Acute effect of static stretching and pilates stretching on the concentric muscle strength of the knee extensors and flexors.

INTRODUCTION: The effects of stretching exercises on muscle strength have been widely researched in the literature, however, there are no studies investigating the effects of Pilates stretching. OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of static stretching and Pilates stretching on the concentric muscle strength of the knee extensors and flexors. METHOD: 102 trained young adults were randomized into three groups: static stretching (n = 33); Pilates stretching (n = 34); control (n = 35). Isokinetic evaluation of the knee extensor and flexor muscles was performed at 60°/s and 180°/s, pre and post acute intervention with stretching. Interventions in the static stretching and Pilates stretching groups occurred in 3 sets x 30 s for each body region considered (a-knee extensor muscles; b-knee flexor muscles). The control group did not perform any intervention. RESULTS: No difference (p > 0.05) was observed between the groups after the intervention. There was only a significant intragroup improvement for the control group on the isokinetic muscle strength of the knee flexors at 180°/s, with a moderate effect size, considering the entire sample (p = 0.040; d = 0.42) and when considering only male gender (p = 0.010; d = 0.60). CONCLUSION: Static stretching or Pilates stretching performed as a warm-up did not impair or enhance the concentric muscle strength performance of the knee extensors and flexors. In this way, both forms of stretching can be considered as preparatory exercises before muscle strength training.

Eggshell translucency: its relationship with specific gravity and eggshell color and its influence on broiler egg weight loss, hatchability, and embryonic mortalities.

Eggshell quality is among the most important factors affecting hatchability in broiler breeders, and therefore several methods for its assessment are available in the poultry industry. Among them, eggshell translucency has received special attention in recent years due to its connection with ultrastructural disorganization of the shell layers. However, there is very limited data on the impact of translucency on hatching eggs and on the possible links between this trait and specific gravity (SG) or shell color. Thus, our study investigated associations and interactions between eggshell translucency, SG, and color on incubation parameters of eggs from the same breeding flock (Ross 308AP, 51 wk of age). To this end, light and dark eggs within 5 different SG categories (≥1.065, 1.070, 1.075, 1.080, and ≤1.085) were selected from 15,976 eggs, graded into 3 translucency scores, and later incubated to evaluate egg weight loss, hatchability and embryonic mortalities. In general, translucency scores were evenly distributed within SG categories (χ2 [8, N = 1,138] = 13.67, P = 0.090) and color (χ2 [2, N = 1,138] = 4.93, P = 0.084). No interactions between eggshell translucency and SG or between translucency and color were found for the analyzed variables. An interaction was observed between SG and eggshell color for the variable egg weight loss, where the light-shelled eggs, in most SG categories lost more weight throughout incubation than dark eggs. Eggshell translucency affected egg weight loss, hatchability, and embryonic mortality on 11 to 18 d of incubation, with highly translucent eggs showing the worst results. At the same time, eggs with SG lower than 1.070 displayed the greatest weight loss, lowest hatchability, and highest contamination. We found no influence of eggshell color on weight loss or hatchability, but light-shelled eggs exhibited higher late embryonic mortality. Together, these data suggest that despite its effects on certain hatching parameters, shell translucency bears no relationship to SG or color.

Exhaled breath condensate analysis in horses: A scoping review.

Exhaled breath condensate (EBC) collection is a non-invasive sampling method that provides valuable information regarding the health status of the respiratory system by measuring inflammatory mediators, such as pH, hydrogen peroxide, and leukotriene B4. This scoping review aimed to provide an update on the collection and analysis of EBC in horses. A systematic search of three electronic databases, PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, identified 40,978 articles, of which 1590 duplicates were excluded. Moreover, 39,388 articles were excluded because of irrelevance to this review, such as studies on other species, studies on respiratory exhalation, reviews, and theses. Finally, we evaluated 14 articles in this review. Our review revealed significant differences in the collection, storage, and processing of EBC samples, emphasizing the need for standardizing the technique and using specific equipment to improve the interpretation of the results.

Kinetic vitrification: concepts and perspectives in animal sperm cryopreservation.

Sperm cryopreservation is an important tool for genetic diversity management programs and the conservation of endangered breeds and species. The most widely used method of sperm conservation is slow freezing, however, during the process, sperm cells suffer from cryoinjury, which reduces their viability and fertility rates. One of the alternatives to slow freezing is vitrification, that consist on rapid freezing, in which viable cells undergo glass-like solidification. This technology requires large concentrations of permeable cryoprotectants (P- CPA's) which increase the viscosity of the medium to prevent intracellular ice formation during cooling and warming, obtaining successful results in vitrification of oocytes and embryos. Unfortunately, this technology failed when applied to vitrification of sperm due to its higher sensitivity to increasing concentrations of P-CPAs. Alternatively, a technique termed 'kinetic sperm vitrification' has been used and consists in a technique of permeant cryoprotectant-free cryopreservation by direct plunging of a sperm suspension into liquid nitrogen. Some of the advantages of kinetic vitrification are the speed of execution and no rate-controlled equipment required. This technique has been used successfully and with better results for motility in human (50-70% motility recovery), dog (42%), fish (82%) and donkey (21.7%). However, more studies are required to improve sperm viability after devitrification, especially when it comes to motility recovery. The objective of this review is to present the principles of kinetic vitrification, the main findings in the literature, and the perspectives for the utilization of this technique as a cryopreservation method.

Horse Grimace Scale Does Not Detect Pain in Horses with Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome.

Equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS) is a highly prevalent and presumptively painful condition, although the amount of pain horses might experience is currently unknown. The aims of this study were to determine if the Horse Grimace Scale (HGS) could identify pain behaviours in horses with and without EGUS and if severity would be positively associated with the HGS score. Horse grimace scale scores were assessed blindly using facial photographs by seven observers and involved evaluation of 6 facial action units as 0 (not present), 1 (moderately present) and 2 (obviously present). Lameness examination, serum amyloid A (SAA) measurement and gastroscopy evaluation were performed on all horses. Horses (n = 61) were divided into two and three groups based on the presence (yes, no) and severity (none, mild, moderate-severe) of EGUS, respectively. Presence of lameness and elevated SAA (≥50 µg/mL) were used as exclusion criteria. Inter-observer reliability was analyzed by intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC). HGS scores between groups were compared using Welch's and Brown Forsythe tests (p < 0.05). Overall, HGS ICC was "excellent" (0.75). No significant differences (p = 0.566) were observed in HGS scores between horses with and without gastric lesions (mean, 95% CI; 3.36, 2.76-3.95 and 3, 1.79-4.20, respectively). HGS was not influenced by the presence or severity of EGUS in this current study. Further studies investigating the use of different pain scales in horses with EGUS are needed.

Impact of parity number, milk production and somatic cell count on the reproduction of Holstein cows.

This research communication describes the reproductive and productive parameters and somatic cell count (SCC) of primiparous and multiparous cows from specialized dairy Holstein herds in South region of Brazil, and correlates these parameters using test-day records. A total of 24 011 records of animals from 75 producers obtained between 2017 and 2018 were used. The variables analyzed included milk production, SCC, milk fat, protein and urea nitrogen contents and reproductive characteristics (number of services per conception, service period and percentage of pregnant cows). Data were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression and the statistical differentiation between the classes of SCC and milk production. Milk production, SCC, number of services per conception and service period were all higher in multiparous cows. The percentage of pregnant cows was higher when the SCC was less than 200 000 cells/ml and was higher in primiparous cows. There was no adverse effect of milk production on reproductive parameters in high producing cows (>40 kg milk/d), however, the percentage of pregnant cows with this production level was significantly higher in multiparous cows. In conclusion, the milk production level need not affect the reproduction of specialized dairy cows if the animals are kept under adequate environmental conditions.

Antiviral fungal metabolites and some insights into their contribution to the current COVID-19 pandemic.

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) outbreak, which started in late 2019, drove the scientific community to conduct innovative research to contain the spread of the pandemic and to care for those already affected. Since then, the search for new drugs that are effective against the virus has been strengthened. Featuring a relatively low cost of production under well-defined methods of cultivation, fungi have been providing a diversity of antiviral metabolites with unprecedented chemical structures. In this review, we present viral RNA infections highlighting SARS-CoV-2 morphogenesis and the infectious cycle, the targets of known antiviral drugs, and current developments in this area such as drug repurposing. We also explored the metabolic adaptability of fungi during fermentation to produce metabolites active against RNA viruses, along with their chemical structures, and mechanisms of action. Finally, the state of the art of research on SARS-CoV-2 inhibitors of fungal origin is reported, highlighting the metabolites selected by docking studies.

[Equity and access to mental health care in three Northeastern states]. / Equidade e acesso aos cuidados em saúde mental em três estados nordestinos.

The scope of this study is to discuss equity and access to mental health care by means of analysis of the distribution of primary care teams (Community Health Agents; Family Health Teams; the Expanded Family Health Nucleus) and the coverage of the Psychosocial Care Network in three Northeastern states (Ceará, Piauí and Rio Grande do Norte) and their respective health regions. It is a descriptive study, supported by exploratory quantitative analysis. For this purpose, the database of the Department of Basic Care/DATASUS was used to collect secondary data in relation to the historical trajectory of training of Primary Care teams. Regarding the points of care of RAPS, the database made available by the National Mental Health Coordination of the Ministry of Health was consulted. The conclusion of the investigation was that prior to 2018 there was a major drive in the country into the interior and expansion of coverage in relation to primary and psychosocial care, impacting the expansion of equity in territories of lesser economic and social development. However, it was also observed that Psychosocial Care Network services are more prevalent in the interior while the other related services are more developed in capitals and large municipalities.

Objetiva-se discutir equidade e acesso em saúde mental por meio da análise da distribuição das equipes da atenção primária (Agentes comunitários de Saúde; Equipes de saúde da Família; Núcleo Ampliado de Saúde da Família) e da cobertura da Rede de Atenção Psicossocial (RAPS) em três estados nordestinos (Ceará, Piauí e Rio Grande do Norte) nas suas respectivas regiões de saúde. Trata-se de um estudo descritivo, apoiado por análise quantitativa exploratória. Para tanto, recorremos à base de dados do Departamento de Atenção Básica/DATASUS para a coleta dos dados secundários em relação às séries históricas de habilitação das equipes da Atenção Primária. Quanto aos pontos de atenção da RAPS, utilizamos a base de dados disponibilizada pela Coordenação Nacional de Saúde Mental do Ministério da Saúde. A investigação concluiu que até 2018 observou-se no país um importante movimento de interiorização e expansão da cobertura em relação à atenção primária e psicossocial, impactando na ampliação da equidade nos territórios de menor desenvolvimento econômico e social. Contudo, verificou-se que os serviços de APS estão mais interiorizados, enquanto os demais dispositivos da RAPS estão mais desenvolvidos nas capitais e grandes municípios.

Equidade e acesso aos cuidados em saúde mental em três estados nordestinos / Equity and access to mental health care in three Northeastern states

Resumo Objetiva-se discutir equidade e acesso em saúde mental por meio da análise da distribuição das equipes da atenção primária (Agentes comunitários de Saúde; Equipes de saúde da Família; Núcleo Ampliado de Saúde da Família) e da cobertura da Rede de Atenção Psicossocial (RAPS) em três estados nordestinos (Ceará, Piauí e Rio Grande do Norte) nas suas respectivas regiões de saúde. Trata-se de um estudo descritivo, apoiado por análise quantitativa exploratória. Para tanto, recorremos à base de dados do Departamento de Atenção Básica/DATASUS para a coleta dos dados secundários em relação às séries históricas de habilitação das equipes da Atenção Primária. Quanto aos pontos de atenção da RAPS, utilizamos a base de dados disponibilizada pela Coordenação Nacional de Saúde Mental do Ministério da Saúde. A investigação concluiu que até 2018 observou-se no país um importante movimento de interiorização e expansão da cobertura em relação à atenção primária e psicossocial, impactando na ampliação da equidade nos territórios de menor desenvolvimento econômico e social. Contudo, verificou-se que os serviços de APS estão mais interiorizados, enquanto os demais dispositivos da RAPS estão mais desenvolvidos nas capitais e grandes municípios.

Abstract The scope of this study is to discuss equity and access to mental health care by means of analysis of the distribution of primary care teams (Community Health Agents; Family Health Teams; the Expanded Family Health Nucleus) and the coverage of the Psychosocial Care Network in three Northeastern states (Ceará, Piauí and Rio Grande do Norte) and their respective health regions. It is a descriptive study, supported by exploratory quantitative analysis. For this purpose, the database of the Department of Basic Care/DATASUS was used to collect secondary data in relation to the historical trajectory of training of Primary Care teams. Regarding the points of care of RAPS, the database made available by the National Mental Health Coordination of the Ministry of Health was consulted. The conclusion of the investigation was that prior to 2018 there was a major drive in the country into the interior and expansion of coverage in relation to primary and psychosocial care, impacting the expansion of equity in territories of lesser economic and social development. However, it was also observed that Psychosocial Care Network services are more prevalent in the interior while the other related services are more developed in capitals and large municipalities.

Older adults' views on barriers and facilitators to participate in a multifactorial falls prevention program: Results from Prevquedas Brasil.

OBJECTIVES: To understand the reasons older people engage in a multifactorial fall prevention program and, to identify the barriers and facilitators for adherence. METHODS: Cross-sectional study, with 218 older adults from the intervention group of a 12-week multifactorial fall prevention program (Prevquedas Brazil). We interviewed participants using a semi-structured questionnaire concerning reasons to engage in, barriers, and facilitators to participating in the program. We compared participants with low (0-5 sessions) and moderate/high (6-12 sessions) adherence regarding barriers and facilitators. RESULTS: Physical and mental health problems (55 %), and competing demands (45.2 %) were the most frequent barriers reported. Pleasant environment (97.7 %), a sense of receiving proper care (96.7 %), and empathy with the team (96.7 %) were the main facilitators. Seven out of the twelve facilitators distinguished participants with high adherence from those with low adherence. Only the barriers related to the program characteristics and the lack of social support were able to identify participants with low adherence. Open-ended questions revealed that self-determination, commitment, and the desire of being physically active and fit promoted participation. Anticipated health benefits and functional gains, a need to take action due to fall consequences, and encouragement from others were among the reasons to engage in the program. CONCLUSION: Although barriers should not be neglected, facilitators are critically important for adherence. Health professionals may develop skills to facilitate uptake and optimize older adults' participation. Implementing sustainable fall prevention programs in low and middle-income countries requires overcoming the fragmentation and inflexibility of healthcare services.

Use of the Versatility of Fungal Metabolism to Meet Modern Demands for Healthy Aging, Functional Foods, and Sustainability.

Aging-associated, non-transmissible chronic diseases (NTCD) such as cancer, dyslipidemia, and neurodegenerative disorders have been challenged through several strategies including the consumption of healthy foods and the development of new drugs for existing diseases. Consumer health consciousness is guiding market trends toward the development of additives and nutraceutical products of natural origin. Fungi produce several metabolites with bioactivity against NTCD as well as pigments, dyes, antioxidants, polysaccharides, and enzymes that can be explored as substitutes for synthetic food additives. Research in this area has increased the yields of metabolites for industrial applications through improving fermentation conditions, application of metabolic engineering techniques, and fungal genetic manipulation. Several modern hyphenated techniques have impressively increased the rate of research in this area, enabling the analysis of a large number of species and fermentative conditions. This review thus focuses on summarizing the nutritional, pharmacological, and economic importance of fungi and their metabolites resulting from applications in the aforementioned areas, examples of modern techniques for optimizing the production of fungi and their metabolites, and methodologies for the identification and analysis of these compounds.

Temperature affects the toxicity of lead-contaminated food in Geophagus brasiliensis (QUOY & GAIMARD, 1824).

Lead is toxic to fish, and its toxicity can be aggravated by the water temperature. Geophagus brasiliensis populations are geographically widespread and thus live in areas with different temperatures. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effects of lead-contaminated feed in fish (Geophagus brasiliensis) exposed to different temperatures. A factorial experiment was performed with two temperatures (25 and 28°C), and two feeds (control and lead contaminated - 60 mg/kg) for a sum of four treatments (25°C, Control = 25/C; 25°C, 60 mg/kg = 25/60; 28°C, Control = 28/C and 28°C, 60 mg/kg = 28/60). Analyses of the lead accumulation, oxidative stress and genotoxic damage were performed. The gills and liver showed increased lead concentrations in fish receiving lead-contaminated food at both temperatures. The lead concentrations in the intestines and muscles of fish exposed to the 25/60 treatment was greater than it was in fish exposed to the 25/C treatment. The enzyme response in the gills and the micronuclei count increased in fish exposed to the 25/60 treatment. Higher temperatures can be a beneficial factor for Geophagus brasiliensis because they can hinder the absorption of lead, thereby reducing the damage caused to the organism.

Genotoxic, biochemical and bioconcentration effects of manganese on Oreochromis niloticus (Cichlidae).

Manganese and iron were found at high concentrations (3.61 mg/L and 19.8 mg/L, respectively) in the water of the Rio Doce after the dams of Fundão and Santarém broke in Mariana/MG (Brazil). These same metals were found in fish and crustacean muscle (15 mg/kg and 8 mg/kg wet weight, respectively) in the specimens collected near the Rio Doce's outfall. Due to the variation in Mn concentration found in the lower Rio Doce, this study aimed to determine the effects of Mn in Oreochromis niloticus, at the concentrations allowed by CONAMA, and in concentrations found in the Rio Doce after the dams broke. The animals were exposed to the following dissolved concentrations: control group (0.0 mg/L), 0.2; 1.5 and 2.9 mg/L manganese for 96 h. In addition, a positive control was conducted, injecting intraperitoneally with cyclophosphamide (at 25 mg/kg). These exposures caused significant erythrocyte micronucleus formation in the organisms exposed to the highest concentration, as well a significant increase in the DNA damage index of erythrocytes from organisms exposed to 1.5 mg/L and 2.9 mg/L treatments. The glutathione S-transferase enzyme activity also showed a significant increase in the liver of the organisms exposed to 2.9 mg/L. However, catalase activity increased significantly in the gills of the animals exposed to all concentrations of manganese that were tested. Manganese bioconcentrated in greater quantities in the liver than the gills. Thus, manganese causes significant damage to genetic material, generates nuclear abnormalities, activates the body's detoxification system and can accumulate in animal tissue.

Tratamento de lesão de mancha branca com infiltrante resinoso: relato de caso / Resin infiltration of enamel white spot lesion: a case report

O diagnóstico precoce de lesões de mancha branca no esmalte dental permite que um tratamento não invasivo seja indicado para a remineralização das lesões ativas. O objetivo deste trabalho foi relatar um caso clínico onde foi utilizado um infiltrante resinoso para o tratamento não invasivo de uma lesão de mancha branca do esmalte dental. Foi selecionado um paciente com 14 anos de idade, do sexo masculino, leucoderma, com boa saúde geral, de alto risco à cárie, que apresentava lesão de mancha branca no incisivo central superior direito. Devido ao aspecto rugoso e opaco da lesão, optou-se pela realização do tratamento do dente com uma resina infiltrante (Icon®, DMG, Hamburg, Alemanha). Inicialmente foram realizadas fotografias intraorais e radiografia do dente acometido para fins de documentação do caso e futuras comparações. Em seguida, o dente recebeu profilaxia e posterior tratamento pela técnica da resina infiltrante, de acordo com as instruções do fabricante. Para a verificação da efetividade do procedimento, o paciente foi avaliado imediatamente e após 2 meses da conclusão do tratamento. Concluiu-se que a técnica da resina infiltrante de baixa viscosidade para o tratamento da lesão de mancha branca do dente 11 foi satisfatória, pois foi capaz de promover a paralização da doença e o mascaramento da lesão de mancha branca naquele dente.

The early diagnosis of enamel white spot lesions allows adopting a non-invasive treatment to remineralize active lesions. The objective of this study was to report a case where an infiltrant composite was used to treat enamel white spot lesion. A Caucasian 14- year-old male patient, with overall good health, and high-risk for dental caries was selected. He presented white spot lesion in the upper right central incisor. Due to the rough and opaque appearance of the lesion, the treatment with an infiltrant resin (Icon®, DMG, Hamburg, Germany) was chosen. Initially, intraoral photos and x-ray of the affected tooth have been were taken for documentation purposes and future comparisons. Then, the tooth was cleaned and treated with the infiltrant resin following the manufacturer's instructions. To verify the effectiveness of the procedure, the patient was assessed immediately and 2 months after treatment. In conclusion, the technique of low-viscosity infiltrant resin was satisfactory because it was able to impair the progression of the disease and to camouflage the white spot lesion on that tooth.