Assessment of quality of life, psychological aspects, and sexual function of women with endometriosis according to pain and infertility: a cross sectional study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the quality of life, sexual function, anxiety, and depression of women with endometriosis according to pain symptoms and infertility. METHODS: This cross-sectional multicenter study included 229 women with endometriosis followed up at a tertiary hospital in Campinas, a tertiary hospital in São Paulo, and a reproductive medicine clinic in Campinas from 2018 to 2021. The women were divided into four groups according to the presence of pain symptoms and infertility. The Endometriosis Health Profile Questionnaire, Female Sexual Function Index, Beck Depression Inventory, and Beck Anxiety Index were applied to assess quality of life, sexual function, depression, and anxiety of women with endometriosis. RESULTS: The women were grouped as follows: group 1 (45 women without infertility and without pain), group 2 (73 women without infertility and with pain), group 3 (49 women with infertility and without pain), and group 4 (62 women with infertility and pain). Of the women with infertility, the majority had primary infertility. Most women had deep endometriosis (p = 0.608). Women with pain had higher anxiety and depression scores and worse quality of life than women without pain (p < 0.001). Regarding sexual function, all the groups were at risk for sexual dysfunction (p = 0.671). The group of women with pain and infertility have worse anxiety scores (25.31 ± 15.96) and depression (18.81 ± 11.16) than the other groups. CONCLUSION: Pain symptoms worsen anxiety, depression, and quality of life of women with endometriosis and when associated with infertility, greater impairment of psychological aspects may occur.

Periprosthetic shoulder infection management: one-stage should be the way: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: There is still no consensus among surgeons on whether to perform a 1- or 2-stage surgical revision in infected shoulder arthroplasties. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to rigorously synthesize published studies evaluating the clinical outcomes, recurrence of infection, and other clinical complications in order to discuss which is the best strategy for treating periprosthetic joint infection after shoulder arthroplasty. METHODS: Upon research using the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases, in November 2022, studies that presented 1- or 2-stage surgical revision as a treatment for periprosthetic joint infection after shoulder arthroplasty and assessed the reinfection rate on these patients, as well as other clinical outcomes, with a minimum follow-up of 12 months, were included. Study quality was evaluated using the Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies (MINORS) score. Reinfection and complication rates were extracted, and pooled estimates were calculated using the random-effect model. RESULTS: After careful screening, 44 studies were included, 5 reporting on 1-stage and 30 on 2-stage revisions and 9 assessing both strategies. A total of 185 shoulders were reported in 1-stage revision studies, whereas 526 shoulders were reported in 2-stage revision studies. The overall pooled random-effects reinfection rate was 6.68% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.76-10.13), with low heterogeneity (I2 = 28%, P = .03). One-stage revision showed a reinfection rate of 1.14% (95% CI: 0.00-4.88), whereas 2-stage revision analysis revealed a reinfection rate of 8.81% (95% CI: 4.96-13.33). There were significant statistical differences between 1- and 2-stage reinfection rates (P = .04). The overall pooled rate for other clinical complications was 16.76% (95% CI: 9.49-25.15), with high heterogeneity (I2 = 70%, P < .01). One-stage revision had a complication rate of 6.11% (95% CI: 1.58-12.39), whereas the 2-stage revision complication rate was 21.26% (95% CI: 11.51-32.54). This difference was statistically significant (P = .03). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first systematic review and meta-analysis showing significant statistical differences between 1- and 2-stage surgical revision in infected shoulder arthroplasties. Provided the right conditions exist, 1-stage revision shows better results in infection control, with lower clinical complications and possible better clinical outcomes.

Light means power: harnessing light spectrum and UV-B to enhance photosynthesis and rutin levels in microtomato plants.

Urban vertical agriculture with lighting system can be an alternative green infrastructure to increase local food production irrespective of environmental and soil conditions. In this system, light quality control can improve the plant physiological performance, well as induce metabolic pathways that contribute to producing phenolic compounds important to human health. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the influence of RBW (red, blue and white) and monochromatic (red and blue; R and B, respectively) light associated or not with UV-B on photosynthetic performance and phenolic compound production in microtomato fruits cultivated via vertical agriculture. The experimental design adopted was completely randomized, with six replicates illuminated with 300 µmol·m-2·s-1 light intensities (RBW, RBW + UV, B, B + UV, R, and R + UV), 12 h photoperiod, and 3.7 W·m-2 UV-B irradiation for 1 h daily for the physiological evaluations. Twenty-six days after the installation, gas exchange, chlorophyll a fluorescence and nocturnal breathing were evaluated. Fruits in different ripening stages (green, orange, and red) were collected from microtomato plants grown under with different light qualities, to evaluate the physiological performance. The identification and quantification of the phenolic compound rutin was also performed to investigate their metabolic response. This study identified that plants grown under B + UV had high photosynthetic rates (A=11.57 µmol·m-2·s-1) and the fruits at all maturation stages from plants grown under B and B + UV had high rutin content. Meanwhile, the activation of suppressive mechanisms was necessary in plants grown under R because of the high nocturnal respiration and unregulated quantum yield of the non-photochemical dissipation of the photosystem II. These results highlight the importance of selecting light wavelength for vegetable cultivation to produce fruits with a high content of specialized metabolites that influence color, flavor, and health promotion, which is of special interest to farmers using sustainable cropping systems.

Prediction of heavy metals in polluted mangrove soils in Brazil with the highest reported levels of mercury using near-infrared spectroscopy.

Infrared reflectance spectroscopy has demonstrated potential as a tool for monitoring and preventing contamination in different environments. The objective of this study was to evaluate the usage of near-infrared spectroscopy for predicting heavy-metal contamination in mangrove soils from the Botafogo River estuary located in Pernambuco State, Northeastern Brazil. These soils exhibit the highest mercury (Hg) levels ever reported for Brazilian mangrove soils. Sixty-one samples (obtained at depths ranging from 0 to 5 cm) were collected and measured using near-infrared (1000-2500 nm) reflectance spectroscopy. Preprocessing methods were applied, and partial least squares regression was used to build prediction models for attributes such as clay content, soil organic matter (SOM), pH, Eh, and concentrations of Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, and Zn. The models were evaluated using root mean squared error (RMSE), the adjusted coefficient of determination (R2adj), bias, the ratio of performance to interquartile distance (RPIQ), and Lin's concordance correlation coefficient (CCC). The best outcomes were noted for concentrations of Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, and Pb (RPIQ > 2.5 and R2adj > 0.80); second-best outcomes were found for Zn and SOM (RPIQ > 1.5 and R2adj > 0.70). Clay content, pH and Eh exhibited the poorest outcomes (RPIQ < 1.5). The importance of spectral preprocessing is highlighted, notably with Savitzky-Golay derivatives and Multiplicative Scatter Corrections, which boosted performance for most of the variables. Near-infrared spectroscopy can be efficiently used to predict Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb and SOM and represents a technique complementary to traditional analyses.

In Silico Studies on Natural Products and Derivatives Against Different Types of Cancer.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cancer is the second cause of death worldwide, responsible for almost 10 million deaths and accounting for one in every six deaths. It is a disease that can affect any organ or tissue with rapid progression to the final stage, which is metastasis, in which the disease spreads to different regions of the body. Many studies have been carried out to find a cure for cancer. Early diagnosis contributes to the individual achieving the cure; however, deaths are increasing considerably due to late diagnosis. Thus, this bibliographical review discussed several scientific research works pointing to in silico analyses in the proposition of new antineoplastic agents for glioblastoma, breast, colon, prostate, and lung cancer, as well as some of their respective molecular receptors involved in molecular docking simulations and molecular dynamics. This review involved articles describing the contribution of computational techniques for the development of new drugs or already existing drugs with biological activity; thus, important data were highlighted in each study, such as the techniques used, results obtained in each study, and the conclusion. Furthermore, 3D chemical structures of the molecules with the best computational response and significant interactions between the tested molecules and the PDB receptors were also presented. With this, it is expected to help new research in the fight against cancer, the creation of new antitumor drugs, and the advancement of the pharmaceutical industry and scientific knowledge about studied tumors.

Multiple endpoints of polyethylene microplastics toxicity in vascular plants of freshwater ecosystems: A study involving Salvinia auriculata (Salviniaceae).

More recently, the number of studies on the impacts of microplastics (MPs) on plants has drawn attention considerably. However, many of these studies focused on terrestrial plants, with vascular plants from freshwater ecosystems being little studied. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the possible effects of exposure of Salvinia auriculata, for 28 days, to different concentrations of polyethylene MPs (PE MPs - diameter: 35.46 ± 18.17 µm) (2.7 ×108 and 8.1 ×108 particles/m3), using different biomarkers. Our data indicated that exposure to PE MPs caused alterations in plant growth/development (inferred by the lower floating frond number, "root" length, and the number of "roots"), as well as lower dispersion of individuals in the experimental units. Plants exposed to PE MPs also showed lower epidermal thickness (abaxial leaf face) and a longer length of the central leaf vein and vascular bundle area. Ultrastructural analyses of S. auriculata exposed to MPs revealed rupture of some epidermal cells and trichomes on the adaxial and abaxial, leaf necrosis, and chlorosis. In the "roots", we observed dehydrated filamentous structures with evident deformations in plants exposed to the pollutants. Both on the abaxial leaf face and on the "roots", the adherence of PE MPs was observed. Furthermore, exposure to PE MPs induced lower chlorophyll content, cell membrane damage, and redox imbalance, marked by reduced catalase and superoxide dismutase activity and increased production of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species as well as malondialdehyde. However, in general, we did not observe the dose-response effect for the evaluated biomarkers. The values of the integrated biomarker response index, the principal component analysis (PCA) results and the hierarchical clustering analysis confirmed the similarity between the responses of plants exposed to different PE MPs concentrations. Therefore, our study sheds light on how PE MPs can affect S. auriculata and reinforces that putting these pollutants in freshwater environments might be hazardous from an ecotoxicological point of view.

Assessment of quality of life and psychological repercussions in women with endometriosis according to pain intensity.

The objective is to evaluate quality of life, anxiety, and depression in women with endometriosis, and to correlate these parameters with pain intensity. This multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted on 102 women with endometriosis from 2017 to 2020. The women were divided into two groups according to the pain intensity: group 1 (severe pain, 62 women) and group 2 (mild/moderate pain, 40 women). The Endometriosis Health Profile Questionnaire, Beck Anxiety Inventory, and Beck Depression Inventory were used to assess quality of life and levels of anxiety and depression, respectively. In both groups, mean age and mean body mass index were similar (p˃ 0.5). Most women had deep endometriosis and were on treatment, but group 2 had a longer treatment time (p = 0.044). Group 1 exhibited more depression and anxiety than group 2 (17.1 ± 9.98 vs. 11.15 ± 9.25, p = 0.003 and 23.71 ± 12.92 vs 12.58 ± 10.53, p = 0.001, respectively). Women with high pain had a significantly worse quality of life than those with low pain (48.88 ± 16.02 vs. 23.32 ± 15.93, p < 0.001). Women with endometriosis and high pain intensity have a worse quality of life, and more severe levels of anxiety and depression.

Metabolic, physiological and anatomical responses of soybean plants under water deficit and high temperature condition.

Water deficit (WD) combined with high temperature (HT) is the major factor limiting agriculture worldwide, and it is predicted to become worse according to the current climate change scenario. It is thus important to understand how current cultivated crops respond to these stress conditions. Here we investigated how four soybean cultivars respond to WD and HT isolated or in combination at metabolic, physiological, and anatomical levels. The WD + HT increased the level of stress in soybean plants when compared to plants under well-watered (WW), WD, or HT conditions. WD + HT exacerbates the increases in ascorbate peroxidase activity, which was associated with the greater photosynthetic rate in two cultivars under WD + HT. The metabolic responses to WD + HT diverge substantially from plants under WW, WD, or HT conditions. Myo-inositol and maltose were identified as WD + HT biomarkers and were connected to subnetworks composed of catalase, amino acids, and both root and leaf osmotic potentials. Correlation-based network analyses highlight that the network heterogeneity increased and a higher integration among metabolic, physiological, and morphological nodes is observed under stress conditions. Beyond unveiling biochemical and metabolic WD + HT biomarkers, our results collectively highlight that the mechanisms behind the acclimation to WD + HT cannot be understood by investigating WD or HT stress separately.

Infection by Moniliophthora perniciosa reprograms tomato Micro-Tom physiology, establishes a sink, and increases secondary cell wall synthesis.

Witches' broom disease of cacao is caused by the pathogenic fungus Moniliophthora perniciosa. By using tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) cultivar Micro-Tom (MT) as a model system, we investigated the physiological and metabolic consequences of M. perniciosa infection to determine whether symptoms result from sink establishment during infection. Infection of MT by M. perniciosa caused reductions in root biomass and fruit yield, a decrease in leaf gas exchange, and down-regulation of photosynthesis-related genes. The total leaf area and water potential decreased, while ABA levels, water conductance/conductivity, and ABA-related gene expression increased. Genes related to sugar metabolism and those involved in secondary cell wall deposition were up-regulated upon infection, and the concentrations of sugars, fumarate, and amino acids increased. 14C-glucose was mobilized towards infected MT stems, but not in inoculated stems of the MT line overexpressing CYTOKININ OXIDASE-2 (35S::AtCKX2), suggesting a role for cytokinin in establishing a sugar sink. The up-regulation of genes involved in cell wall deposition and phenylpropanoid metabolism in infected MT, but not in 35S::AtCKX2 plants, suggests establishment of a cytokinin-mediated sink that promotes tissue overgrowth with an increase in lignin. Possibly, M. perniciosa could benefit from the accumulation of secondary cell walls during its saprotrophic phase of infection.

Searching for biomarkers of early detection of 2,4-D effects in a native tree species from the Brazilian Cerrado biome.

Biodiversity in the Brazilian Cerrado biome has been declining sharply with the continued expansion of agriculture and the excessive use of herbicides. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the morphophysiological and biochemical responses in Dipteryx alata plants to various doses of the herbicide 2,4-D. Specific biomarkers that characterize the phytoindicator potential of this species were determined. Gas exchange, chlorophyll a fluorescence, photosynthetic pigments, and the activities of antioxidant enzymes and cellulase were performed after 24, 96 and/or 396 hours after 2,4-D application (HAA). The herbicide caused higher antioxidant enzymatic activity 24 HAA and damage to the photosynthetic machinery after 96 HAA. Reduction in gas exchange, chlorophyll content, and photochemical traits were observed. Increased respiratory rates, non-photochemical quenching, and carotenoid concentrations in 2,4-D-treated plants were important mechanisms in the defense against the excess energy absorbed. Furthermore, the absence of leaf symptoms suggested tolerance of D. alata to 2,4-D. Nevertheless, changes in the photosynthetic and biochemical metabolism of D. alata are useful as early indicators of herbicide contamination, especially in the absence of visual symptoms. These results are important for early monitoring of plants in conserved areas and for preventing damage to sensitive species.

Compreensão dos profissionais de saúde sobre uma rede de urgência e emergência municipal / Understanding of health professionals about a municipal urgency and emergency network / Comprensión de los profesionales de la salud sobre una red municipal de emergencias y emergencias

Objetivo: avaliar a compreensão dos profissionais de saúde sobre rede de urgência e emergência no município de Camaragibe-PE. Método: estudo descritivo, exploratório, de natureza quantitativa, realizado no Centro de Especialidades Médicas de Camaragibe. Amostra com 255 profissionais. Coleta de dados por meio de questionário semi-estruturado e análise descritiva. Resultados: o quadro profissional apresentou, em sua maioria, 47,6% de enfermeiros e técnicos de enfermagem, 63,6% de mulheres, faixa etária entre 30-39 anos (30,1%), tempo de serviço de 1 a 5 anos (31,6%) e relacionamento ótimo (48,1%). Acerca do conhecimento sobre a rede de atenção à saúde, a maioria respondeu atuar no nível secundário (53,9%), serem necessários para existência do serviço de urgência os componentes fixo e móvel (77,7%), e não conhecer o plano municipal de urgência e emergência (73,8%). Conclusão: o estudo evidenciou déficit de conhecimento dos profissionais sobre o plano municipal de urgência e emergência de Camaragibe-PE (AU).

Objective: to assess the understanding of health professionals about the urgency and emergency network in the municipality of Camaragibe-PE. Method: descriptive, exploratory study of a quantitative nature, carried out at the Centro de Especialidades Médicas de Camaragibe. Sample with 255 professionals. Data collection through a semi-structured questionnaire and descriptive analysis. Results: the professional staff had mostly 47.6% nurses and nursing technicians, 63.6% women, aged between 30-39 years (30.1%), length of service from 1 to 5 years (31.6%) and great relationship (48.1%). Regarding knowledge about the health care network, the majority responded that they work at the secondary level (53.9%), that fixed and mobile components (77.7%) are necessary for the emergency service to exist, and that they do not know the plan emergency and emergency municipal services (73.8%). Conclusion: the study showed a lack of knowledge of professionals about the municipal plan of urgency and emergency of Camaragibe-PE (AU).

Objetivo: evaluar el conocimiento de los profesionales de la salud sobre la red de urgencia y emergencia en el municipio de Camaragibe-PE. Método: estudio descriptivo, exploratorio de carácter cuantitativo, realizado en el Centro de Especialidades Médicas de Camaragibe. Muestra con 255 profesionales. Recolección de datos mediante cuestionario semiestructurado y análisis descriptivo. Resultados: la plantilla profesional estuvo compuesta en su mayoría por 47,6% enfermeras y técnicos de enfermería, 63,6% mujeres, edad entre 30-39 años (30,1%), antigüedad de 1 a 5 años (31,6%) y gran relación (48,1%). En cuanto al conocimiento sobre la red asistencial, la mayoría respondió que trabaja en el nivel secundario (53,9%), que los componentes fijos y móviles (77,7%) son necesarios para que exista el servicio de emergencia y que desconocen el plan de emergencia. y servicios municipales de emergencia (73,8%). Conclusión: el estudio mostró un desconocimiento de los profesionales sobre el plan municipal de urgencia y emergencia de Camaragibe-PE (AU).

Boas práticas de liderança do enfermeiro no contexto hospitalar / Good nurse leadership practices in the hospital context

Objetivo: Descrever as boas práticas de liderança em enfermagem, realizadas pelos enfermeiros no contexto de um hospital público de Belém-Pará. Especificamente, levantar práticas de liderança no contexto hospitalar. Método: Pesquisa de campo do tipo descritiva com abordagem qualitativa, realizado em um hospital de urgência emergência do município de Belém. Os participantes foram dez enfermeiros gestores e coordenadores em unidade clínica e Unidade de Terapia Intensiva. A coleta de dados foi por meio de questionário autoaplicável. A análise de conteúdo ocorreu de forma qualitativa a partir da identificação de categorias temáticas. Resultados: Emergiram três temas centrais: as boas práticas de liderança sob a ótica dos enfermeiros; o enfermeiro e a tomada de decisão, na prática hospitalar; lidando com erros e conflitos. Conclusão: As boas práticas de liderança estão relacionadas às dimensões assistenciais, gerenciais e atitudinais, nas quais se destaca a tomada de decisão e gestão de conflitos e erros.(AU)

Objective: Describe the good nursing leadership practices performed by nurses in the context of a public hospital in Belém-Pará. Specifically, to raise leadership practices in the hospital context. Method: Descriptive field research with a qualitative approach, carried out in an emergency hospital in the city of Belém. The participants were ten nurse managers and coordinators in the clinical unit and intensive care unit. Data collection was through a self-administered questionnaire. Content analysis occurred qualitatively based on the identification of thematic categories. Results: Three central themes emerged: good leadership practices from the nurses' perspective; nurses and decision-making in hospital practice; dealing with errors and conflicts. Conclusion: Good leadership practices are related to care, management and attitudinal dimensions, in which decision-making and conflict and error management stand out.(AU)

Objetivo: Descrever as boas práticas de liderança em enfermagem, realizadas pelos enfermeiros no contexto de um hospital público de Belém-Pará. Especificamente, levantar práticas de liderança no contexto hospitalar. Método: Pesquisa de campo do tipo descritiva com abordagem qualitativa, realizado em um hospital de urgência emergência do município de Belém. Os participantes foram dez enfermeiros gestores e coordenadores em unidade clínica e Unidade de Terapia Intensiva. A coleta de dados foi por meio de questionário autoaplicável. A análise de conteúdo ocorreu de forma qualitativa a partir da identificação de categorias temáticas. Resultados: Emergiram três temas centrais: as boas práticas de liderança sob a ótica dos enfermeiros; o enfermeiro e a tomada de decisão, na prática hospitalar; lidando com erros e conflitos. Conclusão: As boas práticas de liderança estão relacionadas às dimensões assistenciais, gerenciais e atitudinais, nas quais se destaca a tomada de decisão e gestão de conflitos e erros.(AU)

Imidacloprid-mediated stress on non-Bt and Bt cotton, aphid and ladybug interaction: Approaches based on insect behaviour, fluorescence, dark respiration and plant electrophysiology.

Plants and insects are parts of a complex system that involves interactions among many trophic levels, and it is important to understand the nature of such interactions. In the complex of interactions involving aphids and transgenic cotton expressing Bacillus thuringiensis, both the spraying of neonicotinoids and the occurrence of predatory coccinellids are common. However, there are gaps regarding the knowledge about possible impacts of neonicotinoids on physiological variables of the host plant and behavioural traits of the aphid (Aphis gossypii) and predator (Cycloneda sanguinea). Therefore, this study aimed to highlight the photosynthetic and electrical responses of the plant to the stress caused by the aphid attack combined with the stress generated by the use of imidacloprid in Bt and non-Bt cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) cultivars and to evaluate how this stress can influence the behavioural ecology of the predator and prey. Chlorophyll a fluorescence tests, dark respiration and electrophysiology on non-Bt and Bt cotton were carried out, the behaviour of the prey and predator was also evaluated with a video capture system. Our research is a study model that generates insights about possible impacts when using Imidacloprid without the occurrence of the pest on the plant, because the exposure of non-Bt and Bt cotton plants and the predator to imidacloprid unnecessarily, may result in stress on the physiology of the cotton plants and on the behaviour of the predator.

Impact of intrinsic motivation on competitive anxiety among wheelchair handball athletes / Impacto da motivação intrínseca sobre a ansiedade competitiva em atletas de handebol em cadeira de rodas

ABSTRACT Motivation and anxiety have been a recurrent theme in debates around sports, and understanding their relevance for competitive practice and their effects on athletes becomes imperative. This study aimed to investigate the impact of intrinsic motivation on the anxiety of Wheelchair Handball (WCH) athletes. The Intrinsic Motivation Inventory (IMI) and the Sport Anxiety Scale (SAS) were applied to 37 male athletes (34.18 ± 9.32 years old) with physical disabilities and participating in the Brazilian WCH championship. Data analysis was conducted by means of the Shapiro-Wilk, Pearson's Correlation and Multiple Linear Regression tests (p < 0.05). As a result, the intrinsic motivation subscales presented high scores both on the subscales that contribute positively (Pleasure/Interest, Competence, and Perceived exertion) and on the subscale that contributes negatively (Pressure/Tension). As for the impact of motivation on competitive anxiety, the athlete feeling competent inversely explained 15% of the variance of somatic anxiety. Competence presented a negative impact, and Pressure/Tension, a positive impact on the Concern subscale. Additionally, the Pleasure/Interest, Pressure/Tension and Perceived exertion subscales explained 31% of the variance of anxiety related to Disturbance of concentration, indicating that the greater the perception of pleasure with the practice and the greater the effort towards tasks, the less disturbance in concentration, and that the higher the pressure/tension score (lower perception of pressure), the greater the disturbance in the athlete's concentration. It was concluded that intrinsic motivation is a determining factor for controlling competitive anxiety in WCH athletes.

RESUMO A motivação e a ansiedade tem sido tema recorrente de debates no esporte e enteder sua relavância para a prática competitiva e os efeitos nos atletas se tornam imprescindível. Este estudo objetivou investigar o impacto da motivação intrínseca sobre a ansiedade de atletas de Handebol em Cadeira de Rodas (HCR). Foram aplicados o Inventário de Motivação Intrínseca (IMI) e a Escala de Ansiedade no Desporto (SAS) em 37 atletas (34.18 ± 9.32 anos), do sexo masculino, com deficiência fisica, participantes do campeonato Brasileiro de HCR. A análise dos dados foi conduzida por meio dos testes de Shapiro Wilk, a Correlação de Pearson e a Regressão Linear Múltipla (p < 0,05). Como resultado, as subescalas da motivação intrínseca apresentaram escores elevados tanto nas subescalas que contribuem de forma positiva (Prazer/Interesse, Competência e Percepção do esforço), quanto na subescala que contribui de forma negativa (Pressão/Tensão). Em relação ao impacto da motivação sobre a ansiedade competitiva, o atleta se sentir competente explicou inversamente 15% da variância da ansiedade somática. A competência apresentou impacto negativo e a Pressão/Tensão impacto positivo sobre a subescala de Preocupação. Ademais, as subescalas de Prazer/Interesse, Pressão/Tensão e Percepção do esforço explicaram 31% da variância da ansiedade relacionada à Perturbação da Concentração, indicando que que quanto maior a percepção de prazer pela prática e esforço perante as tarefas, menos perturbações na concentração, e quanto maior o escore de pressão/tensão (menor percepção de pressão), maior a perturbação da concentração do atleta. Concluiu-se que a motivação intrínseca é um fator determinante para o controle da ansiedade competitiva dos atletas de HCR.

Gene Polymorphisms Involved in Folate Metabolism and DNA Methylation with the Risk of Head and Neck Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Folate is essential for DNA synthesis, repair, and methylation. Polymorphisms in genes associated with folate metabolism may alter these processes and, consequently, modulate cancer development. AIM: We aimed to assess DNMT3B -149C/T (rs2424913), DNMT3B -283T/C (rs6087990), DNMT3B -579G/T (rs2424909), DHFR 19-pb ins/del (rs70991108), SHMT1 1420C/T (rs1979277), and TYMS 28-bp tandem repeat (rs34743033) polymorphisms with risk of head and neck cancer. METHODS: A case-control study was conducted in 1,086 Brazilian individuals. Real-time and conventional polymerase chain reactions-PCR were performed for genotyping the polymorphisms. RESULTS: The single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), DNMT3B -283T/C, revealed a higher risk of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) when compared with the C group in the codominant (p < 0.001), dominant (p <0.001), and overdominant (p= 0.001) models for T/C and C/C genotypes. DNMT3B -149C/T and DNMT3B -579G/T revealed no association between groups in any model. The DHFR 19-pb ins/del polymorphism protected against HNSCC development compared to the C group by the codominant (p < 0.001), dominant (p < 0.001), and overdominant (p < 0.001) models. In the TYMS, the 3R/3R genotype had a protective effect against HNSCC development compared with the C group by the recessive models (p= 0.009). In contrast, SHMT1 1420 C/T presented no association between the HNSCC and C groups. DHFR 19-pb ins/del polymorphisms protected against oral cavity cancer (p= 0.003), and only TYMS-28 3R/3R decreased the risk of tumor progression (p= 0.023). In the Kaplan-Meier curve, an association was found between DHFR ins/ins and TYMS -28 3R carriers with respect to relapse-free time; further, DNMT3B -579 T and TYMS-28 2R/2R carriers had longer survival times. CONCLUSION: DNMT3B -283T/C is associated with higher risk, whereas DHFR 19-pb ins/del and TYMS 28 3R/3R protect against head and neck cancer. We also highlighted the association of TYMS 3R/3R genotype carriers with relapse-free cancer protection and survival time.

Growth, Physiology and Nutrient Use Efficiency in Eugenia dysenterica DC under Varying Rates of Nitrogen and Phosphorus.

The production of high-quality seedlings and their use in commercial planting reduce pressure on natural areas. Eugenia dysenterica DC is a native fruit tree from the Brazilian Cerrado, whose nutritional requirements are still unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) supplementation on the physiology, growth and nutrient uptake, and use efficiencies of E. dysenterica seedlings grown in glasshouse conditions. The following rates were used in separate experiments: 0, 50, 100, 200, and 400 mg dm-3 N and 0, 100, 200, 400, and 600 mg dm-3 P. The experiment was conducted in a randomized block with four replications. The lowest N rate (50 mg dm-3) increased the stomatal conductance (gS) and, consequently, resulted in the highest transpiration (E), electron transport (ETR), and photosynthetic (A) rates. Also, rates of 50 mg dm-3 and 100 mg dm-3 N increased the Root Uptake Efficiency (RUE) and plant Nutrient Use Efficiency (NUE) for macronutrients and the RUE for micronutrients, stimulating plant growth. Phosphorous fertilization resulted in the maximum values for photosynthesis, electron transport rate, total dry mass, and NUE at the 200 mg dm-3 rate. The results of this study suggest that fertilization with 50 mg dm-3 N and 200 mg dm-3 P is suitable for the development of E. dysenterica seedlings.

Neurally adjusted ventilatory assist vs. pressure support to deliver protective mechanical ventilation in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome: a randomized crossover trial.

BACKGROUND: Protective mechanical ventilation is recommended for patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), but it usually requires controlled ventilation and sedation. Using neurally adjusted ventilatory assist (NAVA) or pressure support ventilation (PSV) could have additional benefits, including the use of lower sedative doses, improved patient-ventilator interaction and shortened duration of mechanical ventilation. We designed a pilot study to assess the feasibility of keeping tidal volume (VT) at protective levels with NAVA and PSV in patients with ARDS. METHODS: We conducted a prospective randomized crossover trial in five ICUs from a university hospital in Brazil and included patients with ARDS transitioning from controlled ventilation to partial ventilatory support. NAVA and PSV were applied in random order, for 15 min each, followed by 3 h in NAVA. Flow, peak airway pressure (Paw) and electrical activity of the diaphragm (EAdi) were captured from the ventilator, and a software (Matlab, Mathworks, USA), automatically detected inspiratory efforts and calculated respiratory rate (RR) and VT. Asynchrony events detection was based on waveform analysis. RESULTS: We randomized 20 patients, but the protocol was interrupted for five (25%) patients for whom we were unable to maintain VT below 6.5 mL/kg in PSV due to strong inspiratory efforts and for one patient for whom we could not detect EAdi signal. For the 14 patients who completed the protocol, VT was 5.8 ± 1.1 mL/kg for NAVA and 5.6 ± 1.0 mL/kg for PSV (p = 0.455) and there were no differences in RR (24 ± 7 for NAVA and 23 ± 7 for PSV, p = 0.661). Paw was greater in NAVA (21 ± 3 cmH2O) than in PSV (19 ± 3 cmH2O, p = 0.001). Most patients were under continuous sedation during the study. NAVA reduced triggering delay compared to PSV (p = 0.020) and the median asynchrony Index was 0.7% (0-2.7) in PSV and 0% (0-2.2) in NAVA (p = 0.6835). CONCLUSIONS: It was feasible to keep VT in protective levels with NAVA and PSV for 75% of the patients. NAVA resulted in similar VT, RR and Paw compared to PSV. Our findings suggest that partial ventilatory assistance with NAVA and PSV is feasible as a protective ventilation strategy in selected ARDS patients under continuous sedation. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01519258). Registered 26 January 2012, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01519258.

Dipteryx alata, a tree native to the Brazilian Cerrado, is sensitive to the herbicide nicosulfuron.

The expansion of land use for agricultural interests and the excessive use of herbicides are among the causes of biodiversity losses in the Brazilian Cerrado biome. Therefore, we aimed to test the hypothesis that Dipteryx alata Vogel, a common species in this biome, is sensitive to nicosulfuron because of its high phytotoxicity. We evaluated physiological, biochemical and morphological responses in D. alata plants exposed to increasing doses of the herbicide. Young plants were transplanted to 10 L pots containing substrate composed of soil and sand (2:1) after fertilization. After an acclimation period, the following doses of nicosulfuron were applied: 0 (control), 6, 12, 24, 48, and 60 g a.e. ha-1. The experiment was conducted in a randomized block design factorial scheme with six doses of nicosulfuron, three evaluation times, and five replicates per treatment. The effects of the herbicide were assessed by measuring gas exchange, chlorophyll a fluorescence, photosynthetic pigments, membrane permeability, antioxidant enzymes and acetolactate synthase. Nicosulfuron altered the photosynthetic machinery and enzymatic metabolism of D. alata. Reductions in physiological traits, increased catalase and ascorbate peroxidase activities, enhanced malondialdehyde concentrations rate of electrolyte leakage and decreased acetolactate synthase activity in response to nicosulfuron all suggest that D. alata is sensitive to this herbicide.

Biochemical and physiological impacts of zinc sulphate, potassium phosphite and hydrogen sulphide in mitigating stress conditions in soybean.

Soybean is the most widely grown oilseed in the world. It is an important source of protein and oil which are derived from its seeds. Drought stress is a major constraint to soybean yields. Finding alternative methods to mitigate the water stress for soybean is useful to maintain adequate crop yields. The aim of this study was to evaluate the morpho-physiological, biochemical and metabolic changes in soybean plants in two ontogenetic stages, under exposure to water deficit and treatment with zinc sulphate (ZS), potassium phosphite (PP) or hydrogen sulphide (HS). We carried out two independent experiments in the V4 and R1 development stages consisting of the following treatments: well-watered control (WW, 100% maximum water holding capacity, MWHC), water deficit (WD, 50% MWHC), PP + WW, PP + WD, HS + WW, HS + WD, ZS + WW and ZS + WD. The experimental design consisted of randomized blocks with eight treatments with five replicates. Morphological, physiological and metabolic analyses were performed 8 days after the start of the treatments for both experiments. We identified two tolerance mechanisms acting in response to compound application during water stress: the first involved the upregulation of antioxidant enzyme activity and the second involved the accumulation of soluble sugars, free amino acids and proline to facilitate osmotic adjustment. Both mechanisms are related to the maintenance of the photosynthetic parameters and cell membrane integrity. This report suggests the potential agricultural use of these compounds to mitigate drought effects in soybean plants.