Observational evidence of the association between physical and psychological determinants of aging with cognition in older adults.

Aging involves physical and cognitive deterioration in older adults. Detecting predictors of dementia early is crucial to identify its onset. This study aimed to associate physical and psychological determinants with cognitive performance in older adults. Observational study with 221 older adults, classified according to cognitive impairment. We evaluated cognitive function by Mini-Mental State Examination. Physical determinants encompassed muscle strength, functional mobility, and cardiorespiratory fitness, while psychological consisted of quality of life and activities of daily living. Multiple linear regression was performed to investigate this relationship. Physical and psychological determinants were significantly linked to cognitive impairment, including lower muscle strength, reduced functional mobility and of cardiorespiratory fitness. The influence of environment, autonomy, and engagement in daily activities on cognitive impairment was also observed. The analysis of physical and psychological determinants could help to aid in distinguishing individuals with cognitive impairment.

Multicomponent Physical Program: Effects on Physical Fitness of Older Women of Different Age Groups.

Purpose: Experimental studies investigating the outcomes of physical exercise among age-stratified groups of older women are still incipient. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a ten-month multicomponent physical program on the physical fitness of older women in three age-stratified groups (60-69 years, 70-79 years, and ≥80 years). Method: Participants (n = 141) were divided into three age groups: GR1 60-69 years (n = 45; 65.2 ± 2.3 years); GR2 70-79 years (n = 67; 72.9 ± 2.9 years), GR3 ≥80 years (n = 29; 83.5 ± 4.5 years). The participants performed the multicomponent physical program and were evaluated before and after the intervention with Senior Fitness Test. Data were analyzed using generalized estimating equations, Bonferroni test (p ≤.05) and effect size (Cohen's d). Results: For the group factor, there were significant differences in lower limb strength (p = .003), upper limb strength (p < .001), upper limb flexibility (p < .001), balance/agility (p < .001), and cardiorespiratory fitness (p < .001). For the time factor, significant differences were observed in lower limb strength (GR2, p = .014, small effect size), upper limb strength (GR1, p = .003; GR2, p < .001; GR3, p = .017; small effect sizes), lower limb flexibility (GR1, p = .025, non-significant effect size), cardiorespiratory fitness (GR1, p < .001, medium effect size; GR2, p = .002; small effect size). Conclusion: Physical fitness improved with training, but effects differed between age groups. Positive effects were observed for GR1 and GR2, whereas GR3 showed maintenance of physical fitness. Aging interferes more strongly in women aged 80 years and older and it is necessary for specific training programs for this age group. .

Static Balance in Hereditary Spastic Paraplegias: a Cross-sectional Study.

Motor and somatosensory pathway dysfunction due to degeneration of long tracts in hereditary spastic paraplegias (HSP) indicates that postural abnormalities may be a relevant disease feature. However, balance assessments have been underutilized to study these conditions. How does the static balance of individuals with HSP with eyes open and closed differ from healthy controls, and how does it relate to disease severity? This cross-sectional case-control study assessed the static balance of 17 subjects with genetically confirmed HSP and 17 healthy individuals, evaluating the center of pressure (COP) variables captured by a force platform. The root-mean-square of velocities and mean of displacements amplitudes in mediolateral and anteroposterior axes were correlated with disease severity. All COP parameters' performances were significantly impaired in HSP subjects compared to controls (p < 0.001 for all comparisons). COP with eyes open and closed differed for all variables within the HSP group, whereas in the control group, differences were observed only for anteroposterior velocity and amplitude. Spastic Paraplegia Rating Scale presented moderate direct correlations with the most COP variables (Rho = - 0.520 to - 0.736). HSP individuals presented significant postural instability with eyes open and to a greater extent with eyes closed, corroborating the clinical findings of somatosensorial and proprioceptive pathways dysfunction. The degrees of proprioceptive and motor impairments are mutually correlated, suggesting that similar pathophysiological mechanisms operate for the degeneration of these long tracts. COP parameters can be seen as disease severity biomarkers of HSP, and they should be assessed in future clinical trials.

Long-term progression of clinician-reported and gait performance outcomes in hereditary spastic paraplegias.

Introduction: Hereditary spastic paraplegias (HSPs) are a heterogeneous group of neurodegenerative diseases in which little is known about the most appropriate clinical outcome assessments (COAs) to capture disease progression. The objective of this study was to prospectively determine disease progression after 4.5 years of follow-up with different clinician-reported (ClinRO) and gait performance outcomes (PerFOs). Methods: Twenty-six HSP patients (15 SPG4, 5 SPG7, 4 SPG5, 2 SPG3A) participated in this single-center cohort study in which the ClinRO: Spastic Paraplegia Rating Scale; and the PerFOs: 10-meters walking test and timed-up and go (TUG), at self-selected and maximal walking speeds; Locomotor Rehabilitation Index; and 6-min walking test were performed at baseline and after 1.5 (18 patients) and 4.5 (13 patients) years. Results: In the 3-year interval between the second and third assessments, significant progressions were only found in PerFOs, while in the overall 4.5 years of follow-up, both PerFOs and ClinROs presented significant progressions. The progression slopes of COAs modeled according to the disease duration allowed the estimation of the annual progression of the outcomes and sample size estimations for future clinical trials of interventions with different effect sizes. TUG at maximal walking speed was the only COA capable of differentiating subjects with a worse compared to a stable/better impression of change and would require the smallest sample size if chosen as the primary endpoint of a clinical trial. Discussion: These findings indicate that both performance and clinician-reported outcomes can capture long-term progression of HSPs, with some PerFOs presenting greater sensitivity to change. The presented data are paramount for planning future disease-modifying and symptomatic therapy trials for this currently untreatable group of diseases.

Determinants of Dual-task Gait Speed in Older Adults with and without Parkinson's Disease.

Mobility difficulties for people with Parkinson's disease (PwPD) are more pronounced when they perform a simultaneous cognitive task while walking. Although it is known that neurodegeneration results in widespread motor and brain impairments, few studies have comprehensively examined possible physical and mental determinants of dual task walking in PwPD. In this cross-sectional study, we aimed to investigate if and how muscle strength (sit-to-stand 30-sec test), cognition (mini-mental state examination) and functionality (timed up and go test) affect walking performance (10-meter walking test) with and without arithmetic dual task from older adults with and without Parkinson's disease. Walking speed was reduced by 16% and 11% with arithmetic dual task for PwPD (from 1.07±0.28 to 0.91±0.29 m.s-1, p<0.001) and older adults (from 1.32±0.28 to 1.16±0.26 m.s-1, p=0.002) compared to essential walking. The cognitive state was similar among the groups, but it was only associated with the dual-task walking speed in PwPD. In PwPD, lower limb strength was the better predictor of speed, whereas mobility was more related to it in older adults. Therefore, future exercise interventions aiming to improve walking in PwPD should consider these findings to maximize their effectiveness.

How do intrinsic and extrinsic causes interact in the extinction vulnerability of South American savanna shrub and tree species?

Although a growing body of literature recognises the importance of rarity for biodiversity conservation, it is unclear how the interaction of different forms of rarity, extrinsic causes of extinction, and protection affect species' vulnerability. Here we addressed the extinction vulnerability of 2203 shrub and tree species of the South American savanna (SAS). For this, species were attributed a form of rarity, a synergistic risk index (SRI), and a protection index (PI). The SRI combines three extrinsic causes of extinction (climate hazard, fire frequency, and human footprint). The PI is the ratio between the number of a species occurrences within protected areas and the total number of occurrences in the SAS. By combining the SRI and PI, we classified common and rare species into five vulnerability classes. Some regions of the SAS show high values of climate hazard, fire frequency, human footprint, and SRI. Each extrinsic cause of extinction is differently distributed across the SAS and shows no or low spatial congruence with the SRI. Many species show a low ratio of occurrences within PAs, which in combination with high SRI results in high vulnerability to extinction. Surprisingly, the number of common species in the higher vulnerability classes is higher than of rare species. Common and rare species in different vulnerability classes occur in somewhat different locations across the SAS and mainly constitute spatially incongruent centres with high species richness. Given our results, we propose that strategies for the effective conservation of SAS species are challenging and must be carefully designed.

Impacto na qualidade de antissépticos e desinfetantes com álcool 70% (p/p) utilizados no enfrentamento da pandemia provocada pelo SARS-CoV-2 / Impacts on the quality of antiseptic and disinfectant products with 70% alcohol (w/w) used in the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic

Formulações contendo álcool etílico 70% (p/p) podem ser classificadas como cosméticos, medicamentos ou saneantes, dependendo da apresentação e local de uso. Foram largamente empregadas como antisséptico na forma líquida e gel no combate à pandemia provocada pelo SARS-CoV-2. O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a qualidade de 60 produtos em relação ao teor e rotulagem, destinados à higienização das mãos, superfícies e de uso hospitalar comercializadas em São Paulo. Realizou-se a avaliação do teor de álcool etílico por determinação direta em densímetro digital e comparação das informações da rotulagem com as da legislação de referência e com o rótulo aprovado pela Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária (ANVISA). Os resultados demonstraram que 48,3% das amostras apresentaram resultados inferiores aos limites regulatórios e às concentrações descritas no rótulo do produto para o teor de álcool etílico. Além disso, 5% apresentaram prazo de validade informado no rótulo acima de 180 dias, em desacordo com a RDC 350/20. Os níveis de insatisfatoriedade encontrados neste estudo indicam a necessidade de monitoramento da qualidade dos produtos disponíveis no mercado brasileiro com o propósito de apoiar as autoridades sanitárias nas atividades de fiscalização. (AU)

Formulations containing 70% ethyl alcohol (w/w) can be classified as cosmetics, medicines, or sanitizers depending on the presentation and place of use. These formulations were widely used as an antiseptic in the fight against the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, available in both liquid and gel forms. The present study aimed to assess the quality of 60 products, intended for hand and surface hygiene and hospital use, sold in São Paulo. The ethyl alcohol content was evaluated by direct determination using a digital densimeter, and the labeling information was compared with the reference legislation and the label approved by ANVISA (Brazil's National Health Surveillance Agency). The results showed that 48.3% of the products had ethyl alcohol content below the regulatory limits and concentrations specified on the product label. Additionally, 5% of the products had an expiration date on the label that exceeded 180 days, contrary to RDC 350/20 regulations. The levels of unsatisfactory products found in this study indicate the need for continuous monitoring of the quality of products available in the Brazilian market. Such monitoring is crucial to support health authorities in their inspection activities and ensure the efficacy and safety of antiseptic and disinfectant products used in the context of public health. (AU)

Effects of aging on arm coordination at different walking speeds.

BACKGROUND: Previous work has shown that the mean continuous relative phase and coordination variability of lower limbs are modified in older adults when walking. RESEARCH QUESTION: Here, we propose to understand the extent to which such control mechanisms for upper limbs are present during gait. Specifically, we seek to understand if aging and gait speed constraints influence the interjoint control of upper limbs during walking. METHODS: This observational study evaluated thirty-three participants, divided into older (n = 20, age 66.4 ± 4.3 years; mass: 77.2 ± 14.2 kg; height: 165 ± 9.20 cm) and young adults (n = 13, age 29.5 ± 4.7 years; mass 75.5 ± 9.6 kg; height: 172 ± 6.24 cm) were asked to walk at 0.28, 0.83, 1.38 m.s-1 on a level treadmill while their segmental movements were simultaneously registered with 3D motion capture system. We calculated the mean continuous relative phase and coordination variability (continuous relative phase variability) in elbow-shoulder and shoulder-hip pairs, and a generalized estimating equation was used to test the main and interaction effects of age and speed. RESULTS: Older adults had a reduced continuous relative phase (more in-phase coordination) of upper limbs at whole stance for elbow-shoulder, at loading response for shoulder-hip, at mid-stance and terminal stance for elbow-shoulder and shoulder-hip in comparison to young adults at different speeds (p < 0.05). The coordination variability of upper limbs was greater (higher continuous relative phase variability) in older than young adults at 0.28 and 1.38 m.s-1. SIGNIFICANCE: These findings substantiate the altered motor control role of upper limbs in gait aging, suggesting that lower self-selected speed may be related to the reduced ability to control arm movement during the intermediate phases of gait.

Determinants of age-related decline in walking speed in older women.

Background: Walking speed is reduced with aging. However, it is not certain whether the reduced walking speed is associated with physical and coordination fitness. This study explores the physical and coordination determinants of the walking speed decline in older women. Methods: One-hundred-eighty-seven active older women (72.2 ± 6.8 years) were asked to perform a 10-m walk test (self-selected and maximal walking speed) and a battery of the Senior fitness test: lower body strength, lower body flexibility, agility/dynamic balance, and aerobic endurance. Two parameters characterized the walking performance: closeness to the modeled speed minimizing the energetic cost per unit distance (locomotor rehabilitation index, LRI), and the ratio of step length to step cadence (walk ratio, WR). For dependent variables (self-selected and maximal walking speeds), a recursive partitioning algorithm (classification and regression tree) was adopted, highlighting interactions across all the independent variables. Results: Participants were aged from 60 to 88 years, and their self-selected and maximal speeds declined by 22% and 26% (p < 0.05), respectively. Similarly, all physical fitness variables worsened with aging (muscle strength: 33%; flexibility: 0 to -8 cm; balance: 22%; aerobic endurance: 12%; all p < 0.050). The predictors of maximal walking speed were only WR and balance. No meaningful predictions could be made using LRI and WR as dependent variables. Discussion: The results suggest that at self-selected speed, the decrease in speed itself is sufficient to compensate for the age-related decline in the motor functions tested; by contrast, lowering the WR is required at maximal speed, presumably to prevent imbalance. Therefore, any excessive lowering of LRI and WR indicates loss of homeostasis of walking mechanics and invites diagnostic investigation.

Online Exercise Training Program for Brazilian Older Adults: Effects on Physical Fitness and Health-Related Variables of a Feasibility Study in Times of COVID-19.

The COVID-19 pandemic brought negative consequences such as social isolation and limited access to health services, especially for older adults. The objective was to evaluate effects of an online exercise training program and physical fitness and health-related variables on Brazilian older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic and secondarily to assess the feasibility and application of an online program. A study was developed with twenty older adults who participated in a 9-month online exercise program. The physical fitness, depressive symptoms, concern about falling, and quality of life were assessed pre- and post-intervention. One-way repeated measures ANOVA and effect size was used. The feasibility was proven by the adherence to the program, in addition to the absence of identification of adverse effects. The results showed that physical fitness was improved (upper limb strength) or maintained (lower limb strength, lower and upper limb flexibility, cardiorespiratory fitness), as well as for most of the health-related variables (depressive symptoms, concern about falling, and quality of life domains). The study was developed in the first COVID-19 lockdown in Brazil, but positive and important results were obtained. This research supports the feasibility of the online exercise training program and provides a basis for an online exercise program for older adults.

Correspondência de teor de dissulfeto de captopril com odor de enxofre em comprimidos de captopril 25 mg, provenientes de farmácias públicas (postos de saúde) e drogarias comerciais / Correspondence of captopril disulfide content with sulfur odor in 25 mg captopril tablets from public pharmacies (health clinics) and commercial drugstores

Introdução: O captopril (CP) é o medicamento de escolha para o tratamento da hipertensão arterial. Sua degradação leva à formação do dímero dissulfeto de captopril (DSCP), este associado a um odor forte no medicamento, podendo causar abandono do tratamento pelo paciente. Objetivo: Determinar DCSP, associar a percepção olfativa de odor de enxofre desprendido do produto e realizar a avaliação de bula de comprimidos de captopril 25 mg distribuídos pelos setores público e privado. Método: Foi verificado o desempenho do método de determinação do CP e DSCP pela Farmacopeia Brasileira 6a ed. por HPLC (DAD). Foram analisados 13 produtos de comprimidos de captopril 25 mg, sendo dois provenientes do setor público de lotes diferentes e mesmo fabricante e 11 do setor privado de diferentes fabricantes e lotes. Foram avaliados aspectos do comprimido quanto à percepção de odor, determinação de peso, identificação e teor de CP e de DSCP e análise do conteúdo da bula. Resultados: Dentre os 13, o medicamento vencido apresentou 4,4% de DSCP, os demais estavam de acordo com a especificação. Verificouse  correspondência do odor de enxofre perceptível com teor de DSCP acima de 0,5%. Considerando os textos de bula sobre odor de enxofre, as constatações foram: nenhuma informação (três produtos), odor característico (dois), leve odor de enxofre (um), leve odor de enxofre sem diminuir a eficácia (sete). Conclusões: As amostras apresentaram resultados satisfatórios para os ensaios realizados. Verificou-se falta de homogeneidade nas informações das bulas sobre o odor dos comprimidos. A percepção do paciente quanto ao odor de enxofre, mesmo dentro do limite tolerado de DSCP, pode levar a não aceitação do medicamento e consequente não adesão ao tratamento da hipertensão, além de gerar prejuízos ao SUS.

Introduction: Captopril (CP) is the drug of choice for the treatment of hypertension. Its degradation leads to the formation of captopril disulfide dimer (DSCP), associated with a strong odor in the drug, which can cause the patient abandonment of treatment. Objective: To determine DCSP, associate the olfactory perception of the sulfur odor given off by the product and carry out the evaluation of the package insert for captopril 25 mg tablets distributed in the public and private sectors. Method: The performance of CP and DSCP determination method of the Brazilian Pharmacopoeia 6 ed was verified by HPLC (DAD). Thirteen products of 25 mg captopril tablets were analyzed, 2 of which came from the public sector from different batches and the same manufacturer: the other 11 came from the private sector from different batches and manufacturers. The samples were analyzed regarding appearance, odor perception, identification, weight determination, CP and DSCP content (by HPLC) and package insert content. Results: Among the 13, the expired drug had 4.4% DSCP; the others were in accordance with the specification. Correspondence of perceptible sulfur odor was established for drugs with DSCP content above 0.5%. Considering the texts on sulfur odor in the package inserts, the findings were: none information (3 products), characteristic odor (2), slight sulfur odor (1), slight sulfur odor without decreasing effectiveness (7). Conclusions: The samples showed satisfactory results for the tests performed. There was a lack of homogeneity in the information in the package inserts about odor of the tablets. The patient's perception of sulfur odor, even within the tolerated limit of DSCP, can lead to non-acceptance of the drug and consequent non- adherence to the treatment of hypertension, in addition to causing damage to the SUS.

Unexpected short- and long-term effects of chronic adolescent HU-210 exposure on emotional behavior.

Chronic adolescent cannabinoid receptor agonist exposure has been shown to lead to persistent increases in depressive-like behaviors. This has been a key obstacle to the development of cannabinoid-based therapeutics. However, most of the published work has been performed with only three compounds, namely Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, CP55,940 and WIN55,212-2. Hypothesizing that different compounds may lead to distinct outcomes, we herein used the highly potent CB1R/CB2R full agonist HU-210, and first aimed at replicating cannabinoid-induced long-lasting effects, by exposing adolescent female Sprague-Dawley rats to increasing doses of HU-210, for 11 days and testing them at adulthood, after a 30-day drug washout. Surprisingly, HU-210 did not significantly impact adult anxious- or depressive-like behaviors. We then tested whether chronic adolescent HU-210 treatment resulted in short-term (24h) alterations in depressive-like behavior. Remarkably, HU-210 treatment simultaneously induced marked antidepressant- and prodepressant-like responses, in the modified forced swim (mFST) and sucrose preference tests (SPT), respectively. Hypothesizing that mFST results were a misleading artifact of HU-210-induced behavioral hyperreactivity to stress, we assessed plasmatic noradrenaline and corticosterone levels, under basal conditions and following an acute swim-stress episode. Notably, we found that while HU-210 did not alter basal noradrenaline or corticosterone levels, it greatly augmented the stress-induced increase in both. Our results show that, contrary to previously studied cannabinoid receptor agonists, HU-210 does not induce persisting depressive-like alterations, despite inducing marked short-term increases in stress-induced reactivity. By showing that not all cannabinoid receptor agonists may induce long-term negative effects, these results hold significant relevance for the development of cannabinoid-based therapeutics.

Margins of stability and trunk coordination during Nordic walking.

Although it has already been demonstrated that Nordic walking has some peculiar biomechanical features with respect to walking, the effects on balance and trunk coordination are still unknown. Our aim here was to compare margins of stability, hip stabilizer muscle activation and scapular-pelvis coordination (mean and variability of continuous relative phase) between walking and two different pole walking techniques (observational design). Eleven Nordic walking instructors were asked to walk at 5.5 km·h-1 on a flat treadmill while 1) walking, 2) Nordic walking and 3) pole walking with just elbow flexion-extension motion allowed and constrained shoulder motion (elbow technique). The 3D movements of limbs and poles were measured by an optoelectronic motion capture system, and gluteus medius activation was measured through surface electromyography. Both techniques using poles show larger mediolateral margins of stability and similar anterior-posterior margins of stability in comparison with walking (p < 0.001). The larger mediolateral margin of stability using poles (conditions 2 and 3) is accompanied by greater trunk coordination stability (greater continuous relative phase variability) than walking. Although the Nordic walking (condition 2) technique results in a similar range of scapular and pelvis transverse rotation, the general pattern of scapular-pelvis coordination was temporally delayed by approximately 20% of the gait cycle in relation to other conditions (1 and 3). In conclusion, Nordic walking provides enhanced mediolateral support and coordination stability of trunk compared with walking, suggesting that it could be proposed as a safer exercise modality than walking.

Progression of Functional Gait in Hereditary Spastic Paraplegias.

Hereditary spastic paraplegias (HSP) are characterized by progressive deterioration of axonal projections of upper motor neurons leading to abnormal locomotion. The clinical course of HSP as well as the definition of the best instruments to assess its progression is largely unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the progression of functional gait in individuals with HSP and to define sensitivity to change, minimal clinically important difference (MCID), and validity of timed functional tests of gait (TFT). The study was constituted of two phases: a cross-sectional study and a prospective cohort of 18 months. Twenty-five patients (17 being SPG4), and twenty-five age- and sex-matched control individuals performed TFT. Spastic paraplegia rating scale (SPRS), ten-meter walking test (10MWT), timed up and go test (TUG), both at self-selected and maximal walking speeds, and six-minute walking test (6MWT) were performed on baseline in both groups and after 18 months of follow-up only in the HSP cohort. In the cross-sectional analysis, all TFTs performances were greatly impaired in HSP patients compared to controls. After 18 months of follow-up, TFTs did not differ significantly from baseline in the statistical analysis, with some tests showing more frequent improvement than worsening. We have provided effect size measures and MCID for the evaluated instruments. HSPs clearly compromised TFTs performances, which were valid instruments for assessing disease severity. However, TFTs and SPRS did not capture the very slow motor evolution of HSPs, reinforcing the necessity of additional biomarkers of disease progression.

Does a Multicomponent Exercise Program Improve Physical Fitness in Older Adults? Findings From a 5-Year Longitudinal Study.

The objective was to assess the physical fitness of older adults participating in a 5-year multicomponent exercise program. The sample consisted of 138 older adults aged 60-93 years (70.4 ± 7.8 years) evaluated with the Senior Fitness Test (muscle strength, flexibility, balance, and cardiorespiratory fitness). The multicomponent program was carried out between the months of March and November of each year. Data were analyzed using generalized estimating equations (factor year: Year 1, Year 2, Year 3, Year 4, and Year 5; factor time: pretest and posttest) with Bonferroni's post hoc test. Participation in the multicomponent exercise program for 5 years (baseline pretest Year 1 and follow-up Year 5) improved lower and upper limb strength, lower limb flexibility, and balance and cardiorespiratory fitness, while upper limb flexibility was maintained. Year-by-year analysis revealed variable patterns for each fitness parameter. The results of this study show the potential benefits of implementing a long-term community-based exercise program.

Habitat filtering drives the local distribution of congeneric species in a Brazilian white-sand flooded tropical forest.

The investigation of ecological processes that maintain species coexistence is revealing in naturally disturbed environments such as the white-sand tropical forest, which is subject to periodic flooding that might pose strong habitat filtering to tree species. Congeneric species are a good model to investigate the relative importance of ecological processes that maintain high species diversity because they tend to exploit the same limiting resources and/or have similar tolerance limits to the same environmental conditions due to their close phylogenetic relationship. We aim to find evidence for the action and relative importance of different processes hypothesized to maintain species coexistence in a white-sand flooded forest in Brazil, taking advantage of data on the detailed spatial structure of populations of congeneric species. Individuals of three Myrcia species were tagged, mapped, and measured for diameter at soil height in a 1-ha plot. We also sampled seven environmental variables in the plot. We employed several spatial point process models to investigate the possible action of habitat filtering, interspecific competition, and dispersal limitation. Habitat filtering was the most important process driving the local distribution of the three Myrcia species, as they showed associations, albeit of different strength, to environmental variables related to flooding. We did not detect spatial patterns, such as spatial segregation and smaller size of nearby neighbors, that would be consistent with interspecific competition among the three congeneric species and other co-occurring species. Even though congeners were spatially independent, they responded to differences in the environment. Last, dispersal limitation only led to spatial associations of different size classes for one of the species. Given that white-sand flooded forests are highly threatened in Brazil, the preservation of their different habitats is of utmost importance to the maintenance of high species richness, as flooding drives the distribution of species in the community.

Forced degradation studies to identify organic impurities in pharmaceuticals: a Brazilian perspective

Objective: The aim of this study was to highlight and sediment the necessary steps to be followed while conducting forced degradation studies to identify degradation products and to describe the Brazilian and international regulations associated with degradation studies of drugs and drug products. Methods: This review was conducted based on the Brazilian guidance tools as RDC 53/2015, Guide 4 and Question and Answer resource; references used as international guides; and articles in the field of degradation product analyses. Results: Characterization of the impurity profile for a substance, and development of indicative stability methods are essential criteria for compliance with current legislation, and address a legitimate health concern. As this matter falls under the purview of recently published regulation, many doubts remain regarding methods of conducting studies of forced degradation, and development of methods indicative of stability. Analytical conditions predict degradation after exposing them to thermal, humid, acidic, basic, oxidation, photolytic, and metal ion conditions. Conclusions: Although RDC 53/2015 outlines the parameters of degradation, the analytical conditions are not specified, as well as in other international standards. A well-designed forced degradation study is key to obtaining a good stability indicating method with peak purity and mass balance.

Detecção de desvios de qualidade nos medicamentos manipulados: solução de ácido acético, xarope de cetoconazol e cápsulas de hormônio tireoidiano T4 / Detection of quality deviations in compounded formulation: acetic acid solution, ketoconazole syrup and T4 thyroid hormone capsules

Introdução: Doses incorretas do ativo nas preparações magistrais configuram erros comuns na manipulação, podendo ocasionar agravos à saúde do paciente, refletindo possível ausência das Boas Práticas de Manipulação (BPM). Objetivo: Relatar desvios de qualidade nos medicamentos solução de ácido acético, xarope de cetoconazol e cápsulas de T4. Método: Identificação por reações químicas e por CLAE, teor por titulação e CLAE, pH por potenciometria. Resultados: Identificação positiva, para ácido acético com teor de 98,20% compatível com ácido acético glacial, em desacordo com a prescrição de solução a 5%. O teor de cetoconazol de 16,20 mg/mL encontrado no xarope corresponde a 81,00% do declarado, com especificação mínima de 90,00%; pH 8,0; identificação positiva para tensoativo aniônico componente saponáceo, no xarope. Os resultados encontrados: cápsulas de T4 de 25 µg foi de 177,70 µg e as de 200 µg foi de 174,44 µg, correspondendo a 710,96% e 87,22% do teor declarado, respectivamente, em desacordo com a especificação de 90,00% a 110,00%. Conclusões: O trabalho ilustrou a detecção de desvios de qualidade em medicamentos manipulados de diferentes farmácias, decorrentes de erros farmacotécnicos, ausência de controle de qualidade e falta de implementação das BPM. A frequente fiscalização previne riscos sanitários à população.

Introduction: Incorrect doses of the active ingredient in compounding formulations make up common errors in the manipulation, which can cause harm to the patient's health,reflecting the possible absence of Good Handling Practices (GHP). Objective: To report quality deviations in the medicines acetic acid solution, ketoconazole syrup and T4 capsules. Method: Identification by chemical reactions and by HPLC, content by titration and HPLC, pH by potentiometry. Results: Positive identification for acetic acid with 98.20% content compatible with glacial acetic acid, in disagreement with the prescription of 5% solution. The ketoconazole content of 16.20 mg/mL found in the syrup corresponds to 81.00% of the declared, the minimum specification is 90.00%; pH 8.0; positive identification for anionic surfactant component in the syrup. The results found were: 25 µg T4 capsules were 177.70 µg and for the 200 µg capsules it was 174.44 µg, corresponding to 710.96% and 87.22% of the declared content, respectively, in disagreement with specification 90.00% and 110.00%. Conclusions: The study illustrated the detection of quality deviations in manipulated drugs from different pharmacies, due to pharmacotechnical misconceptions, lack of quality control and lack of GHP implementation. Frequent inspection prevents health risks to the population.

O trabalho com o idoso: organização didático-pedagógica dos projetos de extensão universitária do curso de Educação Física / The work with the elderly: educational didactic organization of the projects of university extension of the course of Physical Education / El trabajo con el anciano: organización didáctica pedagógica de los proyectos de extensión universitaria del curso de Educación Física

O objetivo foi analisar a organização didático-pedagógica de projetos de extensão universitária, que desenvolvem atividades físicas regulares e supervisionadas, para o público idoso. Pesquisa qualitativa com dez professores coordenadores que responderam a um questionário com perguntas abertas. Percebeu-se que as características dos projetos são similares, em sua maioria, acompanhando a evolução do estudo do envelhecimento humano, além de esclarecer como são planejadas e desenvolvidas as atividades para o público idoso.

The objective was to analyze the educational didactic organization of university extension projects, which develop regular and supervised physical activities, for the elderly public. Qualitative research, ten coordinating teachers answered a questionnaire with open questions. It was noticed that the characteristics of the projects are similar, mostly, following the evolution of the study of human aging, in addition to clarifying how the activities for the elderly are planned and developed.

El objetivo fue analizar la organización didáctico-pedagógica de proyectos de extensión universitaria, que desarrollan actividades físicas regulares y supervisadas, para el público anciano. Investigación cualitativa con diez profesores coordinadores que respondieron a un cuestionario con preguntas abiertas. Se percibió que las características de los proyectos son similares, en su mayoría, acompañando la evolución del estudio del envejecimiento humano, además de aclarar cómo se planifican y desarrollan las actividades para el público anciano.

Idosos caidores e não caidores: programa de exercício multicomponente e prevalência de quedas / Elderly fallers and non-fallers: physical fitness and falls prevalence

Introdução: O episódio de queda esta presente em 40% da população idosa. A atividade física regular apresenta-se como uma estratégia de melhoria das capacidades da aptidão física e prevenção de quedas para idosos. Objetivo: analisar a aptidão física de idosos caidores e não caidores antes e após a participação em programa de exercício multicomponente, verificar se ocorre a redução de quedas. Métodos: Estudo de coorte, 156 idosos participantes de um programa de extensão universitária; classificados em dois grupos: caidores (n=25) e não caidores (n=131). Aplicou-se a bateria de avaliação de Rikli e Jones. Utilizou-se o método de Equações de Estimativas Generalizadas, adotando-se como fatores tempo e grupo, com post hoc de Bonferroni. Resultados: A análise indicou diferença estatística significante em algumas das relações dos fatores tempo e grupo. Conclusão: Aptidão física indicou melhores resultados, destacando-se a capacidade força. Houve diminuição da prevalência de quedas no grupo caidores. (AU)

Introduction: The incident of fall is present in 40% of the elderly population. Regular physical activity is a strategy for improving physical fitness capacity and to prevent falls in elderly. Objective: To analyze the physical fitness of elderly fallers and non-fallers before and after participation in a multicomponent exercise program, to verify if fall reduction occurs. Methods: A cohort study, 156 elderly participants of a university extension program; divided in two groups: fallers (n = 25) and non-fallers (n = 131). Applied to assessment battery of physical fitness Rikli and Jones. We used the Generalized Estimation Equation method (GHG), adopting as factors time and group and the Bonferroni test. Results: The analysis indicated a statistically significant difference in some of the relations of time and group factors. Conclusion: Physical fitness indicated better results, highlight strength capacity. Decrease in the prevalence of falls in the fallers group. (AU)