Identification of Viruses in Molossus Bats from the Brazilian Amazon: A Descriptive Metagenomic Analysis.

Bats are widely distributed in Brazil, including the Amazon region, and their association with viral pathogens is well-known. This work aimed to evaluate the metavirome in samples of Molossus sp. bats captured in the Brazilian Amazon from 2019 to 2021. Lung samples from 58 bats were divided into 13 pools for RNA isolation and sequencing followed by bioinformatic analysis. The Retroviridae family showed the highest abundance of viral reads. Although no complete genome could be recovered, the Paramyxoviridae and Dicistroviridae families showed the formation of contigs with satisfactory identity and size characteristics for further analysis. One contig of the Paramyxoviridae family was characterized as belonging to the genus Morbillivirus, being grouped most closely phylogenetically to Porcine morbillivirus. The contig related to the Dicistroviridae family was identified within the Cripavirus genus, with 94%, 91%, and 42% amino acid identity with Culex dicistrovirus 2, Rhopalosiphum padi, and Aphid lethal paralysis, respectively. The presence of viruses in bats needs constant updating since the study was able to identify viral sequences related to families or genera still poorly described in the literature in association with bats.

Humid and cold forest connections in South America between the eastern Andes and the southern Atlantic coast during the LGM.

The presence of Andean plant genera in moist forests of the Brazilian Atlantic Coast has been historically hypothesized as the result of cross-continental migrations starting at the eastern Andean flanks. Here we test hypotheses of former connections between the Atlantic and Andean forests by examining distribution patterns of selected cool and moist-adapted plant arboreal taxa present in 54 South American pollen records of the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM), ca. 19-23 cal ka, known to occur in both plant domains. Pollen taxa studied include Araucaria, Drimys, Hedyosmum, Ilex, Myrsine, Podocarpus, Symplocos, Weinmannia, Myrtaceae, Ericaceae and Arecaceae. Past connectivity patterns between these two neotropical regions as well as individual ecological niches during the LGM were explored by cluster analysis of fossil assemblages and modern plant distributions. Additionally, we examined the ecological niche of 137 plant species with shared distributions between the Andes and coastal Brazil. Our results revealed five complex connectivity patterns for South American vegetation linking Andean, Amazonian and Atlantic Forests and one disjunction distribution in southern Chile. This study also provides a better understanding of vegetation cover on the large and shallow South American continental shelf that was exposed due to a global sea level drop.

Neuroimmunology of rabies: New insights into an ancient disease.

Rabies is an ancient neuroinvasive viral (genus Lyssavirus, family Rhabdoviridae) disease affecting approximately 59,000 people worldwide. The central nervous system (CNS) is targeted, and rabies has a case fatality rate of almost 100% in humans and animals. Rabies is entirely preventable through proper vaccination, and thus, the highest incidence is typically observed in developing countries, mainly in Africa and Asia. However, there are still cases in European countries and the United States. Recently, demographic, increasing income levels, and the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic have caused a massive raising in the animal population, enhancing the need for preventive measures (e.g., vaccination, surveillance, and animal control programs), postexposure prophylaxis, and a better understanding of rabies pathophysiology to identify therapeutic targets, since there is no effective treatment after the onset of clinical manifestations. Here, we review the neuroimmune biology and mechanisms of rabies. Its pathogenesis involves a complex and poorly understood modulation of immune and brain functions associated with metabolic, synaptic, and neuronal impairments, resulting in fatal outcomes without significant histopathological lesions in the CNS. In this context, the neuroimmunological and neurochemical aspects of excitatory/inhibitory signaling (e.g., GABA/glutamate crosstalk) are likely related to the clinical manifestations of rabies infection. Uncovering new links between immunopathological mechanisms and neurochemical imbalance will be essential to identify novel potential therapeutic targets to reduce rabies morbidity and mortality.

Neurovascular and hemodynamic responses to mental stress and exercise in severe COVID-19 survivors.

Previous studies show that COVID-19 survivors have elevated muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA), endothelial dysfunction, and aortic stiffening. However, the neurovascular responses to mental stress and exercise are still unexplored. We hypothesized that COVID-19 survivors, compared with age- and body mass index (BMI)-matched control subjects, exhibit abnormal neurovascular responses to mental stress and physical exercise. Fifteen severe COVID-19 survivors (aged: 49 ± 2 yr, BMI: 30 ± 1 kg/m2) and 15 well-matched control subjects (aged: 46 ± 3 yr, BMI: 29 ± 1 kg/m2) were studied. MSNA (microneurography), forearm blood flow (FBF), and forearm vascular conductance (FVC, venous occlusion plethysmography), mean arterial pressure (MAP, Finometer), and heart rate (HR, ECG) were measured during a 3-min mental stress (Stroop Color-Word Test) and during a 3-min isometric handgrip exercise (30% of maximal voluntary contraction). During mental stress, MSNA (frequency and incidence) responses were higher in COVID-19 survivors than in controls (P < 0.001), and FBF and FVC responses were attenuated (P < 0.05). MAP was similar between the groups (P > 0.05). In contrast, the MSNA (frequency and incidence) and FBF and FVC responses to handgrip exercise were similar between the groups (P > 0.05). MAP was lower in COVID-19 survivors (P < 0.05). COVID-19 survivors exhibit an exaggerated MSNA and blunted vasodilatory response to mental challenge compared with healthy adults. However, the neurovascular response to handgrip exercise is preserved in COVID-19 survivors. Overall, the abnormal neurovascular control in response to mental stress suggests that COVID-19 survivors may have an increased risk to cardiovascular events during mental challenge.

Assessment the Impacts of Sea-Level Changes on Mangroves of Ceará-Mirim Estuary, Northeastern Brazil, during the Holocene and Anthropocene.

Predictions of the effects of modern Relative Sea-Level (RSL) rise on mangroves should be based on decadal-millennial mangrove dynamics and the particularities of each depositional environment under past RSL changes. This work identified inland and seaward mangrove migrations along the Ceará-Mirim estuary (Rio Grande do Norte, northeastern Brazil) during the mid-late Holocene and Anthropocene based on sedimentary features, palynological, and geochemical (δ13C, δ15N, C/N) data integrated with spatial-temporal analysis based on satellite images. The data indicated three phases for the mangrove development: (1°) mangrove expansion on tidal flats with estuarine organic matter between >4420 and ~2870 cal yrs BP, under the influence of the mid-Holocene sea-level highstand; (2°) mangrove contraction with an increased contribution of C3 terrestrial plants between ~2870 and ~84 cal yrs BP due to an RSL fall, and (3°) mangrove expansion onto the highest tidal flats since ~84 cal yr BP due to a relative sea-level rise. However, significant mangrove areas were converted to fish farming before 1984 CE. Spatial-temporal analysis also indicated a mangrove expansion since 1984 CE due to mangrove recolonization of shrimp farming areas previously deforested for pisciculture. This work mainly evidenced a trend of mangrove expansion due to RSL rise preceding the effects of anthropogenic emissions of CO2 in the atmosphere and the resilience of these forests in the face of anthropogenic interventions.

Cardiovascular Statistics from the Good Practices in Cardiology Program - Data from a Brazilian Tertiary Public Hospital. / Estatísticas Cardiovasculares do Programa Boas Práticas em Cardiologia ­ Dados de um Hospital Público Terciário Brasileiro.

BACKGROUND: The Good Practices in Cardiology Program is an initiative created by the Brazilian Society of Cardiology (SBC) to improve the quality of care of cardiovascular disease patients in Brazilian public hospitals. OBJECTIVES: To characterize patients admitted to a tertiary public hospital with diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) or heart failure (HF) and to evaluate performance indicators in both ACS and HF arms, with a pre-established target of 85% adherence to the SBC recommendations. METHODS: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study through data collection of patients hospitalized between May 2016 and September 2019. RESULTS: A total of 1,036 patients were included, 273 in the HF arm and 763 in the ACS arm. Mean age was 59.8 ± 12.0 years in the ACS and 57.0 ± 14.1 years in the HF, with a predominance of male patients in both groups. More than half of patients had some primary education and more than 90% reported a monthly income of less than five minimum wages. In ACS, the diagnosis of ACS with ST segment elevation was predominant (66.3%), and 2.9% of patients died. In HF, the most common etiology was Chagas disease (25.8%), and 17.9% died. Analysis of the performance indicators revealed an adherence rate higher than 85% to nine of the 12 indicators. CONCLUSION: Quality programs are essential for improvement of quality of care. Performance indicators pointed to a good adherence to the SBC guidelines, mainly in the ACS arm.

FUNDAMENTO: O Programa Boas Práticas em Cardiologia é uma iniciativa da Sociedade Brasileira de Cardiologia (SBC) destinada à melhoria do cuidado cardiovascular nos hospitais públicos brasileiros. OBJETIVOS: Descrever características dos pacientes internados com Síndrome Coronariana Aguda (SCA) e Insuficiência Cardíaca (IC) e avaliar os indicadores de desempenho alcançados nos braços (SCA e IC) em um hospital público terciário, com uma meta pré-estabelecida de 85% de aderência às recomendações da SBC. MÉTODOS: Estudo do tipo transversal descritivo realizado por meio da coleta de dados de pacientes que estiveram internados entre maio de 2016 e setembro de 2019. RESULTADOS: Foram incluídos 1036 pacientes, 273 pacientes no braço IC e 763 no braço SCA. A média de idade foi de 59,8 ± 12,0 anos na SCA e 57,0 ± 14,1 anos na IC, com predomínio do sexo masculino em ambos os grupos. Mais da metade dos pacientes não tinham ensino fundamental completo e mais de 90% declararam renda mensal inferior a cinco salários-mínimos. Na SCA, predominou o diagnóstico de SCA com supradesnivelamento do segmento ST (66,3%) e 2,9% dos pacientes foram a óbito. Na IC, a etiologia mais comum foi a Doença de Chagas (25,8%) e 17,9% dos pacientes foram a óbito. Na avaliação dos indicadores de desempenho, nove dos 12 indicadores tiveram taxas de aderência acima de 85%. CONCLUSÃO: Programas de qualidade são essenciais à melhoria do cuidado e os indicadores de desempenho do hospital apontam para uma boa adesão às diretrizes assistenciais da SBC, particularmente no braço da SCA.

Prefrontal tDCS modulates autonomic responses in COVID-19 inpatients.

BACKGROUND: maladaptive changes in the autonomic nervous system (ANS) have been observed in short and long-term phases of COVID-19 infection. Identifying effective treatments to modulate autonomic imbalance could be a strategy for preventing and reducing disease severity and induced complications. OBJECTIVE: to investigate the efficacy, safety, and feasibility of a single session of bihemispheric prefrontal tDCS on indicators of cardiac autonomic regulation and mood of COVID-19 inpatients. METHODS: patients were randomized to receive a single 30-min session of bihemispheric active tDCS over the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (2 mA; n = 20) or sham (n = 20). Changes in time [post-pre intervention] in heart rate variability (HRV), mood, heart rate, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation were compared between groups. Additionally, clinical worsening indicators and the occurrence of falls and skin injuries were evaluated. The Brunoni Adverse Effects Questionary was employed after the intervention. RESULTS: there was a large effect size (Hedges' g = 0.7) of intervention on HRV frequency parameters, suggesting alterations in cardiac autonomic regulation. An increment in oxygen saturation was observed in the active group but not in the sham after the intervention (P = 0.045). There were no group differences regarding mood, incidence and intensity of adverse effects, no occurrence of skin lesions, falls, or clinical worsening. CONCLUSIONS: a single prefrontal tDCS session is safe and feasible to modulate indicators of cardiac autonomic regulation in acute COVID-19 inpatients. Further research comprising a thorough assessment of autonomic function and inflammatory biomarkers is required to verify its potential to manage autonomic dysfunctions, mitigate inflammatory responses and enhance clinical outcomes.

Diatom and pollen atlas dataset from the Northern Gulf of Mexico, USA.

Diatom and pollen references such as atlases and identification keys are remarkably rare from the Gulf Coast region of the United States. This dataset describes modern and fossil diatom and pollen from Galveston Bay, Texas to Cedar Keys Florida, USA. An illustrated and descriptive atlas of diatom and pollen was compiled from original data to facilitate the identification of microfossil in sediments. For diatom atlas, we include light micrographs and detailed descriptions of a total of 32 diatom species, including 9 marine diatom species, 18 estuarine diatom species, and 5 freshwater diatom species. For pollen atlas, we include light micrographs and descriptions of a total of 28 pollen and non-pollen palynomorphs, including 3 mangrove taxa, 12 upland (tree and shrub) taxa, and 10 herbaceous taxa. The diatom atlas is referenced from LSU Global Change and Coastal Paleoecology Laboratory's light micrographs collection. The pollen and diatom datasets are associated with research articles by Yao et al. [1,2].

Pollen atlas and identification dataset from Santa Catarina, south Brazil.

Pollen references such as atlas and identification keys are remarkably rare from the Atlantic coasts of south Brazil. This dataset describes modern and fossil pollen from São Francisco do Sul Bay in the state of Santa Catarina, south Brazil. An illustrated and descriptive atlas of pollen was compiled from original and published data to facilitate the identification of various pollen taxa in sediments. We include light micrographs and descriptions of a total of 60 pollen taxa, including 3 mangrove taxa, 27 coastal woodland (restinga) taxa, and 15 rainforest taxa, and 15 herbaceous taxa. This dataset is associated with a published research article by Rodrigues et al. (2022) - Rodrigues, E., Cohen, M.C.L., Pessenda, L.C.R., França, M.C., Magalhães, E. and Yao, Q., 2022. Poleward mangrove expansion in South America coincides with MCA and CWP: A diatom, pollen, and organic geochemistry study. Quaternary Science Reviews, 288, p.107598.

An improved preparation procedure for pollen samples from coastal clastic sediments.

Palynological analysis is a time-tested analytical method in the field of geology, geography, and archaeology across the globe. However, a major problem in palynology is that due to the dynamic nature of coastal and lake settings, sediment samples from these environments usually contain large proportion of clastic materials that are difficult to remove and isolate from pollen grains. In this study, we present a step-by-step procedure of an optimized preparation method to eliminate the organic and clastic materials and concentrate the pollen grains. We also present some insights on how to prepare a clean microscopic slide with intact pollen grains. We believe this procedure can successfully eliminate organic and clastic materials and concentrate the pollen grains to produce an ideal microscopic slide for pollen analysis.•Extract samples and eliminate carbonate materials with hydrochloric acid.•Remove organic materials with potassium hydroxide.•Remove clastic materials with sieving and hydrofluoric acid.

Reorganization of thalamocortical connections in congenitally blind humans.

Cross-modal plasticity in blind individuals has been reported over the past decades showing that nonvisual information is carried and processed by "visual" brain structures. However, despite multiple efforts, the structural underpinnings of cross-modal plasticity in congenitally blind individuals remain unclear. We mapped thalamocortical connectivity and assessed the integrity of white matter of 10 congenitally blind individuals and 10 sighted controls. We hypothesized an aberrant thalamocortical pattern of connectivity taking place in the absence of visual stimuli from birth as a potential mechanism of cross-modal plasticity. In addition to the impaired microstructure of visual white matter bundles, we observed structural connectivity changes between the thalamus and occipital and temporal cortices. Specifically, the thalamic territory dedicated to connections with the occipital cortex was smaller and displayed weaker connectivity in congenitally blind individuals, whereas those connecting with the temporal cortex showed greater volume and increased connectivity. The abnormal pattern of thalamocortical connectivity included the lateral and medial geniculate nuclei and the pulvinar nucleus. For the first time in humans, a remapping of structural thalamocortical connections involving both unimodal and multimodal thalamic nuclei has been demonstrated, shedding light on the possible mechanisms of cross-modal plasticity in humans. The present findings may help understand the functional adaptations commonly observed in congenitally blind individuals.

Sympathetic Neural Overdrive, Aortic Stiffening, Endothelial Dysfunction, and Impaired Exercise Capacity in Severe COVID-19 Survivors: A Mid-Term Study of Cardiovascular Sequelae.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 has become a dramatic health problem during this century. In addition to high mortality rate, COVID-19 survivors are at increased risk for cardiovascular diseases 1-year after infection. Explanations for these manifestations are still unclear but can involve a constellation of biological alterations. We hypothesized that COVID-19 survivors compared with controls exhibit sympathetic overdrive, vascular dysfunction, cardiac morpho-functional changes, impaired exercise capacity, and increased oxidative stress. METHODS: Nineteen severe COVID-19 survivors and 19 well-matched controls completed the study. Muscle sympathetic nerve activity (microneurography), brachial artery flow-mediated dilation and blood flow (Doppler-Ultrasound), carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (Complior), cardiac morpho-functional parameters (echocardiography), peak oxygen uptake (cardiopulmonary exercise testing), and oxidative stress were measured ~3 months after hospital discharge. Complementary experiments were conducted on human umbilical vein endothelial cells cultured with plasma samples from subjects. RESULTS: Muscle sympathetic nerve activity and carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity were greater and brachial artery flow-mediated dilation, brachial artery blood flow, E/e' ratio, and peak oxygen uptake were lower in COVID-19 survivors than in controls. COVID-19 survivors had lower circulating antioxidant markers compared with controls, but there were no differences in plasma-treated human umbilical vein endothelial cells nitric oxide production and reactive oxygen species bioactivity. Diminished peak oxygen uptake was associated with sympathetic overdrive, vascular dysfunction, and reduced diastolic function in COVID-19 survivors. CONCLUSIONS: Our study revealed that COVID-19 survivors have sympathetic overactivation, vascular dysfunction, cardiac morpho-functional changes, and reduced exercise capacity. These findings indicate the need for further investigation to determine whether these manifestations are persistent longer-term and their impact on the cardiovascular health of COVID-19 survivors.

A palynological record of mangrove biogeography, coastal geomorphological change, and prehistoric human activities from Cedar Keys, Florida, U.S.A.

Under the continuous warming trend in the 21st century, mangroves are likely to migrate into more temperate regions in North and South America. However, the biogeography of different mangrove species is still unclear, especially near their latitudinal range limits in the two continents. This study utilizes palynological, geochemical, and sedimentological analyses to record changes in the coastal morphology and vegetation during the Holocene in Cedar Keys, Florida, the mangrove sub-range limit in North America. The multi-proxy dataset indicates that the milder winters during the Medieval Climate Anomaly likely facilitated the establishment of mangroves in the study region, where Avicennia, Laguncularia, and Rhizophora were established in the ~12th (790-850 cal yr BP), ~14th (580-660 cal yr BP), and ~ 16th century (440-460 cal yr BP), respectively. Thus, the Medieval Climate Anomaly likely triggered the poleward mangrove migration in North and South America synchronously. Moreover, the multi-proxy dataset also documents the obliteration of the Woodland Culture near Cedar Keys, where a once-thriving native civilization on Seahorse Key was driven out by the European colonizers, who settled on the mainland and Atsena Otie Key. Over time, the relict sites of the Woodland people on Seahorse Key were covered by mangroves and marsh vegetation since the ~16th century. Overall, our dataset suggests that industrial-era warming may have intensified the poleward mangrove expansion, although this trend had started earlier during the Medieval Climate Anomaly.

Poststroke consequences upon optimization properties of postural sway during upright stance: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The understanding of human postural control has advanced with the introduction of optimization process modeling. These models, however, only provide control parameters, rather than analytical descriptors of optimization processes. Here, we use a newly developed direct (pattern) search algorithm to investigate changes in postural optimization process in poststroke individuals. OBJECTIVE: This cross-sectional study investigated the optimization properties of postural stability during upright standing in poststroke individuals. METHODS: Twenty-nine poststroke and 15 healthy age-matched individuals underwent posturography with a force platform while standing for 60 s for acquisition of center-of-pressure data. Poststroke individuals were grouped depending on their weight-bearing (WB) pattern and their balance capability assessed through Berg Balance Scale (BBS). The optimization properties of postural stability were computed assuming the minimization of postural sway as cost function. RESULTS: The asymmetric WB poststroke group showed larger convergence rate toward the local minimum of postural sway than the symmetric WB group. Additionally, the low-balance capability group exhibited smaller values for averaged local minima and global minimum of postural sway coordinates compared with high-balance capability group. Significant correlations were found for BBS and the local minima and global minimum (Pearson's r ranged 0.378-0.424, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In summary, the optimization properties describing postural dynamic stability, steadiness, and global reference are altered in poststroke individuals with asymmetric WB pattern and low-balance capability.

Estatísticas Cardiovasculares do Programa Boas Práticas em Cardiologia - Dados de um Hospital Público Terciário Brasileiro / Cardiovascular Statistics from the Good Practices in Cardiology Program - Data from a Brazilian Tertiary Public Hospital

Resumo Fundamento O Programa Boas Práticas em Cardiologia é uma iniciativa da Sociedade Brasileira de Cardiologia (SBC) destinada à melhoria do cuidado cardiovascular nos hospitais públicos brasileiros. Objetivos Descrever características dos pacientes internados com Síndrome Coronariana Aguda (SCA) e Insuficiência Cardíaca (IC) e avaliar os indicadores de desempenho alcançados nos braços (SCA e IC) em um hospital público terciário, com uma meta pré-estabelecida de 85% de aderência às recomendações da SBC. Métodos Estudo do tipo transversal descritivo realizado por meio da coleta de dados de pacientes que estiveram internados entre maio de 2016 e setembro de 2019. Resultados Foram incluídos 1036 pacientes, 273 pacientes no braço IC e 763 no braço SCA. A média de idade foi de 59,8 ± 12,0 anos na SCA e 57,0 ± 14,1 anos na IC, com predomínio do sexo masculino em ambos os grupos. Mais da metade dos pacientes não tinham ensino fundamental completo e mais de 90% declararam renda mensal inferior a cinco salários-mínimos. Na SCA, predominou o diagnóstico de SCA com supradesnivelamento do segmento ST (66,3%) e 2,9% dos pacientes foram a óbito. Na IC, a etiologia mais comum foi a Doença de Chagas (25,8%) e 17,9% dos pacientes foram a óbito. Na avaliação dos indicadores de desempenho, nove dos 12 indicadores tiveram taxas de aderência acima de 85%. Conclusão Programas de qualidade são essenciais à melhoria do cuidado e os indicadores de desempenho do hospital apontam para uma boa adesão às diretrizes assistenciais da SBC, particularmente no braço da SCA.

Abstract Background The Good Practices in Cardiology Program is an initiative created by the Brazilian Society of Cardiology (SBC) to improve the quality of care of cardiovascular disease patients in Brazilian public hospitals. Objectives To characterize patients admitted to a tertiary public hospital with diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) or heart failure (HF) and to evaluate performance indicators in both ACS and HF arms, with a pre-established target of 85% adherence to the SBC recommendations. Methods This was a descriptive cross-sectional study through data collection of patients hospitalized between May 2016 and September 2019. Results A total of 1,036 patients were included, 273 in the HF arm and 763 in the ACS arm. Mean age was 59.8 ± 12.0 years in the ACS and 57.0 ± 14.1 years in the HF, with a predominance of male patients in both groups. More than half of patients had some primary education and more than 90% reported a monthly income of less than five minimum wages. In ACS, the diagnosis of ACS with ST segment elevation was predominant (66.3%), and 2.9% of patients died. In HF, the most common etiology was Chagas disease (25.8%), and 17.9% died. Analysis of the performance indicators revealed an adherence rate higher than 85% to nine of the 12 indicators. Conclusion Quality programs are essential for improvement of quality of care. Performance indicators pointed to a good adherence to the SBC guidelines, mainly in the ACS arm.

Pre-treatment method to avoid contamination for radiocarbon dating of organic-rich coastal deposits.

Establishing an accurate chronology for coastal sediment profiles using radiocarbon dating has been a challenging task for scientists around the world. In this study, we present a step-by-step procedure of an optimized pre-treatment method to remove roots, shell hashes, and other contaminants from organic-rich bulk sediments for radiocarbon dating. This procedure first applies loss-on-ignition analysis throughout the sediment profile to locate the ideal sampling intervals that have high organic and low carbonate contents, and then uses a two-step sieving procedure to remove contaminants from the bulk sediments. During the past five years, we have prepared a total of 64 samples for radiocarbon dating using this pre-treatment method, and 59 of them were deemed valid, a success rate of 92.2%. Thus, we believe this procedure can successfully remove contamination and optimize the sample pre-treatment for radiocarbon dating of organic-rich deposits from coastal and other environments.•Use loss-on-ignition analysis to locate the ideal sampling intervals.•Sieve each sample with 200 µm and then 100 µm sieve to remove roots and organic debris.•Acid-leach each of the sieved sediment samples (100-200 µm) with HCL to remove carbonates.

Transcranial direct current stimulation combined with trunk-targeted, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation in subacute stroke: a randomized controlled trial.

Background: Stroke is the foremost cause of death and disability worldwide. Improving upper extremity function and quality of life are two paramount therapeutic targets during rehabilitation. Aim of the study: To investigate the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) combined with trunk-targeted proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) on impairments, activity limitations, and participation restrictions of subjects with subacute stroke. Methodology: Fifty-four subjects with subacute stroke were divided into three groups using block randomization. All three groups received rehabilitation sessions lasting 90 min in duration, four times per week, for 6 weeks. Group 1 (n = 18) received conventional physical therapy (CPT); group 2 (n = 18) received CPT, trunk-targeted PNF, and sham tDCS; and group 3 (n = 18) received CPT, trunk-targeted PNF, and bihemispheric motor cortex stimulation with tDCS. Changes in motor impairment, motor activity, and health-related quality of life assessments were outcome measures. Results: A two-way linear mixed model analysis revealed interaction effects (group × time) for all outcome measurements (Trunk Impairment Scale, Fugl-Meyer Assessment of Motor Recovery after stroke upper extremity subsection, Wolf Motor Function Test, 10-Meter Walk Test, and the Stroke-Specific Quality of Life scale; all p < 0.01 or lower). Overall, post-pre mean differences demonstrate more substantial improvement in the active tDCS group, followed by sham stimulation associated with the PNF group and the group that received CPT alone. Conclusion: Trunk-targeted PNF combined with bihemispheric tDCS along with CPT engender larger improvements in upper extremity and trunk impairment, upper limb function, gait speed, and quality of life in the subacute stroke population.

The family system seeking to transform its eating behavior in the face of childhood obesity.

OBJECTIVES: to understand families' behaviors and eating practices in the face of childhood obesity. METHODS: a qualitative study, which used the Grounded Theory as a methodological framework and the Complexity Theory as a theoretical framework. Twenty-six informants participated in the study, who were part of two sample groups. Data were collected through intensive interviews, using a semi-structured script. RESULTS: "The family system seeking to change eating behavior patterns in the face of childhood obesity" emerged as a central concept, relating three conceptual categories: "Recognizing its behavior patterns and eating practices"; "Reorganizing in the face of childhood obesity"; "Responding to change". FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: the family influences children's eating behavior and contributes to changes that occur in it, which highlights the relevance of the family approach in childhood obesity care, raising reflection on the current nursing practice together with families who experience the same problem.

Effectiveness of Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT) on Balance and Functional Mobility in the Stroke Population: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) is one of the most popular treatments for enhancing upper and lower extremity motor activities and participation in patients following a stroke. However, the effect of CIMT on balance is unclear and needs further clarification. The aim of this research was to estimate the effect of CIMT on balance and functional mobility in patients after stroke. After reviewing 161 studies from search engines including Google Scholar, EBSCO, PubMed, PEDro, Science Direct, Scopus, and Web of Science, we included eight randomized controlled trials (RCT) in this study. The methodological quality of the included RCTs was verified using PEDro scoring. This systematic review showed positive effects of CIMT on balance in three studies and similar effects in five studies when compared to the control interventions such as neuro developmental treatment, modified forced-use therapy and conventional physical therapy. Furthermore, a meta-analysis indicated a statistically significant effect size by a standardized mean difference of 0.51 (P = 0.01), showing that the groups who received CIMT had improved more than the control groups. However, the meta-analysis results for functional mobility were statistically insignificant, with an effect size of -4.18 (P = 0.16), indicating that the functional mobility improvements in the investigated groups were not greater than the control group. This study's findings demonstrated the superior effects of CIMT on balance; however, the effect size analysis of functional mobility was statistically insignificant. These findings indicate that CIMT interventions can improve balance-related motor function better than neuro developmental treatment, modified forced-use therapy and conventional physical therapy in patients after a stroke.

The family system seeking to transform its eating behavior in the face of childhood obesity / El sistema familiar que busca transformar su conducta alimentaria frente a la obesidad infantil / O sistema familiar buscando a transformação do seu comportamento alimentar diante da obesidade infantil

ABSTRACT Objectives: to understand families' behaviors and eating practices in the face of childhood obesity. Methods: a qualitative study, which used the Grounded Theory as a methodological framework and the Complexity Theory as a theoretical framework. Twenty-six informants participated in the study, who were part of two sample groups. Data were collected through intensive interviews, using a semi-structured script. Results: "The family system seeking to change eating behavior patterns in the face of childhood obesity" emerged as a central concept, relating three conceptual categories: "Recognizing its behavior patterns and eating practices"; "Reorganizing in the face of childhood obesity"; "Responding to change". Final Considerations: the family influences children's eating behavior and contributes to changes that occur in it, which highlights the relevance of the family approach in childhood obesity care, raising reflection on the current nursing practice together with families who experience the same problem.

RESUMEN Objetivos: comprender los comportamientos y prácticas alimentarias de las familias frente a la obesidad infantil. Métodos: estudio cualitativo, que utilizó como marco metodológico la Teoría Fundamentada en Datos y, como marco teórico, la Teoría de la Complejidad. Veintiséis informantes participaron en el estudio, que formaron parte de dos grupos de muestra. Los datos fueron recolectados a través de entrevistas intensivas, utilizando un cuestionario semiestructurado. Resultados: surgió como concepto central "El sistema familiar que busca la transformación de los patrones de conducta alimentaria frente a la obesidad infantil", relacionando tres categorías conceptuales reconociendo sus patrones de comportamiento y prácticas alimentarias"; "Reorganizarse frente a la obesidad infantil; "Respondiendo al cambio". Consideraciones Finales: la familia influye en la conducta alimentaria del niño y contribuye a los cambios que se producen en ella, lo que destaca la relevancia del abordaje familiar en el cuidado de la obesidad infantil, suscitando la reflexión sobre la práctica actual de enfermería junto a las familias que viven el mismo problema.

RESUMO Objetivos: compreender os comportamentos e as práticas alimentares de famílias diante da obesidade infantil. Métodos: estudo qualitativo, que utilizou como referencial metodológico a Teoria Fundamentada nos Dados, e, referencial teórico, a Teoria da Complexidade. Participaram do estudo 26 informantes, que integraram dois grupos amostrais. Os dados foram coletados por meio de entrevista intensiva, com uso de roteiro semiestruturado. Resultados: emergiu como conceito central "O sistema familiar buscando a transformação dos padrões de comportamento alimentar diante da obesidade infantil", relacionando três categorias conceituais: "Reconhecendo os seus padrões de comportamentos e práticas alimentares"; "Reorganizando-se diante da obesidade infantil; "Respondendo às mudanças". Considerações Finais: a família influencia o comportamento alimentar da criança e contribui para mudanças que ocorrem nele, o que evidencia a relevância da abordagem familiar na atenção à obesidade infantil, suscitando reflexão sobre a prática de enfermagem atual juntos às famílias que vivenciam a mesma problemática.