The MEDITAGING study: protocol of a two-armed randomized controlled study to compare the effects of the mindfulness-based stress reduction program against a health promotion program in older migrants in Luxembourg.

BACKGROUND: Migration is a phenomenon worldwide, with older migrants, particularly those with fewer socioeconomic resources, having an increased risk of developing adverse cognitive and health outcomes and social isolation. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to validate interventions that promote healthy aging in this population. Previous studies have shown a positive impact of mindfulness based-stress reduction (MBSR) on outcomes such as cognition and sleep. However, only a few studies verified its potential in older adults, especially with vulnerable populations such as migrants. This article presents the protocol of the MEDITAGING study, which is the first to investigate the MBSR effects in migrants aged ≥55 in comparison to a health promotion program. METHODS: MEDITAGING is a two-arm randomized, double-blinded, controlled study, which will include older Portuguese-speaking migrants (n = 90). Participants are randomized to the MBSR or a health promotion program. Both interventions are conducted in groups over a total of 8 weeks, incorporating weekly meetings, an additional 4-hour class, and extra at-home tasks. The health promotion program has the same structure as the MBSR but comprises different activities related to dementia prevention, healthy habits, cognitive stimulation, sleeping, nutrition, watercolor painting, and physical activity. The assessment of executive functioning, physiological stress measures, self-reported questionnaires, and qualitative interviews are conducted at baseline, after 8 weeks (post-intervention), and at a follow-up session (from one to 3 months thereafter). Analyzes will be conducted using a modified intention-to-treat approach (all participants with at least 3 days of participation in the group-sessions and one post-intervention observation). DISCUSSION: This study will test effects of a mindfulness-based intervention against an active control condition in older adult migrants, which few studies have addressed. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05615337 (date of registration: 27 September 2022; date of record verification: 14 November 2022).

Toward combined photobiological-photochemical formation of kerosene-type biofuels: which small 1,3-diene photodimerizes most efficiently?

A transition from fossil- to bio-based hydrocarbon fuels is required to reduce greenhouse gas emissions; yet, traditional biomass cultivation for biofuel production competes with food production and impacts negatively on biodiversity. Recently, we reported a proof-of-principle study of a two-step photobiological-photochemical approach to kerosene biofuels in which a volatile hydrocarbon (isoprene) is produced by photosynthetic cyanobacteria, followed by its photochemical dimerization into C10 hydrocarbons. Both steps can utilize solar irradiation. Here, we report the triplet state (T1)-sensitized photodimerization of a broader set of small 1,3-dienes to identify which structural features lead to rapid photodimerization. Neat 1,3-cyclohexadiene gave the highest yield (93%) after 24 h of irradiation at 365 nm, followed by isoprene (66%). The long triplet lifetime of 1,3-cyclohexadiene, which is two orders of magnitude longer than those of acyclic dienes, is key to its high photoreactivity and stem from its planar T1 state structure. In contrast, while isoprene is conformationally flexible, it has both photochemical and photobiological advantages, as it is the most reactive among the volatile 1,3-dienes and it can be produced by cyanobacteria. Finally, we explored the influence of solvent viscosity, diene concentration, and triplet sensitizer loading on the photodimerization, with a focus on conditions that are amenable when the dienes are produced photobiologically. Our findings should be useful for the further development of the two-step photobiological-photochemical approach to kerosene biofuels.

Removal of Foreign Body in the Rafe Pterigomandibular: Case Report / Remoção de Corpo Estranho Alojado na Rafe Pterigomandibular: Relato de Caso

Introduction: Penetrating lesions in the oral cavity, caused by foreign bodies, is an event of significant clinical relevance and presents itself as an important etiological factor, especially in pediatric patients. Several objects are related to this type of trauma, such as knife blades, nails, pencils, wood, firearm projectile, and glass, among others. Case Report: This report describes a case of removal of a pencil lodged in the left pterygomandibular raphe of a pediatric patient, as well as all the conduct adopted by the team of surgeons. Discussion: Pterygomandibular raphe has an intimate relationship with noble structures, and injuries by penetrating instruments in this region can result in important clinical repercussions. Due to this, it is necessary to have an efficient clinical-anamnesis examination, with adequate analysis of the affected structures, in order to provide a fast and effective treatment. Conclusion: For this, it is essential to have qualified professionals, adequate equipment available, and the proper management of the victim.

Introdução: As lesões penetrantes em cavidade oral, ocasionadas por corpos estranhos, é um evento de relevância clínica significativa e se apresenta como um importante fator etiológico, principalmente, em pacientes pediátricos. Diversos objetos estão relacionados a esse tipo de trauma, como lâmina de faca, prego, lápis, madeira, projétil de arma de fogo, vidro, entre outros. Relato de Caso: Este relato descreve um caso de remoção de um lápis alojado na rafe pterigomandibular esquerda de um paciente pediátrico, assim como toda a conduta adotada pela equipe de cirurgiões. Discussão: A rafe pterigomandibular possui uma íntima relação com estruturas nobres e as lesões por instrumentos penetrantes nessa região podem acarretar uma repercussão clínica importante. Devido a isso, se faz necessário, um exame clínico-anamnese eficiente, com análise adequada das estruturas acometidas, para assim fornecer um tratamento rápido e eficaz. Conclusão: Para isso, é fundamental profissionais qualificados, equipamentos adequados disponíveis e o manejo adequado da vítima.

Vascular complications with injection implants: treatment with hyperbaric chamber.

INTRODUCTION: The use of facial fillers has increased over the years because they are less invasive and present lower risks and faster results, along with shorter recovery time. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to analyze the use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy as a possible treatment for vascular complications resulting from facial fillers. METHODOLOGY: This is a retrospective study of a series of patients treated at with hyperbaric oxygen therapy at the Brazilian Institute for Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (Instituto de Oxigenoterapia Hiperbárica do Brasil), after vascular complications from facial fillers. CONCLUSION: The association of oxygen therapy in a hyperbaric chamber with the conventional protocol for treating vascular occlusion from facial filler procedures was found to be effective.

Gluteal Augmentation with Polymethyl Methacrylate: A 10-year Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Many techniques for buttocks augmentation have been developed and published, for a more natural, satisfactory, and safe result for the patient. It has been a challenge to find a technique that presented not only volume gain but also gluteal remodeling. METHODS: A total of 1,681 patients who underwent gluteal augmentation with Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) between 2009 and 2018 were selected for this retrospective cohort study. Data collected included demographics, procedures data, and postoperative outcomes. Side effects were calculated and compared using the Student's t test. RESULTS: A total of 1,681 patients (1,583 women and 98 men) who underwent 2,770 gluteal fillings had their cases retrospectively analyzed. They were injected with 540,751.00 mL of PMMA injected. The patients' mean age was 39 years, and the mean volume injected in each section was 237 mL during the first procedure and 147 mL during the second procedure. The authors observed 52 cases presenting side effects, representing a rate of 1.88% of 2,770 procedures carried out. The statistically significant (P = 0.02) presence of side effects was detected in relation to the total filling volume. CONCLUSIONS: This study has demonstrated that gluteal augmentation with PMMA is one of the best options for this type of procedure. In addition, the findings suggest that the guidelines concerning gluteal augmentation must include PMMA filler as an option because PMMA proved to cause few side effects, as demonstrated by this patient cohort.

Replacement of gluteal implants by polymethyl methacrylate filler: case report.

Silicone prostheses are an alternative to shape the buttock but further studies are still needed to support the effectiveness of its use. A patient sought medical attention for being dissatisfied with the glutaeal silicone prostheses inserted using subcutaneous technique four years before. The treatment adopted was prosthesis removal surgery, and subsequent filling with PMMA.

Aesthetic correction of lesion by post-liposuction corticoid infiltration using subcision, PMMA filling, and CO2 laser.

INTRODUCTION: Post-liposuction fibrosis is a relatively common complication which can be repaired. CASE REPORT: We report a case of cutaneous atrophy and diffuse irregularity of the abdominal region with achromia post-liposuction. She was treated with subcision, PMMA filler and fractioned CO2 laser. RESULTS: Cutaneous colour and irregularities get improved.

Avaliação da dor no pós-operatório imediato de herniorrafias inguinais / Pain evaluation in the immediate postoperative period of inguinal herniorraphy

Introdução: Dor no pós-operatório imediato de herniorrafias inguinais é um achado comum à realização do procedimento. Dessa forma, sua avaliação após a cirurgia de correção de hérnia, seja pela técnica videolaparoscópica ou pela técnica de Lichtenstein é de extrema importância para auxiliar o cirurgião na escolha do procedimento mais adequado para cada situação.Objetivo: Avaliar a intensidade da dor no pós-operatório imediato do reparo cirúrgico das hérnias inguinais, comparando a técnica de Lichtenstein com a cirurgia videolaparoscópica. Material e métodos: O trabalho foi realizado prospectivamente utilizando-se um protocolo previamente desenvolvido pelo autor com a utilização de uma Escala Análogo Visual (EAV). Os pacientes dos dois grupos (cirurgia convencional e cirurgia videolaparoscópica) foram pareados por faixa etária, sexo e Índice de Massa Corporal (IMC). Através da EAV, os pacientes determinavam a intensidade da dor (0 - 10) no pós-operatório imediato (24 horas após a realização do procedimento). A análise dos dados foi feita através do teste t de Student.Resultados: Foram analisados 62 pacientes, no entanto 22 foram excluídos pela impossibilidade de pareamento. Os 40 pacientes participantes deste estudo foram pareados por faixa etária, sexo e IMC. No grupo de pacientes que realizou a técnica de Lichtenstein (20 pacientes) a nota média para avaliação da dor foi de 3,9, enquanto o grupo que realizou a cirurgia por vídeo (20 pacientes) teve uma média de 4,1.Discussão e conclusão: No presente estudo não há diferença entre a intensidade de dor causada pelo procedimento convencional e videolaparoscópico após 24 horas da realização da cirurgia.

Prevalência de alcoolemia em óbitos por acidente de transporte e por outras causas externas / Prevalence of alcoholemy in deaths from traffic accidents and other external causes

Introdução: Trauma é a principal causa de óbitos em indivíduos entre 18 e 44 anos de vida no Brasil. Por mais de um século, o álcool tem sido reconhecido como um dos principais fatores de risco para acidentes fatais, desempenhando um importante papel na etiologia do trauma. O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar o diagnóstico de alcoolemia entre mortos por acidentes de trânsito e outras causas externas (afogamento, homicídio e suicídio). Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo transversal onde se utilizaram dados secundários do Departamento de Medicina Legal de Porto Alegre no período de janeiro a dezembro de 2001. As variáveis estudadas foram o nível de alcoolemia e óbitos por causas externas. Resultados: Foram analisados 1.588 óbitos. Os homicídios ocorreram na faixa etária entre 19 e 45 anos, representando 80% dos casos. As causas externas ocorrem com mais frequência em homens e a maior causa de óbitos entre mulheres foi por acidente de trânsito, com menor alcoolemia. Os pacientes que apresentam alcoolemia positiva tiveram uma razão de prevalência de 1,18 (IC 95%:1,05 a 1,32) em relação ao óbito por acidente de trânsito em comparação ao suicídio. Conclusão: Este estudo demonstra que o álcool é fator contribuinte de morte por causas externas, especialmente aquelas causadas por acidentes de trânsito e homicídio

Introduction: Trauma is the leading cause of death in individuals between 18 and 44 years of age living in Brazil. For over a century, alcohol has been recognized as a major risk factor for fatal accidents, playing an important role in the etiology of trauma. The aim of this study was to compare the diagnosis of alcoholemy in individuals who died in traffic accidents and from other external causes (drowning, homicide and suicide). Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study based on secondary data from the Department of Forensic Medicine of Porto Alegre from January to December 2001. The variables were blood alcohol content (BAC) and deaths from external causes. Results: We analyzed 1,588 deaths. The murders occurred between the ages of 19-45 years, accounting for 80% of the cases. External causes occur more frequently in men, and traffic accidents are the leading cause of death among women, with lower blood alcohol levels. Patients with positive blood alcohol content had a prevalence ratio of 1.18 (95% CI: 1.05 to 1.32) in relation to death by traffic accidents as compared to suicide. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that alcohol is a contributing factor of death from external causes, especially those caused by traffic accidents and homicide

Vector quantization of speech frames based on self-organizing maps.

We propose a speech compression technique based on vector quantization. A neural network with unsupervised learning is used to implement the vector quantizer. Some basic aspects related to speech signal processing are presented, as well as some general issues concerning the vector quantization problem. The idea of using a codebook to perform speech compression is introduced, and the use of a 2-dimensional self-organizing Kohonen map to generate the codebook is proposed. Simulation results are presented, giving some insights on the network topology, its initialization and training strategies, and codebook size. Finally, a comparison of speech quality obtained with our method and with a well-known compression algorithm is made.

Avaliação da dor no pós-operatório imediato de herniorrafias inguinais / Evaluation of immediate postoperative pain in patients submitted to inguinal hernia repair surgery

Introdução: Dor no pós-operatório imediato de herniorrafias inguinais é um achado comum à realização do procedimento. Dessa forma, sua avaliação após a cirurgia de correção de hérnia, seja pela técnica videolaparoscópica ou pela técnica de Lichtenstein, é de extrema importância para auxiliar o cirurgião na escolha do procedimento mais adequado para cada situação. Objetivo: Avaliar a intensidade da dor no pós-operatório imediato do reparo cirúrgico das hérnias inguinais, comparando a técnica de Lichtenstein com a cirurgia videolaparoscópica. Material e métodos: O trabalho foi realizado prospectivamente utilizando-se um protocolo previamente desenvolvido pelo autor com a utilização de uma Escala Análogo-Visual (EAV). Os pacientes dos dois grupos (cirurgia convencional e cirurgia videolaparoscópica) foram pareados por faixa etária, sexo e Índice de Massa Corporal (IMC). Através da EAV, os pacientes determinavam a intensidade da dor (0 ­ 10) no pós-operatório imediato (24 horas após a realização do procedimento). A análise dos dados foi feita através do Teste t de Student. Resultados: Foram analisados 62 pacientes, no entanto 22 foram excluídos pela impossibilidade de pareamento. Os 40 pacientes participantes deste estudo foram pareados por faixa etária, sexo e IMC. No grupo de pacientes que realizou a técnica de Lichstenstein (20 pacientes), a nota média para avaliação da dor foi de 3,9, enquanto que no grupo que realizou a cirurgia por vídeo (20 pacientes) teve uma média de 4,1. Conclusão: No presente estudo não há diferença entre a intensidade de dor causada pelo procedimento convencional e videolaparoscópico após 24 horas da realização da cirurgia (AU)

Introduction: Pain in the immediate postoperative period of inguinal hernia repair surgery is a common finding among operated patients. Thus, its evaluation after the surgeries carried out by either videolaparoscopy or the Lichtenstein technique is extremely important in helping the surgeon to choose the most adequate procedure for each situation. Objective: To evaluate pain intensity in the immediate postoperative period of inguinal hernia repair surgery, comparing the Lichtenstein technique and videolaparoscopic surgery. Material and Methods: This work was performed prospectively through a protocol previously developed by the author using a Visual Analog Scale (VAS). The patients of the two groups (conventional surgery and videolaparoscopic surgery) were paired by age, sex, and Body Mass Index (BMI). Through the VAS the patients rated pain intensity (0-10) in the immediate postoperative period (within 24h after the procedure). Data were analyzed through the Student's t-test. Results: Sixty-two patients were initially evaluated, but 22 were excluded because they were unable to be paired. The 40 remaining participants were paired by age, sex and BMI. In the group submitted to the Lichstenstein technique (20 patients), the mean rating for pain was 3.9, while the group who used videolaparoscopy (20 patients) had a mean rating of 4.1. Conclusion: In the present study there was no difference in pain intensity resulting from the conventional and videolaparoscopic procedures within 24h after the procedure (AU)

Exercícios de força e parâmetros imunológicos_contagem leucocitária, inflamação e regeneração / Strength exercise and immunological parameters_ leukocytes counting, inflammation and regeneration

Recentemente, a prescrição de exercícios aeróbios, bem como sua associação com os de força, têm sido recomendados pelas principais agências normativas de saúde. Sessões agudas ou treinamento crônico promovem respostas no sistema imunológico, podendo acarretar desistência, não continuidade ou queda no desempenho nos programas de exercícios, pela aumentada susceptibilidade às infecções oportunistas, principalmente infecções do trato respiratório superior (ITRS). Assim, o objetivo do estudo foi investigar as modulações decorrentes dos exercícios de força quanto à contagem leucocitária, dano, inflamação, regeneração muscular e susceptibilidade às ITRS. Foi realizada uma revisão de periódicos nacionais e internacionais nos portais científicos da Capes, Scielo, Science Direct e Highwire. Sugere-se que a leucocitose pode ter como função, preparar o organismo para uma possível demanda celular nos músculos, constituindo-se em uma forma do sistema imunológico se antecipar às necessidades de remodelagem tecidual. A infiltração leucocitária nos tecidos danificados apresenta forte relação na ativação das células satélites e queda na força, demonstrando um padrão bi-modal de recuperação. As pequenas flutuações na contagem leucocitária, especificamente nos linfócitos, após os exercícios de força, quando comparadas aos aeróbios, parecem ser respostas agudas com pouco significado clínico, sem relação com aumento nas ITRS.

Recently, endurance exercises prescription as well as its association with strength exercises, has been recommended by main normative health societies. Acute bouts or chronic training, promote responses in immune system, possibly leading to burn out, none continuity or performance decrease in exercise programs, caused by the increased susceptibility of opportunist infections, mainly upper respiratory tract infections (URTI). Thus, the objective of this study was to investigate the modulations originated from strength exercises as leucocyte counting, damage, inflammation, muscular regeneration and susceptibility to URTI. A revision of national and international periodics was carried through scientific halls such as Capes, Scielo, Science Direct and Highwire. It is suggested that leukocytosis may exert a function of preparing the organism for possible cellular demand in muscle, so that it can be a manner by witch immunological system anticipates to tissue remodeling necessities. Leucocyte infiltration in damaged tissues presents a strong bound in satellites cells activation and strength decrease, showing a bi-modal pattern of recovery. The small fluctuations in the leucocytes counting, specifically in the lymphocytes, after strength exercises, when compared with aerobic exercises, seems to be acute responses with little clinical relevance, without relation to the increase in the URTI.

Reprodutibilidade do tempo limite em mulheres fisicamente ativas / Reproducibility of time limit in women phisically active

A velocidade de VO2max (vVO2max) e o tempo de permanência nesta (Tlim), ultimamente estão sendo utilizadas para a prescrição do treinamento, principalmente o de característica intermitente. Com isso, o presente estudo objetiva verifi car a reprodutibilidade do Tlim em mulheres fi sicamente ativas. Participaram deste estudo 10 voluntárias saudáveis (22,3 ± 2,2anos; 58,04 ± 6,3kg; 166,2 ± 6,56cm; 25,41 ± 2,94%Gord.) que foram submetidos a três testes: 1) determinação da capacidade (LAn) e potência aeróbia (VO2max) através de um protocolo progressivo e intermitente; 2 e 3) Determinação do tempo limite na velocidade associada ao VO2max, Tlim 1 e 2 respectivamente. Em todos os testes foram realizadas coletas de sangue do lóbulo da orelha para a determinação do lactato sanguíneo, e estes foram realizados em esteira rolante motorizada. Para analise dos dados utilizou-se uma estatística paramétrica através do teste “t student” (p≤0,05). Com isso, verifi cou-se que as voluntárias não apresentaram diferenças signifi cantes para o Tlim, FC e [lac] ao fi nal dos testes de Tlim 1 e Tlim 2 respectivamente (239,2 ± 63,82 e 255,5 ± 61,9 seg; 191,2 ± 7,72 e 192,5 ± 9,24 bpm; 8,46 ± 1,40 e 7,71 ± 1,28 mM), as correlações entre o VO2max e a v VO2max (0,77) e o Tlim 1 e o Tlim 2 (0,72) foram positivas e signifi cantes, porém quando correlacionados o Tlim e VO2max (-0,28) e Tlim e vVO2max (-0,02) foram negativas, entretanto não signifi cantes. Portanto, conclui-se que o Tlim foi reprodutível e assim, recomenda-se a sua utilização para avaliação e prescrição de treinamento.

The speed of VO2max (vVO2max) and the time of permanence in this (Tlim), lately are being used for the lapsing of the training, mainly of intermittent characteristic. Thus, the present study objective to verify the reprodutibility of the Tlim in physically active women. Ten (10) healthful volunteers women had participated of this study (22,3 ± 2,2anos; 58,04 ± 6,3kg; 166,2 ± 6,56cm; 25,41 ± 2,94%Gord.) that they had been submitted on three tests: 1) Determination of the capacity (LAn) and aerobic power (VO2max) through a gradual and intermittent protocol; 2 and 3) Determination of the limit time on the speed associated with the VO2max, Tlim 1 and 2 respectively. In all the tests had been carried through collections of blood of the ear lobe for the determination of sanguineous lactate, and these had been done in motorized rolling mat. For the data analyzes was used a parametric statistics through test “t student” (p≤0,05). That way, It had been verifi ed that the voluntary women had not presented signifi cant differences for the Tlim, FC and [lac] in the end of the Tlim 1 e Tlim 2 respectively (239,2 ± 63,82 e 255,5 ± 61,9 seg; 191,2 ± 7,72 e 192,5 ± 9,24 bpm; 8,46 ± 1,40 e 7,71 ± 1,28 mM), the correlations between VO2max and vVO2max (0,77) and Tlim 1 and Tlim 2 (0,72) had been positive and signifi cant, however when Tlim e VO2max (-0,28) and Tlim and vVO2max (-0,02) had been correlated they had been negative, however non signifi cant. Therefore, it had been concluded that the Tlim had been reproductibile, and thus it has been regarded its use for evaluation and lapsing to it of the treatment.

Introduçäo aos escores de trauma / Trauma indexes: a review

Os autores revisaram na literatura os índices prognósticos para pacientes traumatizados, sumarizando suas características mais importantes, limitaçöes e utilidade na prática clínica