Menopause hormone therapy and physical performance: The Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the association between menopause hormone therapy (MHT) and physical performance among women from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study of 12,506 postmenopausal Canadian women. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Grip strength (kg), gait speed (m/s), timed up and go (s), chair rise (s), and balance (s) were assessed following standard procedures. The association between MHT and physical performance was evaluated using linear regression models adjusted for age, education, study site, smoking, alcohol consumption, body mass index, diabetes, hypertension, and hysterectomy. Sensitivity analyses were conducted according to age at study visit (<65 vs. ≥65 years), body mass index (<25 kg/m2 vs. ≥25 kg/m2), physical activity level (less vs. more active), duration and type of MHT, and time of starting MHT after menopause. RESULTS: Compared with those who never used MHT, prior or current use was associated with better performance on the timed up and go test (ß: -0.19; 95%CI: -0.28; -0.11) and faster gait speed (ß = 0.01, 95%CI = 0.00; 0.02). No association was found for grip strength, balance, and chair rise. Results did not change by body mass index, physical activity, or duration of MHT use. When stratified by age at study visit, the effect remained significant only in among those aged 65 years or more. Starting MHT <5 years after menopause was associated with better physical performance. CONCLUSIONS: MHT was associated with better physical performance in gait speed and timed up and go tests. The cross-sectional design of the study limits causal interpretation. Prospective studies are needed to confirm our results.

HPLC-TBARS-EVSC (high-performance liquid chromatography-thiobarbituric acid reactive substances-ex vivo stratum corneum) protocol: Selection of the subjects and approach to present the results.

OBJECTIVE: Nowadays, it is recognized the need for improved safety and efficacy protocols to evaluate the human stratum corneum (SC) and its interaction with topical and cosmetic formulations by minimally or non-invasive methodologies. The aim of our research work was to streamline the HPLC-TBARS-EVSC (high-performance liquid chromatography-thiobarbituric acid reactive substances-ex vivo stratum corneum) methodology, by exploring the results of a group of 18 subjects. METHODS: The study included nine women and nine men aged between 19 and 57 years old with phototypes from II to V. Sites in the forearm of each volunteer were randomly delimited, and the SC was collected by tape stripping. HPLC was used to quantify the MDA-TBA2 (malondialdehyde-thiobarbituric acid) adduct from the tape-stripped SC, irradiated and not by an ultraviolet (UV) simulator chamber. RESULTS: Observing the findings of our present investigation, and the statistical approach applied, the use of the ratio between the treatment site and control would be an adequate strategy to better discriminate and evaluate the results. Additionally, an optimal selection of the volunteers to respond specifically to the purpose of the ex vivo assay also can be considered advantageous. CONCLUSIONS: It seemed that in future studies focusing on the impact of SC UV-induced lipid peroxidation, determined by the HPLC-TBARS-EVSC, the most suitable subjects are females aged less than 35 years old, with phototype II.

OBJECTIF: Aujourd'hui, il est nécessaire d'améliorer les protocoles de sécurité d'emploi et d'efficacité pour évaluer le stratum corneum (SC) humain et son interaction avec les formulations topiques et cosmétiques par des méthodologies peu ou pas invasives. L'objectif de notre travail de recherche était de rationaliser la méthodologie HPLC-TBARS-SCEV, à savoir chromatographie en phase liquide à haute performance (High Performance Liquid Chromatography), substances réactives à l'acide thiobarbiturique (Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances), stratum corneum ex vivo (SCEV), en explorant les résultats d'un groupe de 18 sujets. MÉTHODES: L'étude incluait 9 femmes et 9 hommes âgés de 19 à 57 ans présentant des phototypes II à V. Des sites de l'avant-bras de chaque volontaire ont été délimités de manière aléatoire, et le SC a été recueilli par « tape stripping ¼. La chromatographie en phase liquide à haute performance a été utilisée pour quantifier l'adduit MDA-TBA2 (malondialdéhyde - acide thiobarbiturique) à partir du SC recueilli par « tape stripping ¼, irradié et non irradié par une chambre de simulation à ultraviolets (UV). RÉSULTATS: En observant les résultats de notre recherche actuelle et l'approche statistique appliquée, l'utilisation du rapport entre le site traité et le site contrôle serait une stratégie adéquate pour mieux discriminer et évaluer les résultats. En outre, une sélection optimale des volontaires pour répondre spécifiquement à l'objectif du test ex vivo peut également être considérée comme bénéfique. CONCLUSIONS: Il semble que dans les études futures axées sur l'impact de la peroxydation lipidique induite par UV du SC, déterminé par la méthodologie HPLC-TBARS-SCEV, les sujets les plus appropriés sont les femmes âgées de moins de 35 ans présentant un phototype II.

Menopause hormone therapy and sarcodynapenia: the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging.

OBJECTIVE: To study the association between menopause hormone therapy (MHT) and sarcodynapenia in women from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study of 10,834 eligible postmenopausal women. The exposure was prior or current use of MHT (never, ever). Sarcopenia was defined as an appendicular lean mass less than 5.72 kg/m 2 using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and dynapenia as a grip strength less than 20.4 kg. Sarcodynapenia was defined as the concomitant presence of sarcopenia and dynapenia. Poisson regression analysis produced prevalence ratios (PR) for the associations between MHT use and sarcodynapenia adjusted for age at interview, education, study site, smoking, diabetes, hypertension, and body mass index. Additional analyses were conducted according to duration of MHT (5 years or less, more than 5 years), age categories (45-64 years, 65 years or older), and physical activity level as per the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly score (less active, more active). RESULTS: Menopause hormone therapy was not associated with sarcodynapenia (PR, 1.10; 95% CI, 0.89-1.35). When subdivided by years of use and physical activity, relative to no MHT use, MHT use for 5 years or less was associated with a higher prevalence of sarcodynapenia among less active women (PR, 1.57; 95% CI, 1.11-2.21) and with a lower prevalence among those more active (PR, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.39-0.92). The use of MHT for more than 5 years was not associated with sarcodynapenia. CONCLUSIONS: Menopause hormone therapy for 5 years or less is associated with a lower prevalence of sarcodynapenia among physically active women and with a higher prevalence of sarcodynapenia in those less active. Strategies to promote an active lifestyle in all postmenopausal women, including MHT users, are needed to attain benefits for musculoskeletal health.

Association between menopausal status and physical function: A systematic review protocol.

INTRODUCTION: Physical function is considered an important marker of adverse health outcomes. Postmenopausal women seem to have worse physical function, but conflicting results have been reported in the literature. The aim of this systematic review is to assess the association between menopausal status and physical function in community-dwelling women. METHODS: Cross-sectional and/or longitudinal studies which objectively or subjectively assess physical function at different menopausal stages will be included. Studies conducted in institutionalized populations or with any specific medical condition that may have induced menopause (i.e. cancer or degenerative diseases) will be excluded. This systematic review protocol follows the recommendations of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P). The searches will be carried out in the Pubmed, Embase, SciELO (Scientific Electronic Library Online), LILACS (Latin American and Caribbean Literature on Health Sciences), VHL (Virtual Health Library), Scopus and Web of Science databases, using the search equation "Menopause AND (Physical Performance OR Function)". The Quality Assessment Tool for Observational Cohort and Cross-Sectional Studies will be considered to assess the methodological quality of the included studies. The selection and evaluation of the methodological quality of the studies will be carried out by independent researchers and the discrepancies will be resolved by a separate researcher. ETHICS AND DISCLOSURE: Ethical approval is not required as this is a study using secondary data. The results will be published in a scientific journal. We intend to contribute to the expansion of knowledge regarding physical function of women according to the menopause status, thus helping in the perspective of improving health and functioning. This systematic review started in January 2022 and all steps are expected to be finished by October 2022. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42021289899.

O Núcleo Ampliado de Saúde da Família como espaço estratégico de aprendizagem interprofissional em saúde / The Extended Family Health Care Center (NASF) as a strategic setting for interprofessional health teaching / El Nucleo de Apoyo a la Salud de la Familia (NASF) como espacio estratégico para el aprendizaje interprofesional en salud

Introdução: Experiências de formação interprofissional no âmbito dos Núcleos Ampliados de Saúde da Família - Atenção Básica (NASF-AB) podem representar uma importante estratégia de contraposição à fragmentação do trabalho em saúde e, consequentemente, do cuidado, favorecendo a uma atuação em saúde mais eficiente, a partir das necessidades de saúde da comunidade. Objetivo: Discutir a experiência de formação interdisciplinar e interprofissional em saúde de um estudante de Fonoaudiologia vivenciada em um estágio curricular no contexto de um NASF-AB em Salvador, Bahia, Brasil. Descrição: As atividades dos estudantes foram organizadas em 5 frentes de trabalho, a saber: 1. Discussão de casos com profissionais com vistas à atualização do Planejamento Terapêutico Singular; 2. Grupos educativos voltados à prevenção; 3. Atendimentos individuais; 4. Programa Saúde na Escola; e 5. Intervenção pedagógica com profissionais. Considerações finais: A experiência de formação interprofissional no contexto do NASF-AB permitiu o desenvolvimento de competências colaborativas para o trabalho em equipe interprofissional, como a comunicação interprofissional, a clarificação de papéis, e a responsabilidade e trabalho em equipe, fundamentais para o alcance da integralidade do cuidado em saúde. Ademais, permitiu refletir sobre os limites da formação essencialmente clínica e fragmentada que hegemoniza a Fonoaudiologia no Brasil, bem como sobre sua insuficiente inserção na Atenção Primária em Saúde. Durante a experiência, outras reflexões foram suscitadas e permitiram a compreensão de conceitos importantes através da articulação teórico-prática possibilitada pela vivência em campo.

Introduction: Interprofessional training experiences in the context of the Extended Family Health and Basic Care Center (NASF-AB) may be an important strategy to counteract health work - and consequently health care - fragmentation, favoring a more effective health practice based on the community's health needs. Objective: To discuss an interdisciplinary and interprofessional health training experience of a speech-language-hearing student, which took place as a required internship at an NASF-AB in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. Description: The students' activities were organized into 5 focuses of effort, namely: 1. Case discussions with professionals aiming to update the Unique Therapeutic Project; 2. Educational groups focused on prevention; 3. Individual attention; 4. School Health Program; and 5. Pedagogical intervention with professionals. Final considerations: The interprofessional training experience at the NASF-AB helped develop collaborative competencies for interprofessional teamwork, such as interprofessional communication, role clarification, teamwork, and responsibility, which are essential to provide comprehensive health care. It also helped reflect on the limitations of the hegemonic, essentially clinical, fragmented speech-language-hearing training in Brazil, as well as this professional's insufficient inclusion in primary health care. During the experience, other considerations arose and helped understand important concepts combining the theory and practice experience in the field.

Introducción: Las experiencias de formación interprofesional en el contexto de los Núcleos de Apoyo a la Salud de la Familia (NASF) pueden representar una importante estrategia para contrarrestar la fragmentación del trabajo en salud y, en consecuencia, de la atención, favoreciendo una acción de salud más eficiente, basada sobre las necesidades de salud de la comunidad. Objetivo: Discutir la experiencia de formación interdisciplinaria e interprofesional en salud de un estudiante de Patología del Habla y el Lenguaje con experiencia en una pasantía curricular en el contexto de un NASF en Salvador, Bahía, Brasil. Descripción: Las actividades de los estudiantes se organizaron en 5 frentes de trabajo, a saber: 1. Planificación terapéutica singular; 2. Grupos educativos enfocados a la prevención; 3. Asistencia individual; 4. Programa de salud en la escuela; y 5. Intervención pedagógica con profesionales. Consideraciones finales: La experiencia de la formación interprofesional en el contexto de NASF permitió el desarrollo de habilidades colaborativas para el trabajo en equipo interprofesional, como la comunicación interprofesional, el esclarecimiento de roles y la responsabilidad y el trabajo en equipo, fundamentales para lograr la integralidad. Además, permitió reflexionar sobre la actual formación esencialmente clínica de la Logopedia en Brasil, así como sobre su insuficiente inserción en la Atención Primaria de Salud. Durante la experiencia, se plantearon otras reflexiones que permitieron la comprensión de conceptos importantes a través de la práctica teórico-práctica, articulación posibilitada por la experiencia en el campo.

Analysis of goal scoring patterns and match outcome during the Intercontinental Beach Soccer Cup Dubai 2019

Abstract Aim: To characterize the goal-scoring patterns and investigate the goal process on match outcome during the Intercontinental Beach Soccer Cup Dubai 2019. Methods: A set of 35 goal-scoring patterns were grouped into nine macro-categories: Match-period, Court-zone, Set-play, Open-play, Touching by players before the goal, Offensive method, Goalkeeper-line, Number of passes before the goal, and Ball trajectory. Match outcome in regular time was considered the matches resulting in a loss (n=16), draw (n=8), or win (n=16). The offensive sequences that resulted in the goal were analyzed in all 20 matches during the competition (n=138 goals). Results: The most goals were scored in Open-play (69%), during the 2nd and 3rd periods (36% for each), near to goal (Zone 4; 50%), preceded by 1-touch (67%) and 0-pass (29%), using positional attack (46%), without goalkeeper-line (68%), and with high-ball trajectory (51%). In addition, won matches presented a higher number of goals in Zone 4, 1-touch, Counterattack, 4v4 goal-successful, Receiving pass, Sand-touch, and High-ball compared to draw and loss matches (p<0.001−0.03; Effect Size [ES]=1.24−2.58, large). Conclusion: In summary, winning teams scored their goals mainly in open-play situations and without a goalkeeper-line, using counterattacks to achieve zones near the opponent's goals, and implementing a direct offensive style. In addition, goals scored were usually preceded by 1-touch, both through high-ball and sand-touch ball trajectory. Coaches and practitioners may consider these goal processes to train prescription and deep understanding of the process to goal in elite Beach soccer.

Relationship between physical activity level and balance in middle-aged and older women / Relação entre o nível de atividade física e equilíbrio em mulheres na meia-idade e idosas

Abstract Introduction: Physical exercise may improve motor skills, such as static standing balance. However, the association between physical activity level based on activities of daily living and static balance is unknown. Objective: To assess the association between the physical activity level and static balance in middle-aged and older women. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 589 community-dwelling women. Static balance was assessed using the single-leg stance test (SLST) with eyes open and closed. Physical activity level was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form and classified as high, moderate, or low. Kruskal-Wallis test compared balance performance between participants with different physical activity levels. Multiple quantile regression analyses assessed the association between variables adjusted for age, family income, educational level, body mass index, comorbidities, and parity. Results: Participants with low physical activity level showed worse SLST performance with eyes open and closed than participants with high physical activity level in the bivariate analysis. However, physical activity level and SLST performance were not associated in the analysis adjusted for covariates. Conclusion: Our results suggested that only being active in daily living activities is not associated with better standing balance in middle-aged and older women. Specific physical exercise programs should be implemented to improve balance in this population.

Resumo Introdução: O exercício físico pode melhorar as habilidades motoras, como o equilíbrio estático na posição ortostática; no entanto, a associação do nível de atividade física durante as atividades de vida diária e o equilíbrio estático não é conhecida. Objetivo: Avaliar a associação entre o nível de atividade física e o equilíbrio estático em mulheres de meia-idade e idosas. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo transversal com 589 mulheres residentes na comunidade. O equilíbrio estático foi avaliado usando o teste de equilíbrio unipodal com os olhos abertos e fechados. O nível de atividade física foi avaliado usando o Questionário Internacional de Atividade Física - versão curta e classificado em alto, moderado e baixo. O teste de Kruskall Wallis comparou o desempenho no teste de equilíbrio unipodal de participantes com diferentes níveis de atividade física. Modelos de regressão quantílica avaliaram a associação entre as variáveis ajustada pelas covariáveis idade, renda familiar, escolaridade, índice de massa corporal, condições crônicas e paridade. Resultados: Na análise bivariada, as mulheres com baixo nível de atividade física mantiveram o equilíbrio em pé com os olhos abertos e fechados por um tempo menor do que aquelas classificadas como alto nível de atividade física. No entanto a associação entre nível de atividade física e performance no teste de equilíbrio estático não foi significativa na análise ajustada para as covariáveis. Conclusão: Os resultados sugerem que apenas ser ativa nas atividades de vida diária não está associado a um melhor equilíbrio em mulheres de meia-idade e idosas. Programas específicos de exercício físico devem ser implementados visando um melhor desempenho do equilíbrio nesta população.

The role of multiparity and maternal age at first pregnancy in the association between early menarche and metabolic syndrome among middle-aged and older women.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze whether maternal age at first pregnancy and parity are mediators of the association between early menarche and metabolic syndrome in a sample of middle-aged and older women. METHODS: Cross-sectional study of 428 women (40 to 80 y), who had experienced a pregnancy in their lifetime, was performed between 2014 and 2016. Age at first pregnancy, parity, and early menarche were self-reported. Metabolic syndrome was assessed using the criteria described by the National Cholesterol Education Program's Adult Treatment Panel III. The association between metabolic syndrome and early menarche was assessed by logistic regression analysis. The mediating role of age at first pregnancy and multiparity in the relationship between early menarche and metabolic syndrome was assessed through mediation analysis, adjusted for covariates. RESULTS: According to adjusted logistic regression models, early menarche was associated with higher odds of prevalent metabolic syndrome (OR: 2.26; 95% CI: 1.15-4.46). Mediation analysis showed a significant direct effect of early menarche on metabolic syndrome (ß: 0.808; 95% CI: 0.107-1.508). Of the two mediators tested, age at first pregnancy was significant (ß: 0.065; 95% CI: 0.004-0.221), ie, participants with and without early menarche differ, on average, by 0.879 SDs in the log odds of MetS (total effect), of which 0.065 SDs (8%), on average, would be attributable to the effect of early menarche on age at first pregnancy (indirect effect), which, in turn, affects MetS. CONCLUSIONS: Age at first pregnancy may partially contribute to the association between early menarche and metabolic syndrome among middle-aged and older women who had experienced a pregnancy over their lifetime.

Possible association of early menopause with worse physical function: a systematic review.

IMPORTANCE: Menopause at younger ages is associated with a greater risk of adverse health outcomes such as osteoporosis, chronic diseases, and death. However, the association with physical function has not been well established. OBJECTIVE: Assess the association between timing of menopause and different measures of physical function. EVIDENCE REVIEW: Searches on the PubMed, Cochrane Library, SciELO, LILACS, and Web of Science databases were conducted. Observational studies on the association between age at menopause and measures of physical function were included, with no restriction for publication date or language. Methodological quality was assessed by the "Quality Assessment Tool for Observational Cohort and Cross-Sectional Studies." FINDINGS: Four cross-sectional studies were included, totaling 13,846 participants. These investigated five measures of physical function: gait speed, grip strength, standing balance, chair stand, and self-reported functional limitations. Poor physical function was associated with premature (<40 y) or early menopause (<45 y) in all the studies, with significant results only for grip strength, gait speed, and functional limitation. Premature and early menopause were associated with weaker grip strength [between 2.58 kg (95% CI = 0.74 to 4.43) and 5.21 kg (2.18 to 8.25)], and lower gait speed [between 0.03 m/s (0.01 to 0.06) and 0.06 m/s (0.02 to 0.09)]. Menopause after the age of 50 is associated with less likelihood of functional limitation [OR between 0.52 (95% CI = 0.29 to 0.95) and 0.61 (0.40 to 0.95)] compared with premature and early menopause. Two measures of physical function (chair stand test and standing balance) were not significantly associated with age at menopause. CONCLUSION: Only four cross-sectional studies showed that earlier ages at menopause are associated with poor physical function (grip strength, gait speed, and self-reported functional limitations), but given the high heterogeneity of the studies, no consensus is possible. Longitudinal studies are needed to explore the association between age at menopause and different measures of physical function as well as the influence of different socioeconomic conditions between countries on functioning.

Spontaneous resolution of chronic subdural hematoma: Does only the size matter?

BACKGROUND: Chronic subdural hematomas (CSDHs) usually occur late in adults and older after mild head trauma. Surgical intervention is the first treatment option in CSDH with conservative management being adopted in few cases. CASE DESCRIPTION: We report a case of a 71-year-old man who presented a spontaneous resolution of a large CSDH. He presented with a difficulty of speech and an ataxic gait. Head (computed tomography scan) showed a low-density lesion located in the right frontal-temporal-parietal region. CONCLUSION: In this report, we discuss the spontaneous resolution of a large CSDH in elderly patients, without surgical intervention. Gradually, several successful nonsurgical therapies for the treatment of these hematomas are reported, although further studies are essential to establish the role of these nonsurgical treatments of CSDHs.

Efficiency in the European agricultural sector: environment and resources.

This article intends to compute agriculture technical efficiency scores of 27 European countries during the period 2005-2012, using both data envelopment analysis (DEA) and stochastic frontier analysis (SFA) with a generalized cross-entropy (GCE) approach, for comparison purposes. Afterwards, by using the scores as dependent variable, we apply quantile regressions using a set of possible influencing variables within the agricultural sector able to explain technical efficiency scores. Results allow us to conclude that although DEA and SFA are quite distinguishable methodologies, and despite attained results are different in terms of technical efficiency scores, both are able to identify analogously the worst and better countries. They also suggest that it is important to include resources productivity and subsidies in determining technical efficiency due to its positive and significant exerted influence.

Competitive balance in football: a comparative study between brazil and the main european leagues (2003-2016) / Equilíbrio competitivo no futebol: um estudo comparativo entre brasil e as principais ligas europeias (2003-2016)

ABSTRACT The present study compared the competitive balance (CB) of Brazilian professional football with those of Germany, Spain, France, England, Italy and Portugal first division leagues, between the period from 2003/2004 to 2016/2017. In addition, a trend line of the period and the overall effect was analysed. The CB was measured by the concentration of points by the first four teams placed in the final standings (C4ICB). Descriptive values ​​showed that the competitions were not fully balanced (i.e. C4ICB> 100). (Md= 145, 148, 148, 152 and 155, respectively, p<0.05), with no differences for France (Md= 140), compared to Germany, Spain, Italy, England and Portugal (Md= 140, p> 0.05). The CB trend lines for Spain, Portugal and the overall effect were significant and showed a decline in the period (p <0.05). There was more stable behavior for Brazil and Italy, observing tendencies to significant models for the increments in the German and French leagues and a reduction in the CB in the English league. It is concluded that the Brazilian league was the most balanced in this period. Globally, there has been a growing inequality in these leagues, which may implicate in the success and attractiveness of the leagues in the future.

RESUMO O presente estudo comparou o equilíbrio competitivo (EC) do futebol brasileiro com os da Alemanha, Espanha, França, Inglaterra, Itália e Portugal), na primeira divisão, entre o período de 2003/2004 a 2016/2017. Além disso, verificou-se a linha de tendência do período e o efeito global. O EC foi medido através da concentração de pontos pelos quatro primeiros colocados na tabela final de classificação (C4 Index of Competitive Balance; C4ICB). Valores descritivos mostraram competições não totalmente equilibradas (i.e., C4ICB>100). C4ICB do campeonato brasileiro (Md=133) foi menor em comparação aos da Alemanha, Espanha, Itália, Inglaterra e Portugal (Md=145, 148, 148, 152 e 155, respectivamente; p<0.05), sem diferenças para a França (Md=140; p>0.05). As linhas de tendência de EC's de Espanha, Portugal e de efeito global foram significativas e demonstraram declínio no período (p<0.05). Para Brasil e Itália houve comportamento com perfil mais estável, observando tendências a modelos significativos para os incrementos nos campeonatos da Alemanha e França e redução de EC no campeonato da Inglaterra. Conclui-se que o campeonato brasileiro foi o torneio menos desequilibrado neste período. De forma global, houve uma crescente desigualdade de equilibrio nessas competições no período analisado o que pode comprometer o sucesso e atratividade no futuro.

Neuropsychological assessment in two cases of adult mild traumatic brain injury with a history of childhood head trauma.

The existence of residual cognitive deficits following mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI) has been a topic of controversy. The current paper describes neuropsychological assessment in two cases of adulthood mild traumatic brain injury. Both patients showed objective results demonstrating cognitive impairment. The first patient experienced a head trauma around the age of 4 and the other patient had a head injury around the age of 7. Discussion focuses on the need for the systematic consideration of a history of childhood head injury as a moderating factor that may account for why a subgroup of patients show cognitive deficits following MTBI.

Quality of life of patients after an acute coronary event: hospital discharge.

BACKGROUND: The acute coronary syndrome (ACS) has a high morbi-mortality rate, including physical deficiencies and functional limitations with impact on quality of life. Cardiovascular rehabilitation 1 (CVR1) should begin as early as possible, to enable improvement in functional capacity and quality of life. Previous studies have shown association of cardiovascular diseases with quality of life, in which depression and anxiety are the domains most altered. The aim of the study is to verify the impact of an acute coronary event on quality of life at the moment of hospital discharge. METHODOLOGY: This was a cross-sectional study, with ACS patients hospitalized in ICU of a private hospital in the city of Salvador, Brazil, submitted to CVR1. The quality of life questionnaire Euroqol-5D was applied on discharge from hospital. Patients included in the study were those with ACV, who had medical permission to walk, had not been submitted to acute surgical treatment, were time and space oriented, and over the age of 18 years. Patients excluded from the study were those with cognitive, orthopedic and neurological problems, who used orthesis on a lower limb, and were in any condition of risk at the time of beginning with CVR1. Data were collected by a previously trained ICU team. RESULTS: Data were collected of 63 patients who revealed compromise in the domains of pain/feeling ill (20.63%) and anxiety/depression (38.09%). Statistical significance was observed in the association between sex and pain/feeling ill (P < 0.01), sex and anxiety/depression (P < 0.01), diabetes and mobility (P < 0.01), hereditary factors and anxiety/depression (p < 0.01), BMI and pain/feeling ill (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: In this sample of patients, on discharge from hospital after ACS, the pain/feeling ill and anxiety/depression domains were shown to be compromised.

Evaluation of the abdominal wall cicatrization of rabbits exposed to nicotine and undergone abdominoplasty using nylon thread or cyanoacrylate.

PURPOSE: To compare the wound healing of the abdominal wall of rabbits exposed to nicotine and submitted to abdominoplasty using 2-octyl cyanoacrylate or nylon thread for the surgery suture. METHODS: Thirty two rabbits were used. They were divided in subgroups: A1, A2, B1 e B2. Group A received saline 0.9%; group B received nicotine, both groups for 14 days before surgery. We performed an abdominoplasty with a nylon suture into the A1 and B1 subgroups; as for A2 and B2 groups the suture was performed with cyanoacrylate. The euthanasia happened in the 14th post-operative day. After, we evaluated: swollen process, fibroblast proliferation, collagen, neovascularization, and macroscope and microscope epithelization of the scars. RESULTS: We observed the presence of eosinophils in all scars exposed to the cyanoacrylate, and a significant increase of neovascularization in the subgroup B2 comparing to the A2 one (p=0.037). The other variables haven't showed any statistical difference. CONCLUSIONS: Nicotine hasn't influenced the swollen process, the fibroblast proliferation, the presence of collagen, neither the epithelialization. The neovascularization showed cicatricial immaturity when comparing group A2 to group B2. The eosinophils in the scars repaired with glue showed that the substance has acted as an allergen.

Evaluation of the abdominal wall cicatrization of rabbits exposed to nicotine and undergone abdominoplasty using nylon thread or cyanoacrylate / Avaliação da cicatrização da parede abdominal de coelhos expostos à nicotina e submetidos à abdominoplastia, utilizando-se nylon ou cianocrilato

PURPOSE: To compare the wound healing of the abdominal wall of rabbits exposed to nicotine and submitted to abdominoplasty using 2-octyl cyanoacrylate or nylon thread for the surgery suture. METHODS: Thirty two rabbits were used. They were divided in subgroups: A1, A2, B1 e B2. Group A received saline 0.9%; group B received nicotine, both groups for 14 days before surgery. We performed an abdominoplasty with a nylon suture into the A1 and B1 subgroups; as for A2 and B2 groups the suture was performed with cyanoacrylate. The euthanasia happened in the 14th post-operative day. After, we evaluated: swollen process, fibroblast proliferation, collagen, neovascularization, and macroscope and microscope epithelization of the scars. RESULTS: We observed the presence of eosinophils in all scars exposed to the cyanoacrylate, and a significant increase of neovascularization in the subgroup B2 comparing to the A2 one (p=0.037). The other variables haven't showed any statistical difference. CONCLUSIONS: Nicotine hasn't influenced the swollen process, the fibroblast proliferation, the presence of collagen, neither the epithelialization. The neovascularization showed cicatricial immaturity when comparing group A2 to group B2. The eosinophils in the scars repaired with glue showed that the substance has acted as an allergen.

OBJETIVO: Comparar a cicatrização da parede abdominal de coelhos expostos à nicotina e submetidos à abdominoplastia utilizando 2-octil cianoacrilato ou nylon na síntese cirúrgica. MÉTODOS: Utilizou-se 32 coelhos. Estes foram distribuídos em subgrupos: A1, A2, B1 e B2. O grupo A recebeu solução de NaCl 0,9%; o B recebeu nicotina, ambos durante 14 dias do pré-operatório. Nos subgrupos A1 e B1 foi realizada abdominoplastia e sutura com "nylon"; enquanto A2 e B2 a síntese ocorreu com cianoacrilato. A eutanásia ocorreu no 14º dia do pós-operatório. Na pesquisa avaliou-se: processo inflamatório, proliferação fibroblástica, colágeno, neovascularização, epitelização macro e microscópica das cicatrizes. RESULTADOS: Observou-se presença de eosinofilia em todas as cicatrizes expostas ao cianoacrilato, e aumento significativo da neovascularização no subgrupo B2 em comparação com o A2 (p=0,037). Demais variáveis não apresentaram diferença estatística. CONCLUSÕES: A nicotina não influenciou o processo inflamatório, a proliferação fibroblástica, a presença de colágeno e a epitelização. A neovascularização indicou imaturidade cicatricial na comparação dos grupos A2 e B2. A eosinofilia nas cicatrizes reparadas com cola indica que a substância atuou como alergeno.

An enhanced reservation-based MAC protocol for IEEE 802.15.4 networks.

The IEEE 802.15.4 Medium Access Control (MAC) protocol is an enabling standard for wireless sensor networks. In order to support applications requiring dedicated bandwidth or bounded delay, it provides a reservation-based scheme named Guaranteed Time Slot (GTS). However, the GTS scheme presents some drawbacks, such as inefficient bandwidth utilization and support to a maximum of only seven devices. This paper presents eLPRT (enhanced Low Power Real Time), a new reservation-based MAC protocol that introduces several performance enhancing features in comparison to the GTS scheme. This MAC protocol builds on top of LPRT (Low Power Real Time) and includes various mechanisms designed to increase data transmission reliability against channel errors, improve bandwidth utilization and increase the number of supported devices. A motion capture system based on inertial and magnetic sensors has been used to validate the protocol. The effectiveness of the performance enhancements introduced by each of the new features is demonstrated through the provision of both simulation and experimental results.

Evaluation of Sensititre plates for identification of clinically relevant coagulase-negative staphylococci.

Coagulase-negative staphylococcus isolates were identified using Sensititre GPID plates and API strips (n = 156). For selected isolates, partial sequencing of the 16S rRNA, sodA, and tuf genes was performed. The Sensititre plates correctly identified 68.9% of isolates, with a concordance of 86% for Staphylococcus haemolyticus and 73% for Staphylococcus epidermidis.

Estudo morfológico de fetos e placentas de ratas sob a ação do etanol e/ou ácido acetilsalicílico / Morphologic study of rat fetus and placenta under the action of ethanol and/or acetil salicilic acid

O alcoolismo caracteriza-se como uma doença bem definida e com um quadro clínico característico e afeta 2 a 3 por cento das mulheres em idade reprodutiva. O objetivo deste estudo foi estudar a morfologia de fetos e placentas de ratas sob açao do etanol e/ou Acido acetllsalicílico ( AAS ). Utilizamos 11O ratos ( Ratttus Norvegícus Albinus ), da linhagem Wistar e 28 ratos, machos. Distribuímos em 6 grupos : Grupo I (salina/salina), Grupo H (salina/etanol), Grupo III(AAS 2OO/etanol), Grupo IV( AAS 5OO/etanol), Grupo V ( AAS 200/ salina) e Grupo VI ( AAS 500/ salina ). Como parâmetros de observaçao avaliou-se fetos , placenta e rim de forma macroscópica e microscópica. Foram aplicados como testes estatísticos MANN-WHITNEY, Teste "t" de Student e Teste Exato de FISHER. Como resultados demonstrou-se no que tange a presença de malformaçoes , que a presença foi significante ( 60 por cento ) no Grupo 11 ( salina/etanol) quando comparado ao Grupo III( AAS 2OO/etanol) que nao apresentou malformaçoes. Concluímos que ambas as drogas isoladamente ou em interaçao, na dependência da dose, podem causar alteraçoes morfológicas no feto e placenta de ratas e as alteraçoes morfológicas fetais foram mais frequentes em ratas submetidas a açao do etanol isoladamente, do que na interaçao AAS/etanol

Theoretical Analysis of Miscibility Gaps in the Alkali-Borates.

A thermodynamic approach based on the regular solution concept is applied to the description of miscibility gap boundaries in the alkali-borate systems. It is suggested that in each system the structural units which control the entropy of mixing are the stoichiometric compounds at the apparent limit of the alkali-rich edge of the gap, and a complex boron trioxide structure. (The former is inferred by the shape of the gap, and the latter is chosen to fit the regular mixing equation.) The same boron trioxide complex is used for all the systems analyzed. The physical implications of this analysis are discussed.