Nutritional value and kinetics of in vitro fermentation of spineless cactus of the genus Nopalea in different phenological phases.

The objective was to evaluate the chemical composition and in vitro fermentation of spineless cactus of the genus Nopalea, F-21 (Nopalea cochenillifera Dyck), IPA-Sertânia (Nopalea cochenillifera Dyck) and Miúda (Nopalea cochenillifera Salm Dyck), in different phenophases. There was no effect (P < 0.05) of the phenological phases of spineless cactus on DM, ash, OM, EE, and CP. Varieties F-21 and Miúda presented higher values of DM and OM, whereas the CP was higher for IPA-Sertânia. The contents of NDF, ADF, and ADL, as well as the fractions of carbohydrates B2 and C were higher in the mature stage, irrespective of the variety. The Miúda variety showed higher levels of NFC and fractions A + B1 and the lower levels of pectin compared to the F-21 and IPA-Sertânia varieties, but not differ of TC to F-21. The volume of gas produced via the degradation of NFC was higher for young phenological phases. The young and intermediate stages showed a higher in vitro digestibility of DM. Based on the results, varieties IPA-Sertânia and Miúda have a high potential for use in animal feed because of their high nutritional quality. Mature cladodes showed a higher fibrous fraction and lower digestibility in all varieties.

Large-scale Degradation of the Tocantins-Araguaia River Basin.

The Tocantins-Araguaia Basin is one of the largest river systems in South America, located entirely within Brazilian territory. In the last decades, capital-concentrating activities such as agribusiness, mining, and hydropower promoted extensive changes in land cover, hydrology, and environmental conditions. These changes are jeopardizing the basin's biodiversity and ecosystem services. Threats are escalating as poor environmental policies continue to be formulated, such as environmentally unsustainable hydropower plants, large-scale agriculture for commodity production, and aquaculture with non-native fish. If the current model persists, it will deepen the environmental crisis in the basin, compromising broad conservation goals and social development in the long term. Better policies will require thought and planning to minimize growing threats and ensure the basin's sustainability for future generations.

Dwarf versus tall elephant grass in sheep feed: which one is the most recommended for cut-and-carry?

Tall- and dwarf-sized elephant grass cultivars have been developed for cut-and-carry system. Dwarf clones have better digestibility; on the other hand, tall-sized cultivars are more productive. The aim was to verify which grass would be most recommended for cut-and-carry: tall-sized (Elephant B and IRI-381) or dwarf (Taiwan A-146 2.37 and Mott) elephant grass cultivars to feed 24 male sheep, aged between 4 and 5 months, uncastrated, weighing approximately 24.08 ± 1.76 kg body weight which were sampled on intake, digestibility, performance, ingestive behavior, nitrogen balance, microbial protein synthesis, metabolic parameters, and ruminal degradability. This research was divided into two experiments: experiment 1 lasted 38 days, seven for adaptation and 31 for data collection. Elephant grass cultivars were supplied with a mineral mixture. Data collected were intake, digestibility, ingestive behavior, metabolic parameters, microbial protein synthesis, and performance submitted to a completely randomized design. For experiment 2, three rumen fistulae animals were sampled, lasting 20 days. In this case, a randomized block in split-plot design was applied. Both designs were with P < 0.05 and analyzed through SAS statistical software. Mott and Taiwan A-146 2.37 cultivars provided greater intake, digestibility, weight gain, feeding time, nitrogen retention, production and efficiency of microbial protein synthesis, dry matter (DM) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) degradability, and DM, crude protein, and NDF, but shorter rumination time rather than Elephant B and IRI-381. There was also a significant difference for glucose, triglycerides, plasma urea, total serum protein, urinary urea (mg/L), and urea excretion in urine (mg/day). Dwarf elephant grass cultivars as Mott and Taiwan A-146 2.37 have greater nutritional value than tall-sized Elephant B and IRI-381. Dwarf elephant grass is recommended for cut-and-carry system.

Effect of association of fresh cassava root with corn silage in replacement for cactus cladodes on dairy cow performance.

The aim of this study was to investigate the replacement effect of cactus cladodes with cassava root and corn silage (CRCS) (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100%, dry matter basis) in diets of lactating dairy cows on nutrients intake and digestibility, microbial protein synthesis, nitrogen balance, and milk yield. Ten Holstein cows with an average milk yield of 16 kg/day, an initial body weight (BW) of 670 ± 35 kg, and an average of 17 weeks in milking were assigned to an experiment using a double 5 × 5 Latin square design. The ratio of forage/concentrate was 82:18, and the ingredients used were cactus cladodes, cassava root, corn silage, soybean meal, wheat meal, urea, and mineral premix. The intake of dry matter, organic matter, and total digestible nutrients were not influenced by the replacement levels. On the other hand, the intake of crude protein and neutral detergent fiber increased while the intake of non-fiber carbohydrates decreased with addition of CRCS. The digestibility of the nutrients was not changed as the milk yield as fat-corrected milk production and milk content of fat, protein, lactose, and total solids. The microbial protein synthesis, microbial protein efficiency, nitrogen balance, and efficiency of N in milk were not changed. Therefore, we recommend the complete replacement of cactus cladodes by cassava root and corn silage in the diets of lactating cows with an average milk yield of 16 kg/day.

Physicochemical parameters, fatty acid profile, and sensory attributes of meat from lambs fed with cassava dregs in replacement of corn.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the replacement of corn by cassava dregs (0, 33, 66, and 100%) in the diet of lamb on physicochemical parameters, fatty acid profile, and sensory attributes of meat. Forty male non-castrated Santa Inês crossbred lambs with an initial average weight of 20 ± 1.87 kg were slaughtered after 70 days. The physicochemical parameters and chemical composition of meat were not affected by the diets. Eicosenoic (C20:1n-9) and linolenic (C18:3n-3) acids increased linearly and there was a linear decreasing effect for the flavor score with increasing cassava dregs in the diets. The replacement of corn by cassava dregs did not influence omega-6:omega-3 ration or the total desirable fatty acids, as well as the color, aroma, tenderness, juiciness, or overall evaluation scores. Cassava dregs may be added in the diets of lambs, without negative effects on physicochemical characteristics, chemical composition, and fatty acid indexes, with positive effects on unsaturated fatty acid content. However, the total replacement of corn altered the sensory attributes and decreased purchase intent of the meat.

Heart rate variability, adiposity, and physical activity in prepubescent children.

PURPOSE: This study aimed at examining the associations between weight status, body fat mass, and heart rate variability in prepubescent children, adjusting for physical activity levels. METHODS: A cross-sectional investigation in which a total of 50 Caucasian pre-pubertal children (21 normal weight; 8 overweight; 21 obese), aged 6-10 years (8.33 ± 1.14), including both boys (n = 24) and girls (n = 26), were recruited from local schools. Total body fat and trunk fat were evaluated through dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Free-living physical activity levels were evaluated by accelerometer. Short-term heart rate variability acquisition was performed; time- and frequency-domain parameters were analysed. Logarithmic transformations of the low-frequency (LnLFnu), high-frequency (LnHFnu) normalized units and low-frequency/high-frequency (LnLFnu/HFnu) ratio were computed. RESULTS: Adjusting for age, Tanner stage, and moderate to vigorous physical activity levels, obese children compared to normal weight children showed a significant decreased LnHfnu (3.8 ± 0.2 vs 4.1 ± 0.2 %) and both higher LnLFnu (4.0 ± 0.4 vs 3.7 ± 0.3 %) and LnLFnu/LnHFnu ratio (1.1 ± 0.1 vs 0.9 ± 0.1). LnHFnu showed significant negative correlation with waist circumference (r = -0.598; P = 0.000), total body fat (r = -0.409; P = 0.011) and trunk fat (r = -0.472; P = 0.003). Both LnLFnu and LnLFnu/LnHFnu ratio showed positive correlations with waist circumference (r = 0.455; r = 0.513) and trunk fat (r = 0.370; r = 0.415). CONCLUSIONS: A higher amount of body fat mass, particularly central fat, was shown to be related to decreased parasympathetic modulation in time-domain heart rate variability. This finding highlights the potential cardiovascular risk that excessive fat mass may represent even at very young age.

Measuring physical activity and sports participation after autologous cartilage implantation: a systematic review.

CONTEXT: The assessment of physical activity and return to sport and exercise activities is an important component in the overall evaluation of outcome after autologous cartilage implantation (ACI). OBJECTIVE: To identify the patient-report instruments that are commonly used in the evaluation of physical activity and return to sport after ACI and provide a critical analysis of these instruments from a rehabilitative perspective. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: A computerized search was performed in January 2013 and repeated in March 2013. Criteria for inclusion required that studies (1) be written in English and published between 1994 and 2013; (2) be clinical studies where knee ACI cartilage repair was the primary treatment, or comparison studies between ACI and other techniques or between different ACI generations; (3) report postoperative physical activity and sport participation outcomes results, and (4) have evidence level of I-III. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: Twenty-six studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Three physical activity scales were identified: the Tegner Activity Scale, Modified Baecke Questionnaire, and Activity Rating Scale. Five knee-specific instruments were identified: the Lysholm Knee Function Scale, International Knee Documentation Committee Score Subjective Form, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, Modified Cincinnati Knee Score, and Stanmore-Bentley Functional Score. CONCLUSIONS: Considerable heterogeneity exists in the reporting of physical activity and sports participation after ACI. Current instruments do not fulfill the rehabilitative needs in the evaluation of physical activity and sports participation.

Fermentation Profile, Aerobic Stability, and Chemical and Mineral Composition of Cactus Pear Silages with Different Inclusion Levels of Gliricidia Hay.

Cactus pear is used in large proportions in diets for small ruminants in semiarid regions. However, its exclusive use is not recommended due to the low fiber and crude protein content and the high water and mineral content, leading to metabolic disorders, low dry matter intake, and weight loss. The use of mixed cactus silage associated with protein and fibrous sources seeks to overcome the deficits in dry matter, fiber and crude protein, aiming to improve the nutritional quality of the diets that will be offered to ruminants. Thus, the use of gliricidia hay in cactus pear silages could represent an important alternative to improve the nutritional and fermentative characteristics of the ensiled material. Therefore, our aim was to evaluate the fermentation dynamics, nutritional characteristics, and aerobic stability of mixed silages of cactus pear combined with different levels of gliricidia hay. This was a completely randomized experimental design with five treatments and five repetitions. The treatments consisted of different levels of inclusion of gliricidia hay (0, 10, 20, 30, and 40% on a dry matter basis) in the composition of mixed cactus pear silages. The inclusion of gliricidia hay in the composition of mixed silages of cactus pear resulted in a quadratic effect for dry matter recovery, pH, NH3-N, buffering capacity, aerobic stability, ether extract, P, K, Na, and Zn (p < 0.05). There was a reduction in density, effluent losses, maximum pH, mineral matter, non-fiber carbohydrates, Ca, Mg, Fe, and Mn (p < 0.05), and an increase in the time to reach maximum pH as well as an upward trend in pH, dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, and B (p < 0.05). Under experimental conditions, the inclusion of gliricidia hay between 20 and 30% in cactus pear-based silage provided an improvement to the chemical composition and fermentation parameters of the silages.

Chemical Properties, Ruminal Fermentation, Gas Production and Digestibility of Silages Composed of Spineless Cactus and Tropical Forage Plants for Sheep Feeding.

The aim was to evaluate the chemical composition, carbohydrates, protein fractionation and in vitro gas production of silages composed of spineless cactus and tropical forages and their effect on sheep performance. Treatments consisted of silages: corn silage (CS), spineless cactus silage (SCS), spineless cactus + gliricidia (SCG), spineless cactus + buffel grass silage (SCBG) and spineless cactus + pornunça (SCP). Silos were opened 60 days after ensiling, and analyses were carried out. The digestibility test lasted for 36 days, with eight animals per treatment. A completely randomized design was adopted. Considering carbohydrate fractionation, CS, SCS and SCBG silages had higher total carbohydrate content (p = 0.001). The SCS silage presented a higher A + B1 fraction (p = 0.001). The SCBG and SCG silages showed a higher B2 fraction (p < 0.0001) compared to the CS and SCS silages. The SCBG and SCP silages presented a higher C fraction (p = 0.001). For protein fractionation, the SCP and SCG silages showed higher crude protein contents (p = 0.001). The CS and SCS silages showed a higher A fraction (p = 0.001). The SCBG silage presented a higher B1 + B2 fraction (p = 0.001). The SCG silage showed a higher B3 fraction (p = 0.006) compared to SCBG silage. The SCS and SCP silages showed a higher C fraction (p = 0.001). Exclusive SCS silage showed higher in vitro dry matter digestibility (p = 0.001), dry matter degradability (p = 0.001) and total gas production (p = 0.001). The use of the SCBG, SCP and SCG silages to feed sheep increased the dry matter intake (p < 0.001). Sheep fed the SCG silage showed greater dry matter and crude protein digestibility compared to the sheep fed the CS, SCS and SCP silages (p = 0.002). There was a higher water intake (p < 0.001) with the use of the SCS and SCG silages to feed the sheep. The SCP and SCG silages provided a greater intake (p < 0.001) and excretion (p < 0.001) of nitrogen by the animals. Although there were no differences between the treatments for daily gains, lambs that received the spineless cactus-based silage associated with tropical forages showed higher gains (160-190 g/day) than lambs that received CS silage (130 g/day). Thus, the use of spineless cactus associated with buffelgrass, pornunça and gliricidia to prepare mixed silages (60:40) to feed sheep has potential use to feed sheep, with positive effects on nutrient degradation and increases in dry matter intake. Under experimental conditions, we recommend the exclusive use of spineless cactus silage associated with buffel grass, pornunça and gliricidia in feeding sheep in semi-arid regions, as it provides nutrients, water and greater daily gains compared to corn silage.

Impact of a 10-min typing task in the development of trapezius myalgia: a preliminary observational study.

Objectives. Computer use, as in typing, might contribute to trapezius myalgia (TM) development by increasing upper trapezius (UT) muscle fatigue. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether 10 min of performing a typing task by a population at risk would show significant changes in surface electromyography (sEMG) and pressure pain threshold (PPT) measurements. Supported and unsupported forearms postures are compared. Methods. Sixteen asymptomatic volunteers with minimum daily use of a computer of 5 h were randomized into two groups: fully supported forearms (n = 8) and unsupported forearms (n = 8). The protocol consisted of 10 min of a typing task, and the workstation was set according to the usual participant profile. sEMG and PPT readings were collected from both UT muscles. Results. PPT and sEMG readings were not significantly different among the two groups. Supported forearms had less reduction of PPT and a smaller increase in electrical activity. Conclusions. Ten minutes of typing seems insufficient to observe any significant changes that could lead to TM development.

A comprehensive study on surveillance outcomes of a male population followed at a hereditary breast cancer high-risk consultation at a Portuguese tertiary hospital.

INTRODUCTION: Men born with pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants in genes associated with the Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Syndrome have a higher risk to develop breast cancer and other cancers (such as prostate cancer) and should undergo adequate surveillance protocols in highly specialized Centers. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted to assess these genetic variants' epidemiological and phenotypical manifestations in male carriers, as well as the efficacy of the surveillance protocol and compliance toward it through a survey. During follow-up, a genetic panel for testing was implemented, the starting age for surveillance was delayed, and the six-month screening interval was extended to annual. RESULTS: A total of 104 men from a tertiary hospital's High-Risk Consultation were included, 102 with positive genetic testing for BRCA1 (n = 31), BRCA2 (n = 55), both BRCA2 and another gene (n = 5), CDH1 (n = 2), CHEK2 (n = 4), NF1 (n = 1), RAD51C (n = 4), and an additional two men with no actionable genetic variant identified. The follow-up period ranged from 1 to 13 years, and only one man developed cancer. Survey responses from 48 men in active surveillance showed that more than half recognizes their carrier status and consequent surveillance impact on their life, including the risk of transmission to offspring, fear of future cancer, meaningful distress, and feeling of injustice. Biannual surveillance was not actively detecting more cancer disease cases, confirming the adequacy of the currently implemented protocol CONCLUSION: With support of Genetics to fulfill the current gaps in high-risk management, the proposed redefinition of surveillance protocol would adapt it to the population needs and concerns.

Differences among a Portuguese cohort of BRCA pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants carriers choosing risk-reducing mastectomy or intensive breast surveillance.

PURPOSE: Women with BRCA1 and BRCA2 (BRCA1/2) pathogenic/likely pathogenic (P/LP) variants have a higher risk to develop breast and ovarian cancer. In structured high-risk clinics, risk-reducing measures are adopted. This study aimed at characterizing these women and identify factors that may have influenced their choice between risk reduction mastectomy (RRM) and intensive breast surveillance (IBS). METHODS: This study reviewed retrospectively 187 clinical records of affected and unaffected women with P/LP variants of the BRCA1/2 genes, from 2007 to 2022, of which 50 chose RRM, while 137 chose IBS. The research focused on personal and family history and tumor characteristics and their relation with the preventive option chosen. RESULTS: Among women with personal history of breast cancer, a higher proportion opted for RRM compared to those asymptomatic (34.2% vs 21.3%, p = 0.049), with younger age determining the option for RRM (38.5 years vs 44.0 years, p < 0.001). Among women with personal history of ovarian cancer, a higher proportion opted for RRM compared to those without that history (62.5% vs 25.1%, p = 0.033), with younger age determining the option for RRM (42.6 years vs 62.7 years, p = 0.009). Women who had bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy were more likely to choose RRM than those who did not (37.3% vs 18.3%, p = 0.003). Family history was not associated with preventive option (33.3% vs 25.3, p = 0.346). CONCLUSIONS: The decision for the preventive option is multifactorial. In our study, personal history of breast or ovarian cancer, younger age at diagnosis, and previous bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy were associated with the choice of RRM. Family history was not associated with the preventive option.

Chest wall perforator flaps for partial breast reconstruction after conservative surgery: Prospective analysis of safety and reliability.

INTRODUCTION: Breast-conserving surgery associated with adjuvant radiotherapy is the state of the art in the surgical treatment of breast cancer. Oncoplastic surgery through dermo-adipose flaps based in perforating arteries (muscle sparing flaps) for partial reconstruction is increasingly used as a good option for avoiding musculocutaneous flaps. In this study we evaluate the outcomes of the use of chest wall perforator flaps in the replacement of partial breast volume. METHODS: A prospective cohort study of female patients that underwent a conservative oncoplastic surgery procedure with partial breast reconstruction using a dermo-adipose flap of perforating arteries of the chest wall was conducted between November 2020 and March 2022 at our centre. Primary outcomes were surgical morbidity, positive margins and reoperation rates. Characteristics associated with the occurrence of complications were further identified. RESULTS: Forty-five patients underwent the procedure of interest during the study period. The mean age was 55 years. The median larger dimension of the tumor was 23 mm. Lateral intercostal artery perforator (LICAP), lateral thoracic artery perforator (LTAP), a combined flap and Anterior Intercostal Artery Perforator/Medial Intercostal Artery Perforator (AICAP)/(MICAP) were performed in 22, 16, 2 and 5 patients, respectively. The mean operative time was 126 min. A total of 9 (20.0%) patients required a reoperation after definitive diagnosis, 4 due to positive margins and 5 due to immediate/early surgical morbidity. CONCLUSIONS: Local perforator flaps in oncoplastic breast-conserving surgery are a good option for immediate reconstruction after conservative surgery, showing low morbidity and favourable outcomes.

Secondary production of Acartia tonsa Dana, 1849 and A. lilljeborgii Giesbrecht, 1889 in an Amazonian estuary (Brazil).

The dynamics of the copepods A. tonsa and A. lilljeborgii were described for the first time in the Taperaçu Estuary. The acartiids were collected using plankton nets (200 µm) in June 2012, March 2013 (rainy season) and September 2012 and 2013 (dry season). The oscillations in rainfall and the fluctuations in hydrological variables influenced the abundance, biomass, and production of both A. tonsa (17 ± 23 to 8501 ± 13,248 ind.m-3; 16,385.29 mg.C.m-3; 0.09 ± 0.21 to 355.17 ± 590.84 mg.C.m-3.d-1) and A. lilljeborgii (14 ± 11 to 1470 ± 1591 ind.m-3; 22,398.40 mg.C.m-3; 177.99 ± 263.13 mg.C.m-3.d-1) with clear monthly, seasonal, and spatial patterns. The high levels of production observed may be related to the presence of waters rich in particulate organic material derived from the adjacent mangrove forests. This material is consumed by a number of copepod species, in particular A. tonsa and A. lilljeborgii, favoring the development and reproduction of both species which are characterized by high rates of productivity in the study estuary. The present results indicate that the biomass and productivity in equatorial mangrove estuaries may be relatively high in comparison with the levels observed in other coastal systems around the world and that earlier stages of both species have a great relevance for biomass and production in Amazonian estuaries.

Foreign stingers: South American freshwater river stingrays Potamotrygon spp. established in Indonesia.

The pet trade is known to be one of the most important pathways of aquatic non-native species introduction and Indonesia is a significant trade partner. Popular ornamental South American river stingrays (Potamotrygon spp.) were introduced to Indonesia in the 1980s and the culture was established. Here we present a detailed Indonesian market and aquaculture survey, the volume of trade between January 2020 and June 2022, and the list of customer countries with the total amount of imported stingrays. Climate similarities between the native range of P. motoro and P. jabuti and Indonesia were analysed. A significant number of areas of Indonesian islands were identified as suitable for the establishment of this species. This was confirmed by the first record of probably established populations in the Brantas River (Java). In total 13 individuals including newborns were captured. The culture of potamotrygonid stingrays is unregulated in Indonesia, and the risk of the establishment of this predator and its potential spread is alarming for wildlife. Moreover, the first case of envenomation caused by Potamotrygon spp. in the wild outside of South America was recorded. The current condition is predicted as the 'tip of the iceberg' and continuous monitoring and mitigation of risks are strongly recommended.

NEOTROPICAL FRESHWATER FISHES: A dataset of occurrence and abundance of freshwater fishes in the Neotropics.

The Neotropical region hosts 4225 freshwater fish species, ranking first among the world's most diverse regions for freshwater fishes. Our NEOTROPICAL FRESHWATER FISHES data set is the first to produce a large-scale Neotropical freshwater fish inventory, covering the entire Neotropical region from Mexico and the Caribbean in the north to the southern limits in Argentina, Paraguay, Chile, and Uruguay. We compiled 185,787 distribution records, with unique georeferenced coordinates, for the 4225 species, represented by occurrence and abundance data. The number of species for the most numerous orders are as follows: Characiformes (1289), Siluriformes (1384), Cichliformes (354), Cyprinodontiformes (245), and Gymnotiformes (135). The most recorded species was the characid Astyanax fasciatus (4696 records). We registered 116,802 distribution records for native species, compared to 1802 distribution records for nonnative species. The main aim of the NEOTROPICAL FRESHWATER FISHES data set was to make these occurrence and abundance data accessible for international researchers to develop ecological and macroecological studies, from local to regional scales, with focal fish species, families, or orders. We anticipate that the NEOTROPICAL FRESHWATER FISHES data set will be valuable for studies on a wide range of ecological processes, such as trophic cascades, fishery pressure, the effects of habitat loss and fragmentation, and the impacts of species invasion and climate change. There are no copyright restrictions on the data, and please cite this data paper when using the data in publications.

Reproduction of the non-native fish Lepomis gibbosus (Perciformes: Centrarchidae) in Brazil.

Minas Gerais is the fourth largest Brazilian state, and has an estimate of 354 native fish species. However, these fish species may be threatened, as this state has the highest rank of fish introductions reported for Brazil and South America. As one from the total of 85 non-native species detected, Lepomis gibbosus was introduced in the 60s to serve both as foragefish and to improve sport fishing. In this study, we evaluated the establishment of L. gibbosus in a shallow lake in the city ofOuro Preto, Doce River basin, state of Minas Gerais, Southeastern Brazil. We collected fish with fishing rods every two months from March 2002-February 2003. Fragments of gonads from a total of 226 females and 226 males were obtained and processed following standard histological techniques; then 5-7 microm thickness sections were taken and stained in hematoxylin-eosin. Besides, for each specimen, the biometric measurements included the standard length (SL) and body weight (BW); and the sex ratio was obtained. The reproductive cycle stages were confirmed by the distribution of oocytes and spermatogenic cells. The type of spawning was determined by the frequency distribution of the reproductive cycle stages and ovarian histology. Based on the microscopic characteristics of the gonads, the following stages of the reproductive cycle were determined: one=Rest, two=Mature, three=Spawned for females or Spent for males; males and females in reproduction were found throughout the study period. Post-spawned ovaries containing oocytes in stages one (initial perinucleolar), two (advanced perinucleolar), three (pre-vitellogenic), four (vitellogenic) and post-ovulatory follicles indicated fractionated-type spawning in this species. The smallest breeding male and female measured were 4.6 and 4.9cm standard length, respectively, suggesting stunting. The sex ratio did not vary between males and females along the year and bimonthly, being 1:1. Moreover, L. gibbosus appears to be at stage three of biological invasion: establishment through reproduction. We suggest to deliver information about "non-native species" through lectures in schools, colleges/universities, NGOs, government and environmental agencies in the cities and villages, in order to try to prevent environmental degradation by the introduction of non-native fish such as L. gibbosus in the region. We also recommend high fines for red-handed, and the import ban of non-native fish species to the region.

Results of a feasibility randomised controlled trial of osteopathy on neck-shoulder pain in computer users.

BACKGROUND: Computer use is a well-known source of chronic pain, leading to absenteeism and reduced productivity and well-being. This study evaluated the feasibility of conducting a full-scale randomised controlled trial. Several methodological variables defined trial feasibility. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty adults, daily computer users reporting pain, were recruited. Data collection took place at LABIOMEP. Participants were randomised into 1 of 3 parallel groups and received either osteopathic, sham or no treatment. Only the volunteers were blind to group assignments. The primary objective was to study the feasibility and acceptability of the protocol. RESULTS: Of 77 participants interested, 30 were included and randomised into three groups of ten. All participants concluded the study, and all the data was analysed. The feasibility outcomes were deemed appropriate. No adverse events or severe side effects were reported or identified. CONCLUSION: Studying the efficacy of osteopathic consultation on computer users by conducting an RCT is feasible and safe. With adjustments, a full-scale study can be designed. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov with the identifier: NCT04501575. Date registered August 06, 2020.