FeCo@hydrochar nanocomposites as efficient peroxymonosulfate activator for organic pollutant degradation.

Sulfate radical-based advanced oxidation processes (SR-AOPs) are renowned for their exceptional capacity to degrade refractory organic pollutants due to their wide applicability, cost-effectiveness, and swift mineralization and oxidation rates. The primary sources of radicals in AOPs are persulfate (PS) and peroxymonosulfate (PMS) ions, sparking significant interest in their mechanistic and catalytic aspects. To develop a novel nanocatalyst for SR-AOPs, particularly for PMS activation, we synthesized carbon-coated FeCo nanoparticles (NPs) using solvothermal methods based on the polyol approach. Various synthesis conditions were investigated, and the NPs were thoroughly characterized regarding their structure, morphology, magnetic properties, and catalytic efficiency. The FeCo phase was primarily obtained at [OH-] / [Metal] = 26 and [Fe] / [Co] = 2 ratios. Moreover, as the [Fe]/[Co] ratio increased, the degree of xylose carbonization to form a carbon coating (hydrochar) on the NPs also increased. The NPs exhibited a spherical morphology with agglomerates of varying sizes. Vibrating-sample magnetometer analysis (VSM) indicated that a higher proportion of iron resulted in NPs with higher saturation magnetization (up to 167.8 emu g-1), attributed to a larger proportion of FeCo bcc phase in the nanocomposite. The best catalytic conditions for degrading 100 ppm Rhodamine B (RhB) included 0.05 g L-1 of NPs, 2 mM PMS, pH 7.0, and a 20-min reaction at 25 °C. Notably, singlet oxygen was the predominant specie formed in the experiments in the SR-AOP, followed by sulfate and hydroxyl radicals. The catalyst could be reused for up to five cycles, retaining over 98% RhB degradation, albeit with increased metal leaching. Even in the first use, dissolved Fe and Co concentrations were 0.8 ± 0.3 and 4.0 ± 0.5 mg L-1, respectively. The FeCo catalyst proved to be effective in dye degradation and offers the potential for further refinement to minimize Co2+ leaching.

Diagnosis and Prevention of Periprosthetic Joint Infections by Staphylococcus aureus after Hip Fracture: A Systematic Review of the Literature.

Hip arthroplasties are surgical procedures widely performed all over the world, seeking to return functionality, relieve pain, and improve the quality of life of patients affected by osteoarthritis, femoral neck fractures, osteonecrosis of the femoral head, among other etiologies. Periprosthetic joint infections are one of the most feared complications due to the high associated morbidity and mortality, with a high number of pathogens that may be associated with its etiology. The aim of the present study was to analyze aspects correlated with the occurrence of infection, diagnosis and prevention of periprosthetic joint infections in the hip associated with Staphylococcus aureus after corrective surgery for hip fractures. This is a systematic review of the literature carried out in the databases indexed in the Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE) carried out in accordance with the precepts established by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) methodology. Twenty studies that addressed the diagnosis and prevention of periprosthetic joint infections after hip fractures were selected for analysis. It is observed that there is no consensus in the literature on preventive measures for the occurrence of such infectious processes. Among the risk factors for the occurrence and severity of infections by S. aureus after hip arthroplasties, obesity, longer surgical time, older age, immunosuppression, recent use of antibiotics, and multicomorbidities were mentioned. The use of biomarkers for early diagnosis, as well as screening, decolonization, and antibiotic prophylaxis processes are among the preventive procedures proposed in the literature.

Confirming the attainment of maximal oxygen uptake within special and clinical groups: A systematic review and meta-analysis of cardiopulmonary exercise test and verification phase protocols.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: A plateau in oxygen uptake ([Formula: see text]) during an incremental cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) to volitional exhaustion appears less likely to occur in special and clinical populations. Secondary maximal oxygen uptake ([Formula: see text]) criteria have been shown to commonly underestimate the actual [Formula: see text]. The verification phase protocol might determine the occurrence of 'true' [Formula: see text] in these populations. The primary aim of the current study was to systematically review and provide a meta-analysis on the suitability of the verification phase for confirming 'true' [Formula: see text] in special and clinical groups. Secondary aims were to explore the applicability of the verification phase according to specific participant characteristics and investigate which test protocols and procedures minimise the differences between the highest [Formula: see text] values attained in the CPET and verification phase. METHODS: Electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, Scopus, and EMBASE) were searched using specific search strategies and relevant data were extracted from primary studies. Studies meeting inclusion criteria were systematically reviewed. Meta-analysis techniques were applied to quantify weighted mean differences (standard deviations) in peak [Formula: see text] from a CPET and a verification phase within study groups using random-effects models. Subgroup analyses investigated the differences in [Formula: see text] according to individual characteristics and test protocols. The methodological quality of the included primary studies was assessed using a modified Downs and Black checklist to obtain a level of evidence. Participant-level [Formula: see text] data were analysed according to the threshold criteria reported by the studies or the inherent measurement error of the metabolic analysers and displayed as Bland-Altman plots. RESULTS: Forty-three studies were included in the systematic review, whilst 30 presented quantitative information for meta-analysis. Within the 30 studies, the highest mean [Formula: see text] values attained in the CPET and verification phase protocols were similar (mean difference = -0.00 [95% confidence intervals, CI = -0.03 to 0.03] L·min-1, p = 0.87; level of evidence, LoE: strong). The specific clinical groups with sufficient primary studies to be meta-analysed showed a similar [Formula: see text] between the CPET and verification phase (p > 0.05, LoE: limited to strong). Across all 30 studies, [Formula: see text] was not affected by differences in test protocols (p > 0.05; LoE: moderate to strong). Only 23 (53.5%) of the 43 reviewed studies reported how many participants achieved a lower, equal, or higher [Formula: see text] value in the verification phase versus the CPET or reported or supplied participant-level [Formula: see text] data for this information to be obtained. The percentage of participants that achieved a lower, equal, or higher [Formula: see text] value in the verification phase was highly variable across studies (e.g. the percentage that achieved a higher [Formula: see text] in the verification phase ranged from 0% to 88.9%). CONCLUSION: Group-level verification phase data appear useful for confirming a specific CPET protocol likely elicited [Formula: see text], or a reproducible [Formula: see text], for a given special or clinical group. Participant-level data might be useful for confirming whether specific participants have likely elicited [Formula: see text], or a reproducible [Formula: see text], however, more research reporting participant-level data is required before evidence-based guidelines can be given. TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO (CRD42021247658) https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero.

Cytomolecular diversity among Vigna Savi (Leguminosae) subgenera.

The genus Vigna (Leguminosae) comprises about 150 species grouped into five subgenera. The present study aimed to improve the understanding of karyotype diversity and evolution in Vigna, using new and previously published data through different cytogenetic and DNA content approaches. In the Vigna subgenera, we observed a random distribution of rDNA patterns. The 35S rDNA varied in position, from terminal to proximal, and in number, ranging from one (V. aconitifolia, V. subg. Ceratotropis) to seven pairs (V. unguiculata subsp. unguiculata, V. subg. Vigna). On the other hand, the number of 5S rDNA was conserved (one or two pairs), except for V. radiata (V. subg. Ceratotropis), which had three pairs. Genome size was relatively conserved within the genus, ranging from 1C = 0.43 to 0.70 pg in V. oblongifolia and V. unguiculata subsp. unguiculata, respectively, both belonging to V. subg. Vigna. However, we observed a positive correlation between DNA content and the number of 35S rDNA sites. In addition, data from chromosome-specific BAC-FISH suggest that the ancestral 35S rDNA locus is conserved on chromosome 6 within Vigna. Considering the rapid diversification in the number and position of rDNA sites, such conservation is surprising and suggests that additional sites may have spread out from this ancestral locus.

Visual stimulation in the neonatal intensive care unit: A systematic literature review.

We aimed to systematically categorize evidence on the types of early visual stimulation applied to preterm infants (PTIs) admitted to neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), aiming to improve visual function parameters. This study was conducted according to PRISMA and registered in PROSPERO with CRD42022333753. Last search was conducted on March 15, 2023, in four different databases. Articles written in English, Portuguese, Spanish, or Italian, and available in full text were included. Two independent authors performed study selection, data extraction, and bias risk assessment. If there was any disagreement, a third author was contacted. A total of eight studies were included. From these, 62.5% presented a low risk of bias. 100% used a multisensory intervention, which included visual stimulation. In 50%, visual intervention consisted of black and white stimulation cards placed inside the incubator for three minutes. The outcomes showed positive benefits in visual function parameters and other reported clinical benefits in breastfeeding and neuromuscular development. This review demonstrated there is still scarce literature on the effects of early visual stimulation on purely visual functional outcomes, although the existing findings are promising. Parental involvement has been generating unquestionable benefits for the binomial mother-infant and gaining greater acceptance by health professionals.

Translocations and inversions: major chromosomal rearrangements during Vigna (Leguminosae) evolution.

KEY MESSAGE: Inversions and translocations are the major chromosomal rearrangements involved in Vigna subgenera evolution, being Vigna vexillata the most divergent species. Centromeric repositioning seems to be frequent within the genus. Oligonucleotide-based fluorescence in situ hybridization (Oligo-FISH) provides a powerful chromosome identification system for inferring plant chromosomal evolution. Aiming to understand macrosynteny, chromosomal diversity, and the evolution of bean species from five Vigna subgenera, we constructed cytogenetic maps for eight taxa using oligo-FISH-based chromosome identification. We used oligopainting probes from chromosomes 2 and 3 of Phaseolus vulgaris L. and two barcode probes designed from V. unguiculata (L.) Walp. genome. Additionally, we analyzed genomic blocks among the Ancestral Phaseoleae Karyotype (APK), two V. unguiculata subspecies (V. subg. Vigna), and V. angularis (Willd.) Ohwi & Ohashi (V. subg. Ceratotropis). We observed macrosynteny for chromosomes 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 in all investigated taxa except for V. vexillata (L.) A. Rich (V. subg. Plectrotropis), in which only chromosomes 4, 7, and 9 were unambiguously identified. Collinearity breaks involved with chromosomes 2 and 3 were revealed. We identified minor differences in the painting pattern among the subgenera, in addition to multiple intra- and interblock inversions and intrachromosomal translocations. Other rearrangements included a pericentric inversion in chromosome 4 (V. subg. Vigna), a reciprocal translocation between chromosomes 1 and 5 (V. subg. Ceratotropis), a potential deletion in chromosome 11 of V. radiata (L.) Wilczek, as well as multiple intrablock inversions and centromere repositioning via genomic blocks. Our study allowed the visualization of karyotypic patterns in each subgenus, revealing important information for understanding intrageneric karyotypic evolution, and suggesting V. vexillata as the most karyotypically divergent species.

Essential role of the CCL2-CCR2 axis in Mayaro virus-induced disease.

Mayaro virus (MAYV) is an emerging arbovirus member of the Togaviridae family and Alphavirus genus. MAYV infection causes an acute febrile illness accompanied by persistent polyarthralgia and myalgia. Understanding the mechanisms involved in arthritis caused by alphaviruses is necessary to develop specific therapies. In this work, we investigated the role of the CCL2/CCR2 axis in the pathogenesis of MAYV-induced disease. For this, wild-type (WT) C57BL/6J and CCR2-/- mice were infected with MAYV subcutaneously and evaluated for disease development. MAYV infection induced an acute inflammatory disease in WT mice. The immune response profile was characterized by an increase in the production of inflammatory mediators, such as IL-6, TNF, and CCL2. Higher levels of CCL2 at the local and systemic levels were followed by the significant recruitment of CCR2+ macrophages and a cellular response orchestrated by these cells. CCR2-/- mice showed an increase in CXCL-1 levels, followed by a replacement of the macrophage inflammatory infiltrate by neutrophils. Additionally, the absence of the CCR2 receptor protected mice from bone loss induced by MAYV. Accordingly, the silencing of CCL2 chemokine expression in vivo and the pharmacological blockade of CCR2 promoted a partial improvement in disease. Cell culture data support the mechanism underlying the bone pathology of MAYV, in which MAYV infection promotes a pro-osteoclastogenic microenvironment mediated by CCL2, IL-6, and TNF, which induces the migration and differentiation of osteoclast precursor cells. Overall, these data contribute to the understanding of the pathophysiology of MAYV infection and the identification future of specific therapeutic targets in MAYV-induced disease.IMPORTANCEThis work demonstrates the role of the CCL2/CCR2 axis in MAYV-induced disease. The infection of wild-type (WT) C57BL/6J and CCR2-/- mice was associated with high levels of CCL2, an important chemoattractant involved in the recruitment of macrophages, the main precursor of osteoclasts. In the absence of the CCR2 receptor, there is a mitigation of macrophage migration to the target organs of infection and protection of these mice against bone loss induced by MAYV infection. Much evidence has shown that host immune response factors contribute significantly to the tissue damage associated with alphavirus infections. Thus, this work highlights molecular and cellular targets involved in the pathogenesis of arthritis triggered by MAYV and identifies novel therapeutic possibilities directed to the host inflammatory response unleashed by MAYV.

Fellowship in surgical oncology: The results of an experience in Portuguese-speaking African countries.

Cancer incidence rates are increasing worldwide including in Portuguese speaking African countries. We present the results of the fellowship in surgical oncology promoted by the Portuguese Institute of Oncology in Porto (IPO), Fernando Pessoa University, Portugal, and the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, which involved the training of residents and surgeons from Portuguese-speaking African countries in Portugal. The program's structure and content was the same of UMES/ESSO. The hands-on activity took place at the IPO. After the fellowship, a theoretical and practical assessment was held, and all fellows scored above the threshold to pass. The surgical performance of the fellows was assessed in their workplaces in Africa. The impact of the training was evaluated by a questionnaire completed by all the fellows. It was reported an increase in knowledge, skills and organizational skills that fellows are committed to implement. As the fellowship is certified by a Portuguese University, it may be recognized by the Local Health and University Authorities, impacting on the professional progression of fellows.

Unexpected cognitive similarities between older adults and young people: Scores variability and cognitive performances.

BACKGROUND: Increased interindividual variability in cognitive performance during aging has been proposed as an indicator of cognitive reserve. OBJECTIVE: To determine if interindividual variability performance in episodic memory (PAL), working memory (SWM), reaction time (RTI), and sustained attention (RVP) could differentiate clusters of differential cognitive performance in healthy young and older adults and search for cognitive tests that most contribute to these differential performances. METHODS: We employed hierarchical cluster and canonical discriminant function analyses of cognitive scores using the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB) to identify cognitive variability in older and young adults using the coefficient of variability of cognitive performances between and within groups. We also analyzed potential influences of age, education, and physical activity. RESULTS: Cluster analysis distinguished groups with differential cognitive performance and correlation analysis revealed coefficient of variability and cognitive performance associations. The greater the coefficient of variability the poorer was cognitive performance in RTI but not in PAL and SWM. Older adults showed diverse trajectories of cognitive decline, and better education or higher percentage of physically active individuals exhibited better cognitive performance in both older and young adults. CONCLUSION: PAL and SWM are the most sensitive tests to investigate the wide age range encompassing older and young adults. In older adults' intragroup analysis PAL showed greater discriminatory capacity, indicating its potential for clinical applications late in life. Our data underscore the importance of studying variability as a tool for early detection of subtle cognitive declines and for interpreting results that deviate from normality.

Diagnosis and Prevention of Periprosthetic Joint Infections by Staphylococcus aureus after Hip Fracture: A Systematic Review of the Literature / Diagnóstico e prevenção de infecções articulares periprotéticas por Staphylococcus aureus após fratura de quadril: Revisão sistemática de literatura

Abstract Hip arthroplasties are surgical procedures widely performed all over the world, seeking to return functionality, relieve pain, and improve the quality of life of patients affected by osteoarthritis, femoral neck fractures, osteonecrosis of the femoral head, among other etiologies. Periprosthetic joint infections are one of the most feared complications due to the high associated morbidity and mortality, with a high number of pathogens that may be associated with its etiology. The aim of the present study was to analyze aspects correlated with the occurrence of infection, diagnosis and prevention of periprosthetic joint infections in the hip associated with Staphylococcus aureus after corrective surgery for hip fractures. This is a systematic review of the literature carried out in the databases indexed in the Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE) carried out in accordance with the precepts established by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) methodology. Twenty studies that addressed the diagnosis and prevention of periprosthetic joint infections after hip fractures were selected for analysis. It is observed that there is no consensus in the literature on preventive measures for the occurrence of such infectious processes. Among the risk factors for the occurrence and severity of infections by S. aureus after hip arthroplasties, obesity, longer surgical time, older age, immunosuppression, recent use of antibiotics, and multicomorbidities were mentioned. The use of biomarkers for early diagnosis, as well as screening, decolonization, and antibiotic prophylaxis processes are among the preventive procedures proposed in the literature.

Resumo As artroplastias de quadril são procedimentos cirúrgicos largamente realizados em todo o mundo buscando retorno da funcionalidade, alívio da dor e melhora da qualidade de vida dos pacientes acometidos por quadros de osteoartrite, fraturas de colo de fêmur e osteonecrose da cabeça femoral, dentre outras etiologias. As infecções articulares periprotéticas são uma das complicações mais temidas pela elevada morbimortalidade associada, com elevado número de patógenos que podem estar associados à sua etiologia. O objetivo do presente estudo foi analisar aspectos correlacionados à ocorrência da infecção, diagnóstico e prevenção de infecções articulares periprotéticas no quadril associadas a Staphylococcus aureus após cirurgia corretiva de fraturas de quadril. Trata-se de uma revisão sistemática de literatura realizada nas bases de dados indexadas na Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE, na sigla em inglês) realizada de acordo com os preceitos estabelecidos pela metodologia Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA, na sigla em inglês). Foram selecionados para análise 20 estudos que abordavam o diagnóstico e prevenção de infecções articulares periprotéticas após fraturas de quadril. Observa-se que não há consenso na literatura sobre medidas preventivas para ocorrência de tais processo infecciosos. Dentre os fatores de risco para ocorrência e gravidade das infecções por S. aureus após artroplastias de quadril foram citados obesidade, maior tempo cirúrgico, maior idade, quadros de imunossupressão, uso recente de antibióticos e multicomorbidades. O uso de bio-marcadores para diagnóstico precoce, bem como processos de triagem, descolonização e antibioticoprofilaxia estão entre os procedimentos preventivos propostos na literatura.

Risk Polymorphisms of FNDC5, BDNF, and NTRK2 and Poor Education Interact and Aggravate Age-Related Cognitive Decline.

Cognitive abilities tend to decline with aging, with variation between individuals, and many studies seek to identify genetic biomarkers that more accurately anticipate risks related to pathological aging. We investigated the influence of BDNF, NTRK2, and FNDC5 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on the cognitive performance of young and older adults with contrasting educational backgrounds. We addressed three questions: (1) Is education associated with reduced age-related cognitive decline? (2) Does the presence of SNPs explain the variation in cognitive performance observed late in life? (3) Is education differentially associated with cognition based on the presence of BDNF, NTRK2, or FNDC5 polymorphisms? We measured the cognitive functions of young and older participants, with lower and higher education, using specific and sensitive tests of the Cambridge Automated Neuropsychological Test Assessment Battery. A three-way ANOVA revealed that SNPs were associated with differential performances in executive functions, episodic memory, sustained attention, mental and motor response speed, and visual recognition memory and that higher educational levels improved the affected cognitive functions. The results revealed that distinct SNPs affect cognition late in life differentially, suggesting their utility as potential biomarkers and emphasizing the importance of cognitive stimulation that advanced education early in life provides.

Neutrophil virucidal activity against SARS-CoV-2 is mediated by NETs.

BACKGROUND: The inflammation in the lungs and other vital organs in COVID-19 are characterized by the presence of neutrophils and high concentration of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), which also seems to mediate host tissue damage. However, it is not known whether NETs could have virucidal activity against SARS-CoV-2. METHODS: We investigated whether NETs could prevent SARS-CoV-2 replication in neutrophils and epithelial cells, and what the consequence of NETs degradation in K18-humanized ACE2 transgenic mice infected with SARS-CoV-2. RESULTS: Here, by immunofluorescence microscopy we observed that viral particles co-localize with NETs in neutrophils isolated from COVID-19 patients or from healthy individuals and infected in vitro. The inhibition of NETs production increased virus replication in neutrophils. In parallel, we observed that NETs inhibited virus abilities to infect and replicate in epithelial cells after 24 h of infection. Degradation of NETs with DNase I prevented their virucidal effect in vitro. Using K18-humanized ACE2 transgenic mice we observed a higher viral load in animals treated with DNase I. On the other hand, the virucidal effect of NETs was not dependent on neutrophil elastase or myeloperoxidase activity. CONCLUSION: Our results provide evidence of the role of NETosis as a mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 viral capture and inhibition.

XPERT® breast cancer STRAT4 as an alternative method of identifying breast cancer phenotype in Cape Verde (preliminary results).

Introduction: Breast cancer (BC) is a public health problem in developing countries, including Cape Verde. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) is the gold standard technique used for BC phenotypic characterisation to support efficient therapeutic decisions. However, IHC is a demanding technique that requires knowledge, trained technicians, expensive antibodies and reagents, controls, and results validation. The low number of cases in Cape Verde increases the risk of expiring the validity of the antibodies, and manual procedures often jeopardise the quality of the results. Thus, IHC is limited in Cape Verde, and an alternative technically easy solution is needed. A point-of-care messenger RNA (mRNA) STRAT4 BC assay to assess estrogen (ER), progesterone (PR), hormone growth factor 2 receptor (HER2), and Ki67, using the GeneXpert platform, has been recently validated on tissues from internationally accredited laboratories, showing excellent concordance with IHC results.To assess whether this technology can be implemented in Cape Verde to guide BC treatment we decided to study the level of agreement between the findings yielded by BC STRAT4 and the results are the same cases obtained by IHC. Methods: Formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue samples from 29 Cabo Verdean BC patients diagnosed in Agostinho Neto University Hospital were analysed by applying IHC and BC STRAT4 assay. The time between sample collection and pre-analytic procedures is unknown. All the samples were pre-processed in Cabo Verde (fixed in formalin and embedded in paraffin). IHC studies were performed in referenced laboratories in Portugal. STRAT4 and IHC result concordance was assessed by calculating the percentage of results agreement and Cohen's Kappa (K) statistics. Results: STRAT4 assay failed in 2 out of the 29 analysed samples. Of the 27 successfully analysed samples, STRAT4/IHC results for ER, PR, HER2, and Ki67 were concordant in 25, 24, 25, and 18 cases, respectively. Ki67 was indeterminate in three cases, and PR was indeterminate once.The percentage of agreement between STRAT4 and IHC results for ER, PR, HER2, and Ki67 was 92.59%, 92.31%, 92.59% and 81.82%, respectively. The Cohen's K statistic coefficients for each biomarker were 0.809, 0.845, 0.757 and 0.506, respectively. Conclusions: According to our preliminary results, a point-of-care mRNA STRAT4 BC assay may be an alternative in laboratories unable to provide quality and/or cost-efficient IHC services. However, more data and improvement on sample pre-analytic processes are required to implement this BC STRAT4 Assay in Cape Verde.

Can mixed circuit training elicit the recommended exercise intensity and energy expenditure in people after stroke?

PURPOSE: To investigate whether mixed circuit training (MCT) elicits the recommended exercise intensity and energy expenditure in people after stroke, and to establish the between-day reproducibility for the percentages of heart rate reserve (%HRR), oxygen uptake reserve (%VO2R), and energy expenditure elicited during two bouts of MCT. METHODS: Seven people aged 58 (12) yr, who previously had a stroke, performed a cardiopulmonary exercise test, a non-exercise control session, and two bouts of MCT. The MCT included 3 circuits of 10 resistance exercises at 15-repetition maximum intensity, with each set of resistance exercise interspersed with 45-s of walking. Expired gases were collected during the MCT and control session and for 40 min afterward. Control session was necessary to calculate the net energy expenditure associated with each bout of MCT. RESULTS: Mean %VO2R (1st MCT: 51.1%, P = .037; 2nd MCT: 54.0%, P = .009) and %HRR (1st MCT: 66.4%, P = .007; 2nd MCT: 67.9%, P = .010) exceeded the recommended minimum intensity of 40%. Both %VO2R (P = .586 and 0.987, respectively) and %HRR (P = .681 and 0.237, respectively) during the 1st and 2nd bouts of MCT were not significantly different to their corresponding gas exchange threshold values derived from cardiopulmonary exercise testing. Mean net total energy expenditure significantly exceeded the minimum recommend energy expenditure in the 1st (P = .048) and 2nd (P = .023) bouts of MCT. Between-day reproducibility for %HRR, %VO2R, and energy expenditure was excellent (ICC: 0.92-0.97). CONCLUSIONS: MCT elicited physiological strain recommended for improving health-related fitness in people after stroke and these responses demonstrated excellent between-day reproducibility.

Is postexercise hypotension a method-dependent phenomenon in chronic stroke? A crossover randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: This study assessed the reproducibility of postexercise hypotension (PEH) detection after two bouts of mixed circuit training (MCT) using three approaches that accounts the pre-exercise values and/or a control session (CTL) to calculate PEH [i.e., ( A 1 = post - exercise - pre - exercise ${A}_{1}=\text{post}{\rm{ \mbox{-} }}\text{exercise}-\text{pre}{\rm{ \mbox{-} }}\text{exercise}$ ); ( A 2 = post - exercise - post - CTL ) $({A}_{2}=\text{post}{\rm{ \mbox{-} }}\text{exercise}-\text{post}{\rm{ \mbox{-} }}\text{CTL})$ ; A 3 = ( post - exercise - pre - exercise ) - ( post - CTL - pre - CTL ) ] ${A}_{3}=(\text{post}{\rm{ \mbox{-} }}\text{exercise}-\text{pre}{\rm{ \mbox{-} }}\text{exercise})-(\text{post}{\rm{ \mbox{-} }}\text{CTL}-\text{pre}{\rm{ \mbox{-} }}\text{CTL})]$ in chronic stroke (i.e., ≥6 months poststroke). The proportion of PEH responders determined using different cut-off values for PEH was also compared (4 mmHg vs. minimal detectable difference). METHODS: Seven participants (age: 56 ± 12 years; time post-stroke: 91 ± 55 months) performed two bouts of MCT and a CTL. The MCT involved 10 exercises with 3 sets of 15-repetition maximum, with each set interspersed with 45 s of walking. The systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressures were assessed 10-min before and every 10-min along 40-min after CTL and MCT. RESULTS: The two-way random intraclass correlation coefficient for single measurements (ICC2,1 ) ranges for SBP were: A1 : 0.580-0.829, A2 : 0.937-0.994, A3 : 0.278-0.774; for DBP: A1 : 0.497-0.916, A2 : 0.133-0.969, A3 : 0.175-0.930. The proportion of PEH responders detected using 4 mmHg or the minimal detectable difference as cut-off values was not different in 97% of analyses (p > 0.05), and higher when using 4 mmHg in 3% of analyses (p = 0.031). The standard error of measurement was ≥4 mmHg in 47% of analyses for SBP, and 40% for DBP. CONCLUSIONS: The most reliable approach for determining PEH in chronic stroke was to subtract the postexercise from the post-CTL values. The proportion of PEH responders was not affected by the cut-off values applied.

A Promising Biomolecule Able to Degrade Neutrophil Extracellular Traps: CdcPDE, a Rattlesnake Phosphodiesterase.

Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are an important mechanism for defense against pathogens. Their overproduction can be harmful since excessive NET formation promotes inflammation and tissue damage in several diseases. Nucleases are capable to degrade NET on basis of their DNA hydrolysis activity, including the CdcPDE, a nuclease isolated from Crotalus durissus collilineatus snake venom. Here, we report a new finding about CdcPDE activity, demonstrating its efficiency in degrading cell-free DNA from NETs, being a potential candidate to assist in therapies targeting inflammatory diseases.

Estado nutricional e consumo alimentar de idosos residentes em uma instituição asilar de Feira de Santana- Bahia / Nutritional status and food intake of elderly residents of a nursing home in Feira de Santana - Bahia

O Estado Nutricional (EN) exerce grande influência na morbimortalidade de idosos institucionalizados, e a sua avaliação permite definir uma intervenção nutricional individualizada. Esse estudo objetivou avaliar o estado nutricional e o consumo alimentar de idosos residentes de uma instituição de longa permanência. Trata-se de um estudo transversal, realizado com 37 idosos institucionalizados residentes, no ano de 2019. O EN foi avaliado pelo questionário da Mini Avaliação Nutricional (MAN). O consumo alimentar foi obtido através da pesagem total dos alimentos, verificando sua adequação de acordo com as recomendações para idade. As diferenças entre variáveis foram testadas por meio do teste t de Student e o teste de Mann-Whitney. As associações entre variáveis foram investigadas com auxílio dos coeficientes de correlação de Pearson e Spearman. As prevalências de desnutrição e risco de desnutrição nos idosos foram de 21,6% e 73%, respectivamente. O Índice de Massa Corporal (IMC) demonstrou predominância de baixo peso nos homens (38,9%) e sobrepeso nas mulheres (47,4%). Foi encontrado consumo excessivo de carboidratos e proteínas na população, sendo que, a ingestão de energia, proteínas e lipídios foi superior entre o grupo masculino. A circunferência do braço (p= 0,007), necessidade energética estimada (p= 0,049) e IMC (p <0,001) foram associados positivamente com a MAN. Os resultados demonstraram que, esses idosos são caracterizados por alto risco nutricional associado a alterações na composição corporal, e inadequações nutricionais. Sugerindo que, independente do consumo alimentar estar adequado em quantidade, não foi suficiente para prevenir o quadro de desnutrição nos idosos institucionalizados.(AU)

The Nutritional Status (NS) has a great influence on the morbidity and mortality of institutionalized elderly, and its evaluation allows to define of an individualized nutritional intervention. This study aimed to assess the nutritional status and food consumption of elderly residents of a long-term institution. This is a cross-sectional study carried out with 37 institutionalized elderly residents in 2019. The NS was assessed by the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) questionnaire. Dietary intake was obtained through total weighing of the food, checking its adequacy according to the recommendations for age. Differences between variables were tested using the Student's t-test and the Mann-Whitney test. Associations between variables were investigated with the aid of Pearson and Spearman correlation coefficients. The prevalence of malnutrition and risk of malnutrition in the elderly was 21.6% and 73%, respectively. The Body Mass Index (BMI) showed a predominance of low weight in men (38.9%) and overweight in women (47.4%). Excessive consumption of carbohydrates and proteins was found in the population, and the intake of energy, proteins, and lipids was higher among the male group. Arm circumference (p = 0.007), estimated energy requirement (p = 0.049) and BMI (p <0.001) were positively associated with MAN. The results demonstrate that these elderly people are characterized by the high nutritional risk associated with changes in body composition, and nutritional inadequacies. Suggesting that, regardless of whether food intake was adequate in quantity, it was not enough to prevent malnutrition in institutionalized elderly.(AU)

Spinal cord protection in open and endovascular approaches to thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms.

Despite advancements in surgical and postoperative management, spinal cord injury has been a persistent complication of both open and endovascular repair of thoracoabdominal and descending thoracic aortic aneurysm. Spinal cord injury can be explained with an ischemia-infarction model which results in local edema of the spinal cord, damaging its structure and leading to reversible or irreversible loss of its function. Perfusion of the spinal cord during aortic procedures can be enhanced by several adjuncts which have been described with a broad variety of evidence in their support. These adjuncts include systemic hypothermia, cerebrospinal fluid drainage, extracorporeal circulation and distal aortic perfusion, segmental arteries reimplantation, left subclavian artery revascularization, and staged aortic repair. The Authors here reviewed and discussed the role of such adjuncts in preventing spinal cord injury from occurring, pinpointing current evidence and outlining future perspectives.

Appetite and energy intake following a bout of circuit resistance training in chronic hemiparetic stroke patients: a preliminary randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: The main aim of this study was to investigate the effects of circuit resistance training (CRT) on post-exercise appetite and energy intake in chronic hemiparetic stroke patients. A secondary aim was to evaluate the reproducibility of these effects. METHODS: Seven participants met the eligibility criteria and, in a randomized order, participated in a non-exercise control session (CTL) and two bouts of CRT. The CRT involved 10 exercises with 3 sets of 15-repetition maximum per exercise, performed using a vertical loading approach, with each set interspersed with 45s of walking. Expired gases were carried out   to calculate the net energy cost of the exercise and the relative energy intake post-CTL/CRT. Hunger, fullness, desire to eat, and energy intake were assessed at baseline and for 12 h after CTL and CRT. RESULTS: Compared to CTL, hunger, desire to eat (P < .001), and relative energy intake (P < .05) were significantly lower after CRT, whereas the perception of fullness was significantly higher (P < .001). Significant differences between CTL and CRT were observed only for the first 9 h of the post-exercise period for hunger, fullness, and desire to eat (P < .05). No significant differences in appetite or relative energy intake were observed between the two bouts of CRT. CONCLUSIONS: A bout of CRT elicited decreased post-exercise appetite and relative energy intake in chronic hemiparetic stroke patients. Decreased appetite perceptions lasted for around 9 h and were reproducible.

Mixed circuit training acutely reduces arterial stiffness in patients with chronic stroke: a crossover randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: Investigate whether a single bout of mixed circuit training (MCT) can elicit changes in arterial stiffness in patients with chronic stroke. Second, to assess the between-day reproducibility of post-MCT arterial stiffness measurements. METHODS: Seven participants (58 ± 12 years) performed a non-exercise control session (CTL) and two bouts of MCT on separate days in a randomized counterbalanced order. The MCT involved 3 sets of 15 repetition maximum for 10 exercises, with each set separated by 45-s of walking. Brachial-radial pulse wave velocity (br-PWV), radial artery compliance (AC) and reflection index (RI1,2) were assessed 10 min before and 60 min after CTL and MCT. Ambulatory arterial stiffness index (AASI) was calculated from 24-h recovery ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. RESULTS: Compared to CTL, after 60 min of recovery from the 1st and 2nd bouts of MCT, lower values were observed for br-PWV (mean diff = - 3.9 and - 3.7 m/s, respectively, P < 0.01; ICC2,1 = 0.75) and RI1,2 (mean diff = - 16.1 and - 16.0%, respectively, P < 0.05; ICC2,1 = 0.83) concomitant with higher AC (mean diff = 1.2 and 1.0 × 10-6 cm5/dyna, respectively, P < 0.01; ICC2,1 = 0.40). The 24-h AASI was reduced after bouts of MCT vs. CTL (1st and 2nd bouts of MCT vs. CTL: mean diff = - 0.32 and - 0.29 units, respectively, P < 0.001; ICC2,1 = 0.64). CONCLUSION: A single bout of MCT reduces arterial stiffness during laboratory (60 min) and ambulatory (24 h) recovery phases in patients with chronic stroke with moderate-to-high reproducibility. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Ensaiosclinicos.gov.br identifier RBR-5dn5zd.