Pronociceptive role of spinal Cav2.3 (R-type) calcium channels in a mouse model of postoperative pain.

BACKGROUND: More than 80% of patients may experience acute pain after a surgical procedure, and this is often refractory to pharmacological intervention. The identification of new targets to treat postoperative pain is necessary. There is an association of polymorphisms in the Cav2.3 gene with postoperative pain and opioid consumption. Our study aimed to identify Cav2.3 as a potential target to treat postoperative pain and to reduce opioid-related side effects. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: A plantar incision model was established in adult male and female C57BL/6 mice. Cav2.3 expression was detected by qPCR and suppressed by siRNA treatment. The antinociceptive efficacy and safety of a Cav2.3 blocker-alone or together with morphine-was also assessed after surgery. KEY RESULTS: Paw incision in female and male mice caused acute nociception and increased Cav2.3 mRNA expression in the spinal cord but not in the incised tissue. Intrathecal treatment with siRNA against Cav2.3, but not with a scrambled siRNA, prevented the development of surgery-induced nociception in both male and female mice, with female mice experiencing long-lasting effects. High doses of i.t. SNX-482, a Cav2.3 channel blocker, or morphine injected alone, reversed postoperative nociception but also induced side effects. A combination of lower doses of morphine and SNX-482 mediated a long-lasting reversal of postsurgical pain in female and male mice. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate that Cav2.3 has a pronociceptive role in the induction of postoperative pain, indicating that it is a potential target for the development of therapeutic approaches for the treatment of postoperative pain.

Sleep Quality in CrossFit: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Objective Based on the relationship between sleep and sports performance, the present study aimed to evaluate sleep quality and excessive daytime sleepiness among adult CrossFit (CrossFit, LLC, Santa Cruz, CA, USA) practitioners and to verify possible associations with intestinal health. Methods This cross-sectional study involved males and females aged ≥ 18 years who had been regularly practicing CrossFit for at least 3 months. This survey used an online questionnaire addressing demographic and socioeconomic data, disease history, dietary characteristics, and questions regarding CrossFit. To assess intestinal health, the ROME IV Consensus Criteria and Bristol Scale were used. The Pittsburgh International Sleep Quality Index (PSQI-BR) and Epworth Sleepiness Scale were used to assess sleep quality. Results A total of 1,090 people (73.3% females) with a mean age of 31.2 ± 7.5 years were included. Considering the diagnosis of constipation, 36.9% of the patients were classified as constipated, especially females when compared with males ( p < 0.001). On the sleepiness scale, 22.4% of the volunteers showed excessive daytime sleepiness, which was also observed more frequently among females ( p = 0.013). In the PSQI-BR, 47.4% of participants were classified as having poor sleep quality (poor sleepers). The overall PSQI-BR score was 5.81 ± 2.85, with no difference between males and females ( p = 0.360). There was a positive correlation between the PSQI-BR global score and a diagnosis of constipation and excessive daytime sleepiness. There was a negative correlation between the stool type on the Bristol scale and the PSQI-BR global score. Conclusion The present study demonstrated that sleep quality was poor among CrossFit users, especially females, which can compromise their training performance.

Probiotics supplementation in the treatment of male infertility: A Systematic Review.

Infertility is a widespread global issue that affects approximately 15% of sexually active and active couples, which contributes to about 50% of cases. Currently, the condition remains prevalent and often inadequately treated. This systematic review aims to evaluate existing studies investigating the effects of probiotic supplementation in men. A comprehensive search was conducted across major databases, including PubMed, Cochrane, Science Direct, and Scielo, using relevant keywords such as 'probiotic' OR 'Lactobacillus' OR 'Bifidobacterium' AND 'Male infertility' OR 'male fertility' OR 'sperm quality' OR 'sperm motility' OR 'oligoasthenoteratozoospermia' and their Portuguese equivalents. Four randomized clinical studies met the inclusion criteria, focusing on men diagnosed with idiopathic male infertility (oligozoospermia, teratozoospermia, and asthenozoospermia). The findings revealed that probiotic administration exhibited promising antioxidant properties by combating reactive oxygen species (ROS), consequently protecting sperm DNA from damage that correlates with declining sperm quality. Significant improvements were observed across all sperm parameters, with notable enhancement in motility. Consequently, probiotic supplementation emerges as a potential therapeutic alternative for men diagnosed with idiopathic infertility, demonstrating positive effects on sperm quality.

Resistance Training-Induced Gains in Muscle Strength and Power Mediate the Improvement in Walking Speed in Middle-Aged Women Who Are Breast Cancer Survivors.

ABSTRACT: Santagnello, SB, Martins, FM, de Oliveira Junior, GN, de Sousa, JdeFR, Nomelini, RS, Murta, EFC, and Orsatti, FL. Resistance training-induced gains in muscle strength and power mediate the improvement in walking speed in middle-aged women who are breast cancer survivors. J Strength Cond Res 38(4): 773-782, 2024-(a) Ascertain whether lower muscle mass, strength (1 repetition maximum [1RM]), and power (Pmax) in middle-aged women who are breast cancer survivors (BCS), when compared with women of a similar age never diagnosed with cancer (WNC), are related with lower walking speed (WS). (b) Ascertain whether changes in WS are associated with changes in muscle mass, 1RM, and (or) Pmax after resistance training (RT) in middle-aged BCS. A cross-section study was performed. Twenty WNC and 21 BCS were evaluated for lean mass of legs (LLM), 1RM (knee extension), muscle quality index (MQI = 1RM/LLM), Pmax (maximum muscle power-knee extension), and fast WS (10 and 400-meters). Randomized clinical trial was performed. The BCS were randomly divided into the control group ( n = 9) and the RT group ( n = 11). Breast cancer survivors exhibited lower 1RM (24.2%, p ˂ 0.001), Pmax (30.6%, p ˂ 0.001), MQI (22.2%, p = 0.001), and WS (10-m = 17.0%, p ˂ 0.001 and 400-m = 10.5%, p = 0.002) than WNC. Resistance training increased 1RM (31.6%, p = 0.001), MP (29.0%, p = 0.012), MQI (28.5%, p = 0.008), and WS (10-m = 9.4%, p = 0.009 and 400-m = 6.2%, p = 0.006) in BCS. The changes in WS were positively associated with 1RM (10-m = 68%, p = 0.001 and 400-m = 37%, p = 0.036) and Pmax (10-m = 56%, p = 0.005 and 400-m = 40%, p = 0.027) and MQI (10-m = 63%, p = 0.043 and 400-m = 37%, p = 0.035). Resistance training-induced gains in muscle strength and power mediate the improvement in WS in middle-aged BCS. Resistance training is an effective strategy to improve WS in middle-aged BCS.

Characterization of variables related to high stability of raw cow milk.

This research paper analyzes the stability of raw cow milk in the alcohol test and seeks to understand to know the factors that influence milk stability and the occurrence of unstable non-acid milk. Milk samples were collected from the cooling tanks of rural farmers in the state of Paraná twice in summer and twice in winter. The farms were classified according to the production system: pasture with supplementation and feedlot. The following variables were analyzed: stability in the alcohol test, titratable acidity, ionized calcium concentration (iCa), chemical composition of milk, somatic cell count and standard plate count. The results showed that milk stability was greater in winter vs. summer, when the milk contained higher iCa, and in the feedlot vs. pasture system. The Pearson Correlation between variables (ethanol stability, milk composition, iCa, cooling tank temperature, milk volume, number of milking, number of cows milked, fat/protein ratio, distance and travel time) were analyzed. Stability was negatively correlated with iCa concentration and positively with lactose content. Logistic regression of the risk of unstable non-acid milk at 72% alcohol (UNAM72) showed that only iCa and lactose were determinants, while evaluation of the same risk at 78% alcohol revealed iCa, titratable acidity, lactose and milk urea nitrogen as risk factors. Under the dairy farming conditions of Paraná state, the frequency of UNAM72 was low (12.16%) and was higher in summer and in pasture systems with supplementation. In conclusion, in dairy herds bred with high technological level, with adequate nutritional and health management, the frequency of UNAM is low and is related to nutritional management abnd, perhaps, heat stress, factors that alter iCa and lactose levels.

Cat behaviour in the secure base test: Comparison between owned and shelter animals.

The aim of the present study was to compare affiliative behaviours of owned and shelter cats directed to human in a novel environment after a brief temporary absence of the person. A sample of 20 owned and 20 shelter animals were individually tested in a Secure Base Test, with three 2-min episodes: 1) cat accompanied by a person who sits on the floor inside a circle, 2) the person leaves and the animal is left alone, 3) the person returns, and sits inside the circle again. Three categories were used for coding videotapes of experimental sessions: (1) inside circle, (2) allo-rubbing and (3) tail up. Shelter animals showed more proximity maintenance and affiliative signs with a person than owned animals. Our findings suggested similarities between the secure base effect in cats and in human children: cats seek proximity and maintain contact with a person, displaying affiliative signs to the person, especially after being left alone frightened by an unfamiliar environment.

Diagnostic accuracy of ultrasonography in relation to salivary gland biopsy in Sjögren's syndrome: a systematic review with meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the accuracy of major salivary gland ultrasonography (SGUS) in relation to minor salivary gland biopsy (mSGB) in the diagnosis of Sjögren's syndrome (SS). METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed. Ten databases were searched to identify studies that compared the accuracy of SGUS and mSGB. The risk of bias was assessed, data were extracted, and univariate and bivariate random-effects meta-analyses were done. RESULTS: A total of 5000 records were identified; 13 studies were included in the qualitative synthesis and 10 in the quantitative synthesis. The first meta-analysis found a sensitivity of 0.86 (95% CI: 0.74-0.92) and specificity of 0.87 (95% CI: 0.81-0.92) for the predictive value of SGUS scoring in relation to the result of mSGB. In the second meta-analysis, mSGB showed higher sensitivity and specificity than SGUS. Sensitivity was 0.80 (95% CI: 0.74-0.85) for mSGB and 0.71 (95% CI: 0.58-0.81) for SGUS, and specificity was 0.94 (95% CI: 0.87-0.97) for mSGB and 0.89 (95% CI: 0.82-0.94) for SGUS. CONCLUSIONS: The diagnostic accuracy of SGUS was similar to that of mSGB. SGUS is an effective diagnostic test that shows good sensitivity and high specificity, in addition to being a good tool for prognosis and for avoiding unnecessary biopsies. More studies using similar methodologies are needed to assess the accuracy of SGUS in predicting the result of mSGB. Our results will contribute to decision-making for the implementation of SGUS as a diagnostic tool for SS, considering the advantages of this method.

Kinetics of IL-6, C-reactive Protein and Fibrinogen Levels in COVID-19 Outpatients Who Evolved to Hypoxemia.

Introduction: Despite the efficacy of the COVID-19, the search for improvements in the management of severe/critical cases continues to be important. The aim is to demonstrate the kinetics of 4 serological markers in patients with COVID-19 who evolved in hypoxemia. Methods: From June to December 2020, the Health Secretariat of Rondônia State, Brazil, established a home medical care service team (HMCS) that provided clinical follow-up for health professionals and military personnel with COVID-19. The clinical and laboratory monitoring was individualized at home by a nursing and medical team. In addition to laboratory parameters, C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), fibrinogen, and D-dimer levels were periodically taken to monitor the evolution of treatment. Results: Of 218 patients telemonitored, 48 patients needed special care by the HMCS team due to shortness of breath. Chest tomography showed multiple ground-glass shadows and lung parenchymal condensations that was compatible with secondary bacterial infection associated with leukocytosis, for which antibiotics were prescribed. The symptoms were accompanied by increases of CRP and IL-6 levels followed by fibrinogen after a few days, for which an anticoagulant therapy was included. Thirty-three patients evolved to improvements in clinical signs and laboratory results. Between the sixth and eighth day of illness, 15 patients presented signs of hypoxemia with low O2 saturation accompanied with an increase in the respiratory rate, with some of them requiring oxygen therapy. As they did not present signs of clinical severity, but their laboratory markers showed an abrupt IL-6 peak that was higher than the increase in CRP and a new alteration in fibrinogen levels, they received a supplemental dose of anticoagulant and a high dose of corticosteroids, which resulted in clinical improvement. Conclusion: Our study demonstrates that monitoring of IL-6 and CRP may identify precocious hypoxemia in COVID-19 patients and prevented the progressive deterioration of the lung injury.

Minimum acceptable diet in a cohort of children aged between 6 and 15 months: Complementary feeding assessment and associated factors in the Brazilian western Amazon.

OBJECTIVE: The goal of the article was to assess complementary feeding patterns, and associated factors, of children between 6 and 15-month old in Rio Branco-Acre, Brazil, based on the minimum acceptable diet indicator. METHODS: This study was cross-sectional, including 857 children between ages 6 and 15 mo, from a 2015 birth cohort of Rio Branco, Brazil. The prevalence of complementary feeding indicators, minimum meal frequency, minimum dietary diversity, and minimum acceptable diet was estimated based on the recommendations of the World Health Organization. Sociodemographic characteristics, infant and maternal habits, prenatal information, birth characteristics, breastfeeding, and complementary feeding were evaluated. Differences between the proportions were evaluated by the χ2 test and univariate and multiple logistic regression analyses, to determine associated factors with child minimum acceptable diet. RESULTS: The minimum frequencies of meals and dietary diversity were observed in 81.0% and 51.8% of the children, respectively. The minimum acceptable diet prevalence was 47.1%. Also, minimum acceptable diet was inversely associated with C, D, and E social classes (adjusted odds ratio = 0.49; 95% CI, 0.33-0.72), number of living siblings (adjusted odds ratio for two or three children = 0.69; 95% CI, 0.48-0.98, and adjusted odds ratio for ≥ 4 children = 0.56; 95% CI, 0.37-0.84). Maternal regular consumption of fruits, vegetables, and legumes (adjusted odds ratio = 2.62; 95% CI, 1.69-4.05), child age from 12 to 15 mo (adjusted odds ratio = 2.05; 95% CI, 1.32-3.18), and receiving guidance regarding complementary feeding during postnatal consultations (adjusted odds ratio = 1.38; 95% CI, 1.03-1.86) were directly associated with minimum acceptable diet. CONCLUSIONS: Fewer than 50% of the children received adequate food with adequate frequency and diversity. Low socioeconomic status and having ≥ 2 living siblings reduced the chance of minimum acceptable diet, whereas maternal healthy diet, child age (12-15 mo), and complementary feeding counseling during postnatal appointments increased the chance of minimum acceptable diet.

10 anos de experiência do programa de cirurgia robótica abdominal do Instituto Nacional de Câncer / Experience with 10 years of the abdominal robotic surgery program of Brazilian National Cancer Institute

Introdução: O primeiro sistema robótico utilizado em procedimentos cirúrgicos foi desenvolvido em 1994. Os primeiros pacientes do Sistema Único de Saúde do Brasil (SUS) foram beneficiados com essa tecnologia apenas a partir de 2012, após a instalação da plataforma robótica no Instituto Nacional de Câncer (INCA). Esse estudo avalia 10 anos de experiência do programa robótico na referida instituição. Método: Todos os procedimentos robóticos realizados pelo serviço de cirurgia abdominopélvica dessa instituição entre julho de 2012 a dezembro de 2022 foram analisados. Os dados foram coletados a partir do banco de dados do programa de robótica e por revisão de prontuários físicos e eletrônicos. Resultados: Foram realizados 280 procedimentos cirúrgicos robóticos. A maioria dos casos operados foi conduzida pelo grupo de cirurgia colorretal, correspondendo a 87,5% do total, sendo a ressecção anterior de reto a cirurgia mais realizada. Os demais casos foram operados pelo grupo hepatobiliar (4,6%), estômago (4,2%) e esôfago (3,6%). A taxa de conversão para cirurgia aberta foi de 10,3%. O período médio de internação foi inferior a 10 dias e 9,6% dos pacientes apresentaram reinternação dentro de 90 dias após a cirurgia. Do total, 43,5% dos pacientes foram submetidos a tratamento neoadjuvante com quimioterapia e/ou radioterapia. Durante o período analisado, 18,5% dos pacientes evoluíram com recidiva de doença, sendo a sobrevida global em 5 anos de aproximadamente 60%. Conclusão: Nos últimos 10 anos o uso da tecnologia robótica cresceu significativamente, promovendo melhora dos resultados clínicos. O programa de cirurgia robótica do INCA para tratamento do câncer foi o pioneiro no âmbito nacional dentro do SUS e possibilitou a divulgação e consolidação desta excelente ferramenta tecnológica no tratamento do câncer gastrointestinal. Os resultados apresentados revelam o êxito do programa, demonstrando taxa de complicações aceitável, tempo de internação reduzido e resultados oncológicos satisfatórios, disponibilizando aos pacientes do SUS tratamento cirúrgico atualizado e eficaz.

Introduction: The first robotic system used in surgical procedures was developed in 1994. In 2012, the first robotic surgeries were performed in the Brazilian Public Health System (Sistema Único de Saúde - SUS), after the installation of the robotic platform at Brazilian National Cancer Institute (INCA). This study evaluates 10 years of experience with the robotic program at this Center. Method: All robotic procedures performed by the abdomino-pelvic surgery service of this center between july 2012 and december 2022 were reviewed. Data were collected from the database of the robotics program and review of physical and electronic medical records. Results: 280 robotic surgical procedures were performed. Most cases were conducted by the colorectal surgery group, corresponding to 87.5% of the cases, with anterior resection of the rectum being the most common procedure. The remaining cases were operated by the hepatobiliary group (4.6%), stomach group (4.2%) and esophagus group (3.6%). The conversion rate to open surgery was 10.3%. The average length of stay was less than 10 days and 9.6% of patients were readmitted within 90 days following surgery. Of all, 43.5% of the patients underwent neoadjuvant treatment with chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy. During the analyzed period, 18.5% of the patients had disease recurrence, with an overall 5-year survival of approximately 60%. Conclusion: In the last 10 years, the use of robotic technology has grown significantly, promoting improved clinical outcomes. INCA's robotic surgery program was a pioneer on the national scene within the SUS and enabled the dissemination and consolidation of this excellent technological tool in treatment of gastrointestinal cancer. The results presented reveal the success of the program, demonstrating an acceptable complication rate, reduced length of stay and satisfactory oncological results, providing SUS patients with updated and effective surgical treatment

Dung removal increases under higher dung beetle functional diversity regardless of grazing intensification.

Dung removal by macrofauna such as dung beetles is an important process for nutrient cycling in pasturelands. Intensification of farming practices generally reduces species and functional diversity of terrestrial invertebrates, which may negatively affect ecosystem services. Here, we investigate the effects of cattle-grazing intensification on dung removal by dung beetles in field experiments replicated in 38 pastures around the world. Within each study site, we measured dung removal in pastures managed with low- and high-intensity regimes to assess between-regime differences in dung beetle diversity and dung removal, whilst also considering climate and regional variations. The impacts of intensification were heterogeneous, either diminishing or increasing dung beetle species richness, functional diversity, and dung removal rates. The effects of beetle diversity on dung removal were more variable across sites than within sites. Dung removal increased with species richness across sites, while functional diversity consistently enhanced dung removal within sites, independently of cattle grazing intensity or climate. Our findings indicate that, despite intensified cattle stocking rates, ecosystem services related to decomposition and nutrient cycling can be maintained when a functionally diverse dung beetle community inhabits the human-modified landscape.

Cold Ion-Molecule Chemistry: The Very Different Reactions of He⁺ with CO and NO.

The ion-molecule reactions He+ + CO → He + C+ + O and He+ + NO → He + N+ + O have been measured at collision energies between 0 and kB · 10 K. Strong variations of the rate coefficients are observed below kB · 5 K. The rate of the He+ + CO reaction decreases by ~30% whereas that of the He+ + NO reaction increases by a factor of ~1.5. These observations are interpreted in the realm of an adiabatic-channel capture model as arising from interactions between the ion charge and the dipole and quadrupole moments of CO and NO. We show that the different low-energy behavior of these reactions originates from the closed- vs. open-shell electronic structures of CO and NO.

Use of antianemics in prenatal care: A population cohort from a capital city in the North region of Brazil.

Anemia during pregnancy is a significant risk factor for adverse maternal and fetal outcomes, including preterm birth, low birth weight, and maternal mortality. In Brazil, anemia prevention and treatment programs are available, but regional variations in prevalence and factors associated with antianemic drug use remain understudied. The objective was to identify the prevalence of gestational anemia and the factors associated with the use of antianemic drugs during pregnancy in a cross-sectional population-based study carried out in Rio Branco, AC. To do so, we planned a cross-sectional, population-based study with a total of 1190 postpartum women who gave birth between April 6 and July 10, 2015, were interviewed about demographic, socioeconomic, reproductive, and prenatal care factors. The prevalence of anemia during pregnancy was found to be 13.8 %, with 93.2 % of women using antianemic drugs, such as ferrous sulfate and folic acid. Factors positively associated with antianemic drug use were higher education (elementary school II RCajust = 2.46; 95 %, CI: 1.01-6.13; high school RCajust = 2.61; 95 %, CI: 1.11-6.12), primiparity (ACadjust = 1.69; 95 %, CI: 0.98-3.74), 6 to 8 prenatal consultations (ACjust = 2.16; 95, CI%: 1.15-4.05), and planned pregnancy (ARjust = 1.94; 95 %, CI: 1.05-3.74). Food security during pregnancy was inversely associated. These findings suggest that while anemia prevention and treatment programs exist, more targeted strategies are needed, particularly for women with lower socioeconomic status, to improve maternal and fetal health outcomes.

Resultados da imaginação motora no fortalecimento muscular em membro inferior de uma pessoa com sequela pós acidente vascular cerebral: estudo de caso / Results of motor imagination in muscle strengthening of the lower limb in hemiplegia after stroke: case report

A Imaginação Motora (IM) é a representação mental de um ato motor sem a execução real do movimento, e ativa as mesmas áreas cerebrais do movimento real, mesmo na presença de paralisia, perda de membro ou visão, podendo ser utilizado no processo de conservação e estimulação de engramas cerebrais no processo de recuperação motora de um membro paralisado. Método: Homem, 34 anos, hemiplegia direita pós Acidente Vascular Cerebral (AVC) isquêmico. Realizou exercícios com profissional de Educação Física, duas vezes/semana, 50 minutos/sessão, durante 19 semanas, além do programa convencional de reabilitação multidisciplinar. A intervenção baseou-se na IM para flexão e extensão do joelho do lado paralisado, seguida da tentativa do mesmo movimento ativo. Resultados: Amplitude de movimento ativa (ADM_A) dos flexores do joelho direito iniciou em 217° com carga mínima do equipamento (5 kg). Em seguida, o profissional solicitava ao paciente que imaginasse que estava realizando o movimento e depois tentasse realizá-lo. Após 19 semanas, a ADM_A foi de 112°. Conclusão: Ganhos em ADM_A de 8,48° para a flexão de joelho do hemicorpo paralisado representa uma diferença mínima clinicamente importante em pacientes pós-AVC. A IM aumenta a demanda cognitiva nas áreas motoras cerebrais, aumentando a plasticidade, resultando em ganhos motores que impactam no prognóstico de capacidade e funcionalidade, justificando seu uso como método de treinamento na recuperação pós-AVC. A IM associada ao treinamento de força na reabilitação contribui para a recuperação de sequelas pós-AVC.

Motor Imagination (MI) is the mental representation of a motor act without the actual execution of the movement. It activates the same brain areas as real movement, even in the presence of paralysis, missing limb or vision, and can be used in the process of conserving and stimulating brain engrams in the process of motor recovery of a paralyzed limb. Method: We report a 34-year-old patient with right hemiplegia due to ischemic stroke. He performed exercises with a Physical Educator professional, twice a week, 50 minutes/session, for 19 weeks, in addition to the conventional multidisciplinary rehabilitation program. The intervention was based on MI for flexion and extension of the knee on the paralyzed side, followed by the attempt of the same active movement. Results: Active range of motion (ROM_A) of the right knee flexors started at 217° with the minimum equipment load (11 lbs). Then, the professional asked the patient to imagine that he was performing the movement and then try to perform it. After 19 weeks, ROM_A was 112° Conclusion: The ROM_A gain of 8.48° for knee flexion of the paralyzed hemibody represents a clinically important minimal difference in post-stroke patients. MI increases the cognitive demand on the brain's motor networks, increasing plasticity, resulting in motor gains that impact the prognosis of capacity and functionality, justifying its use as a training method in post-stroke recovery. MI associated with strength training in rehabilitation contributes to the recovery of post stroke sequelae.

Impaired cardiorespiratory fitness and endothelial function after SARS-CoV-2 infection in a sample of mainly immunocompromised youth.

This study aimed to compare cardiopulmonary fitness and endothelial function 6 months after hospital diagnosis in a sample mainly comprising immunocompromised patients with confirmed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection versus noninfected controls. Youth (n = 30; age: 14 yr; 60% females) with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 seen in a tertiary hospital of Sao Paulo, Brazil, were matched by propensity score based on BMI, age, sex, and pre-existing diseases with a control group who had not been tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection (n = 30; age: 15 yr; 50% females). Cardiopulmonary fitness (by means of a cardiopulmonary exercise test: CPET) and brachial flow-mediated dilation (%b-FMD) were assessed 3-6 mo after diagnosis. Patients were matched by propensity score based on BMI, age, sex and pre-existing diseases, if any, with a control group who had not been tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. Compared with controls, patients with COVID-19 showed reduced ventilatory anaerobic threshold (VAT) and peak exercise time and minute ventilation/maximum voluntary ventilation (V̇e/MVV) (all P < 0.01). Brachial endothelial function variables were all adjusted for body surface area (BSA). Patients with COVID-19 had decreased %b-FMD (3.6 vs. 5.4; P = 0.03) mean and positive flow (P = 0.02 and P = 0.03, respectively) versus controls. Adjusted linear regression models exploring associations between CPET variables, %b-FMD and the potential predictors post-COVID-19 syndrome, number of symptoms, hospitalization, and COVID severity did not detect significant associations, except for total shear rate in hospitalization (coefficient: -65.07 [95%CI -119.5;-10.5], P = 0.02). Immunocompromised and previously healthy children and adolescents with COVID-19 presented with impaired exercise capacity and endothelial dysfunction when compared with their noninfected counterparts, but the mechanisms remain unknown.NEW & NOTEWORTHY COVID-19 appeared to impair recovery of exercise capacity and endothelial function in a sample mainly comprising immunocompromised patients, but the mechanisms are unknown. These findings support the need for preventive measures against COVID-19 in this vulnerable population and suggest the necessity of proper monitoring and treatment for these patients.

Polioencephalomalacia in Buffaloes in the Amazon Biome.

The epidemiological and clinical pathological aspects of polioencephalomalacia (PEM) in five buffaloes in the Amazon biome are described. Epidemiological data were obtained during the clinical visit in which buffalos were submitted to an examination of the nervous system. The diagnosis of PEM was based on epidemiological, clinical-pathological, and histopathological findings, similar to findings in other ruminants. In the clinical examination, all buffaloes had a body score between 2.5 and 3 (scale from 1 to 5), with decreased alertness, postural changes, marked hypermetria when stimulated to move, total or partial blindness demonstrated by colliding with the corral structures, head pressing and circumduction of the hindquarters when supported on the thoracic limbs, opisthotonos, muscle tremors, convulsions, paddling movements, sialorrhea, decrease in palpebral and pupillary reflexes, and eyeball rotation placing the pupillary slit in a vertical position. At necropsy, mild lesions characterized by edema and flattening of the cerebral convolutions were observed. A histopathological examination showed laminar necrosis of the cerebral cortex. The cause of PEM in the studied buffaloes was not established, which indicates the need for further studies to elucidate this disease in the species, particularly in the Amazon region.

Co-creation of educational commons spaces to reverse inequalities: project SMOOTH and the Children's Club.

This article presents an action-research project from the EU-funded SMOOTH project, which focuses on the potential of Educational Commons to address educational inequalities. The project adopts an emergent paradigm that views spaces for collaboration, content co-creation, socialization, governance, and play as catalysts for reversing inequalities. The action-research, conducted in a disadvantaged non-formal education setting in northern Portugal, involved children aged 8-10 years old. Over a span of 10 months, the innovative action-research program aimed to achieve several objectives: (1) reversing inequalities faced by vulnerable social groups, (2) strengthening inter-cultural and inter-generational dialogue and social integration, (3) developing essential social and personal skills, and (4) creating smooth spaces of democratic citizenship based on equality, collaboration, sharing, and caring. By understanding the tensions and conflicts that emerge in children's everyday situations, the project sought to build and foster community through embracing differences. This article analyzes the characteristics, behaviors, challenges, and strengths observed during the 30 sessions. The results provide insights into the dimensions of Children as commoners, in terms of sharing and care, cooperation and collective creativity and active citizenship. This research contributes to the exploration of Educational Commons as a means to promote equity and transform educational contexts.

Associação entre insegurança e consumo alimentar em universitários brasileiros durante a pandemia de COVID-19 / Association between food insecurity and consumption in Brazilian university students during the COVID-19 pandemic

Introdução. A COVID-19 impactou a garantia de uma alimentação adequada e saudável, inclusive entre universitários, que parecem constituir um grupo suscetível à Insegurança Alimentar (IA). Objetivo. Verificar a associação entre IA e marcadores de consumo alimentar em universitários durante a pandemia de COVID-19. Materiais e métodos. Estudo transversal com 5407 estudantes de instituições de ensino superior de todas as regiões do Brasil. Os dados foram coletados entre agosto/2020 e fevereiro/2021. O consumo alimentar foi avaliado por marcadores de alimentação saudável utilizados num inquérito nacional de saúde (VIGITEL). Os níveis de IA foram classificados pela Escala Brasileira de Insegurança Alimentar em Segurança Alimentar (SA) e IA leve, moderada e grave. A associação entre IA e marcadores de consumo foi avaliada por meio de regressão logística, considerando frequência semanal de consumo < 3 dias e ≥ 3 dias. Resultados. 37% dos universitários estavam em algum grau de IA. Verificou-se maior chance de baixa frequência de consumo de feijão (OR 1,81), verduras e legumes (OR 4,76), frutas (OR 3,99), lácteos (OR 3,98) e carnes (OR 3,41), e maiores chances de maior consumo de frango (OR 1,14) e ovos (OR 2,04) entre aqueles em IA (p<0,05). Em sua maioria, os valores foram mais expressivos quanto maior o grau de IA. Conclusões. Maiores níveis de IA mostraram-se associados a uma menor chance de consumo alimentar saudável por universitários. Instituições de ensino superior podem executar papéis importantes no combate e assistência à IA nessa população(AU)

Introduction. COVID-19 has impacted access to an adequate and healthy diet, including university students, who seem to constitute a group susceptible to Food Insecurity (FI). Objective. To verify the association between FI and food consumption markers in university students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Methods. We conducted a cross- sectional study with 5407 students from higher education institutions from all regions of Brazil. Data were collected between August/2020 and February/2021. We evaluated food consumption using the healthy eating markers from a Brazilian national health survey (VIGITEL). We classified the FI levels according to the Brazilian Food Insecurity Scale into Food Security (FS) and mild, moderate, and severe FI. We evaluated the association between FI and consumption markers using logistic regression, considering the weekly frequency of consumption of < 3 days and ≥ 3 days. Results. 37% of the university students had in some degree of FI. We found a greater chance of lower frequency of consumption of beans (OR 1.81), vegetables (OR 4.76), fruits (OR 3.99), dairy products (OR 3.98), and meat (OR 3. 41), and greater chances of increased consumption of chicken (OR 1.14) and eggs (OR 2.04) among those in FI (p<0.05). Overall, the values were more expressive the higher the degree of FI. Conclusions. Higher FI levels were associated with a lower chance of healthy food consumption in university students. Higher education institutions can play a relevant role in addressing and administering the FI in this population(AU)