia Gravis (MG), 6 (6.6%) Autoimmune Encephalitis and 6 (6.6%) Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy. Seventy-six patients (83.5%) were taking disease-modifying therapy, 77.6% of which were on immunosuppressants, including anti-CD20 in 12 (13.2%). Most patients had mild COVID-19 (84.6%), with 3 cases (3.3%) of severe disease and, 7 cases (7.7%) of critical disease being reported. In total, 13 patients were hospitalized and 4 died. Patients with severe to critical disease were significantly older than patients with milder forms (69.4±21.0 versus 46.5±14.4 years, p<0.01). MG was also associated with more severe disease (p=0.02). There was no association between comorbidities or use of immunosuppressors (including anti-CD20) and COVID-19 severity. CONCLUSIONS: Greater age and MG were associated with severe or critical COVID-19. We found no association between a specific DMT, including anti-CD20, and outcome. Clinical recovery was achieved by 93.4%.

Changes in leaf functional traits with leaf age: when do leaves decrease their photosynthetic capacity in Amazonian trees?

Most leaf functional trait studies in the Amazon basin do not consider ontogenetic variations (leaf age), which may influence ecosystem productivity throughout the year. When leaf age is taken into account, it is generally considered discontinuous, and leaves are classified into age categories based on qualitative observations. Here, we quantified age-dependent changes in leaf functional traits such as the maximum carboxylation rate of ribulose-1,5-biphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) (Vcmax), stomatal control (Cgs%), leaf dry mass per area and leaf macronutrient concentrations for nine naturally growing Amazon tropical trees with variable phenological strategies. Leaf ages were assessed by monthly censuses of branch-level leaf demography; we also performed leaf trait measurements accounting for leaf chronological age based on days elapsed since the first inclusion in the leaf demography, not predetermined age classes. At the tree community scale, a nonlinear relationship between Vcmax and leaf age existed: young, developing leaves showed the lowest mean photosynthetic capacity, increasing to a maximum at 45 days and then decreasing gradually with age in both continuous and categorical age group analyses. Maturation times among species and phenological habits differed substantially, from 8 ± 30 to 238 ± 30 days, and the rate of decline of Vcmax varied from -0.003 to -0.065 µmol CO2 m-2 s-1 day-1. Stomatal control increased significantly in young leaves but remained constant after peaking. Mass-based phosphorus and potassium concentrations displayed negative relationships with leaf age, whereas nitrogen did not vary temporally. Differences in life strategies, leaf nutrient concentrations and phenological types, not the leaf age effect alone, may thus be important factors for understanding observed photosynthesis seasonality in Amazonian forests. Furthermore, assigning leaf age categories in diverse tree communities may not be the recommended method for studying carbon uptake seasonality in the Amazon, since the relationship between Vcmax and leaf age could not be confirmed for all trees.

Diseases caused by pathogens in the urban water system in the metropolitan region of Belém, Pará, Brazil, and their relationship with the socio-economic context of the population

The metropolitan region of Belém-PA suffers human fecal pollution in the local water supply system favoring the increase in cases of water circulating diseases in the population, especially the most socioeconomically vulnerable. Therefore, it is necessary to compile information on cases of these diseases over the years in this region, in order to better define public health policies. Thus, this work aims to contribute to the gathering of this information through a literature review selecting articles found in the SciELO, Pubmed and Google Academic databases with publications between 2005 and 2021 in Portuguese and English. The neighborhoods most affected by water circulation diseases proved were Guamá, Marco, Jurunas, Tapanã, Telegrafo and Terra Firme, located close to hydrographic basins, rivers and canals and are subject to flooding due to high tides and overflowing canals. In addition, the population in these neighborhoods is considered underprivileged. The most cited diseases and symptoms were leptospirosis, worms and diarrhea, which are easily prevented. Total and thermotolerant coliforms were also widely described, being the main indicators of fecal water contamination. The importance of sanitary measures is evidenced, as these reduce cases of water supply diseases in urban centers and improve population health. The quality of the water in the supply network is also important to mitigate the prevalence of these diseases.

Vision in Futsal Players: Coordination and Reaction Time.

BACKGROUND: Coordination and reaction time are relevant aspects of a sport's competitive performance within teams. The aim of this study was to explore if a group of futsal players, in a laboratory context, would present better results from actions where vision is prevalent compared to a control group without contact with futsal or any other sport. METHODS: The digital system of the COI- SV software was used; six tests were selected, related to coordination ("Eye/hand coordination"; "Coordination and identification") and reaction time ("Anticipation Time"; "Peripheral response"; "reaction time"; "Visual memory"). RESULTS: Of all the tests performed, only in the anticipation time test did the futsal players obtain better results than the control group. The average time of the failures was lower in relation to the control group. In the others, no differences were found between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: The futsal players did not perform better than the control group in most of the tests carried out, except in the "anticipation time". Therefore, visual training maybe necessary to improve visual skills and sports performance.

Differences in Visuospatial Expertise between Skeet Shooting Athletes and Non-Athletes.

BACKGROUND: Sports vision is a specialisation of optometry whose objective is to improve and preserve visual function to increase sports performance. The main objective of the present study was to compare the visual expertise of non-athletes to skeet shooting athletes. METHODS: Participants underwent an optometric assessment in which all those with severe deviations from normal vision, after compensating for visual abnormalities, were eliminated. After that, the following six visuospatial components were measured: hand-eye coordination, peripheral awareness, fixation disparity, saccadic eye movements, speed of recognition and visual memory. To measure the aforementioned components, the following tests were used: directional arrows, similar and different characters, the dichromatic disparity test, character marking, a tachistoscopic test and tic-tac-toe using COI-vision software. RESULTS: Skeet shooting athletes performed significatively better (p ≤ 0.05) in two out of the six tests: hand-eye coordination and visual memory. CONCLUSIONS: Although this study does not support the theory that athletes-in this case, skeet shooting athletes-perform significantly better in most components of the visuospatial tests, visual memory and hand-eye coordination are exceptions. To be more accurate in distinguishing between athletes and non-athletes, specific testing methods that can be used by a wide variety of disciplines should be developed. Training the weakest aspects of athletes can improve their sports performance.

Reply to Laby, D.M.; Appelbaum, L.G. Comment on "Nascimento et al. Citations Network Analysis of Vision and Sport. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17, 7574".

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The Role of Social Media in Sports Vision.

BACKGROUND: Sports vision is a relatively new specialty. The objective is to provide ophthalmological and optometric care services for the care of vision in the sports field. An increasing number of athletes and coaches are trying to improve visual skills and they seek information on social media. The current excess of information has made it increasingly difficult to identify high quality articles. For this reason, alternative metrics are useful tools to identify publications that draw attention to society. This research aims to study the influence of social networks on the importance of vision in sport. METHODS: Altmetric Explorer was used to perform a search using "sport", "vision" and "eye" as keywords. The 100 outcomes with the most attention were analyzed and correlated with the number of citations in the Web of Science (WoS) using the Spearman correlation coefficient. RESULTS: The 100 best Altmetric Attention Scores (AASs) were published in 67 journals and had a mean AAS value of 30.22 ± 62.37 The results were discussed mainly on Twitter, with a mean of 113.99 ± 43.86 tweets and retweets and a mean of 75.92 ± 79.92 readers in Mendeley. There was no correlation between AAS and WoS Cites for the top 100 outcomes and the correlation was low if we considered the total research results rather than the top 100. CONCLUSIONS: The citations are not related to the impact of scientific articles on social networks. Sports vision is a specialty with a growing interest in social media.

Cell-free DNA as a marker for the outcome of end-stage renal disease patients on haemodialysis.

BACKGROUND: DNA damage and inflammation are common in end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Our aim was to evaluate the levels of circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) and the relationship with inflammation, anaemia, oxidative stress and haemostatic disturbances in ESRD patients on dialysis. By performing a 1-year follow-up study, we also aimed to evaluate the predictive value of cfDNA for the outcome of ESRD patients. METHODS: A total of 289 ESRD patients on dialysis were enrolled in the study: we evaluated cfDNA, haemogram, serum iron, hepcidin, inflammatory and oxidative stress markers, and haemostasis. Events and causes of deaths were recorded throughout the follow-up period. RESULTS: ESRD patients, as compared with controls, presented significantly higher levels of cfDNA, hepcidin, and inflammatory and oxidative stress markers, and significantly lower values of iron and anaemia-related haemogram parameters. The all-cause mortality rate was 9.7%; compared with alive patients, deceased patients (n = 28) were older and presented significantly higher values of inflammatory markers and of cfDNA, which was almost 2-fold higher. Furthermore, cfDNA was the best predictor of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality in ESRD patients, in both unadjusted and adjusted models for basic confounding factors in dialysis. CONCLUSIONS: Our data show cfDNA to be a valuable predictive marker of prognosis in ESRD patients on dialysis treatment; high levels of cfDNA were associated with a poor outcome.

Fertilization and seasonality influence on the photochemical performance of tree legumes in forest plantation for area recovery in the Amazon.

N-fixing leguminous species can reach atmospheric dinitrogen gas (N2), having an advantage under N-limited degraded environments. These N-fixers are constantly used as facilitative species. Chlorophyll a fluorescence (ChF) acknowledges how different species take up and use light energy during photosynthesis. These techniques assess stress and performance responses to photosynthesis and are used for the selection of species with potential for reforestation. Six Fabaceae species were selected for this study: three nonfixing species (Cenostigma tocantinum, Senna reticulata and Dipteryx odorata) and three N-fixing species (Clitoria fairchildiana, Inga edulis and Acacia spp.). Variations in chlorophyll fluorescence under high vs. low water and nutrient conditions were studied. Multivariate analysis was performed to detect the effects of seasonality and fertilization on dark-adapted ChF two years after the experiment was established. The correlation among ChF variables and growth, photosynthesis and foliar nutrient concentrations was evaluated. Under high water- and nutrient-availability conditions, plants exhibited an enhanced performance index on absorption basis values correlated with electron transport fluxes. Under drought and nutrient-poor conditions, most species exhibit increased energy dissipation as photoprotection. High interspecific variation was found; therefore, species-specific responses should be considered in future ChF studies. Corroborating the ability to colonize high-light environments, N-fixers showed an increased performance index correlated with electron transport and Zn and N foliar concentrations. Negative correlations were found between photosynthesis and trapped fluxes. Diameter growth was positively correlated with electron transport fluxes. Given the different responses among species, ChF is an effective technique to screen for seasonality, fertilization and species effects and should be considered for use during forest restoration. Finally, the addition of fertilization treatments may facilitate tropical forest restoration due to the importance of nutrients in physiological processes. N-fixers showed high photochemical performance and tolerance to abiotic stress in degraded areas and therefore should be included to support ecosystem biomass restoration.

Genotoxic and cytotoxic effects of the drug dipyrone sodium in African green monkey kidney (Vero) cell line exposed in vitro.

Dipyrone or metamizole is one of the most used analgesics, mainly due to its low financial cost. However, in some countries, the sale of dipyrone is prohibited due to reported severe cases of agranulocytosis as a result of its use. Despite its high use, studies showing genotoxic and cytotoxic effects of dipyrone in mammalian cells are scarce. Therefore, in the present study, we assessed cell viability, genotoxic effects, cytotoxic effects (by apoptosis and necrosis induction), and the induction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in Vero cells (a cell line obtained from the red kidney of green monkey) exposed to dipyrone. Our results showed a significant reduction in viability of cells exposed to dipyrone by the MTT assay. A significant increase in damage index evaluated by a comet assay was also observed, which indicates its genotoxic effects. In which concerns the cytotoxic effects of dipyrone, we observed a significant increase in the number of apoptotic cells using fluorescent dyes after 24 h and 48 h of treatment with the drug. Our results also showed that there was no significant difference in the induction of ROS generation after treatment of the cells with the drug assessed by the DCFH-DA assay. Thus, our work showed that dipyrone is both a genotoxic and cytotoxic drug to Vero cells in the assessed conditions.

Citations Network Analysis of Vision and Sport.

Background: Sports vision is a relatively new specialty, which has attracted particular interest in recent years from trainers and athletes, who are looking at ways of improving their visual skills to attain better performance on the field of play. The objective of this study was to use citation networks to analyze the relationships between the different publications and authors, as well as to identify the different areas of research and determine the most cited publication. Methods: The search for publications was carried out in the Web of Science database, using the terms "sport", "vision", and "eye" for the period between 1911 and August 2020. The publication analysis was performed using the Citation Network Explorer and CiteSpace software. Results: In total, 635 publications and 801 citations were found across the network, with 2019 being the year with the highest number of publications. The most cited publication was published in 2002 by Williams et al. By using the clustering functionality, four groups covering the different research areas in this field were found: ocular lesion, visual training methods and efficiency, visual fixation training, and concussions. Conclusions: The citation network offers an objective and comprehensive analysis of the main papers on sports vision.

Effects of experimental lightgaps and topography on enrichment plantings in a central Amazonian secondary forest

Enrichment plantings into secondary forest are an important option in restoring species diversity and ecosystem services. However, little attention has been given to environmental requirements for species performance. This study evaluated the effects of lightgaps and topographic position on the growth and survival of four native tree species (Pouteria caimito, Garcinia macrophylla, Dipteryx odorata and Cynometra bauhiniaefolia) planted into a 26-year old secondary forest originating from abandoned pastures in the central Amazon Basin. Artificial lightgaps and control plots under closed canopy were uniformly distributed on plateaus and bottomlands near water bodies. Seedlings were planted randomly into the plots and monitored for 28 months. Seedling survival rate was high (93%) and did not differ among species. Overall, lightgaps produced a 38% increase in seedling height relative to the controls. Although the four species naturally occur in mature forest, two of the four grew significantly more in lightgaps than in closed canopy secondary forest. Overall, bottomlands facilitated greater seedling growth in height (38%) relative to plateaus, but only one species exhibited a significant increase. This study shows the importance of the environmental variability generated with canopy openings along the topographic gradient, suggesting that both the selection of species and microsite conditions of planting sites have to be considered important criteria in the recovery of degraded areas. (AU)

School-based soccer practice is an effective strategy to improve cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors in overweight children.

We examined the effects of a 6-month school-based soccer programme on cardiovascular (CV) and metabolic risk factors in overweight children. Methods: 40 boys [8-12 years; body mass index (BMI) >2 standard deviations of WHO reference values] participated in complementary school-based physical education classes (two sessions per week, 45-90 min each). The participants were divided into a soccer group (SG; n = 20) and a control group (CG; n = 20). The SG intervention involved 3 extra-curricular school-based soccer sessions per week, 60-90 min each. The intervention lasted for 6-months. All measurements were taken at baseline and after 6-months. From baseline to 6-months, the SG significantly improved (p < .05) BMI z-score, waist circumference, waist-to-height ratio, percentage of fat mass, percentage of fat-free mass, diastolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, but no such improvements were observed for the CG. After the intervention, the prevalence of soccer participants with normal waist-to-height ratio (30 vs. 5%; p = .037), systolic blood pressure (90 vs. 55%; p = .039), total cholesterol (80 vs. 65%; p = .035) and LDL-C (90 vs. 75%; p = .012) were significantly higher than at baseline. The findings suggest that a 6-month school-based soccer intervention program represents an effective strategy to reduce CV and metabolic risk factors in overweight children prepared to take part in a soccer program.

Influence of the 6-month physical activity programs on renal function in obese boys.

BackgroundWe intended to evaluate the effects of physical activity (PA) programs on renal function in obese boys.MethodsThirty-nine boys participated in one of the following three groups: soccer (SG, n=13), traditional PA (AG, n=13), and sedentary control (CG, n=13). SG and AG were involved in 6-month PA programs, involving three sessions/week for 60-90 min. Anthropometric measurements, body composition, creatinine and cystatin C plasmatic levels, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were evaluated.ResultsAt baseline (n=39), age and lean mass index (LMI) were positively correlated with creatinine levels. After 6 months, both intervention groups decreased the BMI z-score and waist circumference, while the CG increased the body fat percentage (BFP). LMI increased in all the groups. SG presented a small increment in plasma creatinine and a decrease in the eGFR values, using the Schwartz formula. Concerning the cystatin C levels and eGFR values using Filler (cystatin C-based) or Combined Zappitelli (creatinine/cystatin C-based) formulas, no significant changes were observed in any group.ConclusionThe combined Zappitelli formula showed no significant impact of PA on eGFR in obese boys. Although plasma creatinine is significantly influenced by lean body mass, cystatin C is likely to be a more accurate marker of renal function in this population.