Investigating the Effects of Differential Learning on Golfers' Pitching Performance as a Function of Handicap.

Traditionally, golf instruction has been oriented toward imitation of role models, guided by errors that surround a channel of supposedly correct repetition. Recent motor learning approaches relying on the dynamics of living systems suggest the inclusion of additional noise during practice for supporting players' movement exploration and improving adaptability that in consequence will lead to increased performance. While the effectiveness of this approach has now been demonstrated in many sports, research exploring the effects of differential learning (DL) in golf is scarce, especially when considering different shot distances and players with various handicap levels. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare the effects of an enriched learning and information intervention as opposed to a more constrained approach, on the pitching performance of golfers with different handicaps from different distances. A total of 29 adolescent golfers with an average experience of 7.8 years were divided into a DL (n = 15) and a repetitive-oriented (RB, n = 14) group. Both groups were further compared dependent on their handicap level (DL, low handicap n = 7, high handicap n = 8; RB, low handicap n = 5, high handicap n = 9). The TrackMan 4 was used to measure the shot performance for 20 m, 35 m, and 50 m distances (10 shots from each distance) based on a pre- and post-test design. Each group performed the same number of trials (n = 270, 9 executions per distance per session) across 10 sessions. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used for the statistical analysis, using the pre-test as covariate and the post-test as dependent variable. The DL group revealed advantageous adaptations in the attack and face angle (p ≤ 0.05), while also in the dynamic loft (p ≤ 0.05), mostly for the 35 m and 50 m. In addition, this intervention led to improvements in the score, club head speed, and carry distance for the 50 m when compared to the RB (p ≤ 0.05; small effects). The low handicap players from the DL group also revealed adaptation in the angles' variables (p ≤ 0.05) when compared with high handicap players, who improved the score (p ≤ 0.05) in all distances after intervention. The low handicap players from the RB group improved the score (p ≤ 0.05) and club speed (p ≤ 0.05) for the 20 and 35 m, while the high handicap golfers revealed higher improvements for these variables only in the 50 m distance condition. Overall, coaches may incorporate approaches into their skill training that increase the number of opportunities to improve the performance of both experienced and non-experienced players by promoting the adaptability of movement patterns.

People with disabilities in Cabo Verde, an unresolved issue: HIV prevalence, knowledge, attitudes and practices.

This article provides evidence about profile of persons with disabilities in Cabo Verde, their Knowledge, attitudes and practice and their bio-behavioural vulnerability to HIV/AIDS. The Cape verdian population was estimated to be 537,661 inhabitants in 2020, with an HIV prevalence of about 0.6% in the general population. Data were collected from 5 islands and 8 municipalities with a proportion of people with disabilities greater than or equal to 5%. A total of 682 persons participated in the study, and 653 People with Disabilities (PwDs) were tested for HIV. The HIV prevalence rate was 2.3% (3.5% in men; 1.7% in women), and the most prevalent type of virus is HIV1. Over 90% PwDs have access to information about HIV. Most of PwDs (85.8%) have had sex and known protection methods against HIV, although there are some misconceptions and beliefs. About 80.0% never participated in HIV/AIDS prevention activities, and 96.3% said that their participation gave them a better understanding about HIV and AIDS. About 79% were unaware of the existence of HIV care, support and prevention facilities, and 36.7% do not know of any place for HIV screening. This first study in Cabo Verde highlights the reality about PwDs social and environmental situation.

Surrogate-based multi-objective design optimization of a coronary stent: Altering geometry toward improved biomechanical performance.

The main objective of this study was to solve a multi-objective optimization on a representative coronary stent platform with the goal of finding new geometric designs with improved biomechanical performance. The following set of metrics, calculated via finite element models, was used to quantify stent performance: vessel injury, radial recoil, bending resistance, longitudinal resistance, radial strength and prolapse index. The multi-objective optimization problem was solved with the aid of surrogate-based algorithms; for comparison and validation purposes, four surrogate-based multi-objective optimization algorithms (EIhv -EGO, Phv -EGO, ParEGO and SMS-EGO) with a limited sample budget were employed and their results compared. The quality of the non-dominated solution sets outputted by each algorithm was assessed against four quality indicators: hypervolume, R2, epsilon and generational distance. Results showed that Phv -EGO was the algorithm that exhibited the best performance in overall terms. Afterwards, the highest quality Pareto front was chosen for an in-depth analysis of the optimization results. The amount of correlation and conflict was quantified for each pair of objective functions. Next, through cluster analysis, one was able to identify families of solutions with similar performance behavior and to discuss the nature of the existent trade-offs between objectives, and the trends between design parameters and solutions in a biomechanical perspective. In the end, a constrained-based design selection was performed with the goal of finding solutions in the Pareto front with equal or better performance in all objectives against a baseline design.

Metallothionein Expression and its Influence on the In Vitro Biological Behavior of Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma.

Mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) is the most common tumor in the salivary glands, often presenting with recurrence and metastasis due to its high invasive capacity. Metallothionein (MT), a zinc storage protein that supplies this element for protease activity, is probably related to mucoepidermoid carcinoma behavior. This prompted us to characterize a cell line derived from mucoepidermoid carcinoma and to correlate metallothionein expression with transforming growth factor-α (TGF-α), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Transcriptomic analysis and cytogenetic assays were performed to detect the expression of genes of interest and cellular chromosomal alterations, respectively. MEC cells with a depleted metallothionein 2A (MT2A) gene were subjected to Western blot to correlate metallothionein expression with growth factors and MMPs. Additionally, cells with depleted MT were subjected to migration and invasion assays. The transcriptomic study revealed reads mapped to cytokeratins 19 and AE1/AE3, α-smooth muscle actin, vimentin, and fibronectin. Cytogenetic evaluation demonstrated structural and numerical alterations, including the translocation t(11;19)(q21;p13), characteristic of MEC. Metallothionein depletion was correlated with the decreased expression of TGF-α and MMP-9, while TNF-α protein levels were augmented. Migration and invasion activity were diminished after metallothionein silencing. Our findings suggest an important role of MT in MEC invasion, through the regulation of proteins involved in this process.

Surrogate-based visualization and sensitivity analysis of coronary stent performance: A study on the influence of geometric design.

The main goal of this numerical study is to assess the impact of geometric design perturbations on the performance of a representative coronary stent platform. In this context, first, a design parameterization model was defined for the stent under study. After, a set of metrics characterizing stent performance, namely, vessel injury, radial recoil, bending resistance, longitudinal resistance, radial strength, the risk of fracture, prolapse index, and dogboning were evaluated within the context of a finite element analysis. Afterwards, accurate surrogate models were developed, using the efficient global optimization algorithm, as predictive tools in the execution of tasks that normally require a high number of model evaluations, such as global sensitivity analysis and visualization. In the end, the dependence of the output response surfaces on the geometric parameters was mechanically interpreted, which allowed us to understand the complex interplay that exists between the considered design variables and the defined performance metrics.

Development of a shear stress-free microfluidic gradient generator capable of quantitatively analyzing single-cell morphology.

Microfluidics, the science of engineering fluid streams at the micrometer scale, offers unique tools for creating and controlling gradients of soluble compounds. Gradient generation can be used to recreate complex physiological microenvironments, but is also useful for screening purposes. For example, in a single experiment, adherent cells can be exposed to a range of concentrations of the compound of interest, enabling high-content analysis of cell behaviour and enhancing throughput. In this study, we present the development of a microfluidic screening platform where, by means of diffusion, gradients of soluble compounds can be generated and sustained. This platform enables the culture of adherent cells under shear stress-free conditions, and their exposure to a soluble compound in a concentration gradient-wise manner. The platform consists of five serial cell culture chambers, all coupled to two lateral fluid supply channels that are used for gradient generation through a source-sink mechanism. Furthermore, an additional inlet and outlet are used for cell seeding inside the chambers. Finite element modeling was used for the optimization of the design of the platform and for validation of the dynamics of gradient generation. Then, as a proof-of-concept, human osteosarcoma MG-63 cells were cultured inside the platform and exposed to a gradient of Cytochalasin D, an actin polymerization inhibitor. This set-up allowed us to analyze cell morphological changes over time, including cell area and eccentricity measurements, as a function of Cytochalasin D concentration by using fluorescence image-based cytometry.

High throughput screening of photocatalytic conversion of pharmaceutical contaminants in water.

The susceptibility for photon-induced degradation of over 800 pharmaceutical compounds present in the LOPAC1280 library, was analyzed by UV/Vis spectroscopy in the absence or presence of TiO2 P25 in water. In general, few compounds were effectively degraded in the absence of the TiO2 photocatalyst (3% of all compounds tested), while in the presence of TiO2, the majority of compounds was converted, often to a large degree. Differences in degree of degradation are evaluated on the basis of molecular weight, as well as the chemical nature of the drug compounds (functional groups and pharmacological classes). In general, if the molecular weight increases, the degradation efficacy decreases. Relatively high degrees of conversion can be achieved for (relatively small) molecules with functional groups such as aldehydes, alcohols, ketones and nitriles. A low degree of conversion was observed for compounds composed of conjugated aromatic systems. Trends in degradation efficacy on the basis of pharmacological class, e.g. comparing hormones and opioids, are not obvious.

Left atrial mechanics strongly predict functional capacity assessed by cardiopulmonary exercise testing in subjects without structural heart disease.

Left atrium function is essential for cardiovascular performance and is evaluable by two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography (2D-STE). Our aim was to determine how echocardiographic parameters interrelate with exercise capacity and ventilatory efficiency in subjects with no structural heart disease. Asymptomatic volunteers, in sinus rhythm and with normal biventricular size and function, were recruited from a community-based population. Individuals with moderate-to-severe valvular disease, pulmonary hypertension, and history of cardiac disease were excluded. We performed a transthoracic echocardiogram and assessed left atrial (LA) and left ventricular (LV) mechanics via 2D-STE. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing by treadmill took place immediately thereafter. Peak oxygen uptake (VO2) served as measure of functional capacity and ventilation/carbon dioxide output (VE/VCO2) slope as surrogate of ventilation/perfusion mismatch. 20 subjects were included (age 51 ± 14 years, male gender 65%). Peak VO2 strongly correlated with age (r = -0.83; P < 0.01), with E/e' ratio (r = -0.72; P < 0.01), and with LA reservoir- and conduit-phase mechanics, particularly with LA conduit strain rate (SR) (r = -0.82; P < 0.01), but showed no correlation with LA volume index or LV mechanics. A similar pattern of associations was identified for VE/VCO2 slope. In multivariate analysis, LA conduit SR (ß = -0.69; P = 0.02) emerged as sole independent correlate of peak VO2, adjusted for age and for E/e' ratio (adjusted r 2 = 0.76; P < 0.01). Conduit and reservoir components of LA mechanics displayed strong associations with peak VO2 and VE/VCO2 slope. LA conduit-phase SR seems best suited as echocardiographic marker of functional capacity in subjects with no structural heart disease.

Tratamento da Insônia em Atenção Primária à Saúde / Treatment of Insomnia in the Primary Health Care / Tratamiento del Insomnio en Atención Primaria

A insônia é uma das perturbações do sono mais comuns, sendo uma das principais queixas dos pacientes que recorrem aos cuidados médicos. A perturbação de insônia está associada a aumento da morbimortalidade por doenças cardiovasculares, psiquiátricas e acidentes, estando igualmente associada a maior absentismo laboral e maiores custos em saúde. Foram pesquisadas normas de orientação clínica, revisões sistemáticas, meta-análises e estudos originais, publicados entre 2010 e 15 de maio de 2015, relacionados com o tratamento da insônia. O tratamento da insônia pode iniciar-se por terapia cognitivo-comportamental, tratamento farmacológico ou associação dos dois. A terapia cognitivo-comportamental é considerada por várias sociedades médicas como tratamento padrão, sendo que os estudos comprovam a sua eficácia no tratamento da insônia sem ou com comorbilidades e com manutenção a longo prazo dos seus efeitos. Esta compreende múltiplas estratégias, como controle de estímulo, restrição do sono, relaxamento, terapia cognitiva e intenção paradoxal. A farmacoterapia deve ser considerada em situações agudas com necessidade de redução imediata dos sintomas. Os fármacos hipnóticos têm indicação no tratamento da insônia quando os sintomas assumem caráter patológico. Os antidepressivos sedativos, apesar de comumente utilizados, não reúnem evidência da sua eficácia, com exceção da insônia associada a sintomas depressivos ou de ansiedade ou em pacientes com abuso de substâncias. Assim, dada a prevalência de queixas de insônia em atenção primária à saúde, o médico de família deve conhecer a melhor abordagem para o seu tratamento, quer seja farmacológico ou não farmacológico, e os critérios de referenciação.

Insomnia is one of the most common sleep disorders and one of the main complaints of patients that search for medical care. Insomnia disorder is associated with increased morbidity and mortality from accidents, cardiovascular and psychiatric diseases and it is associated with increased absenteeism and higher healthcare costs. We conducted a survey of clinical guidelines, systematic reviews, meta-analyzes and original studies published between 2010 and May 15 2015, concerning insomnia treatment. Treatment of insomnia can begin by cognitive behavioral therapy, pharmacologic treatment or a combination of both. Cognitive behavioral therapy is considered by several medical societies as the standard treatment of insomnia, and studies prove its effectiveness in treating insomnia with or without comorbidities and long-term maintenance of its effects. This comprises multiple strategies such as stimulus control, sleep restriction, relaxation, cognitive therapy and paradoxical intention. Pharmacologic therapy should be considered in acute situations requiring immediate reduction of symptoms. Hypnotic drugs are indicated when insomnia symptoms assume pathological nature. Sedative antidepressants, although generally used, lack evidence of effectiveness, with the exception of insomnia associated with depressive symptoms or anxiety or substance abuse users. Thus, given the prevalence of insomnia symptoms in primary health care, the family physician must know the best approach to its treatment, either pharmacologic or non-pharmacologic, and referral criteria.

El insomnio representa uno de los trastornos del sueño más comunes y una de las principales quejas de los pacientes que recurren a la atención médica. El insomnio está asociado al aumento de morbimortalidad por enfermedades cardiovasculares, psiquiátricas y accidentes, estando asociado de la misma forma a mayor absentismo laboral y mayor gasto en salud. Se procedió a la revisión de todas las directrices clínicas, meta-análisis, revisiones sistemáticas y estudios originales, publicados entre 2010 y 15 de mayo de 2015, relacionados con el tratamiento del insomnio. La intervención en el insomnio puede comenzar con la terapia cognitivo-conductual, tratamiento farmacológico o una combinación de ambos. La terapia cognitiva conductual es considerada por varias sociedades médicas como tratamiento estándar del insomnio. Los estudios demuestran su eficacia en el tratamiento de esta condición con o sin comorbilidades asociadas, bien como el mantenimiento a largo plazo de sus efectos. Ella incluye estrategias como el control de estímulos, restricción del sueño, la relajación, la terapia cognitiva y los consejos paradójicos. Por otra parte, la terapia farmacológica se debe considerar en situaciones agudas que requieren reducción inmediata de los síntomas. Fármacos hipnóticos están indicados cuando los síntomas del insomnio asumen carácter patológico. Antidepresivos sedantes, aunque comúnmente utilizados, no tienen pruebas de su eficacia, con la excepción del insomnio asociado con síntomas depresivos, ansiedad o en los consumidores de sustancias. Por este motivo, dada la prevalencia de quejas de insomnio en la atención primaria de salud, el médico de familia debe conocer el mejor enfoque para su tratamiento, ya sea farmacológico o no farmacológico, y criterios de derivación.

A novel cell line derived from pleomorphic adenoma expresses MMP2, MMP9, TIMP1, TIMP2, and shows numeric chromosomal anomalies.

Pleomorphic adenoma is the most common salivary gland neoplasm, and it can be locally invasive, despite its slow growth. This study aimed to establish a novel cell line (AP-1) derived from a human pleomorphic adenoma sample to better understand local invasiveness of this tumor. AP-1 cell line was characterized by cell growth analysis, expression of epithelial and myoepithelial markers by immunofluorescence, electron microscopy, 3D cell culture assays, cytogenetic features and transcriptomic study. Expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs) was also analyzed by immunofluorescence and zymography. Furthermore, epithelial and myoepithelial markers, MMPs and TIMPs were studied in the tumor that originated the cell line. AP-1 cells showed neoplastic epithelial and myoepithelial markers, such as cytokeratins, vimentin, S100 protein and smooth-muscle actin. These molecules were also found in vivo, in the tumor that originated the cell line. MMPs and TIMPs were observed in vivo and in AP-1 cells. Growth curve showed that AP-1 exhibited a doubling time of 3.342 days. AP-1 cells grown inside Matrigel recapitulated tumor architecture. Different numerical and structural chromosomal anomalies were visualized in cytogenetic analysis. Transcriptomic analysis addressed expression of 7 target genes (VIM, TIMP2, MMP2, MMP9, TIMP1, ACTA2 e PLAG1). Results were compared to transcriptomic profile of non-neoplastic salivary gland cells (HSG). Only MMP9 was not expressed in both libraries, and VIM was expressed solely in AP-1 library. The major difference regarding gene expression level between AP-1 and HSG samples occurred for MMP2. This gene was 184 times more expressed in AP-1 cells. Our findings suggest that AP-1 cell line could be a useful model for further studies on pleomorphic adenoma biology.

Identification of a long-standing colony of Proechimys at the Instituto Evandro Chagas, Pará, Brazil, based on cytogenetic information / Identificação de uma colonia de longo prazo de Proechimys no Instituto Evandro Chagas, Pará, Brasil, com base em informações citogenéticas

The taxonomic classification of the genus Proechimys is complex because many of its species are morphologically similar but chromosomally different, with diploid (2n) values ranging from 14 to 62. The "Seção de Criação e Produção de Animais de Laboratório do Instituto Evandro Chagas" (The Division for Breeding and Production of Laboratory Animals, Instituto Evandro Chagas, Brazil) maintains a Proechimys colony for biomedical research. The colony members have been classified as P. guyannensis, which reportedly has 2n=40 and a fundamental number (FN) = 54. However, using karyotype analysis to aid in their taxonomic classification, we instead observed that a sample of the animals in this colony have 2n = 30 and FN = 56, with a medium-sized submetacentric X chromosome and a small acrocentric Y chromosome. Constitutive heterochromatin was distributed as follows: in the pericentromeric regions of chromosomes 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 and X; on the distal short arms of chromosomes 3, 6, 10 and X; on the distal long arm of chromosome 12; on the long arm of the Y chromosome; and distally on both arms of chromosomes 7, 9 and 11. The nucleolar organizer regions (NORs) are located on the long arm of chromosome 9. This karyotype is consistent with that described previously for P. roberti, but not P. guyannensis, thus demonstrating the importance of using karyotyping for the taxonomic identification of Proechimys.

A classificação taxonómica do gênero Proechimys é complexa porque muitas de suas espécies são morfologicamente semelhantes, porém diferentes cromossomicamente, com números de diploide (2n) que variam entre 14 e 62. A Seção de Criação e Produção de Animais de Laboratório do Instituto Evandro Chagas mantém uma colónia de Proechimys para pesquisa biomédica. Os membros da colónia foram classificados como P. guyannensis, que possui 2n = 40 e um número fundamental (NF) = 54. No entanto, ao utilizar a análise do cariótipo para auxiliar em sua classificação taxonómica, observamos que uma amostra dos animais desta colónia possuem 2n = 30 e NF = 56, com um cromossomo X submetacêntrico de tamanho médio e um cromossomo Y acrocêntrico pequeno. A heterocromatina constitutiva foi distribuída da seguinte forma: nas regiões pericentromérica dos cromossomos 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 e X; na porção distal dos braços curtos dos cromossomos 3, 6, 10 e X; na porção distal do braço longo do cromossomo 12; no braço longo do cromossomo Y; e nas porções distais de ambos os braços dos cromossomos 7, 9 e 11. As regiões organizadoras nucleolares (NORs) localizam-se no braço longo do cromossomo 9. Este cariótipo é consistente com o descrito anteriormente para P. roberti, não para P. guyannensis, o que demonstra a importância do uso de cariotipagem para a identificação taxonómica de Proechimys.

Detection of corona-like virus in a case of flaccid paraparesis in Belém, Pará State, Brazil / Detecção de virus corona-like em um caso de paraparesia flácida em Belém, Estado do Pará, Brasil

In this study, we analyzed a fecal sample of a female infant with paralysis and other clinical symptoms that resembled poliomyelitis. Negative staining electron microscopy showed viral particles with a diameter of approximately 120 nm and displaying a crown-like appearance with surface projections. Ultrathin sections showed particles budding from the membranes of the Golgi apparatus. Based on these results, we propose the association of this virus with the neurological disorder and tentatively assign it to the Coronaviridae family. Further studies are required on this proposed relationship.

Neste estudo, analisamos uma amostra fecal de criança do sexo feminino com paralisia e outros sintomas clínicos que se assemelharam à poliomielite. A microscopia eletrônica (contrastação negativa) mostrou partículas com 120 nm de diâmetro, exibindo projeções na superfície semelhantes a uma coroa. Cortes ultrafinos mostraram partículas brotando do complexo de Golgi. Com base nesses resultados, propomos a associação deste vírus com o distúrbio neurológico e o associamos provisoriamente à família Coronaviridae. Estudos adicionais são necessários para esclarecer a relação proposta.