Bioguided Fractionation of Phyllanthus spp.: Unveiling Anticancer Potential through Metabolomic Correlation and ADMETox Insights.

Cancer remains a significant global health concern, with mortality rates steadily rising and prompting an urgent search for effective treatments. This study focuses on the medicinal properties of plants from the Phyllanthus genus, specifically Phyllanthus amarus and Phyllanthus niruri, which have shown promise in traditional medicine. Through bioguided fractionation using preparative high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), bioactive compounds were isolated and identified using ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled to time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QTOF-MSE) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Chemometric analyses such as principal component analysis (PCA) aided in understanding metabolite distribution. Biological assays demonstrated cytotoxic activities of specific fractions against cancer cell lines, notably the PhyN 4n fraction from P. niruri, which induced S-phase cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in HL60 cells. These findings underscore the anticancer potential of Phyllanthus species and lay the groundwork for future drug development efforts. The study's integration of advanced analytical techniques, chemometrics, and biological assays provides valuable insights for harnessing natural products in the fight against cancer.

Reconfigurable frequency multipliers based on graphene field-effect transistors.

Run-time device-level reconfigurability has the potential to boost the performance and functionality of numerous circuits beyond the limits imposed by the integration density. The key ingredient for the implementation of reconfigurable electronics lies in ambipolarity, which is easily accessible in a substantial number of two-dimensional materials, either by contact engineering or architecture device-level design. In this work, we showcase graphene as an optimal solution to implement high-frequency reconfigurable electronics. We propose and analyze a split-gate graphene field-effect transistor, demonstrating its capability to perform as a dynamically tunable frequency multiplier. The study is based on a physically based numerical simulator validated and tested against experiments. The proposed architecture is evaluated in terms of its performance as a tunable frequency multiplier, able to switch between doubler, tripler or quadrupler operation modes. Different material and device parameters are analyzed, and their impact is assessed in terms of the reconfigurable graphene frequency multiplier performance.

Perfil de consulta ambulatoria otorrinolaringológica en pandemia por COVID-19 / Profile of patients in otorhinolaryngological consultation in a COVID-19 pandemic

Introducción: La patología otorrinolaringológica (ORL) presenta alta incidencia en atención primaria, alcanzando hasta 49% de las consultas, sin embargo, la pandemia por SARS-CoV-2 repercutió de manera transversal en los servicios sanitarios, pudiendo haber influido en el perfil de consulta, por lo que se requiere un análisis para la elaboración de estrategias que permitan asegurar la atención sanitaria ante eventos de esta magnitud. Objetivo: Analizar el perfil de consulta libre por patología ORL ambulatoria en un centro médico privado en La Serena durante los años 2019 y 2020. Material y Método: Estudio analítico de corte transversal sobre consultas ambulatorias durante los años 2019 y 2020 realizadas en un centro privado de atención abierta en La Serena. Se estimaron frecuencias en números absolutos y proporciones, estimación de promedios y medianas. Resultados: Durante 2019 hubo un total de 11.932 consultas y en 2020 hubo 9.576. Se observó un predominio de sexo femenino en las consultas de 51% en ambos años. La mediana en 2019 fue de 35 años y en 2020 de 39 años. En 2020 las patologías con mayor consulta fueron nariz (44%), oído (37%) y faringolaringe (14%). Existió un aumento significativo en la consulta por patología cocleovestibular durante 2020. Conclusión: En 2020 hubo una disminución del 19,7% de las consultas dado, probablemente, a las restricciones de movilidad y aforos. Existió un aumento significativo en la proporción de consultas por patologías cocleovestibulares, como vértigo periférico, hipoacusia súbita y tinnitus, atribuido probablemente al estrés emocional generado por la pandemia.

Introduction: Otolaryngological (ENT) pathology presents high incidence in primary care reaching up to 49% of morbidity consultations, however, the pandemic by SARS-CoV-2 had a transversal impact on health services, and may have influenced the consultation profile, so an analysis is required for the development of strategies to ensure health care in the face of events of this magnitude. Aim: To analyze the profile of spontaneous consultation for outpatient ENT pathology in a medical center in La Serena city during 2019 and 2020. Material and Methods: Cross-sectional analytical study of outpatient consultations during the years 2019 and 2020 performed in a private open care center in the commune of La Serena. Frequencies were estimated in absolute numbers and proportions; averages and medians were estimated. Results: During 2019 there were a total of 11,932 consultations and in 2020 there were 9,576. There was a predominance of female sex in the consultations of 51%. The median in 2019 was 35 years and in 2020 it was 39 years. In 2020, the pathologies with the highest number of consultations were nose (44%), ear (37%) and laryngopharynx (14%). There was an increase in consultation for cochleovestibular pathology during 2020. Conclusion: In 2020 there was a 19.7% of consultation decrease probably due to mobility and capacity restrictions. There was a significant increase in the proportion of consultations for cochleovestibular pathologies such as peripheral vertigo, hearing loss and tinnitus, probably attributed to the emotional stress generated by the pandemic.

Graphene BioFET sensors for SARS-CoV-2 detection: a multiscale simulation approach.

Biological Field-Effect Transistors (BioFETs) have already demonstrated enormous potential for detecting minute amounts of ions and molecules. The use of two-dimensional (2D) materials has been shown to boost their performance and to enable the design of new applications. This combination deserves special interest in the current pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus which demands fast, reliable and cheap detection methods. However, in spite of the experimental advances, there is a lack of a comprehensive and in-depth computational approach to capture the mechanisms underlying the sensor behaviour. Here, we present a multiscale platform that combines detailed atomic models of the molecules with mesoscopic device-level simulations. The fine-level description exploited in this approach accounts for the charge distribution of the receptor, its reconfiguration when the target binds to it, and the consequences in terms of sensitivity on the transduction mechanism. The results encourage the further exploration of improved sensor designs and 2D materials combined with diverse receptors selected to achieve the desired specificity.

A DNA Extraction Method for Insects From Sticky Traps: Targeting a Low Abundance Pest, Phthorimaea absoluta (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), in Mixed Species Communities.

Invasive insects can cause catastrophic damage to ecosystems and cost billions of dollars each year due to management expenses and lost revenue. Rapid detection is an important step to prevent invasive insects from spreading, but improvements in detection capabilities are needed for bulk collections like those from sticky traps. Here we present a bulk DNA extraction method designed for the detection of Phthorimaea absoluta Meyrick (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), an invasive moth that can decimate tomato crops. We test the extraction method for insect specimens on sticky traps, subjected to different temperature and humidity conditions, and among mock insect communities left in the field for up to 21 d. We find that the extraction method yielded high success (>92%) in recovering target DNA across field and lab trials, without a decline in recovery after three weeks, across all treatments. These results may have a large impact on tomato growing regions where P. absoluta is in the early stages of invasion or not yet present. The extraction method can also be used to improve detection capabilities for other bulk insect collections, especially those using sticky traps, to the benefit of pest surveys and biodiversity studies.

Egresos hospitalarios por enfermedades otorrinolaringológicas, Chile 2018 / Hospital discharges for otorhinolaryngological diseases, Chile 2018

Resumen Introducción: Las enfermedades otorrinolaringológicas presentan una alta prevalencia en la población, lo que obliga continuamente a estudiar sus características epidemiológicas. Una forma de estimarlo a nivel país es a través de los egresos hospitalarios. Objetivo: Describir las principales causas de egresos hospitalarios por enfermedades otorrinolaringológicas a nivel nacional durante el año 2018. Material y Método: Estudio transversal donde se describen las distintas frecuencias de las principales causas de egresos hospitalarios por causa otorrinolaringológica en todo Chile durante el año 2018. Datos obtenidos del Departamento de Estadísticas e Información en Salud (DEIS). Resultados: Se incluyeron 64.715 egresos con una mediana de edad de 22 años. Las patologías con mayor cantidad de egresos fueron la enfermedad crónica de amígdalas y adenoides (28,4%), patología rinosinusal (23,3%), neoplasias de cabeza y cuello (15,2%) y oído (7,8%). Conclusión: La enfermedad crónica de amígdalas y adenoides persiste como la patología con más egresos. Emergen en importancia enfermedades neoplásicas y diagnósticos relacionados con mejora de calidad de vida. Existen errores de codificación de diagnósticos que requieren discusión dentro de la especialidad para mejorar la calidad del registro.

Abstract Introduction: Otolaryngological diseases have a high prevalence in the population, creating the need to continuously study their epidemiological characteristics. One way to estimate prevalence at the country level, is to check hospital discharges. Aim: To describe the main causes of hospital discharges due to otolaryngological diseases at the Chilean level during 2018. Material and Method: Cross-sectional study describing the different frequencies of the main causes of hospital discharge due to otolaryngological diseases throughout Chile during 2018. Data obtained from the Department of Health Statistics and Information (DEIS). Results: 64,715 discharges were included with a median age of 22 years. The pathologies with the highest number of discharges were chronic tonsil and adenoids Disease (28.4%), rhinosinusal (23.3%), head and neck neoplasms (15.2%) and ear (7.8%). Conclusion: Chronic tonsil and adenoids disease persists as the pathology with the most discharges. Neoplastic diseases and diagnoses related to improvement of quality of life emerge in importance. There are errors in the coding of diagnoses that require discussion within the specialty to improve the quality of the registry.

Multi-scale modeling of 2D GaSe FETs with strained channels.

Electronic devices based on bidimensional materials (2DMs) are the subject of an intense experimental research, that demands a tantamount theoretical activity. The latter must be hold up by a varied set of tools able to rationalize, explain and predict the operation principles of the devices. However, in the broad context of multi-scale computational nanoelectronics, there is currently a lack of simulation tools connecting atomistic descriptions with semi-classical mesoscopic device-level simulations and able to properly explain the performance of many state-of-the-art devices. To contribute to filling this gap we present a multi-scale approach that combines fine-level material calculations with a semi-classical drift-diffusion transport model. Its use is exemplified by assessing 2DM field effect transistors with strained channels, showing excellent capabilities to capture the changes in the crystal structure and their impact into the device performance. Interestingly, we verify the capacity of strain in monolayer GaSe to enhance the conduction of one type of carrier, enabling the possibility to mimic the effect of chemical doping on 2D materials. These results illustrate the great potential of the proposed approach to bridge levels of abstraction rarely connected before and thus contribute to the theoretical modeling of state-of-the-art 2DM-based devices.

A Crystallographic Snapshot of SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease Maturation Process.

SARS-CoV-2 is the causative agent of COVID-19. The dimeric form of the viral Mpro is responsible for the cleavage of the viral polyprotein in 11 sites, including its own N and C-terminus. The lack of structural information for intermediary forms of Mpro is a setback for the understanding its self-maturation process. Herein, we used X-ray crystallography combined with biochemical data to characterize multiple forms of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro. For the immature form, we show that extra N-terminal residues caused conformational changes in the positioning of domain-three over the active site, hampering the dimerization and diminishing its activity. We propose that this form preludes the cis and trans-cleavage of N-terminal residues. Using fragment screening, we probe new cavities in this form which can be used to guide therapeutic development. Furthermore, we characterized a serine site-directed mutant of the Mpro bound to its endogenous N and C-terminal residues during dimeric association stage of the maturation process. We suggest this form is a transitional state during the C-terminal trans-cleavage. This data sheds light in the structural modifications of the SARS-CoV-2 main protease during its self-maturation process.

Multi-scale analysis of radio-frequency performance of 2D-material based field-effect transistors.

Two-dimensional materials (2DMs) are a promising alternative to complement and upgrade high-frequency electronics. However, in order to boost their adoption, the availability of numerical tools and physically-based models able to support the experimental activities and to provide them with useful guidelines becomes essential. In this context, we propose a theoretical approach that combines numerical simulations and small-signal modeling to analyze 2DM-based FETs for radio-frequency applications. This multi-scale scheme takes into account non-idealities, such as interface traps, carrier velocity saturation, or short channel effects, by means of self-consistent physics-based numerical calculations that later feed the circuit level via a small-signal model based on the dynamic intrinsic capacitances of the device. At the circuit stage, the possibilities range from the evaluation of the performance of a single device to the design of complex circuits combining multiple transistors. In this work, we validate our scheme against experimental results and exemplify its use and capability assessing the impact of the channel scaling on the performance of MoS2-based FETs targeting RF applications.

Factores que afectan la calidad de vida en pacientes con cirugía de contorno corporal: estudio de cohorte / Factors that have an impact on quality of life in patients with body contouring surgery: a cohort study

Resumen Objetivo: Identificar los factores determinantes de la mejoría de la calidad de vida en pacientes sometidos a cirugía de contorno corporal. Materiales y Método: Se estudió una cohorte prospectiva de 113 pacientes sometidos a cirugía de contorno corporal. Se estudiaron características sociodemográficas, mediciones antropométricas, variables relativas a la cirugía y se aplicó el instrumento Body-Qol®. Para el análisis estadístico se utilizó estadística descriptiva, modelos de ecuaciones de estimación generalizada y modelos de regresión lineal y logística. Resultados: Se encontró mejoría en la calidad de vida de forma global (p < 0,0001) y por dominios. Los pacientes con pérdida masiva de peso tuvieron peores puntajes pre y postoperatorio, sin embargo, un delta de mejoría comparable con los pacientes estéticos. Dentro de los factores determinantes, existió una relación positiva entre la edad y la mejoría en la calidad de vida de forma global. El índice de masa corporal (IMC) se encontró asociado negativamente con la mejoría del puntaje global. Dentro de los factores de la cirugía, los pacientes sometidos a lipoabdominoplastía tuvieron una mayor mejoría con respecto a otras técnicas. Además, el patrón de resección ampliado y en flor de Lis se asoció a menor mejoría en el puntaje global. Conclusión: La cirugía de contorno corporal mejora la calidad de vida de forma significativa. Los principales factores determinantes de esta mejoría fueron la edad, el IMC, el antecedente de pérdida masiva de peso y el patrón de resección.

Aim: To identify the factors that have an impact on the quality of life of patients with body contouring surgery. Materials and Method: A prospective cohort of 113 patients was studied. Sociodemographic characteristics, antropometric measures and variables related to the surgery were analized. The Body-Qol® instrument was aplied. Descriptive statistic, generalized estimated equation models and lineal and logistic regresions were used for the statistical analysis. Results: Improvement in the quality of life was found globally (p < 0,0001) and in every domain of the scale. The patients with massive weight loss had worse scores pre- and post-operatively than the esthetic patients. A positive association between age and improvement on quality of life was found. Body mass index (BMI) was negatively associated with improvement of the score. The patients that had a lipoabdominoplasty had a major improvement in comparison with other techniques. Also, the extended resection pattern and Fleur de Lis pattern were associated with lesser improvement in the global score. Conclusion: Body contouring surgery improves quality of life significantly. The principal factors that have an impact on quality of life were age, BMI, massive weight loss and resection pattern.

Assessing Soybean Genotypes for Resistance to Helicoverpa armigera (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).

Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is an important pest capable of colonizing several species of cultivated plants, including soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill]. The primary management strategy for this insect is chemical control and adoption of Bt plants. However, alternative environmentally friendly strategies should be investigated and adopted as available for sustainable management of this insect pest. One potential underutilized method for insect control is plant resistance. The objective of this study was to categorize resistance (antixenosis and antibiosis) of 22 soybean genotypes on H. armigera in a laboratory setting. A preliminary experiment was conducted using soybean leaves and pods to determine the most promising genotypes for resistance. For each selected genotype, we collected biological parameters, leaf intake, and performed confinement tests. The genotypes PI 227687, PI 274453, PI 274454, PI 229358, PI 171451, 'IAC 17', and 'IAC 19' expressed resistance against H. armigera. Each genotype lowered larval survivorship. The genotypes PI 229358, PI 227687, PI 274453, and PI 274454 expressed resistance by prolonging larval development and reducing fifth-instar larvae weight. 'IAC 19' reduced leaf consumption and lowered the weight of fifth-instar larvae. Antixenosis was found in genotypes PI 227687, PI 274454, and 'IAC 19'. These genotypes might be used in breeding programs focusing on soybean resistance to lepidopterans.

Hematoma paroxístico de los dedos (Síndrome de Achenbach) / Paroxysmal finger haematoma (Achenbach syndrome)

RESUMEN El hematoma paroxístico de los dedos hace referencia a pacientes que padecen episodios súbitos de dolor y edema en uno o más dígitos con la subsecuente aparición de un hematoma, predominantemente en la región palmar de las falanges proximales. El hematoma paroxístico de los dígitos es una condición rara y benigna de etiología desconocida. Los síntomas prodrómicos como dolor, hormigueo y picazón pueden ocurrir desde minutos hasta horas antes de que aparezca el cambio de coloración. El sangrado subdérmico por lo general se detiene espontáneamente o minutos después de aplicar presión local y los cambios de coloración usualmente desaparecen. El diagnóstico se basa estrictamente en las características clínicas ya que todas las investigaciones de rutina suelen ser normales. El curso de esta condición es benigno y los síntomas se resuelven sin dejar secuelas permanentes. Los médicos deberían encontrarse alertas sobre esta condición para reconocerla y asesorar correctamente al paciente acerca de su pronóstico y evitar el pedido de estudios complementarios innecesarios.

SUMMARY Paroxysmal finger hematoma refers to patients suffering from episodic pain and swelling in one or more digits with subsequent appearance of a hematoma in the palmar aspect of the proximal phalanges. Paroxysmal finger hematoma is a rare and benign condition of unknown etiology. Prodromal symptoms such as pain, tingling and itching may occur from minutes to hours before the color change appears. Subdermal bleeding usually stops spontaneously or after local pressure is applied, and changes in coloration usually disappear. The diagnosis is strictly based on the clinical features since all routine investigations are usually normal. The course of this condition is benign and the symptoms resolve without permanent sequelae. Doctors should become aware of this condition to advise their patients about the prognosis and to avoid the request of unnecessary additional studies.

Resistive Switching and Charge Transport in Laser-Fabricated Graphene Oxide Memristors: A Time Series and Quantum Point Contact Modeling Approach.

This work investigates the sources of resistive switching (RS) in recently reported laser-fabricated graphene oxide memristors by means of two numerical analysis tools linked to the Time Series Statistical Analysis and the use of the Quantum Point Contact Conduction model. The application of both numerical procedures points to the existence of a filament connecting the electrodes that may be interrupted at a precise point within the conductive path, resulting in resistive switching phenomena. These results support the existing model attributing the memristance of laser-fabricated graphene oxide memristors to the modification of a conductive path stoichiometry inside the graphene oxide.

Subjective response to antipsychotics in bipolar disorders: A review of a neglected area.

BACKGROUND: The term "subjective response to antipsychotic" (SRA) refers to changes in the subjective state experienced due to antipsychotic (AP) exposition that is independent of the therapeutic or physical side effects of these drugs. This dimension of analysis has been extensively explored in schizophrenic disorders, finding that negative SRA is an early and independent predictor of compliance as well as a successful pathway to construct current theoretical frameworks of these disorders. There is an increasing use of AP in bipolar disorders' treatment (BD) but no reviews on the topic have been published to date in this population. The aim of this work is to review published data of SRA in BD patients and to discuss their clinical and theoretical implications. METHODS: An extensive search in online databases was performed. Reports were reviewed and included if they described SRA in BD or included instruments aimed to assess it. Reports of cognitive, sexual, motor autonomic side effects were excluded. Findings were summarized in a narrative fashion. RESULTS: Nine reports fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were included in the revision, reporting data from 1282 BD patients. Among these, three were prospective studies and three explored relations between SRA and treatment compliance. CONCLUSIONS: There is an asymmetry between the increase in the use of antipsychotics in BD and the lack of data regarding the SRA. Phenomenologically, SRA in BD is similar to that found in schizophrenic subjects. Some of these symptoms may be misdiagnosed as depressive symptoms. The existing data show that SRA has a strong correlation with treatment compliance as well as a promising way to develop theoretical paradigms for these disorders.

Assessment of three electrolyte-molecule electrostatic interaction models for 2D material based BioFETs.

BioFETs based on two-dimensional materials (2DMs) offer a unique opportunity to enhance, at a low cost, the sensitivity of current biosensors enabling the design of compact devices compatible with standard CMOS technology. The unique combination of large exposed surface areas and minimal thicknesses of 2DMs is an outstanding feature for these devices, and the assessment of their behaviour requires combined experimental and theoretical efforts. In this work we present a 2D-material based BioFET simulator including complex electrolyte reactions and analysing different models for the electrolyte-molecule interaction. These models describe how the molecular charge is screened by the electrolyte ions when their distributions are modified. The electrolyte simulation is validated against experimental results as well as against the analytical predictions of the Debye-Hückel approximation. The role of the electrolyte charge screening as well as the impact of the interaction model on the device responsivity are analysed in detail. The results are discussed in order to conclude about the consequences of employing different interaction approximations for the simulation of BioFETs and more generally on the correct modelling of biomolecule-device interaction in BioFETs.

A straight choice: avoiding septal re-deviation using titanium plates. A 16 year retrospective patient follow-up evaluation.

BACKGROUND: To propose a new surgical technique for fixing the nasal septum to the midline, for long term prevention of nasal obstruction, in secondary and select cases of primary septoplasty. METHODOLOGY: Retrospective study, within hospital medical center. PATIENTS: Two hundred and twenty two patients who underwent septoplasty. Data collection occurred consecutively between March 1st of 2000 and May 1st 2016. Twenty six percent females and seventy four percent males. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Patterns of septal deformity, materials used for titanium plates, surgical results, symptom improvement, and surgical complications were investigated. RESULTS: A total of 222 patients were included in this study. 163 patients (73%) had no previous nasal surgery. Fifty nine patients (27%) presented with a previous nasal surgery. Sixteen year follow up included more than 90% of patients and resulted in an overall 2.7% revision rate. CONCLUSIONS: The use of titanium plate for septoplasty has shown to be simple, safe, and easy to learn technique in both secondary and select cases of primary septoplasty. Most importantly the results indicate a long term prevention of the.

Effects of aerobic exercise training on metabolism of nitric oxide and endothelin-1 in lung parenchyma of rats with pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is characterized by vasoconstriction and proliferative obstruction of pulmonary vessels, which promotes a progressive increase in pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR). The effect of exercise training on oxidative stress, metabolism, and markers of nitric oxide (NO) and endothelin-1 (ET-1) was analyzed in the lung tissue of rats with PAH induced by monocrotaline (MCT).Twenty-four Wistar rats were divided into four groups (5-7 animals): sedentary control (SC), sedentary MCT (SM), trained control (TC), and trained MCT (TM). The TC and TM groups participated in a treadmill training protocol (60% VO2 max) for 5 weeks, 3 weeks of which were performed after the injection of MCT (60 mg/kg i.p.) or saline. MCT administration promoted an increase in PVR and right ventricle hypertrophy, and reduction of right ventricle systolic function assessed by echocardiography. These changes were not improved by exercise training. The activity of NO synthase was reduced in the animals of the TC, TM, and SM groups. No significant differences were found in total nitrite concentration and expression of endothelial NO synthase. Moreover, the TM group showed strong staining for iNOS and nitrotyrosine, suggesting an increase in oxidative stress in these animals. In parallel, reduced expression of type B ET-1 receptors was noticed in the SM and TM groups in comparison to controls. In conclusion, the aerobic training protocol was unable to mitigate changes in the metabolism of NO and ET-1, probably because of the disease severity in these animals, especially in the TM group.

Effect of exercise while utilizing a device with an arm compression sleeve to reduce lymphedema.

BACKGROUND: Lymphedema is one complication of breast cancer treatment and there is no consensus that identified one single therapy in the treatment of lymphedema; therfore an association of methods is recommended and one of these is exercising. The aim of this study was to evaluate the utilization of exercising with a facilitating device along with an arm compression sleeve to reduce the size of lymphedematous arms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty women from a rehabilitation group with arm lymphedema resulting from the surgical, chemotherapeutic, and radiotherapeutic treatment of breast cancer were enrolled sequentially on arriving in the clinic. While sitting in an upright position and wearing an arm compression sleeve, patients were submitted to a one-hour session of active exercising consisting of four 12-minute stints with three-minute intervals to rest. The change in lymphedema was evaluated by water volumetry before and immediately after the session. The active exercising device is similar to the pedaling system of a bicycle. The paired t-test was employed for statistical analysis. An alpha error of 5% (p-value < 0.05) was considered acceptable. RESULTS: A statistically significant reduction (p-value < 0.004) was noted in the size of the arm. CONCLUSION: Active exercising using a facilitating device and under supervision may reduce the size of lymphedematous arms.

The river basins of Pirapó, Paranapanema 3 and Paranapanema 4: socioeconomic and environmental aspects / As bacias hidrográficas do Pirapó, Paranapanema 3 e Paranapanema 4: aspectos socioeconômicos e ambientais

Scarcity of water in the world, virtually, has two sources: the quality and the quantity made available for populations. In the area covered by this study, the selected municipalities from the river basins 3 e 4 of the Paranapanema River and from the basin of the Pirapó River, availability is always greater than the demand and the environmental problems are more often linked to the quality than to the quantity of water. To check the socioeconomic aspects and the daily practices involving water resources and environmental problems we selected a representative sample of families from 10 studied municipalities. The main conclusions point to the existence of key municipalities, regarded as foci of pollution, i. e., the municipalities do not contribute in equal measure to the pollution of rivers from their regions and some stand out in economic activities and inherited cultural practices. However, respondents did not always relate the environmental impacts with their routine and productive activities. Thus, although the new legal environment imposes new practices, there are still cultural heritages, which require more incisive and continuous public interventions.

Resumo A escassez das águas, no mundo inteiro, praticamente, tem duas fontes: a qualidade e a quantidade disponibilizada para as populações. Na área de abrangência do presente estudo, nos municípios selecionados das bacias hidrográficas do Paranapanema 3 e 4 e o Pirapó, a disponibilidade é sempre maior que a demanda e os problemas ambientais estão ligados mais à qualidade do que a quantidade de águas. Para verificação dos aspectos socioeconômicos e das práticas cotidianas que envolvem os recursos hídricos e os problemas ambientais selecionou-se uma amostra significativa de famílias dos 10 municípios estudados. Como algumas conclusões tem-se que existem municípios-chaves focos de poluição, ou seja, os municípios não contribuem de maneira igual para a poluição dos rios de suas regiões e alguns se destacam nas atividades econômicas e incorretas práticas culturais herdadas. Contudo, os impactos ambientais nem sempre são relacionados, pelos entrevistados, com as suas atividades rotineiras e produtivas. Com isso, por um lado, verifica-se que o novo ambiente legal impõe novas práticas, contudo, por outro lado, ainda persistem as heranças culturais herdadas que, o que exige intervenções públicas mais contundentes e contínuas.