Comparison of Cryotherapy Performed With Ice or Gel and Superficial Skin Cooling of Older Women: A Randomized, Crossover, Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Cryotherapy is an affordable and popular treatment of soft tissue injuries, which can reduce inflammation and pain. Studies have specifically addressed young adults and athletes, and these findings have been extended to older adults in clinical practice. Aging is associated with changes in the skin, including collagen degradation, decreased fat layer thickness, and reduced blood flow, which can alter the skin response to stress. Because of age-related changes, there are concerns about the direct use of ice on the skin of older individuals. Skin injuries were also observed after cryotherapy. This study aimed to assess the most effective and safe cryotherapy for superficial skin cooling among older women. METHODS: Eighteen older women were enrolled in this blinded, randomized, crossover, clinical trial. The mean values (SD) of their age, height, and weight were 70.0 years (6.0), 156.0 cm (9.1), and 72.8 kg (19.5), respectively. The participants underwent cryotherapy using bagged ice, bagged ice plus a wet towel, or gel pack for 20 minutes. The surface temperature of the skin was measured at the end of a 20-minute cryotherapy session using an infrared thermometer. Repeated-measures analysis of variance was conducted to analyze the effect of cryotherapy modalities and time, as well as the interaction between these 2 factors. The secondary outcome was the presence of cryotherapy-induced lesions. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Cryotherapy modalities had significant effects on superficial skin temperature (P = .001). Time points after application also had an effect (P = .0001), and no interaction was observed between cryotherapy modalities and time points (P = .051). Bonferroni post hoc evaluation showed that bagged ice (P = .008) and gel (P = .007) were more effective in decreasing the superficial skin temperature than bagged ice plus wet towel. No difference was observed between bagged ice and gel (P = .32). Three of the 18 patients experienced adverse effects with the gel pack. CONCLUSION: This study of older women found that ice and gel cooled the skin more effectively than ice wrapped in towels. However, the gel pack had some adverse effects. Therefore, bagged ice is recommended for cryotherapy in older women.

Hypoglycemic effect of Coffea arabica leaf extracts and major bioactive constituents.

The present study focused on investigating the antioxidant, antiglycation activity, digestive enzymes inhibition, bioaccessibility and hypoglycemic effect of C. arabica leaves extracts. The extracts deactivated the O2•-, ROO•, H2O2, HOCl reactive oxygen species. Coffee leaves showed strong inhibition of α-glucosidase (IC50 = 40.30 µg mL-1) greater than the isolated metabolites and acarbose. There was also inhibition of pancreatic lipase (IC50 = 56.43 µg mL-1) in addition to a hypoglycemic effect in zebrafish similar to acarbose and metformin. With the exception of rutin, all biocompounds were detected at all stages of in vitro digestion. Finally, these results suggest that C. arabica leaf extracts possess antidiabetic and anti-obesity properties that can be attributed to the main metabolites and the synergistic action between them.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Mechanical properties of platelet-rich fibrin from patients on warfarin.

Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) has been used increasingly in oral and maxillofacial surgery in recent years. The aim of this experimental study was to perform a mechanical evaluation of PRF from patients on warfarin. PRF samples were obtained from 21 patients on warfarin (mean INR 2.30 ± 0.89) and 21 non-anticoagulated patients (control; mean INR 1.08 ± 0.07). For the patients on warfarin, two experimental groups were formed based on the PRF centrifugation time: group A, 10 min (21 samples); group B, 18 min (20 samples). Control group samples (21 samples) were centrifuged for 10 min. Mechanical properties were evaluated by axial tensile test and suture retention test with an Instron 3345 universal testing machine. Mechanical parameters were compared between the groups using the Kruskal-Wallis test and Dunn's post-hoc test. Axial tensile values were similar in all groups. In the suture retention test, significantly lower values of deformation at maximum force were observed in the experimental group: group A (107.07 ± 25.05%) and group B (104.81 ± 16.79%) versus control (118.01 ± 17.61%) (P = 0.033). Moreover, maximum force was significantly lower in group A (0.17 ± 0.05 N) than in the control group (0.20 ± 0.06 N), while it was significantly higher in group B (0.22 ± 0.07 N) than in group A (P = 0.026). In conclusion, for patients on warfarin, the centrifugation time should be increased to 18 min in order to obtain PRF with superior performance.

Smartphone-based spectrometry system as a prescreening assessment of copper and iron for real time control of water pollution.

Due to anthropogenic actions, the presence of pollutants in water bodies, such as toxic metals, are increasingly negatively affecting water quality, biodiversity and sustainable goals worldwide. Therefore, decentralization of water pollution monitoring with low-cost devices, such as using smartphones, suggests an innovative green technology for in situ and real-time control. In this study, a Handheld Smartphone Spectrophotometry System (HSSS) was developed to estimate copper and iron concentration water samples. The system mainly comprises a portable commercial spectrometer (GoSpectro) that can measure the spectrum of light in the visible region. The HSSS LOD and LOQ for copper were equal to 0.589 and 1.784 mg/L, respectively, and 0.479 and 1.450 mg/L, respectively for iron. In addition, the results of copper and iron concentrations in samples with unknown concentrations using HSSS were close to the Benchtop Spectrophometer (BS). Finally, HSSS performance showed to be a new green technology for water quality management with potential applications for monitoring water resources and also providing further possibilities to measure other pollutants by the same technique, in addition to metals.

Does static stretching change uniformly the quadriceps elasticity in physically actives subjects?

PURPOSE: Verify the acute responses of static stretching (SS) on the rectus femoris (RF), vastus medialis (VM), and vastus lateralis (VL) elasticity and knee/hip range of motion (ROM). Additionally, to investigate if there are consistency among quadriceps muscle elasticity after SS. METHODS: Acute effect of SS on pre-post-intervention design. Thirtheen healthy participants (both genders) proposed for a pre-post experimental design. RF, VM, and VL elasticity (strain ratio, SR) was evaluated bilaterally by ultrasound with quasi-static elastography. Higher SR values refer to more rigid tissues. A SS protocol of 3 series of 30 s was applied at right lower limb. The left lower limb was considered as control group. Also, photogrammetry evaluated the knee/hip ROM. RESULTS: For SR muscle comparisons, VM was lower (less stiff) than VL and RF at pre- and post-SS. For time comparisons, no differences were observed for SR and ROM at pre- and post-SS. However, the effect size of the quadriceps SR at SS lower limb was higher than control. CONCLUSION: Acute effects of SS did not change the quadriceps SR or knee/hip ROM in healthy and active subjects. Non-uniform quadriceps SR are observed (VM < VL and RF) independently of SS. Future studies should consider different protocols, muscles, and populations.

Influence of subcutaneous adipose thickness and dominance on reliability of quadriceps muscle quality in healthy young individuals.

BACKGROUND: Echo intensity (EI) can be useful to check muscle quality and has been widely used to identify tissue damage. In the clinical and sports context, it has been used to identify metabolic disorders and training muscle performance. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether subcutaneous adipose thickness (SAT) influences the inter-session EI reliability of the quadriceps femoris and whether EI is influenced by dominance in young healthy subjects. DESIGN: All procedures were approved by the local Institutional Research Ethics Committee (project number 2.620.204). This is a cross-sectional study where 19 healthy young individuals volunteered. METHOD: The individuals were assessed at two time points by an experienced examiner. Imaging of the rectus femoris (RF), vastus lateralis (VL), and vastus medialis (VM) muscles were performed bilaterally by ultrasonography. EI and SAT analysis was performed using ImageJ®software. RESULTS/FINDINGS: Inter-session intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for EImeasured showed moderate reliability for RF (R = 0.578; P = 0.038) and VL (R = 0.735; P = 0.004) and low for VM (R = 0.402; P = 0.142). When corrected by SAT, inter-session (EIcorrected), ICC values showed good reliability for RF (R = 0.826; P < 0.001) and VM (R = 0.765; P = 0.002) and excellent for VL (R = 0.909; P < 0.001). Considering inter-side reliability, Student's paired t-test demonstrated no difference for EImeasured (P > 0.283), EIcorrected (P > 0.127), and SAT (P > 0.356). CONCLUSIONS: SAT influenced the inter-session reliability values of EI in all muscles evaluated. Although they showed similarity, EI values were not influenced by dominance in young healthy subjects.

"1, 2, 3... ação": o uso do cinema para o estudo das metáforas da enfermidade na formação em Medicina / "1, 2, 3... action": using cinema to study illness metaphors in medical education / "1, 2, 3... acción": el uso del cine para el estudio de las metáforas de la enfermedad en la formación en medicina

A cinematografia tem se mostrado ferramenta versátil na educação médica podendo ser utilizada no estudo do processo saúde-adoecimento-cuidado. Objetiva-se relatar a experiência do uso da cinematografia para discussão das metáforas da enfermidade no curso médico de uma Universidade Federal. Como preparo, os estudantes leram sobre "Significação e metáforas da doença". Foi exibido o filme "Para sempre Alice" e debatido o tema lido com base em suas metáforas. Posteriormente, os alunos foram à Rede Básica para aplicar o uso das metáforas. Notou-se a importância dos determinantes sociais em saúde e da relevância de ações que extrapolam o âmbito biológico. A atividade, além de lúdica, foi pedagógica e buscou tornar a aprendizagem mais significativa. Percebeu-se a efetividade da cinematografia para interpretação de metáforas da doença e contribuição para uma melhor prática médica.(AU)

Cinematography has shown itself to be a versatile tool in medical education, being used to study the health-illness-care process. This article describes the experience of using cinematography to discuss illness metaphors on a medicine course at a federal university in Brazil. As preparation, the students read about signification and illness metaphors. We showed the film "Still Alice" and the students debated the theme, drawing on the film's metaphors. They then visited primary care services to apply the use of the metaphors. The findings show the importance of the social determinants of health and relevance of actions that go beyond the realm of biology. Besides being game-based, the activity was educational and sought to make learning more meaningful. The findings confirm that cinematography is an effective tool for interpreting illness metaphors and contributes to better medical practice.(AU)

La cinematografía ha mostrado ser una herramienta versátil en la educación médica pudiendo utilizarse en el estudio del proceso salud-enfermedad-cuidado. El objetivo es relatar la experiencia del uso de la cinematografía para la discusión de las metáforas de la enfermedad en el curso médico de una Universidad Federal. Como preparación, los estudiantes leyeron sobre Significación y Metáforas de la Enfermedad. Se exhibió la película "Siempre Alice" y se discutió sobre el tema leído, a partir de sus metáforas. Posteriormente, los alumnos fueron a la Red Básica para aplicar el uso de las metáforas. Se observó la importancia de los determinantes sociales en salud y de la relevancia de acciones que extrapolan el ámbito biológico. La actividad, además de lúdica, fue pedagógica y su objetivo fue hacer que el aprendizaje fuera más significativo. Se percibió la efectividad de la cinematografía para interpretación de metáforas de la enfermedad y contribuir para una mejor práctica médica.(AU)

Molecular Analysis Reveals a High Diversity of Anopheline Mosquitoes in Yanomami Lands and the Pantanal Region of Brazil.

Identifying the species of the subfamily Anophelinae that are Plasmodium vectors is important to vector and malaria control. Despite the increase in cases, vector mosquitoes remain poorly known in Brazilian indigenous communities. This study explores Anophelinae mosquito diversity in the following areas: (1) a Yanomami reserve in the northwestern Amazon Brazil biome and (2) the Pantanal biome in southwestern Brazil. This is carried out by analyzing cytochrome c oxidase (COI) gene data using Refined Single Linkage (RESL), Assemble Species by Automatic Partitioning (ASAP), and tree-based multi-rate Poisson tree processes (mPTP) as species delimitation approaches. A total of 216 specimens collected from the Yanomami and Pantanal regions were sequenced and combined with 547 reference sequences for species delimitation analyses. The mPTP analysis for all sequences resulted in the delimitation of 45 species groups, while the ASAP analysis provided the partition of 48 groups. RESL analysis resulted in 63 operational taxonomic units (OTUs). This study expands our scant knowledge of anopheline species in the Yanomami and Pantanal regions. At least 18 species of Anophelinae mosquitoes were found in these study areas. Additional studies are now required to determine the species that transmit Plasmodium spp. in these regions.

Reliability in ultrasound measurements of plantar aponeurosis thickness.

PURPOSE: Given the increasing research interest in ultrasound plantar aponeurosis (PA) thickness measurements, this study aimed to analyze the inter and intra-rater reliability of independent sonograms and to identify the error related to the image analysis procedure. METHODS: Twenty-one healthy men participated in this study. Imaging of PA consisted of two independent sonograms per subject. Two raters (R1 and R2) evaluated each sonogram twice using standardized steps. Precision of the image analysis procedure was analyzed using the Bland and Altman plot and Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC). Agreement estimates and ICC were used to assess absolute and relative inter and intra-rater reliability. RESULTS: Reliability of PA thickness was found to depend strongly on the number of images acquired per subject. Intra-rater agreement for single measurements were 0.696 (R1) and 0.495 (R2), whereas average measurements yielded values of 0.821 (R1) and 0.662 (R2), respectively. Precision within a sonogram varied from ICC values of 0.873 to 0.960 (intra-rater) and 0.670 to 0.822 (inter-rater). CONCLUSION: Most part of the error in PA thickness measurements seems to be related to the sonogram acquisition process and not to the visual inspection of the image. To minimize error, average values of a minimum of two images per subject should be used. The moderate agreement between raters found in this study ratifies the need of all measurements being made by the same rater or group of raters. If a single rater evaluates all subjects, performing multiple measurements over one image does not seem to affect ICC as much as acquiring multiple images.

Conhecimentos de funcionários de creches sobre primeiros socorros com crianças antes e após treinamento ativo / Conocimientos de los empleados de guarderías sobre primeros auxilios a niños antes y después del entrenamiento activo / Knowledge of nursery workers about first aid measures with children before and after active training

RESUMO Objetivo: identificar mudanças no conhecimento de funcionários de creches após intervenção educacional ativa em primeiros socorros com crianças no ambiente escolar. Método: estudo quase-experimental, do tipo antes e depois, com grupo único de comparação composto por 134 funcionários das seis creches públicas de um município brasileiro, mediante adesão voluntária ofertada a toda população do estudo. O treinamento em primeiros socorros contou com 16 horas/aula e utilizou métodos ativos de aprendizagem. Um questionário fechado com nove situações simuladas avaliou o conhecimento antes/após. Utilizou-se o software R Core Team 2020, nível de significância 5% e o teste não paramétrico de McNemar para efeito da intervenção. Resultados: houve um aumento estatisticamente significativo de acertos após o treinamento nos seguintes assuntos: parada cardiorrespiratória; convulsão; engasgo; choque elétrico; trauma, queda; hemorragia; e intoxicação. As principais diferenças nos acertos antes e após foram engasgo (77,6% para 98,5%), trauma (75,3% para 94,7%), intoxicação por ingestão (70,8% para 86,5%) e convulsão (87,3% para 98,5%). C onclusões: o treinamento ampliou conhecimentos acerca de todas as temáticas, com exceção de queimaduras (p=0,248). O contexto sociocultural deve ser considerado, bem como a carga horária distribuída entre teoria e práticas. Os enfermeiros podem ser os profissionais de referência para ministrar tais cursos.

Resumen Objetivo: identificar cambios en el conocimiento de empleados de guarderías tras intervención educativa activa en primeros auxilios a niños en el ambiente escolar. Método: estudio casi-experimental, del tipo antes y después, con grupo único de comparación compuesto por 134 empleados de las seis guarderías públicas de un municipio brasileño, mediante adhesión voluntaria ofrecida a toda población del estudio. El entrenamiento en primeros auxilios contó con 16 horas/clasey utilizó métodos activos de aprendizaje. Un cuestionario cerrado con nueve situaciones simuladas evaluóel conocimiento antes/después. Se utilizó el softwareR Core Team 2020, nivel de significancia 5% y la prueba no paramétrica de McNemar para efecto de la intervención. Resultados: hubo un aumento estadísticamente significativo de aciertos después del entrenamiento en los siguientes asuntos: paro cardiorrespiratorio; convulsión; atragantamiento; choque eléctrico; trauma, caída; hemorragia; e intoxicación. Las principales diferencias en los aciertos antes y después fueron atragantamiento (77,6% para 98,5%), trauma (75,3% para 94,7%), intoxicación por ingestión (70,8% para 86,5%) y convulsión (87,3% para 98,5%). Conclusiones: el entrenamiento amplió conocimientos acerca de todas las temáticas, con excepción de quemaduras (p=0,248). El contexto sociocultural debe ser considerado, así como la carga horaria distribuida entre teoría y prácticas. Los enfermeros pueden ser los profesionales de referencia para dar tales cursos.

ABSTRACT Objective: to identify changes in the knowledge of nursery workers after active educational intervention in first aid measures with children in the school environment. Method: a quasi-experimental study of the before and after type with a single comparison group composed of 134 workers from the six public nursery centers in a Brazilian municipality, through voluntary adherence offered to the entire study population. First aid training consisted of 16 hours/class and used active learning methods. A closed questionnaire with nine simulated situations assessed the knowledge before and after the intervention. The R Core Team 2020 software was used in the analysis, and a significance level of 5% and the McNemar non-parametric test were used for the purpose of the intervention. Results: there was a statistically significant increase in correct answers after training in the following subjects: cardiorespiratory arrest; convulsion; choking; electric shock; trauma, fall; bleeding, and poisoning. The main differences in terms of correct answers before and after were found for choking (77.6% to 98.5%), trauma (75.3% to 94.7%), poisoning by ingestion (70.8% to 86.5%), and convulsion (87.3% to 98.5%). Conclusions: the training expanded the knowledge about all the themes, with the exception of burns (p = 0.248). The socio-cultural context must be considered, as well as the workload distributed between theory and practices. Nurses can be the reference professionals to teach such courses.

Treatment with zolpidem after ethanol administration potentiates the expression of ethanol-induced behavioral sensitization in mice.

Contradictory findings suggest that the behavioral and abuse-related effects of ethanol are mediated by its action at α1 subunit-containing GABAA (α1GABAA) receptors. In the present study, we investigated the effects of a sub-chronic post-ethanol administration treatment with zolpidem, an α1-preferring positive allosteric modulator at GABAA receptors, on the subsequent expression of ethanol-induced behavioral sensitization in mice. Animals received ethanol (1.8 g/kg, ip) or saline treatments every other day for 15 days (8 treatment sessions) and were subsequently treated with zolpidem (0.5 mg/kg, ip) or vehicle 4 times on alternate days. At the end of the treatment phase, animals were challenged with saline or ethanol on separate days for the evaluation of the expression of conditioned locomotion and behavioral sensitization. Eight-day treatment with ethanol did not lead to the development of ethanol-induced behavioral sensitization. Animals treated with ethanol and subsequently administered vehicle showed similar locomotion frequencies during the last ethanol challenge compared to the control group receiving ethanol for the first time. Animals treated with ethanol and subsequently administered zolpidem expressed behavioral sensitization to ethanol during the ethanol challenge. The present study adds to the literature by providing further evidence of a role of α1GABAA receptors on the behavioral effects of ethanol. Because of the current highly prevalent co-abuse of ethanol and benzodiazepine drugs in humans, the use of zolpidem and other α1GABAA receptor ligands during ethanol withdrawal should be monitored carefully.

Treatment with zolpidem after ethanol administration potentiates the expression of ethanol-induced behavioral sensitization in mice

Contradictory findings suggest that the behavioral and abuse-related effects of ethanol are mediated by its action at α1 subunit-containing GABAA (α1GABAA) receptors. In the present study, we investigated the effects of a sub-chronic post-ethanol administration treatment with zolpidem, an α1-preferring positive allosteric modulator at GABAA receptors, on the subsequent expression of ethanol-induced behavioral sensitization in mice. Animals received ethanol (1.8 g/kg, ip) or saline treatments every other day for 15 days (8 treatment sessions) and were subsequently treated with zolpidem (0.5 mg/kg, ip) or vehicle 4 times on alternate days. At the end of the treatment phase, animals were challenged with saline or ethanol on separate days for the evaluation of the expression of conditioned locomotion and behavioral sensitization. Eight-day treatment with ethanol did not lead to the development of ethanol-induced behavioral sensitization. Animals treated with ethanol and subsequently administered vehicle showed similar locomotion frequencies during the last ethanol challenge compared to the control group receiving ethanol for the first time. Animals treated with ethanol and subsequently administered zolpidem expressed behavioral sensitization to ethanol during the ethanol challenge. The present study adds to the literature by providing further evidence of a role of α1GABAA receptors on the behavioral effects of ethanol. Because of the current highly prevalent co-abuse of ethanol and benzodiazepine drugs in humans, the use of zolpidem and other α1GABAA receptor ligands during ethanol withdrawal should be monitored carefully.

Representatividade LGBT+ na Educação Médica e Covid-19: Construindo Redes de Cuidado e Solidariedade / LGBT+ Equal Representativity in Medical Training and Covid-19: Building Care and Solidarity Networks

Resumo: Introdução: Historicamente, a comunidade LGBT+ enfrenta obstáculos estruturais que interferem na garantia da cidadania plena. Com a pandemia da Covid-19, observa-se que a vulnerabilidade individual da população LGBT+ tornou-se ainda mais intensa e explícita. Diante disso, o presente relato de experiência apresenta e analisa criticamente uma ação de estudantes de Medicina que buscaram promover a representatividade e uma rede de cuidado/apoio e solidariedade entre os(as) estudantes LGBT+ no contexto da pandemia. Relato de experiência: Este relato descreve a construção de um vídeo "Evoluiu Challenge" por acadêmicos(as) e médicos(as) graduados(as) do curso de Medicina de uma universidade pública brasileira. Diante do isolamento social e da necessidade de representatividade, encorajamento e empoderamento LGBT+ dentro do espaço acadêmico da Medicina, identificou-se a necessidade de ações, como a produção do vídeo, para que os(as) acadêmicos(as) mais vulnerabilizados(as) possam localizar em seus/suas colegas de curso uma rede de apoio, solidariedade e empoderamento. O projeto foi desenvolvido com 20 estudantes e três egressos(as) da mesma instituição. Ao todo, foram mais de 85 mil visualizações. Discussão: Diante da experiência relatada, destaca-se a importância dos avanços tecnológicos como promotores da "aproximação" em tempos de isolamento e distanciamento social. Nesse sentido, o vídeo resultou em significativa visibilidade à população LGBT+ presente no meio médico. Ademais, propiciou representatividade e a construção de uma rede de apoio estudantil, como descrito nas DCN, com a promoção do cuidado. Conclusão: A partir deste relato de experiência, fica visível a necessidade de implementação de estratégias de ações de apoio para a população LGBT+ nas universidades, como as redes de cuidado/solidariedade. Dessa maneira, assim como o vídeo, essas estratégias potencializarão a construção de um espaço de ensino-aprendizagem mais inclusivo e que seja um oásis do pensamento contra a opressão e espaço de contestação.

Abstract: Introduction: Members of the LGBT+ community have historically faced structural obstacles denying them the protections and rights guaranteed by full citizenship. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused the vulnerability of these individuals to become even more intense and explicit. In light of these developments, this experience report presents and critically analyzes an action executed by medical students to promote equal representation and a care/support and solidarity network among LGBT+ students during the pandemic. Experience Report: This report describes the creation of a video entitled "Evoluiu Challenge" by medical students and graduates from a Brazilian public university. In the face of social isolation and the need for LGBT+ equal representation, encouragement and empowerment in medical schools, actions, such as producing the video, were identified as necessary in order to help the most vulnerable academics find a network of support, solidarity and empowerment among their peers. The project was developed with 20 students and 3 graduates from the same institution, with the video being viewed more than 85,000 times. Discussion: The experience reported here highlights the importance of technological advances to promote "togetherness" in times of isolation and social distancing. In this regard, the video increased the visibility of the LGBT+ population in the medical sphere. Furthermore, it fostered equal representation and the construction of a student support network promoting care, as described in the National Curriculum Guidelines. Conclusion: This experience report clearly demonstrates the need to implement strategies for actions that support the LGBT+ community at universities, such as care/solidarity networks. Such strategies, like the video, will therefore leverage the construction of a more inclusive teaching-learning space, representing an oasis of thought against oppression and space for contestation.

Effects of a 12-week hip abduction exercise program on the electromyographic activity of hip and knee muscles of women with patellofemoral pain: A pilot study

Aims: The purpose of our study was to compare the hip and knee muscle activity before and after a hip abduction exercise program in women with patellofemoral pain (PFP). Methods: Eleven women with PFP were included in our pre/post design study. Participants were assessed before and after 12-week hip abduction exercise program. All participants performed 6 stair climbing repetitions, 3 sets of rope jumps over 30 s and 5 sets of 8 squats to standardize the physical activity level before data collection. We recorded the electromyographic activity from gluteus medius, vastus medialis (VM) and vastus lateralis (VL) for double-legged squat with and without isometric hip abduction. Additionally, participants were asked to perform a step-down test to assess objective function (maximum number of repetitions over 30 s) and completed a clinical evaluation. Results: Longer duration of VM (Mean difference [95% CI]) = -0.97 [-1.48; -0.46], ES [effect size] = 0.66) and VL (-0.81 [-1.35; -0.27], ES = 0.54) were found after the hip abduction exercise program only for free squat. The participants also performed higher number of step-down repetitions (-3.54 [-5.84; -1.25], ES = 1.03) after the hip abduction exercise program and showed improvement in pain reports. Conclusion: A 12-week hip abduction exercise program changed the quadriceps muscle activation pattern and improved pain and objective function of women with PFP. The exercises promoted a longer VM and VL activation duration. Additionally, they promoted a clinical improvement in the patients with PFP.(AU)

Publisher Correction: Characterization of nitrogen doped graphene bilayers synthesized by fast, low temperature microwave plasma-enhanced chemical vapour deposition.

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.

Characterization of nitrogen doped grapheme bilayers synthesized by fast, low temperature microwave plasma-enhanced chemical vapour deposition.

New techniques to manipulate the electronic properties of few layer 2D materials, unveiling new physical phenomena as well as possibilities for new device applications have brought renewed interest to these systems. Therefore, the quest for reproducible methods for the large scale synthesis, as well as the manipulation, characterization and deeper understanding of these structures is a very active field of research. We here report the production of nitrogen doped bilayer graphene in a fast single step (2.5 minutes), at reduced temperatures (760 °C) using microwave plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (MW-PECVD). Raman spectroscopy confirmed that nitrogen-doped bilayer structures were produced by this method. XPS analysis showed that we achieved control of the concentration of nitrogen dopants incorporated into the final samples. We have performed state of the art parameter-free simulations to investigate the cause of an unexpected splitting of the XPS signal as the concentration of nitrogen defects increased. We show that this splitting is due to the formation of interlayer bonds mediated by nitrogen defects on the layers of the material. The occurrence of these bonds may result in very specific electronic and mechanical properties of the bilayer structures.

Promoção da Saúde: Coerência nas Estratégias de Ensino-Aprendizagem / Health Promotion: Coherence in Teaching-Learning Strategies

RESUMO A formação em medicina pode gerar grandes responsabilidades ao estudante e provocar diversos problemas comportamentais, psíquicos e físicos. Diante desse fato, evidencia-se a necessidade de problematização de estratégias de Promoção da Saúde física e mental dos graduandos, conforme apontam as Diretrizes Curriculares Nacionais para os cursos de graduação em Medicina no Brasil. Este relato de experiência almeja problematizar uma iniciativa do eixo curricular de Saúde Coletiva de uma Universidade Federal brasileira voltada para o aprimoramento de competências relacionadas à Promoção da Saúde. Durante a terceira unidade curricular desse eixo, problematizou-se com os estudantes, por meio do Arco de Maguerez, o aprimoramento de competências relacionadas à Promoção da Saúde e à salutogênese, em consonância com os princípios do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) e as políticas públicas de saúde, especialmente a Política Nacional de Promoção da Saúde. Com isso, a unidade curricular com essa temática foi construída coletivamente, com diálogo e amorosidade entre discentes e docentes. Partimos da realidade dos estudantes para aprender sobre Promoção da Saúde e, assim, poder transformá-la. As atividades construídas, em um componente do currículo formal de um curso médico, permitiram aprender a relevância e a prática da Promoção da Saúde no cotidiano e se sensibilizarem em relação a elas. Buscou-se realizar ações para a ampliação do bem-estar dos discentes de forma autônoma e libertadora. Assim, empoderados com esses saberes, a unidade foi encerrada em uma atividade construída pelos estudantes por meio dos objetivos pedagógicos propostos. O local em que ela ocorreu se mostrou potente para produzir saúde e constituir-se como cenário de ensino-aprendizagem para a formação médica. Compreendeu-se que a Promoção da Saúde por intermédio de atividades contextualizadas com as realidades e necessidades discentes, inseridas na rotina acadêmica, possui potencial transformador na saúde dos estudantes, preparando-os para uma prática médica ética, relacional, com amorosidade e corresponsabilidade. A experiência foi inovadora, pois enfrentou a incoerência de ensinar a Promoção da Saúde sem praticá-la, em um contexto em que cada vez mais as condições de saúde física e mental dos estudantes de Medicina têm se tornado precárias. Assim, a oportunidade de aprender sobre o tema foi aproveitada para desenvolver competências e vivenciar a Promoção da Saúde na realidade dos estudantes, preparando-os para as intervenções com a comunidade, que ocorreram em seguida. A avaliação da atividade foi positiva, e destacou-se a relevância da Saúde Coletiva na formação médica para pensar as interfaces entre o eu e o outro, nossas semelhanças, diferenças e necessidades de transformações nos encontros que a graduação e a profissão médica proporcionam.

ABSTRACT Medical training can generate huge responsibilities for the students and cause various behavioral, mental and physical problems. Considering this fact, we need to problematize strategies to promote the physical and mental health of medical students, as highlighted by the National Guidelines for Undergraduate Medical Education in Brazil. This experience report aims to problematize an initiative of a curricular axis of Public Health of a Brazilian Federal University, focused on the improvement of competencies related to health promotion. During the third curricular unit of this axis, the students were challenged, through the Arch of Maguerez, to improve competencies related to health promotion and salutogenesis, according to the principles of SUS and Public Health Policies, especially the National Policy for Health Promotion. After that, the curricular unit that included this theme was collectively constructed, with dialogue and affection between students and teachers. We began with the students' reality, to learn about Health Promotion and, thus, to be able to transform it. The developed activities, within a component of the formal curriculum of a medical course, allowed them to learn and become aware of the relevance and practice of Health Promotion in everyday life. Efforts were made to expand and promote health and well-being in a free and autonomous way. Empowered with these knowledges and based on the proposed pedagogical objectives, the students built the final activity of this unit. The place where it occurred showed to be effective in producing health and in constituting a scenario of teaching and learning for medical training. It was understood that health promotion, based on activities contextualized with the students' realities and needs, as part of the academic routine, has a transformative potential for their health, and can prepare them for a medical practice that is ethical, relational, affective and co-responsible. The experience was innovative, because it faced the incoherence of teaching Health Promotion without practicing it, in a context where the physical and mental health conditions of medical students have become more precarious. Thus, the opportunity to learn about the subject was used to develop skills and to experience Health Promotion within the students' reality, preparing them for the interventions with the community, which occurred next. The activity was positively evaluated, highlighting the relevance of Public Health in the medical training, aiming to think about the interfaces between the self and the other, our similarities, differences and need for transformations in the meetings that the undergraduate school and the medical profession provide.

Anophelines species and the receptivity and vulnerability to malaria transmission in the Pantanal wetlands, Central Brazil

BACKGROUND Studies on malaria vectors in the Pantanal biome, Central Brazil, were conducted more than half a century ago. OBJECTIVES To update anopheline records and assess receptivity and vulnerability to malaria transmission. METHODS Five-day anopheline collections were conducted bimonthly in Salobra, Mato Grosso do Sul state, for one year. Indoors, mosquitoes were collected from their resting places, while in open fields, they were captured using protected human-baited and horse-baited traps near the house and at the Miranda River margin, respectively. Hourly biting activity outdoors was also assessed. Secondary data were collected on the arrival of tourists, economic projects, and malaria cases. FINDINGS A total of 24,894 anophelines belonging to 13 species were caught. The main Brazilian malaria vector Anopheles darlingi was the predominant species, followed by An. triannulatus s.l. Hourly variation in anopheline biting showed three main peaks occurring at sunset, around midnight, and at sunrise, the first and last being the most prominent. The highest density of all species was recorded near the river margin and during the transition period between the rainy and early dry seasons. This coincides with the time of main influx of outsider workers and tourists, whose activities mostly occur in the open fields and frequently start before sunrise and last until sunset. Some of these individuals originate from neighbouring malaria-endemic countries and states, and are likely responsible for the recorded imported and introduced malaria cases. MAIN CONCLUSION Pantanal is a malaria-prone area in Brazil. Surveillance and anopheline control measures must be applied to avoid malaria re-emergence in the region.

Anophelines species and the receptivity and vulnerability to malaria transmission in the Pantanal wetlands, Central Brazil.

BACKGROUND Studies on malaria vectors in the Pantanal biome, Central Brazil, were conducted more than half a century ago. OBJECTIVES To update anopheline records and assess receptivity and vulnerability to malaria transmission. METHODS Five-day anopheline collections were conducted bimonthly in Salobra, Mato Grosso do Sul state, for one year. Indoors, mosquitoes were collected from their resting places, while in open fields, they were captured using protected human-baited and horse-baited traps near the house and at the Miranda River margin, respectively. Hourly biting activity outdoors was also assessed. Secondary data were collected on the arrival of tourists, economic projects, and malaria cases. FINDINGS A total of 24,894 anophelines belonging to 13 species were caught. The main Brazilian malaria vector Anopheles darlingi was the predominant species, followed by An. triannulatus s.l. Hourly variation in anopheline biting showed three main peaks occurring at sunset, around midnight, and at sunrise, the first and last being the most prominent. The highest density of all species was recorded near the river margin and during the transition period between the rainy and early dry seasons. This coincides with the time of main influx of outsider workers and tourists, whose activities mostly occur in the open fields and frequently start before sunrise and last until sunset. Some of these individuals originate from neighbouring malaria-endemic countries and states, and are likely responsible for the recorded imported and introduced malaria cases. MAIN CONCLUSION Pantanal is a malaria-prone area in Brazil. Surveillance and anopheline control measures must be applied to avoid malaria re-emergence in the region.

Assessment of the mechanical properties of the muscle-tendon unit by supersonic shear wave imaging elastography: a review.

This review aimed to describe the state of the art in muscle-tendon unit (MTU) assessment by supersonic shear wave imaging (SSI) elastography in states of muscle contraction and stretching, during aging, and in response to injury and therapeutic interventions. A consensus exists that MTU elasticity increases during passive stretching or contraction, and decreases after static stretching, electrostimulation, massage, and dry needling. There is currently no agreement regarding changes in the MTU due to aging and injury. Currently, the application of SSI for the purpose of diagnosis, rehabilitation, and physical training remains limited by a number of issues, including the lack of normative value ranges, the lack of consensus regarding the appropriate terminology, and an inadequate understanding of the main technical limitations of this novel technology.