Quantifying the effects of sea level rise driven marsh migration on wave attenuation.

Sea level rise (SLR) is the most significant climate change-related threat to coastal wetlands, driving major transformations in coastal regions through marsh migration. Landscape transformations due to marsh migration are manifested in terms of horizontal and vertical changes in land cover and elevation, respectively. These processes will have an impact on saltmarsh wave attenuation that is yet to be explored. This study stands as a comprehensive analysis of spatially distributed wave attenuation by vegetation in the context of a changing climate. Our results show that: i) changes in saltmarsh cover have little to no effect on the attenuation of floods, while ii) changes in elevation can significantly reduce flood extents and water depths; iii) overland wave heights are directly influenced by marsh migration, although iv) being indirectly attenuated by the water depth limiting effects of water depth attenuation driven by changes in elevation; v) the influence of saltmarsh accretion on wave attenuation is largely evident near the marsh edge, where the increasing elevations can drive major wave energy losses via wave breaking. Lastly, vi) considering the synergy between SLR, marsh migration, and changes in elevation results in significantly more wave attenuation than considering the eustatic effects of SLR and/or horizontal marsh migration alone, and therefore should be adopted in future studies.

Numerical modeling of wave attenuation: implications of representing vegetation found in coastal saltmarshes in the Chesapeake Bay.

Coastal communities are vulnerable to wave and storm surges during extreme events, highlighting the need to increase community resilience. The effectiveness of natural wetlands in attenuating waves is vital to designing strategies for protecting public safety. This study aimed to understand how vegetation attenuates waves and determine the best method for modeling vegetation's impact on wave dynamics. The researchers compared two different vegetation representations in numerical models, implicit and explicit, using SWAN and XBeach at varying spatial resolutions. The study focused on two marshes in the Chesapeake Bay, using field measurements to investigate the accuracy of each method in representing wave attenuation by vegetation and the implications of explicitly representing average characteristics of one vegetation species on a regional level. Results showed that explicit modeling using average vegetation characteristics provided more accurate results than the implicit model, which only showed wave attenuation due to topography. The finer scale resolution and site-specific vegetation characteristics further improved the accuracy of wave attenuation observed. Understanding the trade-offs between different vegetation representations in numerical models is essential to accurately represent wave attenuation and design effective protection strategies for coastal communities.

Cardiac autonomic modulation in response to postural transition during a virtual reality task in individuals with spinal cord injury: A cross-sectional study.

PURPOSE: The postural transition from sitting to standing is a moment of dysautonomic occurrence in individuals with Spinal Cord Injury (SCI). Different tools can be used to minimize this event, such as virtual reality. Thus, we aimed to analyze cardiac autonomic modulation in individuals with SCI during postural transition from the sitting to orthostatism position using a cognitive virtual reality (VR) task. METHODS: Individuals with and without SCI were positioned on the Easy Stand® device, sitting at rest, at 0° considering the angle between the seat and the floor, elevation at 45°, and orthostatism at 90°, for 5 minutes in each position. Heart rate variability (HRV) measures of sympathovagal balance were collected (heart rate receiver: Polar V800). The groups were subdivided into two groups, one that performed VR as an intervention during the postural angle changes and another group that did not perform VR. RESULTS: We evaluated 76 individuals, 40 with a medical diagnosis of SCI and 36 who composed the able-bodied control group without SCI, matched by age and sex. The HRV results showed that the SCI group who performed the task in VR demonstrated no significant difference in parasympathetic activation and global variability between the sitting versus 90° positions. There was better sympathovagal balance in SCI and able-bodied control groups who performed the VR task between the sitting versus 90° positions. CONCLUSION: The use of a VR task seems to contribute to better sympathovagal balance, with the potential to reduce dysautonomia during postural changes.

Efeitos Agudos da Bebida Energética sobre Parâmetros Autonômicos e Cardiovasculares em Indivíduos com Diferentes Capacidades Cardiorrespiratórias: Um Ensaio Controlado, Randomizado, Crossover e Duplo Cego / Acute Effects of Energy Drink on Autonomic and Cardiovascular Parameters Recovery in Individuals with Different Cardiorespiratory Fitness: A Randomized, Crossover, Double-Blind and Placebo-Controlled Trial

Resumo Fundamento Tem-se sugerido que o consumo de bebidas energéticas (BEs) possa afetar a atividade cardiovascular. Objetivos Investigar os efeitos agudos da ingestão de BE sobre a variabilidade da frequência cardíaca (VFC) recuperação cardiovascular após exercício aeróbico moderado em homens de diferentes capacidades cardiorrespiratórias. Métodos Este é um estudo randomizado, duplo cego, crossover, controlado por placebo. Vinte e oito jovens adultos foram divididos em dois grupos de acordo com o pico de consumo de oxigênio (pico de VO2): (1) pico de VO2 alto (AO) - pico de VO2 > 52,15 mL/Kg/min, e (2) pico de VO2 baixo (BO) - pico de VO2 <52,15 mL/Kg/min. Os indivíduos de ambos os grupos foram submetidos a dois protocolos de exercícios em ordem aleatória: exercício moderado aeróbico (60% de pico de VO2) após a ingestão de 250 mL de água (protocolo placebo) ou 250 mL de BE (protocolo BE). Durante os testes de exercício, foram registrados valores de parâmetros cardiorrespiratórios e de VFC. Resultados Foram observadas diferenças significativas para o índice de LF (unidades normalizadas) entre "repouso" e "Rec1" nos grupos de AO e BO durante o protocolo BE. Para a razão LF/HF, foram observadas diferenças significativas entre "repouso" e Rec1 nos grupos AO e BO nos protocolos BE. Conclusão A ingestão aguda de BE retardou a recuperação da frequência cardíaca após o exercício em indivíduos com capacidade cardiorrespiratória baixa e indivíduos com capacidade cardiorrespiratória alta.

Abstract Background It has been suggested that the consumption of energy drinks (ED) may affect cardiovascular activity. Objectives to investigate the acute effects of ED intake on heart rate variability (HRV) and cardiovascular recovery after moderate aerobic exercise in males with different cardiorespiratory capacities. Methods This is a randomized, double-blind, crossover, placebo-controlled study. Twenty-eight young adults were split into two groups according to their peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak) values: (1) High VO2 peak (HO) - VO2 peak > 52.15 mL/kg/min, and (2) low VO2 peak (LO) - peak VO2 <52.15 mL/kg/min. Subjects of both groups underwent two exercise protocols in randomized order: moderate aerobic exercise (60% of VO2peak) following the intake of 250 mL of water (placebo protocol) or 250 mL of ED (ED protocol). During the exercise tests, values of cardiorespiratory and HRV parameters were recorded. Results Significant differences were observed for the LF (normalized units) index between rest and Rec1 in HO energy and LO groups during the ED protocol. For the LF/HF ratio, significant differences were seen between rest and Rec1 in HO and LO during ED protocols. Conclusion Acute ED intake delayed heart rate recovery after exercise in subjects with low and high cardiorespiratory fitness.

Risk of cardiovascular disease in soccer referees: a cross sectional study

Introducrion: although the mortality rate among soccer players is low, it causes much impact on the entire community and is a fascinating conundrum. Objetive: to evaluate the cardiovascular risk of soccer referees, to describe the frequency of cardiovascular risk considering age groups younger and older than 35 years old and to relate the Framingham and PROCAM indices for the comparison of cardiovascular risk in soccer referees. Methods: We analyzed 50 referees of Paulista Soccer Federation subjected to clinical and laboratory based evaluations at the Center for Sports Health at the Faculty of Medicine of ABC, and were divided into two groups: lower and higher than 35 years of age. For analysis involving all variables of the study it was initially carried out as a descriptive evaluation of the entire group, and then the Framingham and PROCAM methods were applied in a two-dimensional way. Finally, the logistic regression analysis was applied. Anthropometric statistics, blood pressure, laboratory tests and ergospirometric values were within normal limits. Results: referees older than 35 years old presented significant increased values of waist circumference, body mass index, glucose blood levels, lower VO2max and higher cardiovascular risk according to Framingham and PROCAM. Conclusion: the risk for coronary heart disease was higher in referees older than 35 years old.

Introdução: embora a taxa de mortalidade entre os jogadores de futebol seja baixa, ela causa muito impacto em toda a comunidade e é um enigma fascinante.Objetivo: avaliar o risco cardiovascular de árbitros de futebol, descrever a frequência de risco cardiovascular considerando faixas etárias menores e maiores de 35 anos e relacionar os índices de Framingham e PROCAM para comparação de risco cardiovascular em árbitros de futebol.Métodos: foram analisados 50 árbitros da Federação Paulista de Futebol submetidos a avaliações clínicas e laboratoriais no Centro de Saúde Esportiva da Faculdade de Medicina do ABC, divididos em dois grupos: menores e maiores de 35 anos. Para a análise envolvendo todas as variáveis do estudo foi realizada inicialmente como uma avaliação descritiva de todo o grupo e, em seguida, foram aplicados os métodos de Framingham e PROCAM de forma bidimensional. Por fim, foi aplicada a análise de regressão logística. Estatísticas antropométricas, pressão arterial, exames laboratoriais e valores ergoespirométricos estavam dentro da normalidade.Resultados: os árbitros com mais de 35 anos apresentaram valores significantemente aumentados de circunferência da cintura, índice de massa corporal, glicemia, menor VO2máx e maior risco cardiovascular segundo Framingham e PROCAM.Conclusão: o risco de doença coronariana foi maior em árbitros com mais de 35 anos.

Predicting flood damage using the flood peak ratio and Giovanni Flooded Fraction.

A spatially-resolved understanding of the intensity of a flood hazard is required for accurate predictions of infrastructure reliability and losses in the aftermath. Currently, researchers who wish to predict flood losses or infrastructure reliability following a flood usually rely on computationally intensive hydrodynamic modeling or on flood hazard maps (e.g., the 100-year floodplain) to build a spatially-resolved understanding of the flood's intensity. However, both have specific limitations. The former requires both subject matter expertise to create the models and significant computation time, while the latter is a static metric that provides no variation among specific events. The objective of this work is to develop an integrated data-driven approach to rapidly predict flood damages using two emerging flood intensity heuristics, namely the Flood Peak Ratio (FPR) and NASA's Giovanni Flooded Fraction (GFF). This study uses data on flood claims from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) to proxy flood damage, along with other well-established flood exposure variables, such as regional slope and population. The approach uses statistical learning methods to generate predictive models at two spatial levels: nationwide and statewide for the entire contiguous United States. A variable importance analysis demonstrates the significance of FPR and GFF data in predicting flood damage. In addition, the model performance at the state-level was higher than the nationwide level analysis, indicating the effectiveness of both FPR and GFF models at the regional level. A data-driven approach to predict flood damage using the FPR and GFF data offer promise considering their relative simplicity, their reliance on publicly accessible data, and their comparatively fast computational speed.

Acute Effects of Energy Drink on Autonomic and Cardiovascular Parameters Recovery in Individuals with Different Cardiorespiratory Fitness: A Randomized, Crossover, Double-Blind and Placebo-Controlled Trial. / Efeitos Agudos da Bebida Energética sobre Parâmetros Autonômicos e Cardiovasculares em Indivíduos com Diferentes Capacidades Cardiorrespiratórias: Um Ensaio Controlado, Randomizado, Crossover e Duplo Cego.

BACKGROUND: It has been suggested that the consumption of energy drinks (ED) may affect cardiovascular activity. OBJECTIVES: to investigate the acute effects of ED intake on heart rate variability (HRV) and cardiovascular recovery after moderate aerobic exercise in males with different cardiorespiratory capacities. METHODS: This is a randomized, double-blind, crossover, placebo-controlled study. Twenty-eight young adults were split into two groups according to their peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak) values: (1) High VO2 peak (HO) - VO2 peak > 52.15 mL/kg/min, and (2) low VO2 peak (LO) - peak VO2 <52.15 mL/kg/min. Subjects of both groups underwent two exercise protocols in randomized order: moderate aerobic exercise (60% of VO2peak) following the intake of 250 mL of water (placebo protocol) or 250 mL of ED (ED protocol). During the exercise tests, values of cardiorespiratory and HRV parameters were recorded. RESULTS: Significant differences were observed for the LF (normalized units) index between rest and Rec1 in HO energy and LO groups during the ED protocol. For the LF/HF ratio, significant differences were seen between rest and Rec1 in HO and LO during ED protocols. CONCLUSION: Acute ED intake delayed heart rate recovery after exercise in subjects with low and high cardiorespiratory fitness.

FUNDAMENTO: Tem-se sugerido que o consumo de bebidas energéticas (BEs) possa afetar a atividade cardiovascular. OBJETIVOS: Investigar os efeitos agudos da ingestão de BE sobre a variabilidade da frequência cardíaca (VFC) recuperação cardiovascular após exercício aeróbico moderado em homens de diferentes capacidades cardiorrespiratórias. MÉTODOS: Este é um estudo randomizado, duplo cego, crossover, controlado por placebo. Vinte e oito jovens adultos foram divididos em dois grupos de acordo com o pico de consumo de oxigênio (pico de VO2): (1) pico de VO2 alto (AO) ­ pico de VO2 > 52,15 mL/Kg/min, e (2) pico de VO2 baixo (BO) - pico de VO2 <52,15 mL/Kg/min. Os indivíduos de ambos os grupos foram submetidos a dois protocolos de exercícios em ordem aleatória: exercício moderado aeróbico (60% de pico de VO2) após a ingestão de 250 mL de água (protocolo placebo) ou 250 mL de BE (protocolo BE). Durante os testes de exercício, foram registrados valores de parâmetros cardiorrespiratórios e de VFC. RESULTADOS: Foram observadas diferenças significativas para o índice de LF (unidades normalizadas) entre "repouso" e "Rec1" nos grupos de AO e BO durante o protocolo BE. Para a razão LF/HF, foram observadas diferenças significativas entre "repouso" e Rec1 nos grupos AO e BO nos protocolos BE. CONCLUSÃO: A ingestão aguda de BE retardou a recuperação da frequência cardíaca após o exercício em indivíduos com capacidade cardiorrespiratória baixa e indivíduos com capacidade cardiorrespiratória alta.

A Versatile Nanocarrier-Cubosomes, Characterization, and Applications.

The impact of nanotechnology on the exponential growth of several research areas, particularly nanomedicine, is undeniable. The ability to deliver active molecules to the desired site could significantly improve the efficiency of medical treatments. One of the nanocarriers developed which has drawn researchers' attention are cubosomes, which are nanosized dispersions of lipid bicontinuous cubic phases in water, consisting of a lipidic interior and aqueous domains folded in a cubic lattice. They stand out due to their ability to incorporate hydrophobic, hydrophilic, and amphiphilic compounds, their tortuous internal configuration that provides a sustained release, and the capacity to protect and safely deliver molecules. Several approaches can be taken to prepare this structure, as well as different lipids like monoolein or phytantriol. This review paper describes the different methods to prepare nanocarriers. As it is known, the physicochemical properties of nanocarriers are very important, as they influence their pharmacokinetics and their ability to incorporate and deliver active molecules. Therefore, an extensive characterization is essential to obtain the desired effect. As a result, we have extensively described the most common techniques to characterize cubosomes, particularly nanocarriers. The exceptional properties of the cubosomes make them suitable to be used in several applications in the biomedical field, from cancer therapeutics to imaging, which will be described. Taking in consideration the outstanding properties of cubosomes, their application in several research fields is envisaged.

In Vitro CRISPR/Cas9 Transfection and Gene-Editing Mediated by Multivalent Cationic Liposome-DNA Complexes.

Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) and CRISPR-associated nuclease 9 (Cas9) gene-editing offers exciting new therapeutic possibilities for disease treatment with a genetic etiology such as cancer, cardiovascular, neuronal, and immune disorders. However, its clinical translation is being hampered by the lack of safe, versatile, and effective nonviral delivery systems. Herein we report on the preparation and application of two cationic liposome−DNA systems (i.e., lipoplexes) for CRISPR/Cas9 gene delivery. For that purpose, two types of cationic lipids are used (DOTAP, monovalent, and MVL5, multivalent with +5e nominal charge), along with three types of helper lipids (DOPC, DOPE, and monoolein (GMO)). We demonstrated that plasmids encoding Cas9 and single-guide RNA (sgRNA), which are typically hard to transfect due to their large size (>9 kb), can be successfully transfected into HEK 293T cells via MVL5-based lipoplexes. In contrast, DOTAP-based lipoplexes resulted in very low transfection rates. MVL5-based lipoplexes presented the ability to escape from lysosomes, which may explain the superior transfection efficiency. Regarding gene editing, MVL5-based lipoplexes achieved promising GFP knockout levels, reaching rates of knockout superior to 35% for charge ratios (+/−) of 10. Despite the knockout efficiency being comparable to that of Lipofectamine 3000® commercial reagent, the non-specific gene knockout is more pronounced in MVL5-based formulations, probably resulting from the considerable cytotoxicity of these formulations. Altogether, these results show that multivalent lipid-based lipoplexes are promising CRISPR/Cas9 plasmid delivery vehicles, which by further optimization and functionalization may become suitable in vivo delivery systems.

pH-sensitive nanoliposomes for passive and CXCR-4-mediated marine yessotoxin delivery for cancer therapy.

Background: Yessotoxin (YTX), a marine-derived drug, was encapsulated in PEGylated pH-sensitive nanoliposomes, covalently functionalized (strategy I) with SDF-1α and by nonspecific adsorption (strategy II), to actively target chemokine receptor CXCR-4. Methods: Cytotoxicity to normal human epithelial cells (HK-2) and prostate (PC-3) and breast (MCF-7) adenocarcinoma models, with different expression levels of CXCR-4, were tested. Results: Strategy II exerted the highest cytotoxicity toward cancer cells while protecting normal epithelia. Acid pH-induced fusion of nanoliposomes seemed to serve as a primary route of entry into MCF-7 cells but PC-3 data support an endocytic pathway for their internalization. Conclusion: This work describes an innovative hallmark in the current marine drug clinical pipeline, as the developed nanoliposomes are promising candidates in the design of groundbreaking marine flora-derived anticancer nanoagents.

Autonomic Modulation in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy During a Computer Task: A Prospective Transversal Controlled Trial Assessment by Non-linear Techniques.

Introduction: Due to functional and autonomic difficulties faced by individuals with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), the use of assistive technology is critical to provide or facilitate functional abilities. The key objective was to investigate acute cardiac autonomic responses, by application of Heart Rate Variability (HRV), during computer tasks in subjects with DMD via techniques based on non-linear dynamics. Method: HRV was attained via a Polar RS800CX. Then, was evaluated by Chaotic Global Techniques (CGT). Forty-five male subjects were included in the DMD group and age-matched with 45 in the healthy Typical Development (TD) control group. They were assessed for 20 min at rest sitting, and then 5 min whilst performing the maze task on a computer. Results: Both TD and DMD subjects exhibited a significantly reduced HRV measured by chaotic global combinations when undertaking the computer maze paradigm tests. DMD subjects presented decreased HRV during rest and computer task than TD subjects. Conclusion: While there is an impaired HRV in subjects with DMD, there remains an adaptation of the ANS during the computer tasks. The identification of autonomic impairment is critical, considering that the computer tasks in the DMD community may elevate their level of social inclusion, participation and independence.

Projecting the effects of land subsidence and sea level rise on storm surge flooding in Coastal North Carolina.

Much of the United States Atlantic coastline continues to undergo subsidence due to post glacial settlement and ground water depletion. Combined with eustatic sea level rise (SLR), this contributes to an increased rate of relative SLR. In this work, we utilize the ADvanced CIRCulation model to project storm surges across coastal North Carolina. Recent hurricanes Irene and Matthew are simulated considering SLR and subsidence estimates for 2100. Relative to present day conditions, storm surge susceptible regions increase by 27% (Irene) to 40% (Matthew) due to subsidence. Combined with SLR (+ 74 cm), results suggest more than a doubling of areal flood extent for Irene and more than a three-fold increase for Hurricane Matthew. Considering current regional population distributions, this translates to an increase in at-risk populations of 18% to 61% due to subsidence. Even further, exposed populations are projected to swell relative to Matthew and Irene baseline simulations (8200 and 28,500) by more than 70,000 in all SLR scenarios (79,400 to 133,600). While increases in surge inundation are driven primarily by SLR in the region, there remains a substantial contribution due to vertical land movement. This outlines the importance of exploring spatially variable land movement in surge prediction, independent of SLR.

Autonomic modulation at rest and in response to postural change in adolescents with Duchenne muscular dystrophy: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Analysis of autonomic modulation after postural change may inform the prognosis and guide treatment in different populations. However, this has been insufficiently explored among adolescents with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). OBJECTIVE: To investigate autonomic modulation at rest and in response to an active sitting test (AST) among adolescents with DMD. METHODS: Fifty-nine adolescents were included in the study and divided into two groups: 1) DMD group: adolescents diagnosed with DMD; 2) control group (CG): healthy adolescents. Participants' weight and height were assessed. Lower limb function, motor limitations and functional abilities of the participants in the DMD group were classified using the Vignos scale, Egen classification and motor function measurement, respectively. The following variables were assessed before, during and after AST: systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), respiratory rate (f), oxygen saturation and heart rate (HR). To analyze the autonomic modulation, the HR was recorded beat-by-beat. Heart rate variability (HRV) indices were calculated in the time and frequency domains. RESULTS: Differences in relation to groups were observed for all HRV indices, except LF/HF, oxygen saturation, HR and f (p < 0.05). Differences in relation to time and the interaction effect between group and time were observed for RMSSD, SD1, SD2, SD1/SD2, LFms2 and LFnu, HFun, SBP and DBP (p < 0.05). Differences in relation to time were also observed for the indice SDNN, FC and f (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Performing the AST promoted reduced autonomic modulation and increased SBP, DBP and HR in adolescents with DMD.

Autonomic modulation at rest and in response to postural change in adolescents with Duchenne muscular dystrophy: a cross-sectional study / Modulação autonômica em repouso e em resposta a mudanças posturais em adolescentes com distrofia muscular de Duchenne: um estudo transversal

ABSTRACT Background: Analysis of autonomic modulation after postural change may inform the prognosis and guide treatment in different populations. However, this has been insufficiently explored among adolescents with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Objective: To investigate autonomic modulation at rest and in response to an active sitting test (AST) among adolescents with DMD. Methods: Fifty-nine adolescents were included in the study and divided into two groups: 1) DMD group: adolescents diagnosed with DMD; 2) control group (CG): healthy adolescents. Participants' weight and height were assessed. Lower limb function, motor limitations and functional abilities of the participants in the DMD group were classified using the Vignos scale, Egen classification and motor function measurement, respectively. The following variables were assessed before, during and after AST: systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), respiratory rate (f), oxygen saturation and heart rate (HR). To analyze the autonomic modulation, the HR was recorded beat-by-beat. Heart rate variability (HRV) indices were calculated in the time and frequency domains. Results: Differences in relation to groups were observed for all HRV indices, except LF/HF, oxygen saturation, HR and f (p < 0.05). Differences in relation to time and the interaction effect between group and time were observed for RMSSD, SD1, SD2, SD1/SD2, LFms2 and LFnu, HFun, SBP and DBP (p < 0.05). Differences in relation to time were also observed for the indice SDNN, FC and f (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Performing the AST promoted reduced autonomic modulation and increased SBP, DBP and HR in adolescents with DMD.

Resumo Antecedentes: A análise da modulação autonômica após mudanças posturais pode gerar informações prognósticas e orientar o tratamento em diferentes populações. Porém, isso não foi suficientemente explorado em adolescentes com DMD. Objetivo: Investigar a modulação autonômica em repouso e em resposta ao teste ativo sentado (TAS) em adolescentes com DMD. Métodos: 59 adolescentes foram incluídos no estudo e divididos em dois grupos: 1) Grupo DMD: adolescentes com diagnóstico de DMD; 2) Grupo controle: adolescentes saudáveis. O peso e a altura dos participantes foram avaliados. No grupo DMD, a funcionalidade de membros superiores, limitações motoras, e habilidades funcionais foram classificadas pela escala de Vignos, Egen Klassification, e motor function measure respectivamente. Pressão arterial sistólica (PAS), pressão arterial diastólica (PAD), frequência respiratória (f), saturação de oxigênio, e frequência cardíaca (FC) foram avaliadas em repouso, durante e após o TAS. Para analisar a modulação autonômica, a FC foi registrada batimento a batimento. Os índices de variabilidade da frequência cardíaca (VFC) foram calculados nos domínios do tempo e da frequência. Resultados: Diferenças entre os grupos foram observadas para todos os índices da VFC, exceto LF/HF, saturação de oxigênio, FC e f (p<0,05). Diferenças em relação ao tempo e interação entre grupo e tempo foram observadas para RMSSD, SD1, SD2, SD1/SD2, LFms2, LFun, HFnu, SBP e DBP (p<0,05). Diferenças em relação ao tempo foram também observadas para o índice SDNN, FC e f (p<0,05). Conclusões: A realização do TAS promoveu redução da modulação autonômica e aumento da PAS, PAD e FC em adolescentes com DMD.

Influence of Different Types of Corticosteroids on Heart Rate Variability of Individuals with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy-A Pilot Cross Sectional Study.

Individuals with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) have an impairment of cardiac autonomic function categorized by parasympathetic reduction and sympathetic predominance. The objective of this study was to assess the cardiac autonomic modulation of individuals with DMD undergoing therapy with Prednisone/Prednisolone and Deflazacort and compare with individuals with DMD without the use of these medications and a typically developed control group. Methods: A cross-sectional study was completed, wherein 40 boys were evaluated. The four treatment groups were: Deflazacort; Prednisone/Prednisolone; no corticoid use; and typical development. Heart Rate Variability (HRV) was investigated via linear indices (Time Domain and Frequency Domain) and non-linear indices Results: The results of this study revealed that individuals with DMD undertaking pharmacotherapies with Prednisolone demonstrated HRV comparable to the Control Typically Developed (CTD) group. In contrast, individuals with DMD undergoing pharmacotherapies with Deflazacort achieved lower HRV, akin to individuals with DMD without any medications, as demonstrated in the metrics: RMSSD; LF (n.u.), HF (n.u.), LF/HF; SD1, α1, and α1/α2, and a significant effect for SD1/SD2; %DET and Ratio; Shannon Entropy, 0 V%, 2 LV% and 2 ULV%. Conclusions: Corticosteroids have the potential to affect the cardiac autonomic modulation in adolescents with DMD. The use of Prednisone/Prednisolone appears to promote improved responses in terms of sympathovagal activity as opposed to Deflazacort.

Conceptual ex ante simulation for Green Stormwater Infrastructure Adoption on private property using agent-based modeling.

This paper presents the Green Stormwater Infrastructure Social Spatial Adoption (G-SSA) model, a cellular automata agent-based model that simulates the behavior of private property owners responding to incentives to adopt on-site green stormwater infrastructure (GSI). Concepts such as small-world social networks, opinion dissemination, and diffusion of innovation are used to capture dynamic social, spatial, and temporal aspects of green stormwater infrastructure adoption. Demographic information, site constraints, GSI practice type and costs, and financial incentive information are integrated into modeling rules that influence adoption dynamics. A methodology is presented that describes how these concepts have been translated into an agent-based modeling platform that provides the opportunity to explore modeling dynamics and output. Model output confirms the viability of the methodology and produces results that inform future efforts to explore the G-SSA model. PRACTITIONER POINTS: Agent-based modeling (ABM) can evaluate the expected impact of market-based approaches for green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) adoption and O&M services. ABM can simulate years of implementation of GSI program incentives, which vary from stormwater fee reduction to subsidy payments to tradable credits revenues generated. Publicly available demographic data combined with behavioral economic relationships can build models to evaluate how municipalities can meet regulatory goals for urban retrofits using market-based approaches to encourage GSI adoption.

Comparison Between Conventional Intervention and Non-immersive Virtual Reality in the Rehabilitation of Individuals in an Inpatient Unit for the Treatment of COVID-19: A Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Crossover Trial.

Background: The new human coronavirus that leads to COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) has spread rapidly around the world and has a high degree of lethality. In more severe cases, patients remain hospitalized for several days under treatment of the health team. Thus, it is important to develop and use technologies with the aim to strengthen conventional therapy by encouraging movement, physical activity, and improving cardiorespiratory fitness for patients. In this sense, therapies for exposure to virtual reality (VR) are promising and have been shown to be an adequate and equivalent alternative to conventional exercise programs. Aim: This is a study protocol with the aim of comparing the conventional physical therapy intervention with the use of a non-immersive VR software during COVID-19 hospitalization. Methods: Fifty patients hospitalized with confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 will be divided in two groups under physiotherapy treatment using conventional or VR intervention: Group A: participants with COVID-19 will start the first day of the protocol with VR tasks in the morning and then in the second period, in the afternoon, will perform the conventional exercises (n = 25) and Group B: participants with COVID-19 will start the first day with conventional exercises in the morning and in the second period, in the afternoon, will perform activity with VR (n = 25). All participants will be evaluated with different motor and physiologic scales before and after the treatment to measure improvements. Conclusion: Considering the importance of benefits from physical activity during hospitalization, VR software shows promise as a potential mechanism for improving physical activity. The results of this study may provide new insights into hospital rehabilitation. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT04537858. Registered on 01 September 2020.

Complexity Measures of Heart-Rate Variability in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis with Alternative Pulmonary Capacities.

OBJECTIVE: the complexity of heart-rate variability (HRV) in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients with different pulmonary capacities was evaluated. METHODS: We set these according to their pulmonary capacity, and specifically forced vital capacity (FVC). We split the groups according to FVC (FVC > 50% (n = 29) and FVC < 50% (n = 28)). In ALS, the presence of an FVC below 50% is indicative of noninvasive ventilation with two pressure levels and with the absence of other respiratory symptoms. As the number of subjects per group was different, we applied the unbalanced one-way analysis of variance (uANOVA1) test after three tests of normality, and effect size by Cohen's d to assess parameter significance. RESULTS: with regard to chaotic global analysis, CFP4 (p < 0.001; d = 0.91), CFP5 (p = 0.0022; d = 0.85), and CFP6 (p = 0.0009; d = 0.92) were enlarged. All entropies significantly increased. Shannon (p = 0.0005; d = 0.98), Renyi (p = 0.0002; d = 1.02), Tsallis (p = 0.0004; d = 0.99), approximate (p = 0.0005; d = 0.97), and sample (p < 0.0001; d = 1.22). Detrended fluctuation analysis (DFA) (p = 0.0358) and Higuchi fractal dimension (HFD) (p = 0.15) were statistically inconsequential between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: HRV complexity in ALS subjects with different pulmonary capacities increased via chaotic global analysis, especially CFP5 and 3 out of 5 entropies.

Energy Drink before Exercise Did Not Affect Autonomic Recovery Following Moderate Aerobic Exercise: A Crossover, Randomized and Controlled Trial.

Introduction: Energy drink (ED) intake could initiate physiological changes owing to its stimulant characteristics and, it improves endurance and athletic performance. We evaluated the acute effects of ED on autonomic heart rate (HR) control during recovery after a session of submaximal aerobic exercise.Method: The study was completed by submitting 29 healthy males between 18 and 30 years old to three conventions: (A) Maximum exercise test by the adapted Bruce protocol; (B) Placebo protocol (PP) - water intake 15 minutes prior to exercise, rest in dorsal decubitus for 15 minutes followed by 5 minutes of treadmill running at 1% inclination, initial speed of 5 km/h for 5 minutes 25 minutes with 60% of the velocity consistent to the maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max), and finally 60 minutes of recovery at rest in the supine position; (C) Experimental protocol (PE) - similar to PP previously, but with ED intake 15 minutes before physical exercise. The time, frequency and geometric indexes of HR variability (HRV) were inspected before and after exercise.Results: There was a significant (p < 0.05, <5%) effect on the HRV index (HR-nu and ms2, LF-nu and ms2, LF/HF, SD1, SDNN and RMSSD), indicating a reduction in HRV in the first 5 minutes after exercise in both protocols (PP and PE). Yet, no protocol interaction was detected, suggesting no effect of ED on HRV throughout recovery after submaximal aerobic exercise.Conclusion: There was no significant effect of ED on the autonomic control of HR in the recovery phase after submaximal aerobic exercise.

Effect of air pollution on the autonomic modulation of heart rate in overweight adults.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the effect of air pollution on heart rate variability in overweight individuals. METHODS: A total of 46 adult individuals, both sexes, aged between 18 and 49 years and with body mass index >25kg/m2 were analyzed. All volunteers were students from public schools of two cities in the state of São Paulo. The clinical, demographic and anthropometric data of each individual, as well as heart rate variability through time domain, geometric and frequency indices were collected. For the air quality analysis, the following variables were investigated: concentration of carbon dioxide, particulate matter, temperature and relative humidity. The analysis was carried out with descriptive and analytical statistics, adopting a level of significance of 5%. RESULTS: There was a reduction in overall heart rate variability in overweight individuals by the following indices: mean standard deviation of all normal RR intervals, long-term standard deviation of continuous RR intervals, ratio of short-and long-term standard deviation of continuous RR intervals. In addition, the indices responsible for parasympathetic control showed a downward trend in their values, as well as the low frequency index, which represented sympathetic action, although not significant. CONCLUSION: Overweight individuals exposed to air pollution had lower heart rate variability than the Control Group.