The effects of Brazilian dance, deep-water exercise and nordic walking, pre- and post-12 weeks, on functional-motor and non-motor symptoms in trained PwPD.

BACKGROUND: Motor and non-motor symptoms affect functional autonomy, mobility and daily life activities in People with Parkinson's Disease (PwPD). Brazilian Dance (BD), Deep-water exercise (DWE), and Nordic Walking (NW) are well-accepted, low-cost, and safe non-pharmacological strategies for untrained PwPD. However, no previous studies have investigated and compared the effects of these interventions on trained PwPD. OBJECTIVE: To describe and compare the effects of BD, DWE and NW, pre- and post-12 weeks, on functional-motor and non-motor symptoms in trained PwPD. METHODS: Eighty-three trained PwPD were randomly assigned into three groups: BD (n = 31), DWE (n = 21) and NW (n = 31), that participated in one of the interventions for 12 weeks. We applied Timed up and go at two speeds (self-selected and fast); 6-min and 10-meter walk test; Sit-to-Stand and handgrip test; Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale - III; Falls Efficacy Scale; Montreal Cognitive Assessment questionnaire; and Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire-39. The main (group and time) and interaction effects were analyzed using GEE analysis (p<0.05). RESULTS: Statistical differences were found between groups in the handgrip test (p<0.01), the time (p = 0.04), and interaction group*time (p< 0.01) in the Sit-to-stand test. While BD improved the Sit-to-stand test performance (ES=1.00; large effect size), DWE and NW remained unchanged (ES=0.16 and ES=0.14; low effect size). CONCLUSION: BD, DWE, and NW maintained most of the functional-motor and non-motor symptoms in trained PwPD. BD was shown to be more effective at improving strength in the lower limbs, when compared to NW and DWE.

Development and Validation of the 17-Point Brazilian Portuguese Translated Version of the Modified Japanese Orthopedic Association Score (mJOA-BR17).

BACKGROUND: Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is the most common degenerative dysfunction of the spinal cord in the cervical spine in patients older than 55 years. The Japanese Orthopedic Association developed a scoring system to quantify clinical impairment of CSM patients, allocate them according to the degree of impairment, and suggest best timing for surgery. The original version evaluates the upper limb motor function through the ability of feeding with chopsticks, which are not intrinsic in western populations. To compare severity and treatment improvement of any diseases, it is preferable to have modified and translated versions of questionnaires and scores closest to the original ones. The authors present a prospective cohort study to validate the 17-point Brazilian Portuguese translated version of the modified Japanese Orthopedic Association (mJOA-BR17) survey. METHODS: Patients with CSM (n = 36) were allocated to the disease group, while age- and sex-matched healthy volunteers (n = 34) were recruited for the control group. Comparison of statistical analysis of mJOA-BR17 domains for each group was established. After the translation and adaptation of mJOA-BR17, the validation was made through application to the 2 groups. RESULTS: There were statistical differences between groups in total mJOA-BR17 score (CSM, 14.14 ± 2.92; control, 16.68 ± 0.59: P < 0.001), lower limbs motor function (CSM, 3.25 ± 1.02; control, 3.91 ± 0.29: P < 0.001), upper limbs sensory function (CSM, 1.17 ± 0.81; control, 1.86 ± 0.36: P < 0.001), lower limbs sensory function (CSM, 1.62 ± 0.64; control, 2.0 ± 0.0: P < 0.001), and bladder function (CSM, 2.69 ± 0.52; control, 2.97 ± 0.17: P = 0.005). The receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.81, indicating usefulness of the mJOA-BR17 score to identify patients with CSM from healthy controls. CONCLUSIONS: The mJOA-BR17 demonstrated similarity, applicability, and good understanding in comparison to the English-modified version of 17-point JOA score for CSM, becoming a valuable tool to quantify and differentiate CSM patients from healthy individuals.

Outcomes of lower trapezius transfer with hamstring tendons for irreparable rotator cuff tears.

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of the transfer of the lower trapezius with a graft from hamstring tendons in the treatment of irreparable rotator cuff tears . Level IV; Case Series; Treatment Study. Methods: Ten patients diagnosed with irreparable tears of the supraspinatus and infraspinatus tendons, were evaluated retrospectively -preoperatively, 6 and 12 months postoperatively. They underwent transfer of the prolonged lower trapezius with an autologous graft of the knee flexor tendons. Results: The Shoulder Subjective Value increased from 47 (preoperative) to 71 (1 year after surgery), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Score increased from 26.63 to 75.24. Pain improved from 7.9 to 2.5 on the Visual Analogue Scale. The mean lateral rotation improved from 31° to 51°, flexion from 84° to 122°, and abduction from 76° to 101°. These results have not changed significantly between 6 and 12 months. Discussion: The transfer of the lower trapezius with autologous grafts from the hamstring tendons showed good results in patients under 65 years of age with irreparable rotator cuff tears . Longer follow-up and a greater number of cases are necessary to confirm the efficacy of the transfer.

OSTEOSYNTHESIS OF A SCAPHOID NECK FRACTURE WITH A CANNULATED COMPRESSION SCREW: EVALUATION OF 52 PATIENTS.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of the dorsal fixation technique with a cannulated compression screw (CCS) for transverse scaphoid neck fractures. METHODS: A case series study was carried out with patients treated with a CSS between April 2014 and May 2021. The main outcome was the healing of the fracture, verified by radiographic evaluation that used images of the wrist in anteroposterior, lateral, radial deviation, ulnar deviation and oblique views, obtained in the postoperative period. RESULTS: Fifty-two patients aged between 15 and 65 years were analyzed, of which 43 (83%) were male. Of the 52 patients, 19 (36.53%) had a right-hand injury and 33 (63.46%) had a left-hand injury. Results were excellent in 47 patients (90.38%); good in 4 patients (7.69%), with reduced mobility compared to contralateral and poor in 1 patient (1.92%), with failure of consolidation and breakage of the synthesis material. In 51 cases (99%) there was bone consolidation at the end of six months. CONCLUSION: Osteosynthesis with a cannulated compression screw is a safe, effective and promising method for the treatment of scaphoid neck fractures. Level of Evidence IV, Case Series.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a eficácia da técnica de fixação dorsal com parafuso canulado de compressão (CCS) para fraturas transversas do colo do escafoide. Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo de série de casos com pacientes tratados com CSS entre abril de 2014 e maio de 2021. O desfecho principal foi a consolidação da fratura, verificada por meio da avaliação radiográfica das imagens do punho em anteroposterior, perfil, desvio radial, desvio ulnar e oblíquo obtidas no pós-operatório. RESULTADOS: Foram analisados 52 pacientes com idade entre 15 e 65 anos, sendo 43 (83%) do sexo masculino. Dos 52 pacientes, 19 (36,53%) tinham lesão na mão direita e 33(63,46%) na mão esquerda. Os resultados foram excelentes em 47 dos pacientes (90,38%); bons em quatro (7,69%), com mobilidade reduzida comparada ao membro contralateral; e ruim em um (1,92%), com falha da consolidação e quebra do material de síntese. Em 51 casos (99%) houve consolidação óssea ao final de seis meses. Conclusão: A osteossíntese com parafuso canulado de compressão é um método seguro, eficaz e promissor para o tratamento das fraturas no colo do escafoide. Nível de Evidência IV, Série de Casos.

Effect of protein addition in properties of gels produced with jackfruit (Artocarpus integrifolia) seed starch: rheological and texture properties.

Starches and proteins are two major types of biopolymer components in many foods. The interactions of protein with starches greatly influence the matrix structure and properties of starch-based food systems. In this study, the physical-chemical properties and the effect of the commercial whey protein concentrate in the texture and rheological properties of jackfruit starch gels were evaluated. The experimental design was completely randomized, using a 4 × 4 complete factorial scheme, with four levels of starch (3, 6, 9 and 12%) and four levels of protein (0, 2, 4 and 6%). In higher concentrations of starch the addition of proteins delayed the beginning of gelatinization, led to an increase in G' and G″ and decrease in the tan (δ) values, characterizing the gel as strong, e.g., the gel network became more structured. However, in the treatment with 6% starch the addition of protein led to a decrease in gel strength. For gels with 9% starch the increase in protein concentration, led a slight increase in the hardness and cohesiveness, characterizing a more rigid and cohesive gel. Overall, gels with 3 and 6% of starch showed characteristic behavior of a weak gel and with 9 and 12% of strong gel. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13197-023-05793-1.

Reducing the environmental impacts of Brazilian chicken meat production using different waste recovery strategies.

Chicken meat has achieved significant index rates worldwide, with Brazil leading production and exports. The agribusiness significance has led to strengthening attention to the environmental burdens produced by the poultry industry. This research considered reducing the environmental impacts in the life cycle of Brazilian chicken meat regarding strategies for recycling waste from the production process. An attributional cradle-to-gate life cycle assessment was performed, with the functional unit of 1 kg of slaughtered and unpacked chicken meat. The two suggested scenarios used: i) chicken bedding for biogas production and ii) chicken carcass waste as meat meals in feed production. Handling poultry litter for biogas production avoided methane and ammonia emissions, reducing over 50% of the environmental indicators of Climate Change, Terrestrial Acidification, and Freshwater Eutrophication. Reuse poultry waste to produce meat meals reduced from 12% to 55% in all impact categories, decreasing emissions from carcasses destined for decomposition in landfills and using less raw materials from bovine sources. Investigating the environmental performance of the chicken meat production chain encouraged the circularity of natural resources and waste recovery strategies in the system boundary, thus helping to accomplish Sustainable Development Goals 7, 9, 12, and 13 of the UN Agenda 2030.

Effective Biocorrosive Control in Oil Industry Facilities: 16S rRNA Gene Metabarcoding for Monitoring Microbial Communities in Produced Water.

Microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) or biocorrosion is a complex biological and physicochemical process, Strategies for monitoring MIC are frequently based on microbial cultivation methods, while microbiological molecular methods (MMM) are not well-established in the oil industry in Brazil. Thus, there is a high demand for the development of effective protocols for monitoring biocorrosion with MMM. The main aim of our study was to analyze the physico-chemi- cal features of microbial communities occurring in produced water (PW) and in enrichment cultures in oil pipelines of the petroleum industry. In order to obtain strictly comparable results, the same samples were used for both culturing and metabarcoding. PW samples displayed higher phylogenetic diversity of bacteria and archaea whereas PW enrichments cultures showed higher dominance of bacterial MIC-associated genera. All samples had a core community composed of 19 distinct genera, with MIC-associated Desulfovibrio as the dominant genus. We observed significant associations between the PW and cultured PW samples, with a greater number of associations found between the cultured sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) samples and the uncultured PW samples. When evaluating the correlation between the physicochemical characteristics of the environment and the microbiota of the uncultivated samples, we suggest that the occurrence of anaerobic digestion metabolism can be characterized by well-defined phases. Therefore, the detection of microorganisms in uncultured PW by metabarcoding, along with physi-cochemical characterization, can be a more efficient method compared to the culturing method, as it is a less laborious and cost-effective method for monitoring MIC microbial agents in oil industry facilities.

Reliability of the five times sit to stand test performed remotely by multiple sclerosis patients.

INTRODUCTION: Multiple Sclerosis, known main cause of non-traumatic neurological disability in adults, leads to changes in muscle strength, especially in the lower limbs. Assessing muscle strength in these patients is thus essential and can be achieved by the Five Times Sit to Stand Test (FTSST), commonly performed in person. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing measured adopted, Brazilian physiotherapists turned to remote monitoring and assessment, supported by Resolution n° 516/2020, which required proving the reliability of tests. Given this scenario, this study sought to evaluate the intra- and inter-rater reliability of the Five Times Sit to Stand Test performed remotely and synchronously by multiple sclerosis patients. METHODS: A sample of 33 individuals with relapsing-remitting Multiple Sclerosis (18 women and 15 men, mean age 43.7 ± 13.4 years) were remotely and synchronously by video call. Inter-rater reliability was evaluated by analyzing FTSST execution time, in seconds, timed by two different raters on the same video call. In turn, intra-rater reliability was assessed by analyzing the execution time recorded in two different video calls made by the same rater, within a 24-28-h interval. Descriptive and inferential data analysis were performed using SPSS 20.0 software. Means and standard deviation were calculated for descriptive statistic. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), with a 0.05 significance level, standard error of measurement (SEM) and minimal detectable change (MDC) were calculated for inferential analysis. RESULTS: Data analysis showed excellent ICC values and low SEM and MDC values regarding inter-rater reliability (ICC: 0.993 (0.986-0.996); p-value: <0.001; SEM: 0.6 s; MDC: 1.6 s) and intra-rater reliability (ICC: 0.962 (0.925-0.981); p-value: <0.001; SEM: 1.4 s; MDC: 3.8 s). CONCLUSION: Based on these values, FTSST performed remotely and synchronously by relapsing-remitting Multiple Sclerosis patients is reliable and can be used both by different raters, for assessment, or by the same rater, in pre- and post-test situations.

Sustainability assessment of coffee production in Brazil.

This paper aims to assess the sustainability of coffee production in Brazil by a framework at the farm level. The framework developed comprises four dimensions of sustainability structured from the literature review. Primary data were collected from 20 coffee farms selected from the most producing communities in the Planalto de Vitória da Conquista locality, sited in Centro-Sul Baiano middle region at the Bahia state. The main environmental issues identified related to coffee farmers are inadequate management of water consumption, influenced by the lack of knowledge about irrigation techniques in some cases, and the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. The economic evaluation of the activity revealed a low index of producers belonging to a class organization. In social aspects the issues are low level of technical/technological instruction for coffee producers, temporary workers are often used, the old age of most producers, the lack of family succession for the activity, low incomes, the high number of temporary workers, and the absence of the worker gains. As for the technical dimension, only half of the farmers invest in innovation, which causes high obsolescence of their equipment and machinery and a low participation rate in training courses. In the environmental dimension, the farmers return the packages of pesticides to the stores where they bought them. In the technical dimension, most farmers perform soil analysis. Besides addressing the identified challenges, the initiatives can help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, especially the 9th, 12th, and 13th.

Quality of life analysis on patients after arthroplasty or lumbar arthrodesis / Análise da qualidade de vida em pacientes pós artroplastia ou artrodese lombar / Análisis de la calidad de vida en pacientes tras una artroplastia o artrodesis lumbar

ABSTRACT Objective: To perform a retrospective analysis of patients with degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine undergoing arthrodesis or lumbar arthroplasty in terms of functional capacity and quality of life. Methods: Retrospective observational study analyzing the medical records of patients undergoing arthrodesis or lumbar arthroplasty, followed-up at an outpatient clinic from 2018 to 2020. Patient characteristics were evaluated; the quality of life through the results of the Short Form 36 Health Survey Questionnaire (SF-36) and the functional capacity using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) in the pre-surgical and post-surgical periods (6 months, 1 and 2 years). The criterion to establish statistical significance was p≤0.05. Results: Sixty-one patients were evaluated. After the surgical interventions, the individuals migrated from the classification of invalid (61.4%-64.6%) to minimal/moderate disability (17.7%-25.6%). There was a decline in ODI scores over time of follow-up (p≤0.001) as well as in SF-36 values (p≤0.001) for all surgical techniques. In this regard, evaluating the difference in means revealed the better performance of lumbar arthroplasty (p≤0.001). Conclusion: The data suggest that lumbar arthroplasty offers greater benefits to patients regarding functional capacity and quality of life. Level of Evidence III; Retrospective, descriptive, observational study.

Resumo: Objetivo: Realizar uma análise retrospectiva de pacientes com doença degenerativa discal da coluna lombar submetidos à artrodese ou artroplastia lombar em termos de capacidade funcional e qualidade de vida. Métodos: Estudo observacional retrospectivo de análise de prontuários dos pacientes submetidos à artrodese ou artroplastia lombar, acompanhados ambulatorialmente no período de 2018 a 2020. Foram avaliadas as características dos pacientes; a qualidade de vida através dos resultados do Questionário Short Form 36 Health Survey Questionnaire (SF-36) e a capacidade funcional utilizando o Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) nos períodos pré-cirúrgico e pós-cirúrgico (06 meses, 01 ano e 02 anos). O critério para estabelecer significância estatística foi valores de p≤0,05. Resultados: Foram avaliados 61 pacientes. Após as intervenções cirúrgicas, os indivíduos migraram da classificação inválido (61,4%-64,6%) para incapacidade mínima/moderada (17,7%-25,6%). Houve declínio nos escores do ODI ao longo do tempo de acompanhamento (p≤0,001) assim como nos valores do SF-36 (p≤0,001) para todas as técnicas cirúrgicas. Nesse quesito, a avaliação da diferença de médias revelou melhor desempenho da artroplastia lombar (p≤0,001). Conclusão: Os dados sugerem que a artroplastia lombar oferece maior benefício para os pacientes em termos de capacidade funcional e de qualidade de vida. Nível de Evidência III; Estudo retrospectivo, descritivo, observacional.

Resumen: Objetivo: Realizar un análisis retrospectivo de pacientes con enfermedad degenerativa del disco de la columna lumbar sometidos a artrodesis o artroplastia lumbar en términos de capacidad funcional y calidad de vida. Métodos: Estudio observacional retrospectivo analizando las historias clínicas de pacientes sometidos a artrodesis o artroplastia lumbar, seguidos en consulta externa desde 2018 hasta 2020. Se evaluaron las características de los pacientes; la calidad de vida a través de los resultados del Cuestionario de Encuesta de Salud Short Form 36 (SF-36) y la capacidad funcional utilizando el Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) en los periodos prequirúrgico y posquirúrgico (06 meses, 01 año y 02 años). El criterio para establecer la significación estadística fue p≤0,05. Resultados: Se evaluaron 61 pacientes. Después de las intervenciones quirúrgicas, los individuos migraron de la clasificación de inválidos (61,4%-64,6%) a invalidez mínima/moderada (17,7%-25,6%). Hubo una disminución en las puntuaciones del ODI a lo largo del tiempo de seguimiento (p≤0,001) así como en los valores del SF-36 (p≤0,001) para todas las técnicas quirúrgicas. En ese sentido, la evaluación de la diferencia de medias reveló un mejor desempeño de la artroplastia lumbar (p≤0,001). Conclusión: Los datos sugieren que la artroplastia lumbar ofrece mayor beneficio a los pacientes en términos de capacidad funcional y calidad de vida. Nivel de Evidencia III; Estudio retrospectivo, descriptivo, observacional.

Osteosynthesis of a scaphoid neck fracture with a cannulated compression screw: evaluation of 52 patients / Osteossíntese de fratura no colo do escafoide com parafuso canulado de compressão: avaliação de 52 pacientes

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of the dorsal fixation technique with a cannulated compression screw (CCS) for transverse scaphoid neck fractures. Methods: A case series study was carried out with patients treated with a CSS between April 2014 and May 2021. The main outcome was the healing of the fracture, verified by radiographic evaluation that used images of the wrist in anteroposterior, lateral, radial deviation, ulnar deviation and oblique views, obtained in the postoperative period. Results: Fifty-two patients aged between 15 and 65 years were analyzed, of which 43 (83%) were male. Of the 52 patients, 19 (36.53%) had a right-hand injury and 33 (63.46%) had a left-hand injury. Results were excellent in 47 patients (90.38%); good in 4 patients (7.69%), with reduced mobility compared to contralateral and poor in 1 patient (1.92%), with failure of consolidation and breakage of the synthesis material. In 51 cases (99%) there was bone consolidation at the end of six months. Conclusion: Osteosynthesis with a cannulated compression screw is a safe, effective and promising method for the treatment of scaphoid neck fractures. Level of Evidence IV, Case Series.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a eficácia da técnica de fixação dorsal com parafuso canulado de compressão (CCS) para fraturas transversas do colo do escafoide. Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo de série de casos com pacientes tratados com CSS entre abril de 2014 e maio de 2021. O desfecho principal foi a consolidação da fratura, verificada por meio da avaliação radiográfica das imagens do punho em anteroposterior, perfil, desvio radial, desvio ulnar e oblíquo obtidas no pós-operatório. Resultados: Foram analisados 52 pacientes com idade entre 15 e 65 anos, sendo 43 (83%) do sexo masculino. Dos 52 pacientes, 19 (36,53%) tinham lesão na mão direita e 33(63,46%) na mão esquerda. Os resultados foram excelentes em 47 dos pacientes (90,38%); bons em quatro (7,69%), com mobilidade reduzida comparada ao membro contralateral; e ruim em um (1,92%), com falha da consolidação e quebra do material de síntese. Em 51 casos (99%) houve consolidação óssea ao final de seis meses. Conclusão: A osteossíntese com parafuso canulado de compressão é um método seguro, eficaz e promissor para o tratamento das fraturas no colo do escafoide. Nível de Evidência IV, Série de Casos.

Trend of traffic accident mortality rate among motorcyclists in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, from 2015 to 2020.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the trend in motorcyclist mortality rate from traffic accidents in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, from 2015 to 2020. METHODS: This is an ecological time series study with secondary data from the Traffic Accident Management Information System of the State of São Paulo (INFOSIGA), referring to motorcyclists' deaths due to road traffic injuries in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, from 2015 to 2020. The Annual Percent Change was calculated according to the Prais-Winsten regression model, using the Stata 14.0 software. RESULTS: A total of 11,343 deaths of motorcyclists due to road traffic injuries were reported. The highest proportion of deaths occurred among men (88.1%), aged between 18 and 24 years (27.9%), in the two most populous and urbanized regions of the state. The distribution of mortality showed minimal variation in the analyzed period, from 4.22 to 4.42 deaths/100 thousand inhabitants. Among the analyzed sociodemographic variables, the mortality trend of motorcyclists was mostly stationary. CONCLUSION: The analysis of the mortality of motorcyclists due to road traffic injuries in the state of São Paulo showed a stationary trend.

Effects of Fused Silica Addition on Thermal Expansion, Density, and Hardness of Alumix-231 Based Composites.

Fused silica is a ceramic with promising applications as a filler in composites due to its near-zero thermal expansion. Substitution of heavy cast iron with Al-based light alloys is of utmost importance for the automotive industry. However, the high thermal expansion of Al alloys is an obstacle to their use in some applications. As such, ceramic fillers are natural candidates for tuning thermal expansion of Al-based matrices, due to their inherently moderate or low thermal expansion. Alumix-231 is a new promising alloy, and fused silica has never been used before to lower its thermal expansion. Composites with the addition of 5 to 20 vol.% of fused silica were developed through powder metallurgy, and the best results in terms of reduction of thermal expansion were reached after liquid phase sintering at 565 °C. Coefficients of thermal expansion as low as 13.70 and 12.73 × 10-6 °C-1 (between 25 and 400 °C) were reached for the addition of 15 and 20 vol.% of fused silica, a reduction of 29.9% and 34.8%, respectively, in comparison to neat Alumix-231. In addition, the density and hardness of these composites were not significantly affected, since they suffered only a small decrease, no higher than 6% and 5%, respectively. As such, the obtained results showed that Alumix-231/fused silica composites are promising materials for automotive applications.

4-Dimethylaminoantipyrine as a Broad Electrochemical Indicator for Immunosensors Platform.

Here, we describe 4-dimethylaminoantipyrine (4-DMAA)-mediated interfacing as a broad biochemical indicator to stabilize and promote the higher response of electrodes for immunological detection. We hypothesized that the improved biological interactions of 4-DMAA with electrodes and biological samples may be due to the interaction properties of the benzene and pyrazole chemical groups with graphite and proteins, respectively. In order to demonstrate that 4-DMAA could be used as a general indicator in electrochemical immunoassays, we used peptides as probes for the diagnosis of four neglected tropical infectious diseases Tegumentary leishmaniasis, Visceral leishmaniasis, Strongyloidiasis, and Leprosy on commercial graphite screen-printed electrodes. 4-DMAA oxidation was used to indicate specific biological recognition between the epitope-based peptide and serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) from infected patients. We demonstrated that 4-DMAA should be incorporated into the electrodes prior to serum application, which avoids interference with its sensitivity and specificity. In addition, 4-DMAA oxidizes at a low anodic potential, and the oxidation peak is useful for detecting proteins in biological fluids. In summary, we have successfully demonstrated the broad application of 4-DMAA as a general indicator for the specific diagnosis of four infectious diseases in electrochemical immunosensors. Such a strategy is quite advantageous for indirect detection of proteins that lack electrochemical activities or are spatially inaccessible on the electrode surface. This new indicator opens a new avenue for monitoring biological recognition, especially for immunosensors.

Minimally invasive swine spine surgery training: technical aspects, benefits, and anatomical limitations.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the technical specificities and feasibility of simulation of minimally invasive spine surgery in live pigs, as well as similarities and differences in comparison to surgery in humans. METHODS: A total of 22 Large White class swine models, weighing between 60 and 80kg, were submitted to surgical simulations, performed during theoretical-practical courses for training surgical techniques (microsurgical and endoscopic lumbar decompression; percutaneous pedicular instrumentation; lateral access to the thoracic spine, and anterior and retroperitoneal to the lumbar spine, and management of complications) by 86 spine surgeons. For each surgical technique, porcine anatomy (similarities and differences in relation to human anatomy), access route, and dimensions of the instruments and implants used were evaluated. Thus, the authors describe the feasibility of each operative simulation, as well as suggestions to optimize training. Study results are descriptive, with figures and drawings. RESULTS: Neural decompression surgeries (microsurgeries and endoscopic) and pedicular instrumentation presented higher similarities to surgery on humans. On the other hand, intradiscal procedures had limitations due to the narrow disc space in swines. We were able to simulate situations of surgical trauma in surgical complication scenarios, such as cerebrospinal fluid fistulas and excessive bleeding, with comparable realism to surgery on humans. CONCLUSION: A porcine model for simulation of minimally invasive spinal surgical techniques had similarities with surgery on humans, and is therefore feasible for surgeon training.

Correlação entre espasticidade do membro superior e movimentação da mão no pós-AVC / Correlación entre la espasticidad del miembro superior y el movimiento de la mano post-ACV / Correlation between upper limb spasticity and hand movement after stroke

RESUMO A hemiparesia e a espasticidade são consequências comuns em pacientes que sofreram um acidente vascular cerebral (AVC) e delas decorre a dificuldade do paciente de movimentar o hemicorpo acometido. O objetivo deste estudo foi, assim, verificar a relação da espasticidade no membro superior (MS) com a capacidade de movimentação da mão desses pacientes, a partir de um estudo transversal de delineamento ex-post facto correlacional. Foram avaliados pacientes que realizavam acompanhamento no Ambulatório Neurovascular do Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA). Foi preenchida uma ficha de avaliação com dados da amostra e realizada a avaliação da espasticidade do MS, por meio da escala de Ashworth modificada (MAS), e da movimentação ativa da mão, por meio da escala de movimentação da mão (EMM). Para a correlação das variáveis, foi usado o coeficiente de correlação tau de Kendall, adotando-se um nível de significação de 5% (p≤0,05). Foram avaliados 47 sujeitos de ambos os sexos com média de idade de 64,5 (±13) anos e média de tempo de AVC de 2,7 (±1,8) meses. A moda da EMM foi de 6 pontos e 74,4% dos pacientes não eram espásticos. O movimento da mão apresentou correlação significativa negativa com as musculaturas espásticas avaliadas. Houve uma correlação negativa moderada com as musculaturas peitoral (r=−0,383; p=0,007), os flexores de cotovelo (r=−0,339; p=0,016) e pronadores (r=−0,460; p=0,001), e correlação negativa alta com os flexores de punho (r=−0,588; p<0,001) e os flexores de dedos (r=−0,692; p<0,001). Concluiu-se que quanto maior o grau de espasticidade do membro superior, menor a capacidade de movimentação da mão dos pacientes.

RESUMEN La hemiparesia y la espasticidad en los pacientes son consecuencias frecuentes del accidente cerebrovascular (ACV), lo que resulta en la dificultad del paciente para mover el hemicuerpo afectado. El objetivo de este estudio fue verificar la relación entre la espasticidad en el miembro superior (MS) y la capacidad de mover la mano de estos pacientes a partir de un estudio transversal, con un diseño correlacional ex post facto. Se evaluaron a pacientes en seguimiento en el Ambulatorio de Neurovascular del Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), en Brasil. El formulario de evaluación se utilizó para recoger los datos de la muestra, y para el análisis de la espasticidad del MS se aplicó la escala de Ashworth modificada (MAS), y el movimiento activo de la mano, la escala de movimiento de la mano (EMM). Para la correlación de variables se utilizó el coeficiente de correlación tau de Kendall, con un nivel de significación del 5% (p≤0,05). Se evaluaron a 47 personas de ambos sexos, con una edad media de 64,5 (±13) años y un tiempo medio del ACV de 2,7 (±1,8) meses. La moda de EMM fue de 6 puntos, y el 74,4% de los pacientes no eran espásticos. El movimiento de la mano mostró una correlación negativa significativa con las musculaturas espásticas evaluadas. Hubo una moderada correlación negativa con la musculatura pectoral (r=−0,383; p=0,007), los flexores del codo (r=−0,339; p=0,016) y pronadores (r=−0,460; p=0,001), y una alta correlación negativa con los flexores de muñeca (r=−0,588; p<0,001) y los flexores de dedos (r=−0,692; p<0,001). Se concluyó que cuanto mayor es el grado de espasticidad del miembro superior, menor será la capacidad de movimiento de las manos de los pacientes.

ABSTRACT Hemiparesis and spasticity are common consequences in stroke patients, hampering the movement in the affected side. Our study aimed to correlate upper limb spasticity and the ability to move the hand in these patients. This is a quantitative cross-sectional study with an ex post facto correlational design. We evaluated patients undergoing follow-up at the Neurovascular Outpatient Clinic at the Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre. An evaluation form was filled out with sample data and the upper limb spasticity was evaluated using the Modified Ashworth Scale and the active hand movement using the Hand Movement Scale. Correlation of variables were verified using Kendall's rank correlation coefficient. A significance level of 5% (p≤0.05) was adopted. In total, we evaluated 47 subjects of all genders, with a mean age of 64.5 (±13) years and a mean stroke time of 2.7 (±1.8) months. The Hand movement Scale mode was 6 points, and 74.4% of patients were not spastic. Hand movement showed a significant negative correlation with the spastic muscles evaluated. There was a moderate negative correlation with the pectoral muscles (r=−0.383; p=0.007), elbow flexors (r=−0.339; p=0.016) and pronators (r=−0.460; p=0.001) and high negative correlation with wrist flexors (r=−0.588; p<0.001) and finger flexors (r=−0.692; p<.001). The greater the degree of spasticity of the upper limb, the smaller the hand movement capacity in stroke patients.

Environmental life cycle assessment of cow milk in a conventional semi-intensive Brazilian production system.

The environmental performance of cow milk produced in a conventional semi-intensive system was assessed using a cradle-to-farm gate attributional life cycle assessment. The impacts of 1 kg FPCM-fat and protein corrected milk were obtained considering six midpoint impact categories from the ReCiPe 2016 method: climate change (CC), terrestrial acidification (TA), freshwater eutrophication (FE), land use (LU), water consumption (WC), and fossil resource scarcity (FRS). The modeling of the product system and calculating the environmental impacts considered the use of SimaPro™ software. Enteric methane and nitrogen emissions and inputs for feeding animals (fertilization for pasture production, use of seed in corn crops, and milk replacer in calves feed) were the main contributors to impacts in milk production in most categories. In addition, the indirect energy use and wastewater generation in milking and milk cooling also were relevant. Literature-based strategies are suggested to mitigate the identified environmental impacts to achieve the best environmental performance without decreasing technical and quality milk production. We emphasize the importance of improving productivity per milk cow, knowing the origin of the supply chain inputs, and using it efficiently to produce animal feeds as the main strategies to improve milk's environmental performance. Changes in allocation methods did not substantially differ in impact categories. Sensitivity analysis foregrounds the consistency of results and conclusions of the current study despite the uncertainties associated with methodological choices, simplifications, suppositions, and the use and adaptation of international databases.

Trend of traffic accident mortality rate among motorcyclists in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, from 2015 to 2020 / Tendência da taxa de mortalidade por acidentes de trânsito entre motociclistas no estado de São Paulo, Brasil, de 2015 a 2020

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess the trend in motorcyclist mortality rate from traffic accidents in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, from 2015 to 2020. Methods: This is an ecological time series study with secondary data from the Traffic Accident Management Information System of the State of São Paulo (INFOSIGA), referring to motorcyclists' deaths due to road traffic injuries in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, from 2015 to 2020. The Annual Percent Change was calculated according to the Prais-Winsten regression model, using the Stata 14.0 software. Results: A total of 11,343 deaths of motorcyclists due to road traffic injuries were reported. The highest proportion of deaths occurred among men (88.1%), aged between 18 and 24 years (27.9%), in the two most populous and urbanized regions of the state. The distribution of mortality showed minimal variation in the analyzed period, from 4.22 to 4.42 deaths/100 thousand inhabitants. Among the analyzed sociodemographic variables, the mortality trend of motorcyclists was mostly stationary. Conclusion: The analysis of the mortality of motorcyclists due to road traffic injuries in the state of São Paulo showed a stationary trend.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a tendência da taxa de mortalidade de motociclistas decorrentes de lesões por acidentes de trânsito no estado de São Paulo, Brasil, nos anos de 2015 a 2020. Métodos: Estudo ecológico de delineamento de série temporal com dados secundários provenientes do Sistema de Informações Gerenciais de Acidentes de Trânsito do Estado de São Paulo (INFOSIGA), referentes aos óbitos de motociclistas decorrentes de lesões por acidentes de trânsito no estado de São Paulo, de 2015 a 2020. A variação percentual anual foi calculada pelo modelo de regressão de Prais-Winsten, utilizando o programa STATA 14.0. Resultados: Foram notificados 11.343 óbitos de motociclistas resultantes de lesões por acidentes de trânsito. A maior proporção de óbitos ocorreu entre indivíduos do sexo masculino (88,1%), entre 18 e 24 anos de idade (27,9%), nas duas regiões mais populosas e urbanizadas do estado. A distribuição da taxa de mortalidade apresentou mínima variação no período analisado, de 4,22 a 4,42 óbitos/100 mil habitantes. Entre as variáveis sociodemográficas analisadas, a tendência da mortalidade de motociclistas foi estacionária em sua maioria. Conclusão: A análise da taxa de mortalidade de motociclistas decorrentes de lesões por acidentes de trânsito no estado de São Paulo apresentou tendência estacionária.

Minimally invasive swine spine surgery training: technical aspects, benefits, and anatomical limitations

ABSTRACT Objective To describe the technical specificities and feasibility of simulation of minimally invasive spine surgery in live pigs, as well as similarities and differences in comparison to surgery in humans. Methods A total of 22 Large White class swine models, weighing between 60 and 80kg, were submitted to surgical simulations, performed during theoretical-practical courses for training surgical techniques (microsurgical and endoscopic lumbar decompression; percutaneous pedicular instrumentation; lateral access to the thoracic spine, and anterior and retroperitoneal to the lumbar spine, and management of complications) by 86 spine surgeons. For each surgical technique, porcine anatomy (similarities and differences in relation to human anatomy), access route, and dimensions of the instruments and implants used were evaluated. Thus, the authors describe the feasibility of each operative simulation, as well as suggestions to optimize training. Study results are descriptive, with figures and drawings. Results Neural decompression surgeries (microsurgeries and endoscopic) and pedicular instrumentation presented higher similarities to surgery on humans. On the other hand, intradiscal procedures had limitations due to the narrow disc space in swines. We were able to simulate situations of surgical trauma in surgical complication scenarios, such as cerebrospinal fluid fistulas and excessive bleeding, with comparable realism to surgery on humans. Conclusion A porcine model for simulation of minimally invasive spinal surgical techniques had similarities with surgery on humans, and is therefore feasible for surgeon training.

Gait, balance, and functional independence level in stroke patients

Introduction: Most stroke patients present limited movement, which alters gait speed and balance. This study aimed to correlate balance and gait speed, and weight distribution and balance in post-stroke patients.Methods: In total, 36 participants were included. Data collection occurred as follows: filling out the assessment form; assessment with the Berg Balance Scale (BBS); assessment with the baropodometric platform; performing the 10 Meter Walk Test (10mWT) with accelerometer; measurements with the modified Rankin Scale (mRS); the Functional Ambulation Classification (FAC); and the Barthel Index (BI).Results: A negative correlation between FAC and mRS (r = −0.708; p < 0.05) and between BI and mRS (r = −0.716; p < 0.05) was found. The correlation between BI and FAC was positive (r = 0.591). There was a strong positive correlation between the 10mWT values and the BBS score (r = 0.708; p < 0.05). Moreover, a weak negative correlation was observed between BBS values and lower limb weight distribution (r = −0.378; p < 0.05).Conclusion: We found a correlation between the functional ambulation and the degree of independence.This study showed that the better the balance, the greater the gait speed, and the lower the difference on lower limbs weight distribution, the better the balance in post-stroke patients.