Test-retest reliability of a functional electromechanical dynamometer on swing eccentric hamstring exercise measures in soccer players.

BACKGROUND: The use of a functional electromechanical dynamometer (FEMD) has been proposed as a valid and effective tool to evaluate specific movement patterns. The aim of this study was to determine the reliability of FEMD on swing eccentric hamstring exercise (SEHE) measures in soccer players. METHODS: Nineteen federated male soccer players (20.74 ± 4.04 years) performed the SEHE at three different isokinetic velocities (20-40-60 cm/s). These evaluations were conducted in four sessions, two for familiarization and two for registration. The average and maximum load (N) of the three isokinetic velocities was calculated from the values obtained from the FEMD (Dynasystem®, Bangalore). RESULTS: The main results of this research showed that the reliability was high for the average load in the condition of 40 cm/s, presenting the highest ICC value (0.94). For maximum load, reliability was high in the condition of 20 cm/s. The manifestation of the most reliable load was the maximum load (ICC = 0.91-0.87). CONCLUSIONS: FEMD (Dynasystem®, Bangalore) is a reliable device to evaluate the eccentric strength of the hamstring muscles in soccer players.

Rapidly Self-Sterilizing PPE Capable of Destroying 100% of Microbes in 30-60 Seconds.

The continued proliferation of superbugs in hospitals and the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has created an acute worldwide demand for sustained broadband pathogen suppression in households, hospitals, and public spaces. In response, we have created a highly active, self-sterilizing copper configuration capable of inactivating a wide range of bacteria and viruses in 30-60 seconds. The highly active material destroys pathogens faster than any conventional copper configuration and acts as quickly as alcohol wipes and hand sanitizers. Unlike the latter, our copper material does not release volatile compounds or leave harmful chemical residues and maintains its antimicrobial efficacy over sustained use; it is shelf stable for years. We have performed rigorous testing in accordance with guidelines from U.S. regulatory agencies and believe that the material could offer broad spectrum, non-selective defense against most microbes via integration into masks, protective equipment, and various forms of surface coatings.

The association of telomere length with substance use disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Several recent studies have investigated the relationship between telomere length and substance use disorders with inconsistent results. We aimed to assess this association and to identify moderators of the relationship. METHODS: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Selection criteria were observational studies reporting telomere length in people with a substance use disorder compared with a control group. Studies focused solely on nicotine addiction, employing other study designs, and non-human studies were excluded. Study selection and data extraction were independently conducted by two researchers following a standardized protocol and included studies until December 2019. Standardized mean differences were used as the effect size index [d; 95% confidence interval (CI)] and random-effects models were used for the meta-analysis. Cochran's Q-statistic, I2 index, visual inspection of the forest plot and a 95% prediction interval were applied to verify study heterogeneity. Subgroup analyses and meta-regressions were conducted to explore heterogeneity. Small study effects were examined using the 'funnel plot', the Egger test, Duval & Tweedie's trim-and-fill method and the precision-effect test-precision-effect estimate with standard error (PET-PEESE) method. The risk of bias and the quality of evidence were assessed. RESULTS: Ten studies (12 analysis units with 2671 cases and 4532 controls) met the selection criteria. An overall effect size of moderate magnitude was found (d+  = -0.63; 95% CI = -1.00 and -0.26; P = 0.0008). A potential small study effect was detected, as well as large heterogeneity between studies (Q-statistic P < 0.001, I2  = 97.3%). Selection of controls, reporting laboratory quality control procedures and total sample size significantly affected the effect size. The quality of the evidence was very low, based on risk of bias analysis and the grading of recommendations assessment, development and evaluation (GRADE) system. CONCLUSIONS: People with substance use disorders appear to have shorter telomere length than controls; however, this finding should be interpreted with caution due to the poor quality of the evidence.

The association of telomere length with substance use disorders: systematic review and meta-analysis protocol.

BACKGROUND: The present protocol was designed for a systematic review and meta-analysis aimed at determining the association of telomere length with substance use disorders with the exclusion of nicotine addiction, and to identify potential moderators of the effect of telomere length. Such methodological information may provide guidance to improve the quality of future research on this important topic. METHODS: Potential studies will be identified through electronic databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and Web of Science) up from inception onwards. The inclusion criteria will include published or unpublished observational studies (cohort, case-control, and cross-sectional studies) reporting telomere length in adult patients with substance use disorder compared with a control group. Non-human studies or other study designs such as reviews, case-only, family-based, and/or population studies with only healthy participants will be excluded, as well as those focused solely on nicotine addiction. The main outcome will be telomere length in adults with substance use disorder (primary) and, specifically, in those with alcohol use disorder (secondary). Two investigators will independently evaluate the preselected studies for possible inclusion and will extract data following a standardized protocol. Disagreements will be resolved by consensus. The risk of bias of all included studies will be assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale for non-randomized studies. Data will be converted into standardized mean differences as effect size index, and random-effects models will be used for the meta-analysis. Cochran's Q statistic, I2 index, and visual inspection of the forest plot will be used to verify study heterogeneity. Subgroup analyses and meta-regressions will be conducted to ascertain heterogeneity. Several sensitivity analyses will be conducted to address the influence of potential confounding factors. Publication bias will be examined using the "funnel plot" method with Duval and Tweedie's trim-and-fill method and Egger test. DISCUSSION: This systematic review will assess the association of telomere length with substance use disorders aside from nicotine addiction. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO registration number CRD42019119785.

¿Puede considerarse portadores asintomáticos a los donantes de sangre seropositivos para Trypanosoma cruzi?: un estudio de validación en el proyecto CHICAMOCHA / Can Seropositive Blood Donors be Considered Asymptomatic Carriers for Trypanosoma cruzi?: a validation study in CHICAMOCHA project / Poderiam ser considerados portadores assintomáticos os doadores de sangue soropositivos para Trypanosoma cruzi? um estudo de validação no projeto CHICAMOCHA

Identificar el deterioro clínico de individuos seropositivos para la enfermedad de Chagas requiere observar la evolución de personas con infección establecida por Trypanosoma cruzi (T.cruzi), libres de signos y síntomas de cardiomiopatía en una línea de base. Objetivo: Realizar una comparación entre donantes de bancos de sangre de Bucaramanga con serología positiva y negativa para T. cruzi. Metodología: La muestra consistio en donantes elegibles con pruebas de tamización positivas para T. cruzi, pero negativas para otros agentes infecciosos tamizados por los bancos de sangre. Estos registros fueron apareados con una muestra aleatoria 1:4 de donantes con pruebas negativas a todas las pruebas de tamizaci¾n. Los participantes fueron entrevistados para conocer aspectos sociodemográficos y de percepción de su estado de salud, se realizó examen físico y se tomaron muestras de sangre para examenes paraclínicos. Se reportaron las frecuencias y proporciones de los participantes. Se hicieron pruebas de hipótesis de no diferencias entre los dos grupos con la prueba Chi cuadrado, con un nivel alfa de significancia de 5%. Resultados: La muestra consistió en 2,132 donantes de sangre incluidos entre mayo de 2000 y marzo de 2004. Mediante prueba serológica se identificaron 488 (22.9%) seropositivos y 1644 (77.1%) seronegativos. Los seropositivos fueron mayores en edad, presentaron indicadores socioeconómicos menos favorables y menor afiliación a seguridad social con el régimen contributivo y tenÝan una mejor percepción de su salud en comparación con los seronegativos (p<0.05). No se observaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en cuanto a la percepción del funcionamiento de los tres sistemas evaluados (cardiovascular, urinario y gastrointestinal) en ambos grupos.

In order to identify the clinical deterioration of seropositive individuals for Chagas disease, it is necessary to observe the evolution of people infected by Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi), who do not show signs and symptoms of cardiomyopathy on a baseline. Objective: To compare blood donors with positive and negative serology for Trypanosoma cruzi in the city of Bucaramanga. Methodology: The sample consisted of eligible donors with positive screening tests for T. cruzi, but negative for other infectious agents screened by blood banks. These records were matched with a random sample 1: 4 donors who showed negative results to all the screening tests. Participants were interviewed to know their socio-demographic aspects and to get a perception of their health status. Physical exams were performed and blood samples were taken for laboratory tests. Frequencies and proportions of participants were reported. Hypothesis testing of no differences between the two groups using the Chi square test was performed, showing a 5% level of alpha significance. Resultados: The sample included 2132 blood donors between May 2000 and March 2004. By using serological tests, it was identified that 488 (22.9%) were seropositive and 1644 (77.1%) were seronegative. Seropositive donors were older people who belonged to a low socio-economic level and had no health insurance. They also had a better perception of their health compared to seronegative donors (p <0.05). The perception of how the three evaluated systems worked (cardiovascular, urinary and gastrointestinal) showed no statistically significant differences between the two groups. Conclusions: The study findings allow us to infer that seropositive blood donors for T. cruzi could be considered as asymptomatic carriers without clinical evidence of cardiomyopathy.

Para identificar o deterioro clínico dos indivíduos soropositivos para a doença de Chagas Ú necessério acompanhar a evolução de indivíduos com infecção estabelecida pelo Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi), livres de sinais e sintomas de cardiomiopatia numa linha de base. Objetivo: Fazer uma comparação entre os doadores dos bancos de sangue de Bucaramanga com sorologia positiva e negativa para T. cruzi. Metodologia: A amostra consistiu de doadores elegíveis com rastreamento positivo para T. cruzi, porém negativo para outros agentes infecciosos selecionados pelos bancos de sangue. Esses registros foram emparelhados com uma amostra aleatória de 1: 4 com testes negativos a todos os testes da triagem de doadores. Os participantes foram entrevistados para se conhecer aspectos sociodemográficos e perceber seus aspectos de saúde, foi realizado um exame físico e foram coletadas amostras de sangue para exames de laboratório. Relataram-se as frequéncias e proporções de participantes. Foi feito um teste de hipóteses de não diferenças entre os dois grupos com o teste do chi-quadrado, com um nível alfa de significãncia de 5%. Resultados: A mostra consistiu em 2132 doadores de sangue incluídos entre maio de 2000 e marþo de 2004. Pela prova sorol¾gica identificaram-se 488 (22.9%) soropositivos y 1644 (77.1%) soronegativos. Os Soropositivos foram maiores de 18 anos, tinham indicadores socioeconómicos menos favoróveis, menor inscrição no seguro social com o regime contributivo e melhor percepção da sua saúde em relação aos soronegativos (p <0,05). Estatisticamente não se observaram diferenças significativas quanto Ó percepção do funcionamento dos trés sistemas avaliados (cardiovascular, gastrointestinal e urinário) em ambos os grupos. Concluções: resultados do estudo permitem concluir que os doadores soropositivos para T. cruzi no sangue poderiam ser vistos como portadores assintomáticos, sem evidência clínica de cardiomiopatia.

Tuberculosis Multidrogoresistente / Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis

La tuberculosis es una enfermedad infecciosa causada por el Mycobacterium tuberculosis. En el año 2010 se registraron 8.8 millones de casos incidentes en el mundo y en los últimos años han aparecido poblaciones bacterianas de micobacterias con resistencia a los fármacos de primera línea. Se ha definido la presencia de resistencia a rifampicina e isoniacida como multidrogoresistencia, estimándose una incidencia mundial aproximada de 3.6%. Esta revisión de tema se centrará en la situación de la tuberculosis multidrogoresistente en el mundo, incluyendo un análisis regional de la casuística Colombiana. Se comentarán los principales mecanismos de resistencia del microorganismo, los genes implicados en la misma y los factores de riesgo asociados a la generación de resistencia en algunas comunidades.

Tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. In 2010, there were 8.8 million incident cases in the world, and, in recent years, populations of mycobacteria with resistance to first-line drugs have emerged. The resistance to rifampin and isoniazid has been defined as multidrugresistant tuberculosis (TB MDR). TB MDR has an incidence of approximately 3.6% in the world. This review will focus on the current stage TB MDR in the world, including a regional analysis of Colombian cases. It will discuss the mechanism of resistance of the microorganism, genes involved, and the risk factors associated with the generation of resistance in some communities.

Cambios en la función automática cardíaca en sujetos seropositivos a T. cruzi asintomáticos

La secuencia fisiopatológica que conduce a la enfermedad de Chagas crónica a partir de un sujeto con infección asintomática no ha sido aclarada aun. Con el fin de evaluar su función autonómica cardíaca, se estudiaron donantes de sangre clínicamente sanos sero (+)(n=34; 32,6ñ1.9 años) o sero (-) (n=22; 38,7ñ1.8 años) a T. cruzi. El grupo sero (+) se subdividió en Chagas 1 (n=22) con electrocardiograma normal y Chagas 2 (n=12), con bradicardia sinusal, bloqueos de conducción o extrasístoles ventriculares. Usando el software CAFTS (Medykro) se analizaron la frecuencia cardíaca (FC) y la presión arterial media (PAM) basales, el poder espectral (TPS) y la relación entre los componentes de baja y alta frecuencia (LF/HF), la varianza de los intervalos R-R normales (RMSSD); la disminución porcentual de la FC a la prueba de frio en cara (CFT), porcentaje de aumento de la PAM en la prueba presora al frio (CPT), y los índices FC náxima/mínima en respiración profunda controlada (DBT), de Valsava (VM) y de sensibilidad barorrefleja (BRS). Los anteriores hallazgos demuestran la existencia de trastornos de la función autonómica cardíaca previos al desarrollo de la enfermedad clínica. Una disminución de los reflejos cardiovagales asociada a un tono simpático aumentado carcterizan al seropositivo asintomático. Estos hallazgos pueden estar relacionados con el desarrollo de la cardiomiopatía chagásica

Disfunción autonómica en sujetos seropositivos para T. cruzi asintomáticos

La enfermedad de Chagas crónica se caracteriza por daño cardiaco microvascular, contráctil y autonómico, sin que se comprenda completamente cuál de ellos determina el inicio de la enfermedad. Con el fin de edentificar alteraciones autonómicas en sujetos asintomáticos seropositivos para Tripanosoma cruzi, se evaluó la función autonómica cardíaca en 18 donantes de banco seropositivos (11 "Chagas 1") con electrocardiograma normal y siete "Chagas 2" con alteraciones del ritmo o de conducción) y 24 individuos seronegativos. Se realizaron tres pruebas de eferencia parasimpática (frecuencia cardíaca máxima/mínima en respiración profunda, frío en cara y respuesta presora al frío) y dos de eferencia simpática (respuesta cronotrópica y presora en la mesa inclinada). Durante el procedimiento se registró también el número variaciones de la frecuencia cardíaca (VFC) utilizando un oxímetro de pulso. Se encontraron diferencias significativas (p<0.033) en la frecuencia cardíaca basal y en las pruebas de respiración profunda, frío en cara y la respuesta presora a la mesa inclinada. La VFC fue menor en el grupo Chagas 2 en la mayoría de las pruebas. La respuesta parasimpática fue menor para el grupo Chagas 2. La función simpática se caracterizó por aumento del tono basal en el grupo Chagas 1. Estos hallazgos sugieren disautonomía en sujetos seropositivos asintomáticos. Se requieren estudios con mejores instrumentos y mayores poblaciones, para consolidar los conocimientos en este campo