Trends on Aerogel-Based Biosensors for Medical Applications: An Overview.

Aerogels are unique solid-state materials composed of interconnected 3D solid networks and a large number of air-filled pores. This structure leads to extended structural characteristics as well as physicochemical properties of the nanoscale building blocks to macroscale, and integrated typical features of aerogels, such as high porosity, large surface area, and low density, with specific properties of the various constituents. Due to their combination of excellent properties, aerogels attract much interest in various applications, ranging from medicine to construction. In recent decades, their potential was exploited in many aerogels' materials, either organic, inorganic or hybrid. Considerable research efforts in recent years have been devoted to the development of aerogel-based biosensors and encouraging accomplishments have been achieved. In this work, recent (2018-2023) and ground-breaking advances in the preparation, classification, and physicochemical properties of aerogels and their sensing applications are presented. Different types of biosensors in which aerogels play a fundamental role are being explored and are collected in this manuscript. Moreover, the current challenges and some perspectives for the development of high-performance aerogel-based biosensors are summarized.

Habitual physical activity and sedentary behavior as predictors of dynapenia in older adults: a cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Dynapenia is a risk factor of mortality. Therefore, the development of low-cost and easy-to-apply tools is essential to optimize the health surveillance actions of older people. OBJECTIVES: To compare the time spent on habitual physical activity (HPA) and sedentary behavior (SB) among dynapenic and non-dynapenic older adults and ascertain the predictive ability of these behaviors on outcome. DESIGN AND SETTING: A cross-sectional population epidemiological survey was conducted involving 208 older adults. METHODS: HPA and SB were quantified using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, and dynapenia was identified by handgrip strength (women: 18.37 kgf; men: 26.75 kgf). RESULTS: The prevalence was 24.50%. In both sexes, dynapenic individuals reported a HPA median time of 70.00 minutes/week (min/wk), while non-dynapenic women and men reported HPA median times of 240.00 and 280.00 min/wk, respectively (P < 0.05). For SB among dynapenic individuals, a median of 388.75 min/day was observed in women and 428.57 min/d in men. In contrast, non-dynapenic women and men had 291.42 and 274.28 min/day in SB (P < 0.05), respectively. The best cutoff HPA to discriminate the outcome was 150.00 min/wk in women (sensitivity: 73.30%; specificity: 60.67%) and 140.00 min/wk in men (sensitivity, 71.43%; specificity, 61.54%). The best cutoff SB was 381.43 min/day in women (sensitivity, 53.30%; specificity, 84.80%) and 351.43 min/day in men (sensitivity, 71.43%; specificity, 73.85%). CONCLUSION: Older individuals with dynapenia spent less time on HPA and more time in SB. Furthermore, HPA was found to be a better discriminator of dynapenic individuals, and SB better discriminated non-dynapenic individuals.

Perinatal N(G)-Nitro-L-arginine methyl ester administration decreases anxiety- and depression-like behaviors in adult mice.

OBJECTIVE: We hypothesized that perinatal manipulations of the nitrergic system would affect adult animal behaviors. METHODS: We tested this hypothesis by perinatally administering N(G)-Nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), a non-specific antagonist of nitric oxide synthase for 15 days and assessed anxiety- and depression-like behaviors in adult mice. At 70 days of age, the mice were subjected to a battery of tests consisting of the open-field, light/dark box, forced swim, and tail-flick tests. The tests were performed at two-day intervals, and the order of the tests within the battery was determined according to the progressive invasiveness degree. RESULTS: L-NAME-treated animals exhibited decreased anxiety-like behavior in the light/dark box and open field tests, with no change in locomotor activity. Additionally, they demonstrated decreased depression-like behavior in the forced swim test and no change in pain perception in the tail-flick test. CONCLUSION: The nitrergic system is possibly involved in neural circuitry development that regulates behaviors since blocking perinatal nitric oxide production decreases anxiety- and depression-like behaviors in adult mice.

ONLAY VERSUS RIVES-STOPPA TECHNIQUES IN THE TREATMENT OF INCISIONAL HERNIAS.

BACKGROUND: In the surgical correction of large incisional hernias, the use of a prosthesis is essential in most cases regardless of the technique chosen. The preference is for the polypropylene prosthesis. AIMS: To compare the onlay and Rives-Stoppa techniques in the correction of incisional hernias, their immediate results, complications, advantages, and disadvantages. METHODS: Two groups of patients with incisional hernias were analyzed, submitted to the onlay (19 patients) and Rives-Stoppa (17 patients) techniques, and that used polypropylene prostheses. General epidemiological variables, perioperative data variables, and postoperative complications were assessed. RESULTS: The patients' epidemiologic profile was similar between both groups. The majority were women (58.4%), with a mean age of 65.5 years and a previous mean body mass index of 41.5 kg/m². The Rives-Stoppa technique was employed in most patients (52.7%). Those submitted to the onlay technique had longer abdominal drainage time and longer hospital stay, as well as a higher incidence of seromas and surgical wound infection. CONCLUSIONS: The incisional herniorrhaphy technique with the placement of a pre-peritoneal polypropylene mesh by the Rives-Stoppa technique was superior to the onlay due to lower rates of drain use, hospital stay, and postoperative complications.

Habitual physical activity and sedentary behavior as predictors of dynapenia in older adults: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Dynapenia is a risk factor of mortality. Therefore, the development of low-cost and easy-to-apply tools is essential to optimize the health surveillance actions of older people. OBJECTIVES: To compare the time spent on habitual physical activity (HPA) and sedentary behavior (SB) among dynapenic and non-dynapenic older adults and ascertain the predictive ability of these behaviors on outcome. DESIGN AND SETTING: A cross-sectional population epidemiological survey was conducted involving 208 older adults. METHODS: HPA and SB were quantified using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, and dynapenia was identified by handgrip strength (women: 18.37 kgf; men: 26.75 kgf). RESULTS: The prevalence was 24.50%. In both sexes, dynapenic individuals reported a HPA median time of 70.00 minutes/week (min/wk), while non-dynapenic women and men reported HPA median times of 240.00 and 280.00 min/wk, respectively (P < 0.05). For SB among dynapenic individuals, a median of 388.75 min/day was observed in women and 428.57 min/d in men. In contrast, non-dynapenic women and men had 291.42 and 274.28 min/day in SB (P < 0.05), respectively. The best cutoff HPA to discriminate the outcome was 150.00 min/wk in women (sensitivity: 73.30%; specificity: 60.67%) and 140.00 min/wk in men (sensitivity, 71.43%; specificity, 61.54%). The best cutoff SB was 381.43 min/day in women (sensitivity, 53.30%; specificity, 84.80%) and 351.43 min/day in men (sensitivity, 71.43%; specificity, 73.85%). CONCLUSION: Older individuals with dynapenia spent less time on HPA and more time in SB. Furthermore, HPA was found to be a better discriminator of dynapenic individuals, and SB better discriminated non-dynapenic individuals.

Increased Amazon carbon emissions mainly from decline in law enforcement.

The Amazon forest carbon sink is declining, mainly as a result of land-use and climate change1-4. Here we investigate how changes in law enforcement of environmental protection policies may have affected the Amazonian carbon balance between 2010 and 2018 compared with 2019 and 2020, based on atmospheric CO2 vertical profiles5,6, deforestation7 and fire data8, as well as infraction notices related to illegal deforestation9. We estimate that Amazonia carbon emissions increased from a mean of 0.24 ± 0.08 PgC year-1 in 2010-2018 to 0.44 ± 0.10 PgC year-1 in 2019 and 0.52 ± 0.10 PgC year-1 in 2020 (± uncertainty). The observed increases in deforestation were 82% and 77% (94% accuracy) and burned area were 14% and 42% in 2019 and 2020 compared with the 2010-2018 mean, respectively. We find that the numbers of notifications of infractions against flora decreased by 30% and 54% and fines paid by 74% and 89% in 2019 and 2020, respectively. Carbon losses during 2019-2020 were comparable with those of the record warm El Niño (2015-2016) without an extreme drought event. Statistical tests show that the observed differences between the 2010-2018 mean and 2019-2020 are unlikely to have arisen by chance. The changes in the carbon budget of Amazonia during 2019-2020 were mainly because of western Amazonia becoming a carbon source. Our results indicate that a decline in law enforcement led to increases in deforestation, biomass burning and forest degradation, which increased carbon emissions and enhanced drying and warming of the Amazon forests.

Improvement of the Mechanical Properties of Silica Aerogels for Thermal Insulation Applications through a Combination of Aramid Nanofibres and Microfibres.

Reinforcement of silica aerogels, remarkable lightweight mesoporous materials with outstanding insulation performance, is still a challenging research topic. Among the strategies used to overcome their brittleness, one of the most effective is the manufacturing of aerogel composites with embedded fibres. In this work, the incorporation of nanofibres together with microfibres in a tetraethoxysilane-vinyltrimethoxysilane matrix is investigated for the first time for the development of novel aerogel nanocomposites. The nanofibres, synthesized from different aramid fibres, including Kevlar® pulp, Technora®, Teijinconex® and Twaron® fibres, were used in different combinations with microaramids and the resulting nanocomposites were thoroughly investigated for their physicochemical and thermomechanical features. The properties depended on the type and amount of the nano/microfibre used. While the microfibres exhibited low interaction with the silica matrix, the higher surface of the nanofibres ensured increased contact with the gel matrix. A low bulk density of 161 kg m-3 and thermal conductivity of 38.3 mW m-1 K-1 (Hot Disk®) was achieved when combining the nanofibres obtained from Kevlar® pulp with the Technora® or Teijinconex® long fibres. The nanofibres showed higher dispersion and random orientation and in combination with microfibres led to the improvement by a factor of three regarding the mechanical properties of the aerogel nanocomposites reinforced only with microfibres. The scale-up process of the samples and simulated tests of thermal cycling and vacuum outgassing successfully conducted indicate good compliance with space applications.

Organic electrochemical transistors printed from degradable materials as disposable biochemical sensors.

Transient electronics hold promise in reducing electronic waste, especially in applications that require only a limited lifetime. While various degradable electronic and physical sensing devices have been proposed, there is growing interest in the development of degradable biochemical sensors. In this work, we present the development of an organic electrochemical transistor (OECT) with degradable electrodes, printed on an eco- and bioresorbable substrate. The influence of the design and materials for the contacts, channel and gate of the transducer, namely poly(3,4-ethylene dioxythiophene):polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) and carbon, is systematically evaluated for the development of OECT-based transient biosensors. The sensing capabilities of the electrochemical transistors are demonstrated with ionic solutions as well as for the enzyme-based detection of glucose. The disposable OECTs show comparable performance to their non-degradable counterparts. Their integration with highly conductive degradable and printable zinc tracks is studied for the realization of interconnects. These eco-friendly OECTs may find applications as disposable and sustainable biochemical sensors, and constitute a step towards bioresorbable biosensors.

Prevalência e fatores associados à suspeição de transtornos mentais comuns em idosos: um estudo populacional / Prevalence and factors associated with suspicion common mental disorders in older adults: a population study

RESUMO Objetivo Investigar a prevalência e os fatores associados à suspeição de transtornos mentais comuns (TMCs) em idosos de um município de pequeno porte do Nordeste brasileiro. Métodos Estudo epidemiológico populacional, com delineamento transversal, realizado com idosos da área urbana de Aiquara-BA. As informações sociodemográficas, de hábitos de vida e de condições de saúde foram coletadas, em entrevistas, a partir de um instrumento próprio. O nível de atividade física foi averiguado por meio do International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Foram considerados insuficientemente ativos os entrevistados que despendiam tempo < 150 mim/sem em atividade física. A identificação da suspeição de TMCs foi realizada pelo Self-Reporting Questionnaire, com ponto de corte de sete ou mais respostas positivas. Para as análises inferenciais, utilizou-se o teste qui-quadrado de Pearson, regressão logística multivariada e seus respectivos intervalos de confiança (ICs) de 95,0% (p ≤ 0,05). Resultados Participaram do estudo 232 idosos (58,6% mulheres), com média de idade de 71,6 ± 7,5 anos e prevalência de suspeição de TMCs de 32,6%. No modelo final de regressão, foi observado que estiveram associadas à suspeição de TMCs: as mulheres (RP: 2,49; IC95%: 1,27-4,88); os idosos com autopercepção negativa de saúde (RP: 2,73; IC95%: 1,46-5,10); os idosos que referiram ter distúrbios do sono (RP: 3,12; IC95%: 1,56-6,21); e os insuficientemente ativos (RP: 2,30; IC95%: 1,20-4,41). Conclusão Em Aiquara-BA, identificou-se elevada prevalência de suspeição de TMCs, principalmente em mulheres, nos avaliados com autopercepção de saúde negativa, entre os que referiram ter distúrbios do sono e nos participantes insuficientemente ativos.

ABSTRACT Objective To investigate the prevalence and factors associated with suspected common mental disorders (CMD) in older adults in a small municipality in Northeastern Brazil. Methods Population epidemiological cross-sectional study carried out with older adults from the urban area of Aiquara, BA. Sociodemographic information, lifestyle and health conditions were collected in interviews, using a specific instrument. The level of physical activity was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Respondents who dismissed time < 150 min/wk in physical activity were considered insufficiently active. The identification of suspected CMD was performed using the Self-Reporting Questionnaire, with a cut-off point of seven or more positive responses. For inferential analyses, Pearson's chi-square test and multivariate logistic regression were used, and their respective 95% confidence intervals (CIs) (p ≤ 0.05). Results A total of 232 older adults (58.6% women), with a mean age of 71.6 ± 7.5 years participated in the study and 32.6% exhibited suspected CMD. In the final regression model, it was observed that women were associated with suspected CMD (PR: 2.49; 95% CI: 1.27-4.88); older adults with self-perceived poor health (PR: 2.73; 95%CI: 1.46-5.10); the older adults who reported experiencing sleep disorders (PR: 3.12; 95%CI: 1.56-6.21) and those who were insufficiently active (PR: 2.30; 95%CI: 1.20-4.41). Conclusion In Aiquara, BA, a high prevalence of suspected common mental disorders was identified, especially in women, in patients evaluated with negative self-perceived health, among those who reported having sleep disorders and in insufficiently active participants.

Water deprivation induces hypoactivity in rats independently of oxytocin receptor signaling at the central amygdala.

Introduction: Vasopressin (AVP) and oxytocin (OXT) are neuropeptides produced by magnocellular neurons (MCNs) of the hypothalamus and secreted through neurohypophysis to defend mammals against dehydration. It was recently demonstrated that MCNs also project to limbic structures, modulating several behavioral responses. Methods and Results: We found that 24 h of water deprivation (WD) or salt loading (SL) did not change exploration or anxiety-like behaviors in the elevated plus maze (EPM) test. However, rats deprived of water for 48 h showed reduced exploration of open field and the closed arms of EPM, indicating hypoactivity during night time. We evaluated mRNA expression of glutamate decarboxylase 1 (Gad1), vesicular glutamate transporter 2 (Slc17a6), AVP (Avpr1a) and OXT (Oxtr) receptors in the lateral habenula (LHb), basolateral (BLA) and central (CeA) amygdala after 48 h of WD or SL. WD, but not SL, increased Oxtr mRNA expression in the CeA. Bilateral pharmacological inhibition of OXTR function in the CeA with the OXTR antagonist L-371,257 was performed to evaluate its possible role in regulating the EPM exploration or water intake induced by WD. The blockade of OXTR in the CeA did not reverse the hypoactivity response in the EPM, nor did it change water intake induced in 48-h water-deprived rats. Discussion: We found that WD modulates exploratory activity in rats, but this response is not mediated by oxytocin receptor signaling to the CeA, despite the upregulated Oxtr mRNA expression in that structure after WD for 48 h.

Correlating Coffea canephora 3D architecture to plant photosynthesis at a daily scale and vegetative biomass allocation.

Coffea canephora (C. canephora) has two botanical varieties, Robusta and Conilon. Intraspecific variability was hypothesized and projected for the selection of C. canephora plants able to maintain production in the context of global climate changes. For that, architectural, C-assimilation and biomass analyses were performed on 17-month-old Robusta (clones 'A1' and '3 V') and Conilon (clones '14' and '19') varieties grown in non-limiting soil, water and mineral nutrient conditions. Nondestructive coffee plant architecture coding, reconstruction and plant photosynthesis estimations were performed using a functional-structural plant modeling platform OpenAlea. 3D reconstructions and inclusion of parameters calculated and estimated from light response curves, such as dark respiration (Rd), maximum rate of carboxylation of RuBisCO and photosynthetic electron transport allowed the estimation of instantaneous and daily plant photosynthesis. The virtual orchard leaf area index was low, and light was not a limiting factor in early C. canephora development stages. Under such conditions, Robusta assimilated more CO2 at the plant and orchard scale and produced higher total biomass than Conilon. Lower plant daily photosynthesis and total biomass were correlated to higher Rd in Conilon than in Robusta. Among the architectural traits, leaf inclination, size and allometry were most highly correlated with plant assimilation and biomass. Relative allocation in leaf biomass was higher in '19' Conilon than in young Robusta plants, indicating intraspecific biomass partitioning. Similarly, variation in relative distribution of the root biomass and the root volume reflected clonal variation in soil occupation, indicating intraspecific variability in space occupation competitiveness. Coffea canephora denoted high root allocation in both Conilon and Robusta clones. However, relevant differences at subspecific levels were found, indicating the high potential of C. canephora to cope with drought events, which are expected to occur more frequently in the future, because of climate changes. The methodology developed here has the potential to be used for other crops and tree species. Highlights Functional-structural plant model was used to estimate photosynthesis on a plant and daily scales in Coffea canephora (C. canephora). Among the architectural traits, leaf shape and inclination had the most impact on photosynthesis and biomass. Under non-limiting conditions, Robusta had higher plant photosynthesis and biomass than Conilon. A higher leaf biomass allocation in Conilon clone '19' than in Robusta suggested variety-specific partitioning. Variation in the relative distribution of the root biomass indicated C. canephora intraspecific soil occupation variability.

Perinatal N(G)-Nitro-L-arginine methyl ester administration decreases anxiety- and depression-like behaviors in adult mice

ABSTRACT Objective: We hypothesized that perinatal manipulations of the nitrergic system would affect adult animal behaviors. Methods: We tested this hypothesis by perinatally administering N(G)-Nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), a non-specific antagonist of nitric oxide synthase for 15 days and assessed anxiety- and depression-like behaviors in adult mice. At 70 days of age, the mice were subjected to a battery of tests consisting of the open-field, light/dark box, forced swim, and tail-flick tests. The tests were performed at two-day intervals, and the order of the tests within the battery was determined according to the progressive invasiveness degree. Results: L-NAME-treated animals exhibited decreased anxiety-like behavior in the light/dark box and open field tests, with no change in locomotor activity. Additionally, they demonstrated decreased depression-like behavior in the forced swim test and no change in pain perception in the tail-flick test. Conclusion: The nitrergic system is possibly involved in neural circuitry development that regulates behaviors since blocking perinatal nitric oxide production decreases anxiety- and depression-like behaviors in adult mice.

Physical fitness according to the level of physical activity in older people: a cross-sectional analysis / Aptidão física de acordo com o nível de atividade física em pessoas idosas: uma análise transversal

Abstract Introduction Aging is marked by physiological changes and a decrease in physical activity. These aspects can have repercussions, namely declining functionality and increasing likelihood of adverse events. Objective To compare performance in physical fitness tests of sufficiently and insufficiently active older people. Methods Epidemiological population study, cross-sectional, carried out with 209 older people (58.4% women) from Aiquara/BA. Sociodemographic information was obtained by means of interviews. Physical fitness was measured by means of the following tests: handgrip strength, chair stand, arm curl, timed up and go, sit and reach and step in place. The level of physical activity was checked by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (<150 min/week physical activity = insufficiently active). Comparisons were made using the Student t-test or Mann-Whitney U-test, according to the distribution of normality determined by the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test (p ≤ 0.05). Results We found that 51.70% of the participants were insufficiently active (men: 66.66%; women: 40.98%). In addition, insufficiently active participants of both sexes performed less well in the handgrip strength, chair stand, arm curl, timed up and go and step in place tests (p < 0.05). Moreover, insufficiently active men showed lower performance in the sit and reach test than sufficiently active men (p < 0.05). Conclusion Insufficiently active older women and men have lower muscle strength/resistance, dynamic balance/agility and cardiorespiratory endurance. Furthermore, insufficiently active men show less flexibility than those sufficiently active.

Resumo Introdução O envelhecimento é marcado por alterações fisiológicas e diminuição do tempo em atividade física (AF). Tais aspectos podem repercutir no declínio da funcionalidade e propiciar maior probabilidade para eventos adversos. Objetivo Comparar o desempenho em testes de aptidão física de pessoa idosas suficiente e insuficientemente ativas. Métodos Estudo epidemiológico populacional, transversal, realizado com 209 pessoas idosas (58,40% mulheres) de Aiquara/BA. As informações sociodemográficas foram obtidas a partir de entrevistas. A aptidão física foi mensurada por meio dos seguintes testes: força de preensão manual; levantar e sentar da cadeira; flexão do antebraço; levantar, caminhar 2,44 m e sentar; sentar e alcançar o pé; e marcha estacionária. O nível de atividade física foi averiguado pelo International Physical Activity Questionnaire (< 150 min/sem em AF = insuficientemente ativo). As comparações foram feitas por meio dos testes t de Student ou U de Mann-Whitney, conforme a distribuição de normalidade averiguada pelo teste de Kolmogorov-Smirnov (p ≤ 0,05). Resultados A prevalência do nível de AF insuficiente foi de 51,70% (homens: 66,66%; mulheres: 40,98%). Verificou-se, em ambos os sexos, que os insuficientemente ativos demonstraram menor desempenho na força de preensão manual; sentar e levantar da cadeira; flexão do antebraço; levantar, caminhar e sentar; e marcha estacionária (p < 0,05). Além do mais, os homens insuficientemente ativos apresentaram menor desempenho no teste sentar e alcançar o pé em relação aos suficientemente ativos (p < 0,05). Conclusão Identificou-se que os idosos insuficientemente ativos, de ambos os sexos, apresentaram menor força/resistência muscular, equilíbrio dinâmico/agilidade e resistência cardiorrespiratória. Ademais, os homens insuficientemente ativos demonstraram menor flexibilidade do que os suficientemente ativos.

Association of physical activity combined with sedentary behavior with dynapenia in older adults / Associação da atividade física combinada ao comportamento sendentário com a dinapenia em idosos

ABSTRACT This research aimed to analyze the association of physical activity (PA) level combined with exposure to sedentary behavior (SB) with dynapenia in older people. Epidemiological, cross-sectional study, conducted with 208 older adults in Aiquara, Bahia, Brazil. Habitual PA and SB were quantified using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Based on this information, participants were divided into groups (G): G1) sufficiently active and low SB; G2) sufficiently active and high SB; G3) insufficiently active and low SB; and G4) insufficiently active and high SB. Assessment of dynapenia was performed based on the values of the handgrip strength measured in kilogram-force (kgf) (women: 18.37 kgf; men: 26.75 kgf). Descriptive analysis was conducted using absolute and relative frequencies, mean and standard deviation. For the inferential analysis, Poisson regression was used, with a robust estimator, calculation of Prevalence Ratios (PRs) and their relevant Confidence Intervals (CIs) of 95.0%. It was observed that the mean age of women and men were, respectively, 71.0 ± 6.7 and 72.3 ± 8.1 years and the prevalence of dynapenia observed was about 24.5%. Furthermore, it was found that the insufficiently active older adults with low SB (G3) (PR: 2.28; 95%CI: 1.09-4.76), and those insufficiently active with high SB (G4) (PR: 4, 14; 95%CI: 1.95-8.70), were more likely to experience the assessed outcome. Evidence showed that, among the older adults in Aiquara the prevalence of dynapenia was high in the presence of an insufficient level of PA, especially when combined with greater exposure to SB

RESUMO Esta pesquisa teve como objetivo analisar a associação do nível de atividade física (AF) combinado à exposição ao comportamento sedentário (CS) com a dinapenia em idosos. Estudo epidemiológico, transversal, conduzido com 208 idosos de Aiquara, Bahia, Brasil. A AF habitual e o CS foram quantificados pelo International Physical Activity Questionnaire. A partir destas informações, dividiu-se os participantes em grupos (G): G1) suficientemente ativos e baixo CS; G2) suficientemente ativos e elevado CS; G3) insuficientemente ativos e baixo CS; e G4) insuficientemente ativos e elevado CS. A avaliação da dinapenia foi realizada a partir dos valores, em quilograma-força (kgf), da força de preensão manual (mulheres: 18,37 kgf; homens: 26,75 kgf). A análise descritiva foi conduzida por meio de frequências absolutas e relativas, média e desvio padrão. Para a análise inferencial utilizou-se a regressão de Poisson, com estimador robusto, cálculo das Razões de Prevalência (RP) e de seus respectivos Intervalos de Confiança (IC) de 95,0%. Observou-se que as médias de idade das mulheres e dos homens, foram, respectivamente, 71,0 ± 6,7 e 72,3 ± 8,1 anos e a prevalência de dinapenia observada foi na ordem de 24,5%. Ademais, averiguou-se que os idosos insuficientemente ativos com baixo CS (G3) (RP: 2,28; IC95%: 1,09-4,76), e os insuficientemente ativos com elevado CS (G4) (RP: 4,14; IC95%: 1,95-8,70), apresentaram maior probabilidade ao desfecho analisado. As evidências verificadas mostraram que, entre os idosos de Aiquara, a prevalência de dinapenia foi elevada na presença do nível de AF insuficiente, especialmente quando combinado a uma maior exposição ao CS.

Onlay versus rives-stoppa techniques in the treatment of incisional hernias / Técnicas onlay versus rives-stoppa no tratamento das hérnias incisionais

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: In the surgical correction of large incisional hernias, the use of a prosthesis is essential in most cases regardless of the technique chosen. The preference is for the polypropylene prosthesis. AIMS: To compare the onlay and Rives-Stoppa techniques in the correction of incisional hernias, their immediate results, complications, advantages, and disadvantages. METHODS: Two groups of patients with incisional hernias were analyzed, submitted to the onlay (19 patients) and Rives-Stoppa (17 patients) techniques, and that used polypropylene prostheses. General epidemiological variables, perioperative data variables, and postoperative complications were assessed. RESULTS: The patients' epidemiologic profile was similar between both groups. The majority were women (58.4%), with a mean age of 65.5 years and a previous mean body mass index of 41.5 kg/m². The Rives-Stoppa technique was employed in most patients (52.7%). Those submitted to the onlay technique had longer abdominal drainage time and longer hospital stay, as well as a higher incidence of seromas and surgical wound infection. CONCLUSIONS: The incisional herniorrhaphy technique with the placement of a pre-peritoneal polypropylene mesh by the Rives-Stoppa technique was superior to the onlay due to lower rates of drain use, hospital stay, and postoperative complications.

RESUMO RACIONAL: Na correção cirúrgica das grandes hérnias incisionais, independente da técnica escolhida, na maioria das vezes, o uso de uma prótese é imprescindível. A preferência é pelas próteses de polipropileno. OBJETIVOS: Comparar a técnicas onlay e Rives-Stoppa na correção de hérnias incisionais, os seus resultados imediatos, as complicações, as vantagens e desvantagens. MÉTODOS: Foram analisados dois grupos de portadores de hérnias incisionais, submetidos à técnica onlay (19 pacientes) e técnica Rives-Stoppa (17 pacientes), utilizando prótese de polipropileno. As variáveis gerais epidemiológicas, variáveis de dados perioperatórios e complicações pós-operatórias foram analisados. RESULTADOS: O perfil epidemiológico dos pacientes foi semelhante entre os grupos, a maioria eram mulheres (58.4%), com média de idade de 65.5 anos e com índice de massa corpórea (IMC) médio prévio de 41,5kg/m². A técnica de Rives-Stoppa foi utilizada na maioria dos pacientes (52.7%). Pacientes submetidos a técnica onlay apresentaram maior tempo de uso de dreno abdominal e maior tempo de internação hospitalar, além de maior incidência de seromas e infecção de ferida operatória. CONCLUSÕES: A técnica de herniorrafia incisional com colocação de tela de polipropileno pré-peritoneal, pela técnica de Rives-Stoppa apresentou-se superior à técnica onlay, devido menor taxa de uso de drenos, menor taxa de tempo de internação hospitalar, bem como menor taxa de complicações pós-operatórias.

Neonatal D-fenfluramine treatment promotes long-term behavioral changes in adult mice.

Serotonin exerts a significant role in the mammalian central nervous system embryogenesis and brain ontogeny. Therefore, we investigate the effect of neonatal treatment of d-fenfluramine (d-FEN), a serotonin (5-HT) releaser, on the behavioral expression of adult male Swiss mice. For this purpose, we divided pregnant female Swiss mice into two groups (n = 6 each and ~35 g). Their offspring were treated with d-FEN (3 mg/kg, s.c.) from postnatal days (PND) 5 to 20. At PND 21, one male puppy of each litter was euthanized; the midbrain and the hippocampus were dissected for RNA analysis. At PND 70, the male offspring underwent a behavioral assessment in the open field, elevated plus-maze, light-dark box, tail suspension, and rotarod test. The programmed animals had a decrease in 5HT1a, serotonin transporter (SERT), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression in the mesencephalic raphe region. Alternatively, there was a reduction only in the tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH2) and BDNF expression in the hippocampus. In the light-dark box test, offspring of the treated group had higher latency to light and less time on the light side than the control. Also, it was observed less time of immobility in the tail suspension test. We also observed low motor skill learning in the rotarod test. These findings suggest that programming with d-FEN during the neonatal period alters a mesencephalic and hippocampal serotonergic system, promoting anxiety, antidepressant behavior, low coordination, and motor learning in adults.

Anthropometric indicators of obesity for the prediction of metabolic syndrome in the older adults / Indicadores antropométricos de obesidade na predição de síndrome metabólica em idosos

INTRODUCTION: The anthropometric indicators of obesity may be important in predicting metabolic syndrome (MS). OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the anthropometric indicators as predictors of MS and verify the association of these indicators with MS in older adult individuals of both sexes. METHODS: Cross-sectional epidemiological study was carried out with 222 individuals aged 60 years or older residents in the urban area of Aiquara, Bahia state, Brazil. Older adults were measured for anthropometric indicators: body mass index (BMI), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), waist circumference, conicity index, the sum of skinfolds; blood pressure; biochemical variables: fasting glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and fractions. For the diagnosis of MS, the definition of the International Diabetes Federation was used. Descriptive and inferential data analysis was tested using correlation, the Poisson regression technique, and the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve. RESULTS: The prevalence of MS was 62.3%. There was a correlation of all anthropometric indicators with MS in both sexes. The indicators of visceral fat had a strong association in that these indicators had an area under the ROC curve higher than 0.76 (CI95% 0.66­0.85). Thus, most results showed a weak correlation. CONCLUSION: All anthropometric indicators can be used to predict MS in older adults for both sexes, however, BMI and WHtR showed the best predictions.

INTRODUÇÃO: Os indicadores antropométricos de obesidade podem ser importantes na predição da síndrome metabólica (SM). OBJETIVO: Avaliar os indicadores antropométricos como preditores da SM, bem como verificar a associação desses indicadores com a SM em idosos de ambos os sexos. MÉTODOS: Estudo epidemiológico transversal realizado com 222 indivíduos com 60 anos ou mais residentes na zona urbana de Aiquara-BA, Brasil. Os idosos foram avaliados quanto aos indicadores antropométricos: índice de massa corporal (IMC), razão cintura-estatura (RCEst), circunferência da cintura, índice de conicidade, soma de dobras cutâneas; pressão sanguínea; bioquímicos: glicemia em jejum, triglicérides, colesterol total e frações. Foram classificados quanto à presença de SM de acordo com a Federação Internacional de Diabetes. A análise descritiva e inferencial dos dados foi testada utilizando correlação, a técnica de regressão de Poisson e a curva Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC). RESULTADOS: A prevalência de SM foi de 62,3%. Houve correlação de todos os indicadores antropométricos com a SM em ambos os sexos. Os indicadores de gordura visceral apresentaram forte associação, pois possuem área abaixo da curva ROC superior a 0,76 (IC95% 0,66-0,85). Assim, a maioria dos resultados apresentou correlação fraca. CONCLUSÃO: Todos os indicadores antropométricos podem ser usados para rastrear a SM em idosos de ambos os sexos, no entanto, o IMC e a RCEst apresentaram as melhores previsões.

Factors associated with dynapenia in older adults in the northeast of Brazil / Fatores associados à dinapenia em idosos do nordeste brasileiro

ABSTRACT This study identified factors associated with dynapenia in older adults residing in a small town in northeastern Brazil. It is a population-based study conducted with 208 senior citizens (58.7% women) from Aiquara, BA. Sociodemographic, behavioral and health information were obtained from face-to-face interviews, and nutritional status was assessed by body mass index. To measure their level of physical activity and sedentary behavior, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire was used. Dynapenia was diagnosed by sex, from the 25th percentile of handgrip strength, by means of a hydraulic dynamometer. For inferential analyses, Poisson regression was used, with a robust estimator, calculation of Prevalence Ratios (PRs) and their respective 95% Confidence Intervals (CIs). The prevalence of dynapenia was higher in older adults aged 70-79 (PR: 3.21; 95%CI: 1.55-6.64) and ≥80 years (PR: 4.91; 95%CI: 2.32-10.39), in those with low weight (PR: 2.20; 95%CI: 1.26-3.82), in those who are insufficiently active (PR: 1.99; 95%CI: 1.12-3.54), and among those with high level of sedentary behavior (PR: 1.88; 95%CI: 1.19-2.98). The factors identified as being associated with dynapenia were: age between 70 and 79 and ≥80 years, insufficient level of physical activity; high level of sedentary behavior, and low weight.

RESUMO Este estudo identificou os fatores associados à dinapenia em idosos residentes em um município de pequeno porte do Nordeste brasileiro. Trata-se de um estudo populacional, conduzido com 208 idosos (58,7% mulheres) de Aiquara-BA. As informações sociodemográficas, comportamentais e de condições de saúde foram obtidas em entrevistas face a face, e o estado nutricional foi avaliado pelo índice de massa corporal. Para mensuração do nível de atividade física e do comportamento sedentário, utilizou-se o International Physical Activity Questionnaire. O diagnóstico da dinapenia foi realizado por sexo, a partir do percentil 25 da força de preensão manual, averiguada com um dinamômetro hidráulico. Para análises inferenciais foi utilizada a regressão de Poisson, com estimador robusto, cálculo das Razões de Prevalência (RP) e de seus respectivos intervalos de confiança de 95% (IC). A prevalência de dinapenia foi maior nos idosos com idade entre 70-79 (RP: 3,21; IC95%: 1,55-6,64) e ≥80 anos (RP: 4,91; IC95%: 2,32-10,39), nos com baixo peso (RP: 2,20; IC95%: 1,26-3,82), nos insuficientemente ativos (RP: 1,99; IC95%: 1,12-3,54) e entre os com elevado comportamento sedentário (RP: 1,88; IC95%: 1,19-2,98). Identificou-se que os fatores associados à dinapenia foram: idade entre 70-79 e ≥80 anos, nível de atividade física insuficiente; elevado comportamento sedentário e baixo peso.

Atividades de lazer em adultos quilombolas de uma região baiana / Leisure activities in quilombola adults in a Bahia region

O presente estudo objetivou analisar as atividades de lazer realizadas por quilombolas baianos da microrregião de Guanambi, Bahia, Brasil. Foram utilizados dados de um estudo transversal, com amostra de 850 participantes com idade ≥ 18 anos. Como variável dependente, adotou-se atividades de lazer. Os dados foram analisados por meio de estatística descritiva e teste de associação (Qui-quadrado ou Exato de Fisher). Em todas as análises foram consideradas como significância estatística o valor de p <0,05. Os resultados mostraram que 78,0% dos participantes relataram praticar lazer regularmente. Quanto ao tipo de atividade de lazer, as mais praticadas foram as sociais (51,0%), enquanto que, as menos citadas foram as culturais (3,0%). As variáveis associadas com alguma prática de lazer foram: ser adulto (p=0,047); situação conjugal com companhia marital (p=0,047); e saber ler ou escrever (p=0,003). Conclui-se que a amostra avaliada desenvolve atividades de lazer em suas comunidades, as quais se associaram ao seu cotidiano e às relações sociais culturalmente estabelecidas.

This study aimed to analyze leisure activities carried out by quilombolas from Bahia in the micro-region of Guanambi, Bahia, Brazil. Data from a cross-sectional study were used, with a sample of 850 participants aged ≥ 18 years. As a dependent variable, leisure activities were adopted. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the association test (Chi-square or Fisher's Exact). In all analyzes, p <0.05 was considered as statistically significant. The results showed that 78.0% of the participants reported practicing leisure regularly. As for the type of leisure activity, the most practiced were social (51.0%), while the least cited were cultural (3.0%). The variables associated with some leisure practice were: being an adult (p = 0.047); marital status with marital companionship (p = 0.047); and how to read or write (p = 0.003). It is concluded that the evaluated sample develops leisure activities in their communities, which are associated with their daily lives and culturally established social relationships.