Whole-genome sequencing and comparative genomic analysis of potential biotechnological strains of Trichoderma harzianum, Trichoderma atroviride, and Trichoderma reesei.

Trichoderma atroviride and Trichoderma harzianum are widely used as commercial biocontrol agents against plant diseases. Recently, T. harzianum IOC-3844 (Th3844) and T. harzianum CBMAI-0179 (Th0179) demonstrated great potential in the enzymatic conversion of lignocellulose into fermentable sugars. Herein, we performed whole-genome sequencing and assembly of the Th3844 and Th0179 strains. To assess the genetic diversity within the genus Trichoderma, the results of both strains were compared with strains of T. atroviride CBMAI-00020 (Ta0020) and T. reesei CBMAI-0711 (Tr0711). The sequencing coverage value of all genomes evaluated in this study was higher than that of previously reported genomes for the same species of Trichoderma. The resulting assembly revealed total lengths of 40 Mb (Th3844), 39 Mb (Th0179), 36 Mb (Ta0020), and 32 Mb (Tr0711). A genome-wide phylogenetic analysis provided details on the relationships of the newly sequenced species with other Trichoderma species. Structural variants revealed genomic rearrangements among Th3844, Th0179, Ta0020, and Tr0711 relative to the T. reesei QM6a reference genome and showed the functional effects of such variants. In conclusion, the findings presented herein allow the visualization of genetic diversity in the evaluated strains and offer opportunities to explore such fungal genomes in future biotechnological and industrial applications.

Sodium bicarbonate induces alkalosis, but improves high-intensity cycling performance only when participants expect a beneficial effect: a placebo and nocebo study.

The study aimed to investigate the effects of sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) intake with divergent verbal and visual information on constant load cycling time-to-task failure, conducted within the severe intensity domain. Fifteen recreational cyclists participated in a randomized double-blind, crossover study, ingesting NaHCO3 or placebo (i.e., dextrose), but with divergent information about its likely influence (i.e., likely to induce ergogenic, inert, or harmful effects). Performance was evaluated using constant load cycling time to task failure trial at 115% of peak power output estimated during a ramp incremental exercise test. Data on blood lactate, blood acid-base balance, muscle electrical activity (EMG) through electromyography signal, and the twitch interpolation technique to assess neuromuscular indices were collected. Despite reduced peak force in the isometric maximal voluntary contraction and post-effort peripheral fatigue in all conditions (P < 0.001), neither time to task failure, EMG nor, blood acid-base balance differed between conditions (P > 0.05). Evaluation of effect sizes of all conditions suggested that informing participants that the supplement would be likely to have a positive effect (NaHCO3/Ergogenic: 0.46; 0.15-0.74; Dextrose/Ergogenic: 0.45; 0.04-0.88) resulted in improved performance compared to control. Thus, NaHCO3 ingestion consistently induced alkalosis, indicating that the physiological conditions to improve performance were present. Despite this, NaHCO3 ingestion did not influence performance or indicators of neuromuscular fatigue. In contrast, effect size estimates indicate that participants performed better when informed that they were ingesting an ergogenic supplement. These findings suggest that the apparently ergogenic effect of NaHCO3 may be due, at least in part, to a placebo effect.

Mixed Training Programs Applied to Young Soccer Players: Effects on Speed-Power Abilities.

We compared the effects of two 4-week strength-power-speed training protocols on physical performance of young soccer players. Twenty-three highly trained under-20 soccer players were randomly allocated to two mixed-training groups: 1) "traditional" (TRAD: n=11), comprising vertically oriented strength-power exercises and linear sprints; or 2) "multidirectional" (MULTI: n=12), combining vertically and horizontally oriented strength-power exercises, linear sprints, and change-of-direction (COD) drills. Squat jump (SJ) and countermovement jump, 2) linear sprint, COD speed, and 3) jump-squat (JS) and hip-thrust (HT) power tests were performed pre- and post-training. Differences were determined using a two-way ANOVA with repeated measures and "target scores" were used to detect real changes in performance. No group-time interactions were found for any of the variables (p>0.05). Significant increases (p<0.05) in 20-m sprint velocity, JS- and HT-power were found in both groups, and in SJ in TRAD. Individual analyses revealed a greater number of meaningful changes in zig-zag velocity in MULTI while most players in TRAD displayed meaningful increases in SJ height. In conclusion, both training protocols resulted in similar adaptations but, at the individual level, it appears that MULTI protocol is superior to improve COD ability while TRAD should be preferred to maximize vertical jumping capabilities during short soccer pre-seasons.

Interrelationships Between Multiple Speed Tests in Youth Soccer: Are Players Equally Efficient at Performing Different Sprint and Change of Direction Tasks?

ABSTRACT: Freitas, TT, Pereira, LA, Alcaraz, PE, Cadore, EL, Grazioli, R, Azevedo, PHSM, Jeffreys, I, and Loturco, I. Interrelationships between multiple speed tests in youth soccer: Are players equally efficient at performing different sprint and COD tasks? J Strength Cond Res 37(4): 848-853, 2023-We investigated the relationships between linear and multidirectional sprint tests in elite young soccer players, using different speed measurements and their associated deficits. Twenty-three under-17 and 17 under-16 soccer players performed, on the same day, 17-m linear sprint (with 10-m split times), curve sprints for "good" and "weak" sides (CSGS and CSWS, respectively), and zigzag and 505 change of direction (COD) tests. The Pearson's product moment test was used to determine the relationships among the tested variables. Significance level was set at p < 0.05. Large and very large significant correlations were observed between CSGS and CSWS and 10-m ( r = 0.73 and r = 0.53, respectively; p < 0.0001) and 17-m sprint velocity ( r = 0.84 and r = 0.74, respectively; p < 0.0001). Moderate and significant associations were identified between zigzag and 17-m sprint performances ( r = 0.40; p = 0.02). No significant relationships were found between 505 performance and 17-m sprint velocity and between the different COD tasks ( p > 0.05). Significant correlations were observed between sprint performance at 10- and 17-m and both CS and COD deficits ( r values ranging from 0.37 to 0.54; p < 0.05). In general, higher linear sprinting velocities were associated with superior performances in smoother multidirectional tasks (i.e., CS and zigzag tests) but not in more aggressive COD maneuvers (i.e., 505). Faster athletes in linear actions presented greater CS and COD deficits. No associations were detected between the different COD measurements, supporting the notion that the technical and mechanical demands of COD actions are angle and velocity dependent. From a practical perspective, comprehensive speed testing batteries (i.e., incorporating linear sprints, CS, and different COD assessments) should be administered to young soccer players, to better understand their ability to change direction and sprint over multiple trajectories.

Sprint and Jump Training on Sand vs. Grass Surfaces: Effects on the Physical Performance of Young Soccer Players.

ABSTRACT: Pereira, LA, Freitas, TT, Zabaloy, S, Ferreira, RCA, Silva, ML, Azevedo, PHSM, and Loturco, I. Sprint and jump training on sand versus grass surfaces: effects on the physical performance of young soccer players. J Strength Cond Res 37(9): 1828-1833, 2023-The aims of this study were to (a) examine the effects of a 6-week sand training program including both sprint and jump exercises on the speed-related and vertical jump performance of elite young soccer players and (b) compare the changes induced by a sand training scheme with those induced by a similar training program (in volume, intensity, and exercise types) performed on grass. Twenty-four under-20 soccer players were randomly allocated to 2 training groups, as follows: "sand" ( n = 12) or "grass" ( n = 12) groups. Athletes performed squat and countermovement jumps, linear sprints, and Zigzag change-of-direction speed tests at pre-, mid- (after 6 training sessions), and postintervention (after 12 training sessions). Both groups exhibited similar increases in the vertical jump and Zigzag performance after the 6-week training period ( p values ranging from 0.0001 to 0.025; effect size ranging from 1.05 to 3.78, for main effect of time). No significant changes were detected for the linear sprint velocity for both the groups ( p values ranging from 0.079 to 1.00; effect size ranging from 0.07 to 0.65, for main effect of time). In summary, training on sand or grass surfaces resulted in similar improvements in the physical performance of elite young soccer players. This study confirms the current evidence on the effectiveness of both soft and harder training surfaces in improving the sprint and jump performance of team-sport athletes.

Effect of 4 weeks of plyometric training in the pre-competitive period on volleyball athletes' performance.

We aimed to evaluate the effect of 4 weeks of plyometric training (PT), performed in the pre-competitive period, on the vertical jump performance of professional volleyball athletes. We recruited 17 professional female volleyball players (age: 19 ± 3 years; weight: 67.2 ± 5.50 kg; height: 1.81 ± 0.22 m; body fat: 14.4 ± 2.12%; squat 1RM test: 75.5 ± 7.82 kg; training time experience: 6.2 ± 3.4 years) to participate in four weeks of training and assessments. They were divided into an experimental group (EG = 9) and a control group (CG = 8). Both groups were submitted to friendly matches, technical, tactical and resistance training (4 weeks/˜9 sessions per week), and internal load monitoring was carried out. The EG performed PT twice a week. At the beginning and end of the four weeks, jump tests were performed. The main findings are: 1) PT when incorporated into the pre-competitive period can induce greater improvements in jumping performance (EG = 28.93 ± 3.24 cm to 31.67 ± 3.39 cm; CG = 27.91 ± 4.64 cm to 28.97 ± 4.58 cm; when comparing the percentage delta, we found a difference between groups with ES of 1.04 and P = 0.02); 2) this result is observed when the training load is similar between groups and increases over the weeks, respecting the linear progression principle. Therefore, including plyometric training in the preparatory period for volleyball, with low monotony and training strain increment, is an effective strategy for further CMJ performance improvement.

Sand and grass surfaces are equally effective in promoting positive adaptations in the sprint performance of elite young soccer players.

This study compared the effects of two sprint-jump training programmes, performed on either sand or grass surfaces, on the sprint and jump performance of elite young soccer players over an 8-week training period. Fifteen under-20 soccer players were randomly allocated to the sand (n = 7) or grass (n = 8) group. Athletes performed 12 training sessions, comprising vertical and horizontal jump exercises, and linear and change-of-direction (COD) sprint drills. Pre- and post-measurements were completed in the following order: vertical jump, sprint speed at 10 m and 17 m, curve sprint (CS), and modified Zigzag COD tests. Between-group differences were determined using a two-way ANOVA with repeated measures and effect sizes (ES). No improvements in jump performance were found in either group. Significant increases were observed in the sand group for acceleration in 0-10 m and for 10- and 17-m linear sprint velocity (ES = 1.15, 1.16, and 1.81, respectively; P < 0.05). In contrast, no significant differences were detected for acceleration and linear sprint velocity in the grass group, comparing pre- and post-tests (ES ranging from 0.01 to 0.47; P > 0.05). Both sand and grass groups revealed similar increases in the CS and COD velocities after the training period (ES ranging from 0.98 to 1.93; P < 0.05). In conclusion, sprint-jump training programmes performed on both grass and sand surfaces elicited significant improvements in CS and COD performances, whereas acceleration and linear sprint velocity increased only in the sand group, after a short-term training period. The sand training surface was proven to be a practical strategy to improve sprint performance in all its forms in soccer players, which is of great interest and importance for coaches and sport scientists working in elite soccer.

Training-intensity Distribution on Middle- and Long-distance Runners: A Systematic Review.

Training-intensity distribution (TID) is considered the key factor to optimize performance in endurance sports. This systematic review aimed to: I) characterize the TID typically used by middle-and long-distance runners; II) compare the effect of different types of TID on endurance performance and its physiological determinants; III) determine the extent to which different TID quantification methods can calculate same TID outcomes from a given training program. The keywords and search strategy identified 20 articles in the research databases. These articles demonstrated differences in the quantification of the different training-intensity zones among quantification methods (i. e. session-rating of perceived exertion, heart rate, blood lactate, race pace, and running speed). The studies that used greater volumes of low-intensity training such as those characterized by pyramidal and polarized TID approaches, reported greater improvements in endurance performance than those which used a threshold TID. Thus, it seems that the combination of high-volume at low-intensity (≥ 70% of overall training volume) and low-volume at threshold and high-intensity interval training (≤ 30%) is necessary to optimize endurance training adaptations in middle-and long-distance runners. Moreover, monitoring training via multiple mechanisms that systematically encompasses objective and subjective TID quantification methods can help coaches/researches to make better decisions.

Change of Direction Performance in Elite Players From Different Team Sports.

ABSTRACT: Loturco, I, Pereira, LA, Reis, VP, Abad, CCC, Freitas, TT, Azevedo, PHSM and Nimphius, S. Change of direction performance in elite players from different team sports. J Strength Cond Res 36(3): 862-866, 2022-The primary aim of this study was to examine the differences in change of direction (COD) deficit between elite futsal, soccer, handball, and rugby players. A secondary aim was to compare the performance in both COD and linear speed tests among these athletes. One-hundred sixty-one elite male players from 4 team sports performed a 20-m linear sprint speed and a Zigzag COD speed test. The COD deficit was calculated as the difference between linear and Zigzag test velocities. Differences in COD speed, COD deficit, and sprint velocity were assessed via 1-way analysis of variance. The significance level was set at p < 0.05. Soccer players displayed significantly lower performance than the remaining team sports, and rugby players performed better than all the other groups in the Zigzag COD test. Moreover, the COD deficit was significantly higher in soccer players in comparison with the other disciplines (p < 0.05). No differences were observed in the COD deficit among rugby, futsal, and handball players (p > 0.05). In summary, soccer players were slower than futsal, handball, and rugby players to change direction and presented the greatest COD deficit magnitude. By contrast, the fastest athletes in the COD speed test (rugby players) were not more effective than futsal and handball players at changing direction (as they exhibited similar levels of COD deficit). Coaches should be aware of this evidence, which reinforces previous findings, indicating that very specialized training strategies might be required to improve COD performance in professional athletes.

Change-of-Direction Ability, Linear Sprint Speed, and Sprint Momentum in Elite Female Athletes: Differences Between Three Different Team Sports.

ABSTRACT: Freitas, TT, Pereira, LA, Alcaraz, PE, Comyns, TM, Azevedo, PHSM, and Loturco, I. Change-of-direction ability, linear sprint speed, and sprint momentum in elite female athletes: differences between three different team sports. J Strength Cond Res 36(1): 262-267, 2022-The aim of this study was to compare the performance of elite female players from 3 different sports in linear sprint and change-of-direction (COD) tests and examine their efficiency for changing direction through the calculation of the COD deficit (i.e., the difference in velocity between a linear sprint and a COD task of equal distance). One hundred fifty-four elite players (rugby, n = 40, national team members; soccer, n = 57 and handball n = 57, first division players from the respective Brazilian National Championships) were assessed in the 20-m linear sprint and Zigzag COD tests. A one-way analysis of variance with a Tukey post hoc was used to detect between-sport differences. Female rugby sevens players achieved faster sprint velocities than handball (20-m: 6.21 ± 0.24 m·s-1; 6.07 ± 0.27 m·s-1, respectively; p < 0.05) and soccer players (5-m: 4.71 ± 0.26 m·s-1 vs. 4.51 ± 0.20 m·s-1; and 20-m: 6.08 ± 0.19 m·s-1; p < 0.05) and exhibited the greatest COD deficits (2.95 ± 0.25 m·s-1; 2.69 ± 0.19 m·s-1; 2.82 ± 0.17 m·s-1, for rugby, handball, and soccer, respectively; p < 0.05). Handball players outperformed all other athletes in the Zigzag test (3.38 ± 0.15 m·s-1; 3.26 ± 0.10 m·s-1; 3.26 ± 0.10 m·s-1, for handball, rugby, and soccer, respectively; p < 0.05) but presented the lowest COD deficits (p < 0.05). Furthermore, soccer players displayed inferior sprint momentum when compared with the other sports (p < 0.05). Linear sprint and COD ability differ significantly among elite female athletes from different team sports, with handball players exhibiting a greater COD speed and efficiency to change direction, with respect to their maximum sprint velocity. The between-sport differences observed suggests that specific training and game demands may affect both sprint and COD performance.

Percentage-Based Change of Direction Deficit: A New Approach to Standardize Time- and Velocity-Derived Calculations.

ABSTRACT: Freitas, TT, Pereira, LA, Alcaraz, PE, Azevedo, PHSM, Bishop, C, and Loturco, I. Percentage-based change of direction deficit: a new approach to standardize time- and velocity-derived calculations. J Strength Cond Res 36(12): 3521-3526, 2022-Change of direction (COD) efforts are crucial in team sports, and an extensive body of research has been devoted to investigating this complex and multifaceted skill. Most studies have assessed players' ability to change direction by reporting completion time or average velocity in different COD tasks. However, it has been argued that these variables may not accurately portray an athlete's true capability to quickly change direction. In this context, new metrics such as the COD Deficit (CODD) have been proposed to provide complementary information on the efficiency to change direction. The current literature presents 2 different CODD computations: time-derived and velocity-derived calculations. Despite both being consistent and representing the same phenomenon, the decision of using one or the other may produce different outcomes, thus influencing coaches' decisions and training strategies. To overcome this issue, we propose a new approach to the computation of the CODD, based on the difference in percentage between linear sprint and COD abilities, in an attempt to standardize the estimation of this variable and simplify the evaluation of COD performance.

Effect of different eccentric tempos on hypertrophy and strength of the lower limbs.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of altering the duration of the eccentric phase in isotonic contractions on muscle hypertrophy and strength of the quadriceps femoris. Ten healthy young adults (8 men and 2 women: Height: 173.3 ± 9.6 cm: Body mass: 69.84 ± 10.88 kg; Body fat: 19.47 ± 8.42%; Age: 25.3 ± 4.8 years) performed unilateral isotonic knee extension exercise, whereby each leg was randomly allocated to perform the eccentric phase of movement with a duration of either 2 seconds (G2S) or 4 seconds (G4S). Both conditions carried out the concentric phase of each repetition at a 1 second duration with no rest in the transition phases. Each condition performed 5 sets using 70% of 1 repetition maximum until muscle failure with 3 minutes of rest between sets for 8 weeks. The change in muscle strength was assessed by 1RM knee extension and muscle thickness was assessed by A-mode ultrasound. For each outcome variable, linear mixed-effects models were fit using restricted maximum likelihood. Hedges' g effect sizes were calculated to provide insights into the magnitude of effects. Results showed all muscles increased in size over time; mean effects were similar in all muscles except for the vastus medialis, which favored the G4S condition. Conversely, only a trivial and highly variable effect was observed between interventions for strength gain. Our results suggest different eccentric durations produce similar increases in hypertrophy of the vastus lateralis and rectus femoris; however, the vastus medialis showed greater growth from the slower eccentric duration. Eccentric duration did not differentially affect strength-related adaptations.

Caffeine Supplementation or Carbohydrate Mouth Rinse Improves Performance.

Training volume is one of the critical variables required to promote resistance training benefits (e. g., hypertrophy, muscular strength). Thus, strategies to improve training volume are required. We tested the hypothesis that there is an increase in performance and reduction in the rate of perceived exertion in strength training with caffeine supplementation, carbohydrate mouth rinse, and a synergistic effect of caffeine supplementation plus carbohydrate mouth rinse. We recruited 29 physically active women: 24±4 years, 60.0±7.9 kg, 161.0±6.0 cm. This study was a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, and crossover one. The subjects performed all sessions of strength training under different conditions: caffeine (6.5 mg·kg-1 body mass); carbohydrate (6 g of maltodextrin rinsed for 10 s); caffeine plus carbohydrate; or placebo. We applied the ANOVA for repeated measures through the null-hypothesis statistical test, and the Bayes factors analyses approach. The subjects showed significant improvement in the total repetitions (P<0.01; BF10 ~99%) for both lower and upper limb exercises in all conditions compared to placebo without difference among interventions. The rate of perceived exertion (P>0.05) did not differ among interventions. However, BF10 analyses showed a higher probability of lower RPE for CAF intervention. We conclude that either caffeine supplementation or carbohydrate mouth rinse can improve performance in resistance training. There is no additional effect of caffeine plus carbohydrate.

Pathogen-specific changes in composition and quality traits of milk from goats affected by subclinical intramammary infections.

We investigated the effects of pathogens associated with subclinical intramammary infections on yield, composition and quality indicators of goat milk. By means of a longitudinal study, individual half udder milk samples (n = 132) were collected at different lactation periods and assessed for milk yield and physicochemical composition, somatic cell count (SCC), total bacteria count (TBC) and microbiological culture. Staphylococci species accounted for the great majority of the isolates (96.1%). Intramammary infections significantly reduced fat and total solids in goat milk and increased both SCC and TBC. However, these indicators were significantly higher in udder halves affected by S. aureus compared with other staphylococci species.

Suggestive diagnosis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in indigenous children and adolescents from the Brazilian Amazon.

The prevalence of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms has been scarcely studied in indigenous cultures that preserve ancestral cultural characteristics. The objective of the study is to estimate the prevalence of suggestive diagnosis of ADHD among indigenous children and adolescents from villages in the Amazon. This is an analytical cross-sectional study using instruments to track ADHD symptoms (the Child Behaviour Checklist for ages 6-18: CBCL/6-18 and the teacher report form for ages 6-18: TRF/6-18) and to investigate their negative impact on the patients (using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire-SDQ). The prevalence of a suggestive ADHD diagnosis according to the CBCL/TRF DSM-IV ADHD subscale without and with negative impact as assessed by the SDQ was 4.3% and 1.1%, respectively. Comorbid oppositional-defiant, conduct problems and anxious symptoms were present in all cases screening positive for ADHD. We also presented a case report as an illustration of the observed clinical presentation. ADHD is a recognizable disorder even in a culture that preserves millennial characteristics. Furthermore, the presence of ADHD symptoms was associated with significant impairment.

Effects of Light-Emitting Diode Therapy on the Performance of Biceps Brachii Muscle of Young Healthy Males After 8 Weeks of Strength Training: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

Vieira, KVSG, Ciol, MA, Azevedo, PH, Pinfildi, CE, Renno, ACM, Colantonio, E, and Tucci, HT. Effects of light-emitting diode therapy on the performance of biceps brachii muscle of young healthy males after 8 weeks of strength training: a randomized controlled clinical trial. J Strength Cond Res 33(2): 433-442, 2019-We assessed the effect of adding light-emitting diode therapy (LEDT) to an 8-week strength training of biceps brachii in healthy young males. Forty-five participants were randomized into training plus LEDT, training plus sham LEDT, and control groups (n = 15 each). Individuals in the LEDT groups participated in strength training performed in a Scott machine at their maximum number of elbow flexion-extension repetitions. The LEDT was applied to biceps brachii of dominant limb at the end of training sessions (device "on" for LEDT and "off" for sham LEDT). Training loads were re-evaluated every 2 weeks. Controls did not receive training during 8 weeks. All groups were evaluated for 1 repetition maximum (1RM) and fatigue at baseline and 8 weeks. Additionally, the 2 LEDT groups were evaluated every 2 weeks for 1-RM and number of elbow flexion-extension repetitions. The groups were statistically different in mean difference and mean percent change of 1-RM from baseline to week 8 (p < 0.001). Analyzing the 2 LEDT groups, we found an interaction between group and time (p = 0.02), with a slightly faster increase in 1-RM for the LEDT than the sham LEDT. Over time, both groups decreased the number of repetitions of elbow flexion-extension (differences not statistically significant), possibly because of the increase of load over time. We found no difference in change of fatigue index among the 3 groups. Our study showed potential benefits to 1RM when LEDT is applied after a strength training session. Future studies might assess whether different doses of LEDT can reduce fatigue in strength training.

Food safety in Brazilian popular public restaurants: Food handlers' knowledge and practices.

This study aims to assess food safety knowledge and practices of food handlers in popular public restaurants in Brazil. A questionnaire has been applied with 70 food handlers in different municipalities, with questions related to food safety knowledge and food safety self-reported practices, and observed practices. To check hygienic-sanitary conditions of restaurants, a checklist has been applied. Regarding food safety knowledge, an average of 72.64% of correct answers has been observed. Food safety self-reported practices presented 80.71% of adequacy, while observed practices were 75.40%. A positive correlation has been observed between food safety knowledge and self-reported practices of handlers. The observed food safety practice of handlers presented no correlation with food safety knowledge and self-reported practices. The average adequacy of hygienic-sanitary conditions was 68.08%, classifying the units as "regular." Despite satisfactory results related to the handlers' food safety knowledge and practices, the hygienic-sanitary conditions of the restaurants are of concern. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The Popular Restaurant Program in Brazil aims to provide proper food from a nutritional and hygienic-sanitary aspect at affordable prices. The assessment of food handlers' food safety knowledge and practices and the assessment of hygienic-sanitary conditions of these units are key in supporting actions aimed at improving the quality of the meals served, as food handlers are the essential agents in the production of meals and can become a source for food contamination if necessary care is not taken. Therefore, conducting this assessment can be an important tool for quality management in these units and can provide improvements in the process of food handling, in addition to ensuring compliance with the objectives proposed by the Popular Restaurant Program.

Spineless cactus associated with Tifton hay or sugarcane bagasse may replace corn silage in sheep diets.

The effect of the replacement of corn silage with spineless cactus associated with Tifton 85 hay or sugarcane bagasse was evaluated on the performance, body weight components and sheep meat quality. Twenty-one Santa Inês male sheep with initial body weight of 22.9 ± 2.9 kg were used. They were confined in individual stalls for 74 days receiving the following diets: corn silage + concentrate (CS); spineless cactus + Tifton 85 hay + concentrate (TH); spineless cactus + sugarcane bagasse + concentrate (SB). After the feedlot period, the animals were slaughtered and their body components were weighed and sampled. Data were submitted to Tukey's test at 5% probability. The average daily gain (0.25 vs 0.14 kg), cold carcass weight (13.3 vs 13.7 kg), loin muscularity (0.6 vs 0.4 kg) and liver weight (0.7 vs. 0.5 kg) were higher (P < 0.05) for the TH diet when compared to that for the CS. The physical-chemical parameters of meat were not influenced (P > 0.05) by the treatments and presented about 20.1% of crude protein, 6.1% of crude fat and shear force of 2.0 kgf/cm2. In complete diets for sheep, Tifton 85 hay associated with spineless cactus provides greater weight gain, cold carcass muscularity and organ weight when compared to those for animals fed with corn silage as exclusive roughage. Sugarcane bagasse associated with spineless cactus may replace corn silage in complete diets for sheep.

Genital tract infection with Chlamydia trachomatis in women attended at a cervical cancer screening program in Northeastern from Brazil.

PURPOSE: This cross-sectional study aimed to estimate the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) infection alone and in combination with human papillomavirus (HPV). Furthermore, the study investigates whether the CT infection increases the risk of contracting HPV and whether the presence of both pathogens is associated with a higher prevalence of cervical lesions. METHODS: Cervical samples of 1,134 asymptomatic women enrolled in a screening program for cervical cancer were analyzed. Two cervical specimens were collected from each patient, one for cytologic examination and the other for detection of CT by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), using a primer pair which amplifies a specific sequence of the DNA plasmid. RESULTS: The overall prevalence rate infection was 10.9%, being 10% in the women with normal cytology, 13.8% in those with atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC-US), and 25% with low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL). The infection by CT did not increase the risk of acquiring HPV infection. The higher prevalence of LSIL in women co-infected with HPV and CT is possibly due to HPV. CONCLUSION: CT infection was more prevalent in younger women aged up to 32 years, who had an early onset of reproductive activity and a history of having had multiple sexual partners lifelong may be at a greater risk of acquiring infection of the genital tract by C. trachomatis.

Acute effects of low-level laser therapy on physiologic and electromyographic responses to the cardiopulmonary exercise testing in healthy untrained adults.

Despite the positive effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on muscle fatigue before exercises using a single muscle group, the acute effects of LLLT on performance in cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) are poorly understood. We aimed to assess the acute effects of LLLT on physiologic and electromyographic responses to the CPET in healthy adults. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial was performed with 18 untrained participants (nine males, 22 ± 2 years). We applied LLLT or placebo on quadriceps and gastrocnemius 10 min before two rapidly incremental CPETs randomly performed in alternate days on a cycle ergometer. Participants received LLLT using a multidiode cluster, 20 s/site (850 nm, 100 mW/diode, 14 J/site). Physiological responses to the CPET were continuously monitored using a gas analyzer. The electromyographic fatigue threshold (EMGth) was assessed through surface electrodes on vastus lateralis. The root mean square (RMS) was plotted every 5 s against the exercise intensity, and its breakpoint values throughout the CPET was identified as EMGth. Compared to placebo, the LLLT significantly increased peak O2 uptake (V'O2 33 ± 10 vs. 31 ± 9 mL/min/kg). We observed a shallower slope of the Δheart rate/ΔV'O2 during the CPET after LLLT compared to placebo, i.e., increased cardiovascular efficiency (56 ± 24 vs. 66 ± 30 bpm/L/min). There were no LLLT-related changes in EMGth. The LLLT acutely increases exercise performance in healthy untrained adults probably due to increased O2 extraction by peripheral muscles without causing a significant impact on muscle fatigue.