Assessment and accumulation of microplastics in sewage sludge at wastewater treatment plants located in Cádiz, Spain.

Sludge from Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) have been determined as a sink of microplastics (MP) removed from wastewater. The aim of this research work has been to evaluate the presence of these pollutants in the sludge of seven WWTPs (five urban and two industrial), located in southern Spain. Samples were collected in the primary, secondary and digested sludge matrixes, MPs were extracted following wet peroxide oxidation and the removal of cellulose, finally the samples were analyzed according to their abundance, size (from 100 µm to 5 mm), shape, colour, and polymer type. Subsequently, the data obtained on the WWTPs were compared, the main difference among the WWTPs and different sample points showed high heterogeneity in terms of abundance of microplastics, due to the differences in the sludge loaded, the processes and the type of sludge. The results from this study established that the most abundant shape was fibers; regarding the size, 100-355 µm fraction was the most abundant, showing that the amount of MPs increased when the size decreased. Regarding the type of polymers, 23 were identified by ATR-FTIR. Further, Acrylate, PE, EAA and PP were the most abundant found polymers. The presence of MPs in the digested sludge varied from 0.02 ± 0.006 MP g DW-1 to 57.18 ± 20.69 MP g DW-1 in the WWTP 6 (food industry) and WWTP 3 (urban city over 212,000 inhabitants), respectively; higher abundance of MPs found in the primary sludge in respect to secondary sludge; in concordance with the removal from wastewater line reported in other studies. The results obtained showed that MPs were widely present in sludge, becoming a sink of these pollutants, estimating that among 8.05 · 104 and 1.77 · 109 MPs · day-1 were loaded to sludge; therefore, these facilities act as a significant source of MPs into agriculture when sludge is used as soil amendment.

Synchrotron microtomography applied to the volumetric analysis of internal structures of Thoropa miliaris tadpoles.

Amphibians are models for studying applied ecological issues such as habitat loss, pollution, disease, and global climate change due to their sensitivity and vulnerability to changes in the environment. Developmental series of amphibians are informative about their biology, and X-ray based 3D reconstruction holds promise for quantifying morphological changes during growth-some with a direct impact on the possibility of an experimental investigation on several of the ecological topics listed above. However, 3D resolution and discrimination of their soft tissues have been difficult with traditional X-ray computed tomography, without time-consuming contrast staining. Tomographic data were initially performed (pre-processing and reconstruction) using the open-source software tool SYRMEP Tomo Project. Data processing and analysis of the reconstructed tomography volumes were conducted using the segmentation semi-automatic settings of the software Avizo Fire 8, which provide information about each investigated tissues, organs or bone elements. Hence, volumetric analyses were carried out to quantify the development of structures in different tadpole developmental stages. Our work shows that synchrotron X-ray microtomography using phase-contrast mode resolves the edges of the internal tissues (as well as overall tadpole morphology), facilitating the segmentation of the investigated tissues. Reconstruction algorithms and segmentation software played an important role in the qualitative and quantitative analysis of each target structure of the Thoropa miliaris tadpole at different stages of development, providing information on volume, shape and length. The use of the synchrotron X-ray microtomography setup of the SYRMEP beamline of Elettra Synchrotron, in phase-contrast mode, allows access to volumetric data for bone formation, eye development, nervous system and notochordal changes during the development (ontogeny) of tadpoles of a cycloramphid frog Thoropa miliaris. As key elements in the normal development of these and any other frog tadpole, the application of such a comparative ontogenetic study, may hold interest to researchers in experimental and environmental disciplines.

Three new species of Aricidea (Acmira) (Annelida: Paraonidae) from the Continental Shelf of Eastern Brazil, Southwestern Atlantic.

Three new species of the Paraonidae genus Aricidea (Acmira) are described from the Southwestern Atlantic, East Brazilian Continental Shelf (from depths between 11 and 44 m) in the Espírito Santo Basin. The species Aricidea (Acmira) filamentosa sp. nov., Aricidea (Acmira) pearti sp. nov. and Aricidea (Acmira) bbkingi sp. nov. are clearly different from all known species in the genus through its chaetal morphology, number of branchiate chaetigers and shape of antenna. These three species were found in only a few sampling stations, geographically and bathymetrically restricted within a much wider sampled area.

Importance of Footwear Outsole Rigidity in Improving Spatiotemporal Parameters in Patients with Diabetes and Previous Forefoot Ulcerations.

We aimed to identify if any differences existed in spatiotemporal parameters during gait among different densities of rocker soles in patients with a history of neuropathic ulcerations and the differences in comfort between shoe conditions. This study was a cross-sectional study of 24 patients with diabetes and a history of neuropathic diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). Spatiotemporal parameters (duration of stance phase (ms), stride length (cm), and step velocity (m/s)) were analyzed in barefoot, semirigid outsole, and rigid outsole footwear conditions. A dynamic pressure measurement system (Footscan® system, RSscan International, Belgium) was used to assess shoe conditions. We also analyzed differences in comfort between the shoe conditions using a visual analog scale. A Wilcoxon test for paired samples was used to assess gait differences. Result showed that a rigid outsole causes changes in the subphases of the stance phase (p < 0.001; Cohen d = 0.6) compared to a semirigid outsole. Stride length (p < 0.001; Cohen d = 0.66) and step velocity were significantly longer (p < 0.001; Cohen d = 2.03) with the use of rigid outsole footwear. A rigid rocker sole reduces the time of the stance phase, in addition to increasing the stride length and velocity of step in patients with a previous history of DFUs.

Small for gestational age very preterm infants present a higher risk of developing bronchopulmonary dysplasia.

INTRODUCTION: Several studies assessed the influence of a low birth weight on bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), but not all could find a significant association. Our aim was to assess the association between low birth weight and BPD in preterm infants, prospectively recruited at 11 level III Portuguese neonatal centers. METHODS: Obstetrical and neonatal data on mothers and preterm infants with gestational ages between 24 and 30 weeks, born during 2015 and 2016 after a surveilled pregnancy, were analyzed. Neonates were considered small for gestational age (SGA) when their birthweight was below the 10th centile of Fenton's growth chats and BPD was defined as the dependency for oxygen therapy until 36 weeks of corrected age. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS® statistics 23 and a p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Out of 614, a total of 494 preterm infants delivered from 410 women were enrolled in the study; 40 (8.0%) infants with SGA criteria. SGA were more often associated with a single pregnancy, had greater use of antenatal corticosteroids, increased prevalence of gestational hypertensive disorders, C-section, rupture of membranes below 18 hours, rate of intubation in the delivery room, use of surfactant treatment, oxygen therapy, mechanical ventilation need, BPD, cystic periventricular leukomalacia, nosocomial sepsis and pneumonia; had lower prevalence of chorioamnionitis, and lower Apgar scores. The multivariate analysis by logistic regression, adjusted for BPD risk factors revealed a significant association between SGA and BPD: OR = 5.2 [CI: 1.46-18.58]; p = 0.01. CONCLUSION: The results of this study increase the scientific evidence that SGA is an independent risk factor for BPD.

[Impact of iron deficiency in early life stages on children's motor development: a longitudinal follow-up].

Objective: To clarify the impact of pre- and postnatal iron deficiency on children's motor development. Methods: This was a longitudinal follow-up study. A total of 114 infants (58 boys, 56 girls) born from April 2010 to December 2011 in Fuyang district of Hangzhou were enrolled. Based on cord blood and 9-month iron status, subjects were divided into prenatal iron deficiency (34 children), postnatal iron deficiency (37 children) and non-iron deficiency group (43 children). Peabody Developmental Motor Scale and BOT2-simplified version were used to evaluate the motor capacity in infants and preschoolers at 9 months, 18 months and 5 years, respectively. Hierarchical linear modeling (HLM) was used to investigate the trajectory of motor development with age, the influence of different timing of early iron deficiency on children's motor development, and the differences (adjusted for possible confounding factors) in motor development in children with pre- or postnatal iron deficiency or non-iron deficiency in different family educational environment. Results: At the age of 9 months, 18 months and 5 years, 107, 109, and 114 children were evaluated respectively. After controlling for a variety of confounding factors, it was found that children with prenatal iron deficiency had significantly lower scores of motor development compared with non-iron deficiency children (52.04 vs. 54.05 scores, ß=-2.01, P=0.007), and that children with postnatal iron deficiency had similar scores of motor development compared with non-iron deficiency children, showing no significant difference (53.07 vs. 54.05 scores, ß=-0.98, P=0.180). Regardless of the maternal education status, prenatal iron deficiency children always had lower motor scores than non-iron deficiency children (49.86 vs. 52.15 and 49.58 vs. 51.58 scores, ß=-2.29, -2.00; P=0.031, 0.049). Among the non-iron deficiency children, those whose mothers had a higher education level had higher motor scores compared with those whose mothers had a lower education level (52.45 vs. 50.46 scores, ß=1.99, P=0.035). Conclusions: The motor development of children with prenatal iron deficiency did not catch up with their counterparts without iron deficiency by 5 years of age. The results indicate the importance of preventing iron deficiency in the fetus.

Predictors of Diabetic Foot Reulceration beneath the Hallux.

AIMS: To evaluate the factors that predict reulceration beneath the hallux in people with a history of diabetic foot ulceration. METHODS: A prospective study conducted between January 2012 and December 2014 was performed in a diabetic foot unit to assess the risk factors associated with hallux reulceration. Sixty patients with diabetic neuropathy and a history of previous ulcer were consecutively included. Sociodemographic factors and comorbidities plus the biomechanical and radiographic factors were obtained. Follow-up on participants was conducted every month, and they wore offloading therapeutic footwear and custom-made insoles. Hallux reulceration during the follow-up period was assessed as the main outcome measure in the study. RESULTS: Patients were followed up during 29 (14.2-64.4) months. Twenty-nine patients (52%) developed a new ulceration: 9 patients (31%) in the hallux and 20 (69%) in other locations. Functional hallux limitus (p = 0.005, 95% CI (2.097-73.128), HR 12.384) and increased body mass index (p = 0.044, 95% CI (1.003-1.272), HR 1.129) were associated with the hallux ulceration-free survival time in the multivariate Cox model. CONCLUSIONS: Obesity and the presence of functional hallux limitus increase the probability of developing hallux reulceration in patients with diabetic neuropathy and a history of ulcers.

A ten-color tube with dried antibody reagents for the screening of hematological malignancies.

INTRODUCTION: The workflow in clinical flow cytometry laboratories must constantly be reviewed to develop technical procedures that improve quality and productivity and reduce costs. Using the Beckman Coulter dry coating technology, we customized a ten-color tube with dried antibody reagents, designated the Duraclone screening tube (DST), for screening hematological malignancies. Here, we compared the applicability, clinical and numerical equivalence, and cost and time required for the technical procedures between the liquid reagents and the DST. METHODS: The DST contains CD4 + Kappa-FITC, CD8 + Lambda-PE, CD3 + CD14-ECD, CD33-PE-Cy5.5, CD20 + CD56-PE-Cy7, CD34-APC, CD19-APC-AlexaFluor700, CD10-APC-AlexaFluor750, CD5-Pacific Blue, and CD45-Krome Orange. We evaluated 20 bone marrow samples, 13 peripheral blood samples, 6 lymph node biopsy samples, 5 fine-needle aspirate samples, 5 cerebrospinal fluid samples, and 1 pleural fluid sample. RESULTS: The DST was useful for more than 60% of our samples. It was able to enumerate the majority of the populations in all types of samples with a statistically acceptable correlation with the liquid reagents. The use of the DST translated into significant time and cost savings of 15.8% and 12.3%, respectively, compared with the use of the liquid reagent. The cost was reduced by $14.36 per sample. CONCLUSIONS: The DST is an efficient solution for screening hematological malignancies with improved quality, productivity, standardization, and sustainability. These improvements could benefit patients by providing faster diagnoses using a higher quality and lower cost reagent.

Microsurgical reconstruction in limb salvage due to a giant cell tumor of the distal radius. Case report.

The giant cell tumor of bone is one of the most controversial neoplasms due to growth patterns that may present. The case reported shows a very aggressive tumor in a classic location, but key to hand function. Rather than treat with radical surgery, was planned and performed a wide resection with an ulnar-carpus arthrodesis and microsurgical reconstruction of the defect throught an anterolateral thigh flap. The multidisciplinary approach of bone neoplasms produce a positive impact on patients.

El tumor óseo de células gigantes es una de las neoplasias más controversiales debido a los patrones de crecimiento que pueden presentar. El caso reportado muestra un tumor muy agresivo en una localización clásica, pero clave para la función de la mano. En lugar de tratarla mediante cirugía radical, se planeó y realizó una resección amplia con artrodesis cúbito-carpiana y la reconstrucción microquirúrgica del defecto mediante un colgajo anterolateral de muslo. El abordaje multidisciplinario de las neoplasias óseas repercute positivamente en los pacientes.

[Venezuelan consensus guidelines on the use of magnetic resonance in diagnosis and follow up of patients with multiple sclerosis]. / Consenso venezolano para el uso de la resonancia magnetica en el diagnostico y seguimiento de pacientes con esclerosis multiple.

INTRODUCTION: The clinical use of magnetic resonance (MR) in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) has advanced markedly over the past few years. Several groups around the world have developed consensus guidelines about the role of MR in MS at diagnosis and during follow up. However, in some regions is difficult to extrapolate the recommendations. AIM: To provide recommendations for the implementation of MR in MS patients at diagnosis and follow up in Venezuela. DEVELOPMENT: A group of experts from Venezuela that included neurologists and radiologists, by using the online surveys methodology as well as face to face meetings developed the intended consensus for the use of MR during the diagnosis and follow up of MS patients in Venezuela. Seventeen recommendations were established based on published evidence and the expert opinion. Recommendations focused on the role of conventional MR techniques and brain atrophy measurement in MS patients both at diagnosis and during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The recommendations of this consensus guidelines attempts to optimize the health care and management of patients with MS in Venezuela.

TITLE: Consenso venezolano para el uso de la resonancia magnetica en el diagnostico y seguimiento de pacientes con esclerosis multiple.Introduccion. El uso de la resonancia magnetica (RM) en el diagnostico y seguimiento de pacientes con esclerosis multiple (EM) se ha incrementado considerablemente durante los ultimos años. Diversos grupos de trabajo internacionales han intentado clarificar y normativizar el uso de la RM tanto en el momento del diagnostico como durante el seguimiento de los pacientes. Sin embargo, en muchas ocasiones se extrapolan datos de otras regiones que no contemplan la realidad de cada lugar o son dificiles de implementar. Objetivo. Elaborar un consenso venezolano para el uso de la RM en el diagnostico y seguimiento de pacientes con EM. Desarrollo. Un grupo de expertos de Venezuela, conformado por neurologos y radiologos, mediante metodologia de ronda de encuestas a distancia y reuniones presenciales, llevo adelante la elaboracion del consenso pretendido para el uso de la RM en el diagnostico y seguimiento de pacientes con EM en Venezuela. Se establecieron 17 recomendaciones basadas en la evidencia publicada y en el criterio de los expertos que participaron. Las recomendaciones se enfocaron en el papel de las tecnicas convencionales de RM, asi como en el de la medicion de la atrofia cerebral en pacientes con EM, tanto en el momento del diagnostico como durante el seguimiento. Conclusion. Las recomendaciones establecidas en el presente consenso permitiran optimizar el cuidado y el seguimiento de los pacientes con EM en Venezuela.

Microsurgical reconstruction in limb salvage due to a giant cell tumor of the distal radius. Case report / Reconstrucción microquirúrgica de la extremidad asociada a un tumor de células gigantes del extremo distal del radio. Reporte de caso

Abstract: The giant cell tumor of bone is one of the most controversial neoplasms due to growth patterns that may present. The case reported shows a very aggressive tumor in a classic location, but key to hand function. Rather than treat with radical surgery, was planned and performed a wide resection with an ulnar-carpus arthrodesis and microsurgical reconstruction of the defect throught an anterolateral thigh flap. The multidisciplinary approach of bone neoplasms produce a positive impact on patients.

Resumen: El tumor óseo de células gigantes es una de las neoplasias más controversiales debido a los patrones de crecimiento que pueden presentar. El caso reportado muestra un tumor muy agresivo en una localización clásica, pero clave para la función de la mano. En lugar de tratarla mediante cirugía radical, se planeó y realizó una resección amplia con artrodesis cúbito-carpiana y la reconstrucción microquirúrgica del defecto mediante un colgajo anterolateral de muslo. El abordaje multidisciplinario de las neoplasias óseas repercute positivamente en los pacientes.

[Predictive value of cerebellar growth and general movements assessments for neurodevelopment of very preterm infants at 18-24 months' corrected age]. / Valor pronostico de las evaluaciones del crecimiento cerebelar y de los movimientos generales para el neurodesarrollo del gran prematuro entre los 18 y 24 meses de edad corregida.

INTRODUCTION: Fidgety movements assessments is very sensitive predicting long-term outcome or cerebral palsy of preterm, disrupted cerebellar growth has been reported in these patients. AIM: To compare the predictive value of cerebellar ultrasound growth and fidgety movements assessments, for neurodevelopment outcome of very preterm at 18-24 month's corrected age (CA). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Prospective study of 88 infants cohort (<= 32 weeks' gestation), transverse cerebellar diameter was obtained by ultrasound via mastoid fontanel, in a weekly basis, until 40 weeks CA. Fidgety movements were assessed at 3 months CA. Neurodevelopment outcome at 18-24 month's CA was evaluated in 68 using Schedule of Growing Skills II Scale (SGS-II) and Amiel-Tison Neurologic Assessment (ATNA). RESULTS: At term age, cerebellar growth was under 3rd percentile in 11 (10.3%). Fidgety movements were normal in 42 (61.8%) and abnormal or absent in 7 (10.3%). At 18-24 months CA, 54 (79.4%) were normal by the SGS-II and in 6 (8.8%) ATNA classified as cerebral palsy. Cerebellar diameter under 3rd percentile at term was associated with abnormal motor outcome and normal fidgety movements correlated with normal neurodevelopment. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound cerebellar measurements and functional examinations (fidgety movements) have important complementary roles in predicting neurodevelopment of very preterm.

TITLE: Valor pronostico de las evaluaciones del crecimiento cerebelar y de los movimientos generales para el neurodesarrollo del gran prematuro entre los 18 y 24 meses de edad corregida.Introduccion. La evaluacion de los movimientos de ajetreo es sumamente sensible a la hora de predecir el desenlace a largo plazo o la paralisis cerebral del neonato prematuro, un tipo de paciente en el que se ha descrito el crecimiento anomalo del cerebelo. Objetivo. Comparar el valor pronostico de la determinacion ecografica del crecimiento anomalo del cerebelo y el de la evaluacion de los movimientos de ajetreo en el neurodesarrollo de grandes prematuros a los 18-24 meses de edad corregida. Sujetos y metodos. Estudio prospectivo con una cohorte de 88 neonatos (32 semanas o menos de gestacion) en que se analizo el diametro transversal del cerebelo por medio de una ecografia semanal hasta las 40 semanas de edad corregida. Los movimientos de ajetreo se evaluaron a los tres meses de edad corregida. El estado de maduracion neurologica a los 18-24 meses de edad corregida se evaluo en 68 neonatos con la escala de evaluacion de las competencias en el desarrollo infantil (SGS-II) y la escala de evaluacion neurologica de Amiel-Tison (ATNA). Resultados. En la edad a termino, el crecimiento del cerebelo fue inferior al tercer percentil en 11 neonatos (10,3%). Los movimientos de ajetreo eran normales en 42 (61,8%), y anormales o ausentes, en 7 (10,3%). A los 18-24 meses de edad corregida, 54 (79,4%) mostraron resultados normales en la SGS-II y 6 (8,8%) fueron calificados como afectados por paralisis cerebral segun la ATNA. El diametro cerebelar inferior al tercer percentil a termino estuvo asociado con un desenlace motor anomalo y los movimientos de ajetreo normales se correlacionaron con el neurodesarrollo normal. Conclusion. La estimacion del tamaño del cerebelo y las exploraciones funcionales (movimientos de ajetreo) poseen un importante papel complementario en el pronostico del desarrollo nervioso en el gran prematuro.

Ecdysis period of Rhodnius prolixus head investigated using phase contrast synchrotron microtomography.

Microtomography using synchrotron sources is a useful tool in biological imaging research since the phase coherence of synchrotron beams can be exploited to obtain images with high contrast resolution. This work is part of a series of works using phase contrast synchrotron microtomography in the study of Rhodnius prolixus head, the insect vector of Chagas' disease, responsible for about 12,000 deaths per year. The control of insect vector is the most efficient method to prevent this disease and studies have shown that the use of triflumuron, a chitin synthesis inhibitor, disrupted chitin synthesis during larval development and it's an alternative method against insect pests. The aim of this work was to investigate the biological effects of treatments with triflumuron in the ecdysis period (the moulting of the R. prolixus cuticle) using the new imaging beamline IMX at LNLS (Brazilian Synchrotron Light Laboratory). Nymphs of R. prolixus were taken from the Laboratory of Biochemistry and Physiology of Insects, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Brazil. Doses of 0.05mg of triflumuron were applied directly to the abdomen on half of the insects immediately after feeding. The insects were sacrificed 25days after feeding (intermoulting period) and fixed with glutaraldehyde. The results obtained using phase contrast synchrotron microtomography in R. prolixus showed amazing images of the effects of triflumuron on insects in the ecdysis period, and the formation of the new cuticle on those which were not treated with triflumuron. Both formation and malformation of this insect's cuticle have never been seen before with this technique.

Forefoot ulcer risk is associated with foot type in patients with diabetes and neuropathy.

AIMS: To stratify the ulceration risk according to the foot morphology in people with diabetes and a history of forefoot neuropathic ulceration. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed on 139 neuropathic individuals with diabetes and previous forefoot ulcers between January 2012 and February 2014. Foot position of the participants was evaluated by using the foot-posture index. A multivariate analysis adjusted for confounding variables was performed with the ulceration risk factors that were found in the univariate analysis. RESULTS: Two hundred and fifty-eight feet were analysed, 104 (40.3%) feet had a history of ulceration on the forefoot and 154 (59.7%) feet had no previous ulceration. Two positive tests of neuropathy (p<0.001; CI[1.961-6.249] OR 3.500), presence of deformities (p=0.043; CI[1.020-3.599] OR 1.916) and foot type (p=0.039) showed an association with ulceration risk in multivariate analyses. Pronated feet showed a higher risk of ulceration than supinated feet (p=0.011; CI[1.253-5.708] OR 2.675), while significant differences between neutral and supinated feet were not found (p=0.221; CI[0.719-2.753] OR 1.476). CONCLUSIONS: A pronated foot has a higher risk of ulceration on the forefoot in neuropathic people with deformities and diabetes mellitus. Foot type should be evaluated in people at risk of ulceration.

Post-activation Potentiation in Propulsive Force after Specific Swimming Strength Training.

We investigated whether a conditioning activity (8×12.5 m with 2.5 min-interval using both hand paddles and parachute) induced post-activation potentiation in swimming propulsive force and whether a swimmer's force level affected a post-activation potentiation response. 8 competitive swimmers (5 males and 3 females, age: 18.4±1.3 years; IPS=796±56) performed a 10 s maximum tethered swimming test 8 and 4 min before (the highest value was considered as PRE), and 2.5 and 6.5 min after (POST1 and POST2, respectively) the conditioning activity. Rate of force development was not affected, but peak force in POST1 (p=0.02) and impulse in both POST1 (p=0.007) and POST2 (p=0.004) were reduced. Possibly the conditioning activity induced greater fatigue than post-activation potentiation benefits. For instance, the number of repetitions might have been excessive, and rest intervals between the conditioning activity and POST1 and POST2 were possibly too short. There were positive correlations between PRE peak force and changes in peak force and rate of force development. Although conditioning activity was detrimental, positive correlations suggest that weaker swimmers experience a deterioration of performance more than the stronger ones. This conditioning activity is not recommended for swimmers with the current competitive level before a competitive event.

Antimicrobial evaluation of new metallic complexes with xylitol active against P. aeruginosa and C. albicans: MIC determination, post-agent effect and Zn-uptake.

Xylitol (xylH5) is metabolized via the pentose pathway in humans, but it is unsuitable as an energy source for many microorganisms where it produces a xylitol-induced growth inhibition and disturbance in protein synthesis. For this reason, xylitol is used in the prophylaxis of several infections. In the search of better antimicrobial agents, new copper and zinc complexes with xylitol were synthesized and characterized by analytical and spectrosco pic methods: Na2[Cu3(xylH−4)2]·NaCl·4.5H2O (Cu-xyl) and [Zn4(xylH−4)2(H2O)2]·NaCl·3H2O (Zn-xyl). Both copper and zinc complexes presented higher MIC against Pseudomona aeruginosa than the free xylitol while two different behaviors were found against Candida albicans depending on the complex. The growth curves showed that Cu-xyl presented lower activity than the free ligand during all the studied period. In the case of Znxyl the growth curves showed that the inhibition of the microorganism growth in the first stage was equivalent to that of xylitol but in the second stage (after 18 h) Zn-xyl inhibited more. Besides, the PAE (post agent effect)obtained for Zn-xyl and xyl showed that the recovery from the damage of microbial cells had a delay of 14 and 13 h respectively. This behavior could be useful in prophylaxis treatments for infectious diseases where it is important that the antimicrobial effect lasts longer. With the aim to understand the microbiological activities the analysis of the particle size, lipophilicity and Zn uptake was performed.

Force-time course parameters and force fatigue model during an intermittent fatigue protocol in motorcycle race riders.

Fatigue in forearm muscles may be critical for motorcycle riders in relation to performance and forearm disorders. Force-time course parameters were examined to better characterize the reduction in the maximal force generating capacity (MVC) during an intermittent fatigue protocol (IFP) specifically designed for motorcycle riders. Also, a mathematical force fatigue model is proposed. Forty motorcyclists (aged 27.6 ± 6.8 years) performed an IFP that simulated the braking gesture and posture of a rider. Fatigue was confirmed by a 40% decrement of the normalized MVC in comparison with basal value. Contraction time increased in comparison with basal condition (P ≤ 0.034). Relaxation kinetics presented two phases: (a) a pre-fatigue phase where half relaxation time (HRTraw ) and normalized (HRTnor ) decreased (P ≤ 0.013) while relaxation rate (RRraw ) remained unchanged; and (b) a fatiguing phase where HRTraw , HRTnor increased and RRraw decreased (P ≤ 0.047). Normalized RRraw (RRnor ) declined progressively (P ≤ 0.016). The proposed nonlinear force fatigue model confirmed a satisfactory adjustment (R(2) = 0.977 ± 0.018). This mathematical expression derived three patterns of force fatigue: three-phase, exponential and linear, representing 70%, 13%, and 17% of the participants, respectively. Overall, these results provided further support to force fatigue theoretical and applied proposals.