Vermicompost and millicompost as a resource in sustainable agriculture in semiarid: decomposition, nutrient release, and microstructure under the action of nitrogen and organic-mineral fertilizers.

With the expansion of organic agriculture, research is needed to indicate economically and ecologically viable fertilizer options, especially in semiarid regions, with low soil organic matter and nitrogen content. In the Brazilian semiarid region, vermicomposts are widely used by farmers and are scientifically investigated; however, there is no information for millicompost, a new type of organic compound that has shown very promising results in other regions. Thus, this study aimed to analyze the decomposition rate, nutrient release, and microstructure evaluation of vermicomposts from different sources and of millicompost produced from plant residues, with the application of mineral nitrogen-urea and organo-mineral fertilizer in the Brazilian semiarid region. The experimental design was a randomized block in a 4 × 3 factorial scheme, with four replicates; four organic composts (millicompost, commercial vermicompost, vermicompost from bovine manure, vermicompost from goat manure); and three types of fertilization (without fertilizer, with mineral-urea and organo-mineral fertilizer). The organic composts were decomposed using litterbags at the soil surface. The variable's decomposition rate and the nutrient release were evaluated at six-time intervals (0, 30, 60, 90, 120, and 150 days), and microstructure was evaluated at the beginning and the end of the experiment, with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The highest decomposition was verified for commercial vermicompost rich in macro and micronutrients and with lower P contents. The lignin:N ratio and the initial P content were more important in the permanence of the organic compost in the field than the C:N ratio. Regardless of the organic composts, the use of urea as a mineral fertilizer stimulated decomposition more than the organo-mineral fertilizer. The initial composition of the nutrients was decisive in the dynamics of nutrient release, mass loss, and decomposition of C. There was no pattern in the release order of macronutrients. However, for the micronutrients, the release order was Cu > Fe > Mn, in all treatments. Microstructure analysis is a visual analysis where differences are detected through microphotographs and the biggest difference occurred with millicompost, which showed elongated fibers and fiber bundles, forming a relatively open structure characteristic of the presence of fulvic acid. However, the addition of organo-mineral fertilizer formed agglomerates in compacted micro-portions, helping the mineralization of C and N.

Forecasting distributional shifts of Patella spp. in the Northeast Atlantic Ocean, under climate change.

Mapping species' geographical distribution is fundamental for understanding current patterns and forecasting future changes. Living on rocky shores along the intertidal zone, limpets are vulnerable to climate change, as their range limits are controlled by seawater temperature. Many works have been studying limpets' potential responses to climate change at local and regional scales. Focusing on four Patella species living on the rocky shores of the Portuguese continental coast, this study aims to predict climate change impacts on their global distribution, while exploring the role of the Portuguese intertidal as potential climate refugia. Ecological niche models combine occurrences and environmental data to identify the drivers of these species' distributions, define their current range, and project to future climate scenarios. The distribution of these limpets was mostly defined by low bathymetry (intertidal) and the seawater temperature. Independent of the climate scenario, all species will gain suitable conditions at the northern distribution edge while losing in the south, yet only the extent of occurrence of P. rustica is expected to contract. Apart from the southern coast, maintenance of suitable conditions for these limpets' occurrence was predicted for the western coast of Portugal. The predicted northward range shift follows the observed pattern observed for many intertidal species. Given the ecosystem role of this species, attention should be given to their southern range limits. Under the current upwelling effect, the Portuguese western coast might constitute thermal refugia for limpets in the future.

Potential of vermicomposting with mixtures of animal manure and vegetable leaves in the development of Eisenia foetida, microbial biomass, and enzymatic activity under semi-arid conditions.

Vermicomposting is the bio-oxidation and stabilization of organic matter involving relationships between the action of earthworms and microorganisms and the activation and dynamics of several enzyme activities. Semi-arid farmers to make (extra) money and organic production, produce their vermicompost using plant residues and animal manure, but there is no information about the final product generated. Thus, this study aimed to analyze the potential of vermicomposting with mixtures of animal manure and vegetable leaves in the development of Eisenia foetida, microbial biomass, and enzymatic activity in the semi-arid region, Brazil. The experimental design applied was randomized block in a 6 × 4 factorial scheme with four replicates, with six treatments (mixtures of cattle manure, goat manure, cashew leaves, and catanduva leaves) and evaluated at four-time intervals (30, 60, 90, and 120 days of vermicomposting). The treatments were placed in polyethylene pots in the same site, environmental conditions, and residues proportions as used by farmers. The characteristics analyzed were the number of earthworms (NE), total earthworm biomass (TEB) and earthworm multiplication index (MI), microbial biomass carbon (MBC), and activities of enzymes ß-glucosidase, dehydrogenase, alkaline and acid phosphatases. The cattle manure vermicomposted shows the highest average values observed for NE, MI, TEB, MBC, and enzymatic activity, regardless of the plant leaves mix. In general, the enzymes activities were found in the descending order of ß-glucosidase > alkaline phosphatase > dehydrogenase > acid phosphatase. The maturation dynamics of vermicompost were characterized by a decline in the microbial population and number and biomass of earthworms in the substrate and consequently a decrease in new enzyme synthesis and degradation of the remaining enzyme pool. Microbial biomass and enzymatic activity were indicators for changes in the quality of vermicompost.

Funcionalidade e condições de saúde em idosos de uma cidade do interior da Bahia / Functionality and health conditions of the elderly in a city in the interior of Bahia

Objetivo: avaliar a capacidade funcional de idosos de acordo o WHODAS 2.0. Método: Trata-se de uma pesquisa descritiva, com abordagem quantitativa, de corte transversal e levantamento de campo, realizado na Estratégia de Saúde da Família, com 129 idosos de uma cidade do interior da Bahia, localizada na região centro-sul da Bahia. Foi utilizado um questionário com avaliação sociodemográfica, econômica e condições de saúde, o MEEM para avaliar a função cognitiva e WHODAS para avaliar o nível de funcionalidade dos idosos. A análise dos dados foi feito com auxílio do software Statistical Package for Social Sciences. Resultados: predomínio de idosos até 79 anos (80,6%), sexo feminino (75,5%), solteiro, divorciado, viúvo (57,4%), recebem 1 a 3 salários mínimos (58%). No estado geral de saúde, prevalência de idosos que a consideram boa (44,2%), nunca usam bebida alcoólica e cigarro, representam o mesmo percentual (85,3%). Em relação às doenças crônicas não transmissíveis, maior prevalência para hipertensão arterial sistêmica (37%), seguida de HAS (37,2%), possui a doença há mais de 10 anos (31%). Nos domínios do WHODAS as médias que de maior nível de incapacidade foram a participação na sociedade (12,66 ± 4,91), seguida de cognição (8,41 ± 2,92), e mobilidade (8,24 ± 4,88). E os menores índices de incapacidade foram em atividade da vida com (7,98 ± 7,70), autocuidado (5,00 ± 2,04) e relação interpessoal (4,90 ± 1,57). Já sobre a classificação geral, houve dificuldade moderada (69%) e dificuldade grave (27,9%). Houve correlação significativa entre os domínios Cognição e Autocuidado tanto para os homens (r 0,644) quanto para as mulheres (r 0,684). Na correlação geral os domínios Mobilidade (r 0,756), Participação (r 0,774) tiveram correlação significativa e positiva com a Classificação geral no WHODAS. Considerações finais: este estudo reforça a importância de trabalhos voltados ao processo de envelhecimento e a sua relação com a funcionalidade, contemplando os indivíduos de maneira holística, contribuindo assim para a melhoria e desenvolvimento de cuidados na perspectiva da saúde dessa população.

Objective: Evaluate the functional capacity of the elderly according to WHODAS 2.0. Method: This descriptive research used a quantitative, cross-sectional approach and field survey, carried out in the Family Health Strategy, with 129 elderly people from a city in the interior of Bahia, located in the south-central region of Bahia. A questionnaire with sociodemographic, economic and health conditions - MESM - was used to assess cognitive function, and WHODAS was used to assess the level of functionality of the elderly. Data analysis was performed with the aid of social science statistical package software. Results: predominance of elderly up to 79 years old (80.6%), female (75.5%), single, divorced, widowed (57.4%), receiving from 1 to 3 minimum wages (58%). In the general state of health, prevalence of elderly who consider it good (44.2%), who have never use alcohol or cigarettes, represented the same percentage (85.3%). Regarding chronic non-communicable diseases, there is a higher prevalence for systemic arterial hypertension (37%), followed by HAS (37.2%), have had the disease for more than 10 years (31%). In the WHODAS domains, the means with the highest level of disability were social participation (12.66 ± 4.91), followed by cognition (8.41 ± 2.92), and mobility (8.24 ± 4.88). And the lowest disability rates were in life activity (7.98 ± 7.70), self-care (5.00 ± 2.04), and interpersonal relationship (4.90 ± 1.57). Regarding the general classification, there was moderate difficulty (69%) and severe difficulty (27.9%). There was a significant correlation between the Cognition and Self-Care domains for both men (r 0.644) and women (r 0.684). In the general correlation, the Mobility (r 0.756), and Participation (r 0.774) domains had a significant and positive correlation with the general classification in the WHODAS. Final considerations: this study reinforces the importance of studies focusing on the aging process and its relationship with functionality, contemplating individuals holistically, thus contributing to the improvement and development of care from the health perspective of this population.

Primary Cardiac Angiosarcoma: A Rare and Fatal Diagnosis.

Primary cardiac angiosarcoma is a rare malignant neoplasm and occurs most frequently in middle-aged males. It has an aggressive nature, with highly variable clinical features, which results in delayed diagnosis and high mortality. We report a 19-year-old man presented to the ED with a three-month history of hemoptysis and one-week history of anterior chest pain. Additionally, an aortic diastolic murmur grade II/VI was found on physical examination. Thoracic CT scan revealed bilateral dispersed hypodense pulmonary nodes with peripheral halo, alveolar densification, and pericardial effusion. The transthoracic echocardiogram confirmed sizeable pericardial effusion and bicuspid aortic valve, without other significant findings. A pericardiocentesis removed 1300 mL of hemorrhagic fluid, consistent with an exudate without malignant cells. Both cardiac magnetic resonance and transesophageal echocardiogram revealed a large mass on the right atrium's anterior wall. Mass biopsy was performed, revealing malignant cardiac angiosarcoma. The biopsy of the lung lesions was compatible with lung metastasis of primary cardiac angiosarcoma. The patient was submitted to palliative chemotherapy but died 12 months after the diagnosis.

Breathing exercises for adults with asthma.

BACKGROUND: Breathing exercises have been widely used worldwide as a non-pharmacological therapy to treat people with asthma. Breathing exercises aim to control the symptoms of asthma and can be performed as the Papworth Method, the Buteyko breathing technique, yogic breathing, deep diaphragmatic breathing or any other similar intervention that manipulates the breathing pattern. The training of breathing usually focuses on tidal and minute volume and encourages relaxation, exercise at home, the modification of breathing pattern, nasal breathing, holding of breath, lower rib cage and abdominal breathing. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the evidence for the efficacy of breathing exercises in the management of people with asthma. SEARCH METHODS: To identify relevant studies we searched The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL and AMED and performed handsearching of respiratory journals and meeting abstracts. We also consulted trials registers and reference lists of included articles. The most recent literature search was on 4 April 2019. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included randomised controlled trials of breathing exercises in adults with asthma compared with a control group receiving asthma education or, alternatively, with no active control group. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently assessed study quality and extracted data. We used Review Manager 5 software for data analysis based on the random-effects model. We expressed continuous outcomes as mean differences (MDs) with confidence intervals (CIs) of 95%. We assessed heterogeneity by inspecting the forest plots. We applied the Chi2 test, with a P value of 0.10 indicating statistical significance, and the I2 statistic, with a value greater than 50% representing a substantial level of heterogeneity. The primary outcome was quality of life. MAIN RESULTS: We included nine new studies (1910 participants) in this update, resulting in a total of 22 studies involving 2880 participants in the review. Fourteen studies used Yoga as the intervention, four studies involved breathing retraining, one the Buteyko method, one the Buteyko method and pranayama, one the Papworth method and one deep diaphragmatic breathing. The studies were different from one another in terms of type of breathing exercise performed, number of participants enrolled, number of sessions completed, period of follow-up, outcomes reported and statistical presentation of data. Asthma severity in participants from the included studies ranged from mild to moderate, and the samples consisted solely of outpatients. Twenty studies compared breathing exercise with inactive control, and two with asthma education control groups. Meta-analysis was possible for the primary outcome quality of life and the secondary outcomes asthma symptoms, hyperventilation symptoms, and some lung function variables. Assessment of risk of bias was impaired by incomplete reporting of methodological aspects of most of the included studies. We did not include adverse effects as an outcome in the review. Breathing exercises versus inactive control For quality of life, measured by the Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQLQ), meta-analysis showed improvement favouring the breathing exercises group at three months (MD 0.42, 95% CI 0.17 to 0.68; 4 studies, 974 participants; moderate-certainty evidence), and at six months the OR was 1.34 for the proportion of people with at least 0.5 unit improvement in AQLQ, (95% CI 0.97 to 1.86; 1 study, 655 participants). For asthma symptoms, measured by the Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ), meta-analysis at up to three months was inconclusive, MD of -0.15 units (95% CI -2.32 to 2.02; 1 study, 115 participants; low-certainty evidence), and was similar over six months (MD -0.08 units, 95% CI -0.22 to 0.07; 1 study, 449 participants). For hyperventilation symptoms, measured by the Nijmegen Questionnaire (from four to six months), meta-analysis showed less symptoms with breathing exercises (MD -3.22, 95% CI -6.31 to -0.13; 2 studies, 118 participants; moderate-certainty evidence), but this was not shown at six months (MD 0.63, 95% CI -0.90 to 2.17; 2 studies, 521 participants). Meta-analyses for forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) measured at up to three months was inconclusive, MD -0.10 L, (95% CI -0.32 to 0.12; 4 studies, 252 participants; very low-certainty evidence). However, for FEV1 % of predicted, an improvement was observed in favour of the breathing exercise group (MD 6.88%, 95% CI 5.03 to 8.73; five studies, 618 participants). Breathing exercises versus asthma education For quality of life, one study measuring AQLQ was inconclusive up to three months (MD 0.04, 95% CI -0.26 to 0.34; 1 study, 183 participants). When assessed from four to six months, the results favoured breathing exercises (MD 0.38, 95% CI 0.08 to 0.68; 1 study, 183 participants). Hyperventilation symptoms measured by the Nijmegen Questionnaire were inconclusive up to three months (MD -1.24, 95% CI -3.23 to 0.75; 1 study, 183 participants), but favoured breathing exercises from four to six months (MD -3.16, 95% CI -5.35 to -0.97; 1 study, 183 participants). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Breathing exercises may have some positive effects on quality of life, hyperventilation symptoms, and lung function. Due to some methodological differences among included studies and studies with poor methodology, the quality of evidence for the measured outcomes ranged from moderate to very low certainty according to GRADE criteria. In addition, further studies including full descriptions of treatment methods and outcome measurements are required.

Chest physiotherapy for pneumonia in children.

BACKGROUND: Pneumonia is a lung infection that causes more deaths in children aged under five years than any other single cause. Chest physiotherapy is widely used as adjuvant treatment for pneumonia. Physiotherapy is thought to help remove inflammatory exudates, tracheobronchial secretions, and airway obstructions, and reduce airway resistance to improve breathing and enhance gas exchange. This is an update of a review published in 2013. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effectiveness of chest physiotherapy with regard to time until clinical resolution in children (from birth to 18 years) of either gender with any type of pneumonia. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL; 2018, Issue 1), which includes the Cochrane Acute Respiratory Infections Group Specialised Register, MEDLINE (22 February 2018), Embase (22 February 2018), CINAHL (22 February 2018), LILACS (22 February 2018), Web of Science (22 February 2018), and PEDro (22 February 2018). We also searched clinical trials registers (ClinicalTrials.gov and WHO ICTRP) to identify planned, ongoing, and unpublished trials. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that compared any type of chest physiotherapy with no chest physiotherapy for children with pneumonia. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We used standard Cochrane methodological procedures. The primary outcomes of interest were mortality, duration of hospital stay, and time to clinical resolution. We used Review Manager 5 software to analyse data and GRADE to assess the quality of the evidence for each outcome. MAIN RESULTS: We included three new RCTs for this update, for a total of six included RCTs involving 559 children aged from 29 days to 12 years with pneumonia who were treated as inpatients. Pneumonia severity was described as moderate in one trial, severe in two trials, and was not stated in three trials. The studies assessed five different interventions: effects of conventional chest physiotherapy (3 studies, 211 children), positive expiratory pressure (1 study, 72 children), continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) (1 study, 94 children), bubble CPAP (bCPAP) (1 study, 225 children), and assisted autogenic drainage (1 studies, 29 children). The included studies were conducted in Bangladesh, Brazil, China, Egypt, and South Africa. The studies were overall at low risk of bias. Blinding of participants was not possible in most studies, but we considered that the outcomes were unlikely to be influenced by the lack of blinding.All included studies evaluated mortality. However, three studies assessed mortality as an outcome, and only one study of bCPAP reported that deaths occurred. Three deaths occurred in children in the physiotherapy group (N = 79) and 20 deaths in children in the control group (N = 146) (risk ratio (RR) 0.28, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.08 to 0.90; 559 children; low-quality evidence). It is uncertain whether chest physiotherapy techniques (bCPAP, assisted autogenic drainage, and conventional chest physiotherapy) reduced hospital stay duration (days) (mean difference (MD) 0.10, 95% CI -0.56 to 0.76; 4 studies; low-quality evidence).There was variation among clinical parameters used to define clinical resolution. Two small studies found no difference in resolution of fever between children in the physiotherapy (conventional chest physiotherapy and assisted autogenic drainage) and control groups. Of five studies that considered peripheral oxygen saturation levels, only two reported that use of chest physiotherapy (CPAP and conventional chest physiotherapy) showed a greater improvement in peripheral oxygen saturation levels. However, it was unclear whether respiratory rate (breaths/min) improved after conventional chest physiotherapy (MD -2.25, 95% CI -5.17 to 0.68; 2 studies, 122 children; low-quality evidence). Two studies assessed adverse events (number of events), but only one study reported any events (RR 1.28, 95% CI 0.98 to 1.67; 2 studies, 254 children; low-quality evidence). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: We could draw no reliable conclusions concerning the use of chest physiotherapy for children with pneumonia due to the small number of included trials with differing study characteristics and statistical presentation of data. Future studies should consider the following key points: appropriate sample size with adequate power to detect expected differences, standardisation of chest physiotherapy techniques, appropriate outcomes (such as duration of leukocytosis, and airway clearance), and adverse effects.

Association between quality of life, severity of asthma, sleep disorders and exercise capacity in children with asthma: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the association between quality of life, asthma severity, sleep disorders and exercise capacity in children with asthma. METHODS: We evaluated 45 children with asthma of both sexes aged between 7 and 12 years, diagnosed by a pediatrician/pulmonologist and classified according to the IV Brazilian Guidelines for Asthma Management: severity (intermittent/mild and moderate/severe) and control (controlled, partially controlled and uncontrolled). Quality of life (QoL), presence of sleep disorders and exercise capacity were respectively assessed using the following instruments: Pediatric Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (PAQLQ); Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children (SDSC); and six-minute step test (6MST). RESULTS: Intermittent/mild and moderate/severe asthma were observed in 51.1% and 48.9% of the children evaluated, respectively. Only 8.89% of the sample had uncontrolled asthma. In the regression model, a better QoL was observed in children with lower asthma severity, lower SDSC total score and lower levels of dyspnea induced by the 6MST (ß=-0.395, p=0.003; ß=-0.338, p=0.011; ß=-0.352, p=0.008; respectively). These factors explained 31% of the PAQLQ total score variation. Other variables (such as cardiorespiratory variables, spirometry, asthma control and number of steps in 6MST) did not predict quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: Lower asthma severity (intermittent/mild), fewer symptoms of sleep disorder, and lower exercise-induced dyspnea predicts better quality of life in children with asthma.

Standard (head-down tilt) versus modified (without head-down tilt) postural drainage in infants and young children with cystic fibrosis.

BACKGROUND: Postural drainage is used primarily in infants with cystic fibrosis from diagnosis up to the moment when they are mature enough to actively participate in self-administered treatments. However, there is a risk of gastroesophageal reflux associated with this technique.This is an update of a review published in 2015. OBJECTIVES: To compare the effects of standard postural drainage (15º to 45º head-down tilt) with modified postural drainage (15º to 30º head-up tilt) with regard to gastroesophageal reflux in infants and young children up to six years old with cystic fibrosis in terms of safety and efficacy. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Cystic Fibrosis and Genetic Disorders Group's Cystic Fibrosis Trials Register. We also searched the reference lists of relevant articles and reviews. Additional searches were conducted on ClinicalTrials.gov and on the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform for any planned, ongoing and unpublished studies.The date of the most recent literature searches: 19 June 2017. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included randomised controlled studies that compared two postural drainage regimens (standard and modified postural drainage) with regard to gastroesophageal reflux in infants and young children (up to and including six years old) with cystic fibrosis. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We used standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane. Two review authors independently identified studies for inclusion, extracted outcome data and assessed risk of bias. We resolved disagreements by consensus or by involving a third review author. We contacted study authors to obtain missing or additional information. The quality of the evidence was assessed using GRADE. MAIN RESULTS: Two studies, involving a total of 40 participants, were eligible for inclusion in the review. We included no new studies in the 2018 update. The included studies were different in terms of the age of participants, the angle of tilt, the reported outcomes, the number of sessions and the study duration. The following outcomes were measured: appearance or exacerbation of gastroesophageal reflux episodes; percentage of peripheral oxygen saturation; number of exacerbations of upper respiratory tract symptoms; number of days on antibiotics for acute exacerbations; chest X-ray scores; and pulmonary function tests. One study reported that postural drainage with a 20° head-down position did not appear to exacerbate gastroesophageal reflux. However, the majority of the reflux episodes in this study reached the upper oesophagus (moderate-quality evidence). The second included study reported that modified postural drainage (30° head-up tilt) was associated with fewer number of gastroesophageal reflux episodes and fewer respiratory complications than standard postural drainage (30° head-down tilt) (moderate-quality evidence). The included studies had an overall low risk of bias. One included study was funded by the Sydney Children's Hospital Foundation and the other by the Royal Children's Hospital Research Foundation and Physiotherapy Research Foundation of Australia. Data were not able to be pooled by meta-analysis due to differences in the statistical presentation of the data. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: The limited evidence regarding the comparison between the two regimens of postural drainage is still weak due to the small number of included studies, the small number of participants assessed, the inability to perform any meta-analyses and some methodological issues with the studies. However, it may be inferred that the use of a postural regimen with a 30° head-up tilt is associated with a lower number of gastroesophageal reflux episodes and fewer respiratory complications in the long term. The 20° head-down postural drainage position was not found to be significantly different from the 20° head-up tilt modified position. Nevertheless, the fact that the majority of reflux episodes reached the upper oesophagus should make physiotherapists carefully consider their treatment strategy. We do not envisage that there will be any new trials undertaken that will affect the conclusions of this review; therefore, we do not plan to update this review.

Effect of the calcination temperature on the photocatalytic efficiency of acidic sol-gel synthesized TiO2 nanoparticles in the degradation of alprazolam.

We report a comparative study on the photodegradation of the widely used benzodiazepine psychoactive drug alprazolam (8-chloro-1-methyl-6-phenyl-4H-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a][1,4]benzodiazepine, ALP) using direct photolysis, and titanium dioxide photocatalyzed reaction. Titanium dioxide photocatalysts were prepared as nanoparticles by acidic sol-gel methods, calcined at two different temperatures, and their behavior compared with P25 (Degussa type) TiO2. Efficient photodegradation was observed in the photocatalytic process, with over 90% degradation after 90 minutes under optimized conditions. Triazolaminoquinoline, 5-chloro-(5-methyl-4H-1,2,4-triazol-4-yl)benzophenone, triazolbenzophenone, and α-hydroxyalprazolam were identified as the degradation products by fluorescence spectroscopy and HPLC-MS. A comparison with the literature suggests that 8H-alprazolam may also be formed. Good mineralization was observed with TiO2 photocatalysts. ALP photodegradation with TiO2 follows pseudo-first order kinetics, with rates depending on the photocatalyst used. The effects of the quantity of the photocatalyst and concentration of alprazolam were studied.

Hepatocarcinoma com metástase para átrio direito / Hepatocellular carcinoma with metastasis to atrium

O hepatocarcinoma é o tumor primário maligno mais comum no fígado e está frequentemente associado à cirrose hepática. Relatamos o caso de um paciente com hepatopatia crônica de etiologia alcoólica e hepatocarcinoma com extensão >50% do fígado e invasão de veias supra-hepáticas e átrio direito.

Hepatocellular carcinoma is the most common primary malignant liver tumor and is often associated with liver cirrhosis. We report the case of a patient with chronic liver disease and alcoholic etiology of hepatocellular carcinoma with extension >50% of the liver and invasion of hepatic veins and right atrium.

Breathing exercises for children with asthma.

BACKGROUND: Asthma is the most common chronic disease in childhood. Breathing exercise techniques have been widely used by researchers and professionals in the search for complementary therapies for the treatment of asthma. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of breathing exercises in children with asthma. SEARCH METHODS: We searched for trials in the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL and AMED and handsearched respiratory journals and meeting abstracts. We also consulted trial registers and reference lists of included articles.The literature search was run up to September 2015. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included randomised controlled trials of breathing exercises alone versus control or breathing exercises as part of a more complex intervention versus control in children with asthma. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently assessed trial quality and extracted data. The primary outcomes were quality of life, asthma symptoms and serious adverse events. The secondary outcomes were reduction in medication usage, number of acute exacerbations, physiological measures (lung function (especially low flow rates) and functional capacity), days off school and adverse events. MAIN RESULTS: The review included three studies involving 112 participants. All the included studies performed the comparison breathing exercises as part of a more complex intervention versus control. There were no trials comparing breathing exercises alone with control. Asthma severity of participants from the included studies varied. The studies measured: quality of life, asthma symptoms, reduction in medication usage, number of acute exacerbations and lung function. Breathing exercise techniques used by the included studies consisted of lateral costal breathing, diaphragmatic breathing, inspiratory patterns and pursed lips. One study included in the review did not specify the type of breathing exercise used. The control groups received different interventions: one received placebo treatment, one an educational programme and doctor appointments, and one was not described. There were no reported between-group comparisons for any of the primary outcomes. We judged the included studies as having an unclear risk of bias. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: We could draw no reliable conclusions concerning the use of breathing exercises for children with asthma in clinical practice. The breathing exercises were part of a more comprehensive package of care, and could not be assessed on their own. Moreover, there were methodological differences among the three small included studies and poor reporting of methodological aspects and results in most of the included studies.

Fisioterapia Motora no recém-nascido prematuro em Unidade Intensiva Neonatal: uma revisão sistemática / Physical therapy for the premature newborn in neonatal intensive care unit: a systematic review

Introdução: Recém-nascidos prematuros (RNPT) apresentam maior vulnerabilidade a desfechos adversos decorrentes da própria imaturidade e da hospitalização. Dessa forma, é importante investigar as repercussões clínicas e benefícios da fisioterapia nesta população. Objetivo: Desenvolver uma revisão sistemática para verificar as repercussões clínicas e potenciais benefícios da fisioterapia motora nos RNPT internados em unidade de terapia intensiva. Métodos: As bases de dados Lilacs, Pubmed e Scopus foram consultadas. Dois revisores independentes realizaram a seleção e análise dos artigos elegíveis e avaliação do risco de viés. Resultados: Quatro artigos foram incluídos na revisão. A conduta fisioterapêutica foi considerada segura, sendo observada redução da dor, melhora da qualidade do sono, do ganho de peso e da função do sistema nervoso autônomo. Conclusões: A fisioterapia motora pode contribuir para o desenvolvimento e conforto dos RNPT sem trazer riscos. No entanto, esta revisão foi limitada pela qualidade dos dados existentes e reduzido número de estudos avaliados.

Introduction: Preterm infants are more vulnerable to adverse outcomes resulting from their own immaturity and hospitalization. Thus, it is important to investigate the clinical implications and benefits of physical therapy in this population. Objective: To develop a systematic review to investigate the clinical implications and potential benefits of physical therapy in premature newborns hospitalized in the intensive care unit. Methods: Lilacs, Pubmed and Scopus databases were consulted. Two independent reviewers performed the selection of eligible studies and risk of bias assessment. Results: Four studies were included in the review. Physical therapy was considered safe, and it was possible to observe reducing pain, improvement in sleep quality, weight gain and autonomic nervous system function. Conclusion: Physical Therapy may contribute to the development and comfort of premature newborns without harms. Nevertheless, this review was limited by the existing data and by the small number of studies assessed.

Predicted normal values for maximal respiratory pressures in children / Valores preditos para as pressões respiratórias máximas em crianças

Introduction: Reference equations are used to predict normal values for maximal respiratory pressures. Objectives: To develop predictive equations for maximal respiratory pressure in children. Methods: A total of 144 healthy children, aged between 7 and 11 years, were assessed. Maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressures were assessed with a digital manovacuometer on top of residual volume and total lung capacity, respectively. Results: The variables sex, age and weight showed association with maximal inspiratory pressure, while maximal expiratory pressure, in addition to the aforementioned variables, also showed association with height. After regression analysis, only sex and age had an influence on the variability of inspiratory and expiratory pressures. Conclusions: The present study provides reference values and proposes two equation models that predict maximal respiratory pressure values among children aged between 7 and 11 years.

Introdução: Equações de referência são utilizadas para predizer valores de normalidade de pressões respiratórias máximas. Objetivo: Elaborar equações preditivas para as pressões respiratórias máximas de crianças. Métodos: Um total de144 crianças saudáveis, com idade entre 7 e 11 anos, foram avaliadas. As pressões inspiratória e expiratória máximas foram avaliadas utilizando um manovacuômetro digital a partir do volume residual e da capacidade pulmonar total, respectivamente. Resultados: As variáveis sexo, idade e peso apresentaram associação com a pressão inspiratória máxima, enquanto que a pressão expiratória máxima, além das variáveis anteriormente citadas, também mostrou associação com a altura. Após a análise de regressão, apenas o sexo e a idade permaneceram exercendo influência sobre a variabilidade das pressões inspiratória e expiratória máximas. Conclusões: Este estudo disponibiliza valores de referência e propõe dois modelos de equação que predizem o valor das pressões respiratórias máximas de crianças entre 7 e 11 anos.

As bases neurobiológicas da aprendizagem no contexto da investigação temática freiriana / The neurobiological base of learning in context of the freire thematic research / Las bases neurobiológicas del aprendizaje en el contexto de la investigación temática freiriana

No artigo, defendemos o argumento de que a investigação temática proposta por Freire, ao estreitar a relação conteúdo-cotidiano, favorece a reconstrução do conhecimento, tendo como base as memórias sociais e culturais. Essas memórias, transformadas em estímulos emocionalmente competentes, propiciam uma ação docente que oportuniza a ampliação de saberes e engramas e, consequentemente, capacita os aprendentes para a transformação da realidade. Para tanto, apresentamos as ideias freirianas sobre a necessidade ontológica dos humanos de desenvolverem a consciência crítica acerca de suas situações existenciais, com base na investigação temática. Nesse processo, o que se almeja é a percepção existencial dos sujeitos, de modo que, tomando distância da situação em que se encontram, possam elaborá-la como uma imagem, quadro ou slide, sobre o qual se pode problematizar, discutir e contestar para transformar. Na sequência dessa atitude educativa, discutimos as bases neurobiológicas, ou seja, como o cérebro interpreta, compreende e apreende as informações dos contextos investigados e apresentamos alguns entendimentos sobre estímulos emocionalmente competentes e o processo de aprendizagem.

In this article, we defend the argument that the research topic proposed by Freire, when narrowing the content-everyday life relationship, fosters knowledge reconstruction based on social and cultural memories. These memories, turned into emotionally competent stimuli, provide a teaching action that favors the expansion of knowledge and engrams and, thus, enables learners to transform reality. Therefore, we present Freirian ideas about the ontological need humans have to develop critical awareness about their existential situations, based on thematic research. In this process, the aim is the existential awareness of the subjects, so that, distancing themselves from the situation they are in, they can develop it as an image, picture or slide on which to discuss, argue and challenge to transform. Following this educational attitude, we discuss the neurobiological bases, i.e. how the brain interprets, understands and grasps the information from the investigated contexts and present a few insights on emotionally appropriate stimuli and the learning process.

En el artículo, defendemos el argumento de que la investigación temática propuesta por Freire, al estrechar la relación contenido-cotidiano, favorece la reconstrucción del cono-cimiento, tomando como base las memorias sociales y culturales. Las memorias transformadas en estímulos emocionalmente competentes, propician una acción docente que fomenta la ampliación de saberes y engramas y, consecuentemente, capacita a los aprendices para la transformación de la realidad. Con esa finalidad, presentamos las ideas freirianas sobre la necesidad ontológica de los humanos de desarrollar la conciencia crítica acerca de sus situaciones existenciales, en base a la investigación temática. En este proceso, lo que se ambiciona es la percepción existencial de los individuos, de modo que, tomando distancia de la situación en que se encuentran, puedan elaborarla como una imagen, cuadro o diapositiva, sobre la cual se puede problematizar, discutir y replicar para transformar. En la secuencia de esta actitud educativa, discutimos las bases neurobiológicas, o sea, cómo el cerebro interpreta, comprende y aprehende las informaciones de los contextos investigados y presentamos algunas ideas sobre estímulos emocionalmente competentes y el proceso de aprendizaje.

Standard (head-down tilt) versus modified (without head-down tilt) postural drainage in infants and young children with cystic fibrosis.

BACKGROUND: Postural drainage is used primarily in infants with cystic fibrosis from diagnosis up to the moment when they are mature enough to actively participate in self-administered treatments. However, there is a risk of gastroesophageal reflux associated with this technique. OBJECTIVES: To compare the effects of standard postural drainage (greater (30° to 45° head-down tilt) and lesser (15° to 20° head-down tilt)) with modified postural drainage (greater (30º head-up tilt) or lesser (15º to 20º head-up tilt)) with regard to gastroesophageal reflux in infants and young children up to six years old with cystic fibrosis in terms of safety and efficacy. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Cystic Fibrosis and Genetic Disorders Group's Cystic Fibrosis Trials Register. We also searched the reference lists of relevant articles and reviews. Additional searches were conducted on ClinicalTrials.gov and on the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform for any planned, ongoing and unpublished studies.The date of the most recent literature searches: 20 January 2015. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included randomised controlled studies that compared two postural drainage regimens (standard and modified postural drainage) with regard to gastroesophageal reflux in infants and young children (up to and including six years old) with cystic fibrosis. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently selected the studies to be included in the review, assessed their risk of bias and extracted data. MAIN RESULTS: Two studies, including 40 participants, were eligible for inclusion in the review. The studies were different in terms of the age of participants, the angle of tilt, the reported outcomes, the number of sessions and the study duration. The following outcomes were measured: appearance or exacerbation of gastroesophageal reflux episodes; percentage of peripheral oxygen saturation; number of exacerbations of upper respiratory tract symptoms; number of days on antibiotics for acute exacerbations; chest X-ray scores; and pulmonary function tests. One study reported that postural drainage with a 20° head-down position did not appear to exacerbate gastroesophageal reflux. However, the majority of the reflux episodes reached the upper oesophagus. The second included study reported that modified postural drainage (30º head-up tilt) was associated with fewer number of gastroesophageal reflux episodes and fewer respiratory complications than standard postural drainage (30º head-down tilt). The included studies had an overall low risk of bias. Data were not able to be pooled by meta-analysis due to differences in the statistical presentation of the data. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: The available evidence regarding the comparison between the two regimens of postural drainage is still weak due to the small number of included studies, the small number of participants assessed, the inability to perform any meta-analyses and some methodological issues with the studies. However, it may be inferred that the use of a postural regimen with a 30° head-up tilt is associated with a lower number of gastroesophageal reflux episodes and fewer respiratory complications in the long term. The 20º head-down postural drainage position was not found to be significantly different from the 20º head-up tilt modified position. Nevertheless, the fact that the majority of reflux episodes reached the upper oesophagus should make physiotherapists carefully consider their treatment strategy.

Maximal respiratory pressures of healthy children: comparison between obtained and predicted values.

PURPOSE: To compare maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressures (PImax and PEmax, respectively) obtained in Brazilian children who are healthy with reference and predicted values from previous studies. METHODS: Respiratory muscle strength of 144 children (63 boys), aged 7 to 11 years, was assessed. A digital manovacuometer was used to measure PImax and PEmax from residual volume and total lung capacity, respectively. Children were assessed in the sitting position while wearing a nose clip. RESULTS: Mean values of PImax for boys and girls were 81.6 ± 20.2 and 66.1 ± 19.5 cmH2O, respectively. Mean values of PEmax in boys and girls were 95.6 ± 21.1 and 78.9 ± 19.7 cmH2O, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Published reference values demonstrated a wide diversity across age groups studied, and published equations were not successful in predicting maximal respiratory pressures; thus, the assessment of respiratory muscle strength of children should consider the minimization of ethnic and methodological differences.