Effect of muscle length on maximum evoked torque, discomfort, contraction fatigue, and strength adaptations during electrical stimulation in adult populations: A systematic review.

Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) can improve physical function in different populations. NMES-related outcomes may be influenced by muscle length (i.e., joint angle), a modulator of the force generation capacity of muscle fibers. Nevertheless, to date, there is no comprehensive synthesis of the available scientific evidence regarding the optimal joint angle for maximizing the effectiveness of NMES. We performed a systematic review to investigate the effect of muscle length on NMES-induced torque, discomfort, contraction fatigue, and strength training adaptations in healthy and clinical adult populations (PROSPERO: CRD42022332965). We conducted searches across seven electronic databases: PUBMED, Web of Science, EMBASE, PEDro, BIREME, SCIELO, and Cochrane, over the period from June 2022 to October 2023, without restricting the publication year. We included cross-sectional and longitudinal studies that used NMES as an intervention or assessment tool for comparing muscle lengths in adult populations. We excluded studies on vocalization, respiratory, or pelvic floor muscles. Data extraction was performed via a standardized form to gather information on participants, interventions, and outcomes. Risk of bias was assessed using the Revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for cross-over trials and the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale. Out of the 1185 articles retrieved through our search strategy, we included 36 studies in our analysis, that included 448 healthy young participants (age: 19-40 years) in order to investigate maximum evoked torque (n = 268), contraction fatigability (n = 87), discomfort (n = 82), and muscle strengthening (n = 22), as well as six participants with spinal cord injuries, and 15 healthy older participants. Meta-analyses were possible for comparing maximal evoked torque according to quadriceps muscle length through knee joint angle. At optimal muscle length 50° - 70° of knee flexion, where 0° is full extension), there was greater evoked torque during nerve stimulation compared to very short (0 - 30°) (p<0.001, CI 95%: -2.03, -1.15 for muscle belly stimulation, and -3.54, -1.16 for femoral nerve stimulation), short (31° - 49°) (p = 0.007, CI 95%: -1.58, -0.25), and long (71° - 90°) (p<0.001, CI 95%: 0.29, 1.02) muscle lengths. At long muscle lengths, NMES evoked greater torque than very short (p<0.001, CI 95%: -2.50, -0.67) and short (p = 0.04, CI 95%: -2.22, -0.06) lengths. The shortest quadriceps length generated the highest perceived discomfort for a given current amplitude. The amount of contraction fatigability was greater when muscle length allowed greater torque generation in the pre-fatigue condition. Strength gains were greater for a protocol at the optimal muscle length than for short muscle length. The quality of evidence was very high for most comparisons for evoked torque. However, further studies are necessary to achieve certainty for the other outcomes. Optimal muscle length should be considered the primary choice during NMES interventions, as it promotes higher levels of force production and may facilitate the preservation/gain in muscle force and mass, with reduced discomfort. However, a longer than optimal muscle length may also be used, due to possible muscle lengthening at high evoked tension. Thorough understanding of these physiological principles is imperative for the appropriate prescription of NMES for healthy and clinical populations.

Utilizing COVID-19 as a Model for Diagnostics Using an Electrochemical Sensor.

This paper reports a rapid and sensitive sensor for the detection and quantification of the COVID-19 N-protein (N-PROT) via an electrochemical mechanism. Single-frequency electrochemical impedance spectroscopy was used as a transduction method for real-time measurement of the N-PROT in an immunosensor system based on gold-conjugate-modified carbon screen-printed electrodes (Cov-Ag-SPE). The system presents high selectivity attained through an optimal stimulation signal composed of a 0.0 V DC potential and 10 mV RMS-1 AC signal at 100 Hz over 300 s. The Cov-Ag-SPE showed a log response toward N-PROT detection at concentrations from 1.0 ng mL-1 to 10.0 µg mL-1, with a 0.977 correlation coefficient for the phase (θ) variation. An ML-based approach could be created using some aspects observed from the positive and negative samples; hence, it was possible to classify 252 samples, reaching 83.0, 96.2 and 91.3% sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy, respectively, with confidence intervals (CI) ranging from 73.0 to 100.0%. Because impedance spectroscopy measurements can be performed with low-cost portable instruments, the immunosensor proposed here can be applied in point-of-care diagnostics for mass testing, even in places with limited resources, as an alternative to the common diagnostics methods.

Chemical contamination affecting filter-feeding bivalves in no-take marine protected areas from Brazil.

Marine protected areas (MPAs) are zones geographically delimited under pre-defined management goals, seeking to reduce anthropogenic threats to biodiversity. Despite this, in recent years reports of MPAs affected by chemical contamination has grown. Therefore, this study addresses this critical issue assessing legacy and current chemical contamination in filter-feeder bivalves obtained in very restrictive no-take MPAs from Brazil. The detected pollutants encompass polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), linear alkylbenzenes (LABs), and persistent organic pollutants (POPs) like dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDTs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Despite protective measures, bivalves from nine MPAs exhibited high LABs (13.2-1139.0 ng g-1) and DDTs levels (0.1-62.3 ng g-1). PAHs were present in low concentrations (3.1-29.03 ng g-1), as PCBs (0.7-6.4 ng g-1), hexachlorobenzene (0.1-0.2 ng g-1), and Mirex (0.1-0.3 ng g-1). Regardless of the sentinel species, MPAs and management categories, similar accumulation patterns were observed for LABs, DDTs, PAHs, and PCBs. Based on the limits proposed by Oslo Paris Commission, the measured levels of PAHs, PCBs and were below the environmental assessment criteria. Such findings indicate the no biological effects are expected to occur. However, they are higher considering background conditions typically measured in remote or pristine areas and potential simultaneous exposure. Such findings indicate an influence of anthropogenic sources, emphasizing the urgency for monitoring programs guiding strategic management efforts to safeguard these areas.

Resurgence of human respiratory syncytial virus during COVID-19 pandemic in Southern Brazil.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is an important cause of respiratory infection in humans. Severe cases are common in children ≤2 years old, immunocompromised individuals, and the elderly. In 2020, RSV infection reduced in Rio Grande do Sul (RS), southern Brazil; however, in 2021 resurgence of RSV was observed. This study analyzed epidemiological and genetic features of RSV infection cases reported in 2021 in RS. Nasopharyngeal samples collected from individuals with respiratory infection negative for SARS-CoV-2, Influenza A and B viruses were assessed for the presence of RSV by real time RT-qPCR. RSV-A and RSV-B genomic sequencing and phylogenetic reconstructions were performed for genotyping and clade characterization. Among 21,035 respiratory samples analyzed, 2,947 were positive for RSV, 947 of which were hospitalized patients. Positive cases were detected year-round, with the highest number in June-July (winter). Children <1 year comprised 56.28% (n = 533) of the hospitalized patients infected with RSV, whereas 14.46% (n = 137) were individuals >60 years. Of a total of 361 deaths, 14.68% (n = 53) were RSV positive, mostly patients >60 years old (73.58%, n = 39). Chronic kidney disease, cardiopathy, Down syndrome and neurological diseases were associated with RSV infection. RSV-A was identified in 58.5% (n = 117/200) of the patients, and RSV-B in 41.5% (n = 83/200). Of 95 RSV genomes recovered from SARI cases, 66 were RSV-A GA.2.3.5 genotype, while 29 were RSV-B GB.5.0.5a genotype. This study provides epidemiological and molecular data on RSV cases in RS during the COVID-19 pandemic and highlights that investigation of different respiratory viruses is essential for decision-making and disease prevention and control measures.

Microplastics in rocky shore mollusks of different feeding habits: An assessment of sentinel performance.

Microplastics (MPs) accumulation in rocky shore organisms has limited knowledge. This study investigated MPs accumulation in filter-feeding oysters, herbivorous limpets and carnivorous snails to assess their performance as sentinel species in the MPs trophic transfer. The samples were obtained along a contamination gradient in the Santos Estuarine System, Brazil. All three studied species showed MPs concentrations related to the contamination gradient, being the oysters the species that showed the highest levels, followed by limpets and snails (average of less and most contaminated sites of 1.06-8.90, 2.28-5.69 and 0.44-2.10 MP g-1, respectively), suggesting that MPs ingestion rates are linked to feeding habits. MPs were mainly polystyrene and polyacetal. The polymer types did not vary among sites nor species. Despite minor differences in percentages and diversity of size, shape, and color classes, the analyzed species were equally able to demonstrate dominance of small, fiber, transparent, black and blue MPs. Thus, oysters, limpets, and snails are proposed as sentinels of MPs in monitoring assessments.

Protective personal equipment on coastal environments: Identifying key drivers at a global scale.

The contamination of coastal ecosystems by personal protective equipment (PPE) emerged as a significant concern immediately following the declaration of the COVID-19 pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO). Hence, numerous studies have assessed PPE occurrence on beaches worldwide. However, no predictors on PPE contamination was so far pointed out. The present study investigated social and landscape drivers affecting the PPE density in coastal environments worldwide using a meta-analysis approach. Spatial variables such as urban modification levels, coastal vegetation coverage, population density (HPD), distance from rivers (DNR), and poverty degree (GGRDI) were derived from global satellite data. These variables, along with the time elapsed after WHO declared the pandemic, were included in generalized additive models as potential predictors of PPE density. HPD consistently emerged as the most influential predictor of PPE density (p < 0.00001), exhibiting a positive effect. Despite the presence of complex non-linear relationships, our findings indicate higher PPE density in areas with intermediate GGRDI levels, indicative of emerging economies. Additionally, elevated PPE density was observed in areas located further away from rivers (p < 0.001), and after the initial months of the pandemic. Despite the uncertainties associated with the varied sampling methods employed by the studies comprising our database, this study offers a solid baseline for tackling the global problem of PPE contamination on beachesguiding monitoring assessments in future pandemics.

Microplastic in clams: An extensive spatial assessment in south Brazil.

Microplastic pollution is becoming a continuously growing environmental concern, while bivalve mollusks are particularly vulnerable due to their sessile habits and feeding through water filtration processes. Microplastic incidence in soft tissues of the clam Amarilladesma mactroides was assessed along unconsolidated substrates distributed in extensive coastal regions of southern Brazil. Influence of urbanization levels, distance to rivers and local hydrodynamics on microplastic accumulation by the clam was tested. The average concentration of microplastics was high (3.09 ± 2.11 particles.g-1), considering 16 sampled sites. Particles were mainly composed by polyamide, polyethylene and polyethylene terephthalate, while were mainly smaller, fibrous and colorless. High urbanization and closer proximity to rivers insured higher contamination, which is a trend observed globally. No influence of coastal hydrodynamics was seen. Considering obtained findings, A. mactroides presents good potential to be used as a valuable tool to assess microplastic contamination in unconsolidated substrates of beach areas.

High levels of anthropogenic litter trapped in a mangrove area under the influence of different uses.

The contamination of mangroves by anthropogenic litter has increased in recent decades. Notably, Brazil occupies a prominent status within Latin America, boasting the second-largest mangrove areas globally. In Santos-São Vicente Estuarine System (SESS), mangroves coexist with a preeminent port complex and substantial urbanization rates. Nevertheless, the anthropogenic litter occurrence and distribution in this ecosystem remains unknown. This study aimed to comprehensively assess anthropogenic litter across 13 strategically positioned sites in the SESS. The total litter density (Mean ± SD) was 22.84 ± 36.47 (0.00-142.00) items·m-2, putting the SESS among the top four most contaminated mangrove ecosystems worldwide. Residential zones accumulated more litter than uninhabited areas and significant correlation was seen with human modification index. Plastic was the prevalent material (70.4 %), measuring mostly between 2.5 and 30 cm (41.1 %). It is imperative that local authorities adopt comprehensive strategies to mitigate contamination, while also curtailing the litter inputs to the SSES mangrove ecosystem.

Resistance and aerobic training increases genome-wide DNA methylation in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

Physical activity is a first-line treatment for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Resistance or aerobic exercise improves metabolic complications, reproductive outcomes, and quality of life in PCOS. DNA methylation reprogramming during exercise may be the major modifier behind these changes. We sought to evaluate genome-wide DNA methylation changes after supervised resistance and aerobic exercise in women with PCOS. Exercises were performed in 56 women with PCOS (resistance, n = 30; aerobic, n = 26), for 16 weeks (wks), three times per week, in 50-minute to one-hour sessions. Anthropometric indices and hormonal and metabolic parameters were measured before and after training. Genome-wide leukocyte DNA methylation was analysed by Infinium Human MethylationEPIC 850K BeadChip microarrays (Illumina). Both resistance and aerobic exercise improved anthropometric indices, metabolic dysfunction, and hyperandrogenism in PCOS after the training programme, but no differences were observed between the two exercises. Resistance and aerobic exercise increased genome-wide DNA methylation, although resistance changed every category in the CpG island context (islands, shores, shelve, and open sea), whereas aerobic exercise altered CpG shores and the open sea. Using a stringent FDR (>40), 6 significantly differentially methylated regions (DMRs) were observed in the resistance exercise cohort and 14 DRMs in the aerobic cohort, all of which were hypermethylated. The increase in genome-wide DNA methylation may be related to the metabolic and hormonal changes observed in PCOS after resistance and aerobic exercise. Since the mammalian genome is hypermethylated globally to prevent genomic instability and ageing, resistance and aerobic exercise may promote health and longevity through environmentally induced epigenetic changes.

Evaluation of dual modification by high hydrostatic pressure and annealing on the physicochemical properties of bean starch.

This study investigated the physical modifications by high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) at 600 MPa for 30 min/30 °C, annealing (AN) at 50 °C/24 h and the combination of both (HHP + AN and AN + HHP) applied to yellow bean starch to verify changes in morphology, X-ray diffraction, molecular order, thermal properties and pasting properties of native (NS) and modified starches. Morphological analysis showed loss of sphericity and increase in diameter with the appearance of pores on the surface after application of treatments. The AN starch showed lower values of syneresis, degree of double helix (DD), order (DO), and viscosity of the paste obtained by RVA. It exhibited a Vh-type classification with the appearance of the amylose-lipid complex. However, the gelatinization temperatures, as well as the enthalpy of gelatinization, were significantly higher. On the other hand, the starch treated with HHP showed a higher Setback (SB) value. The greatest modifications were found for the starches subjected to the combined treatments (AN + HHP) and (HHP + AN), where the order of the treatments was significant for the morpho-structural changes of yellow bean starch. According to the micrographs, the surface aspect was altered, with AN + HHP showing greater irregularities and flat yet irregular faces, as well as a larger granule diameter (147.05). The X-ray diffractogram showed a reduction in crystallinity from 28.14 % (NS) to 18.09 % (AN + HHP) and classified the starch as type "A". The double modification (HHP + AN and AN + HHP) reduced the gelatinization temperature and the enthalpy of gelatinization but had no effect on the bands of the FT-IR spectrum. There was only a reduction in the degree of order and the double helix. Finally, the treatment with AN + HHP is more effective as the gelatinization with AN facilitates the application of HHP. Both methods used are classified as physical (thermal and non-thermal), aiming to minimize environmental impacts and achieve faster and safer morpho-structural modification without leaving chemical residues in the products.

Antifungal and Phytotoxic Activities of Isolated Compounds from Helietta parvifolia Stems.

The identification of natural and environmentally friendly pesticides is a key area of interest for the agrochemical industry, with many potentially active compounds being sourced from numerous plant species. In this study, we report the bioassay-guided isolation and identification of phytotoxic and antifungal compounds from the ethyl acetate extract of Helietta parvifolia stems. We identified eight compounds, consisting of two coumarins and six alkaloids. Among these, a new alkaloid, 2-hydroxy-3,6,7-trimethoxyquinoline-4-carbaldehyde (6), was elucidated, along with seven known compounds. The phytotoxicity of purified compounds was evaluated, and chalepin (4) was active against Agrostis stolonifera at 1 mM with 50% inhibition of seed germination and it reduced Lemna pausicotata (duckweed) growth by 50% (IC50) at 168 µM. Additionally, we evaluated the antifungal activity against the fungal plant pathogen Colletotrichum fragariae using a thin-layer chromatography bioautography assay, which revealed that three isolated furoquinoline alkaloids (flindersiamine (3), kokusagenine (7), and maculine (8)) among the isolated compounds had the strongest inhibitory effects on the growth of C. fragariae at all tested concentrations. Our results indicate that these active natural compounds, i.e., (3), (4), (7), and (8), could be scaffolds for the production of more active pesticides with better physicochemical properties.

Copaifera langsdorffii Oleoresin-Loaded Nanostructured Lipid Carrier Emulgel Improves Cutaneous Healing by Anti-Inflammatory and Re-Epithelialization Mechanisms.

The skin is essential to the integrity of the organism. The disruption of this organ promotes a wound, and the organism starts the healing to reconstruct the skin. Copaifera langsdorffii is a tree used in folk medicine to treat skin affections, with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In our study, the oleoresin of the plant was associated with nanostructured lipid carriers, aiming to evaluate the healing potential of this formulation and compare the treatment with reference drugs used in wound healing. Male Wistar rats were used to perform the excision wound model, with the macroscopic analysis of wound retraction. Skin samples were used in histological, immunohistochemical, and biochemical analyses. The results showed the wound retraction in the oleoresin-treated group, mediated by α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). Biochemical assays revealed the anti-inflammatory mechanism of the oleoresin-treated group, increasing interleukin-10 (IL-10) concentration and decreasing pro-inflammatory cytokines. Histopathological and immunohistochemical results showed the improvement of re-epithelialization and tissue remodeling in the Copaifera langsdorffii group, with an increase in laminin-γ2, a decrease in desmoglein-3 and an increase in collagen remodeling. These findings indicate the wound healing potential of nanostructured lipid carriers associated with Copaifera langsdorffii oleoresin in skin wounds, which can be helpful as a future alternative treatment for skin wounds.

Leishmanial activity of Brazilian brown propolis and its diterpenes.

Propolis is a natural product widely used in folk medicine. Among its various applications, its antiparasitic properties stand out. Due to its great biodiversity, Brazil is a major producer of several types of propolis. This study proposes to evaluate the leishmanicidal properties of the hydroalcoholic extract of propolis collected in the southern region of Brazil (Brown propolis - HEBP) and its main isolated compounds: abietic acid (1), 13-epi-cupressic acid (2), 13-epi-torulosol (3), dehydroabietic acid (4), cis-communic acid (5) and ent-agatic acid (6). In general, the diterpenes did not show activity against the promastigotes of Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis at the evaluated concentrations. However, the HEBP was very active with an inhibition concentration of 50% at 8.32 µg/mL. Moreover, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) assays showed morphological and structural alterations in promastigote forms of L. (L.) amazonensis when incubated with HEBP.

Data treatment methods for real-time colorimetric loop-mediated isothermal amplification reactions.

With the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and the need for affordable and rapid mass testing, colorimetric isothermal amplification reactions such as Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) are quickly rising in importance. The technique generates data that is similar to quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR), but instead of an endpoint color visualization, it is possible to construct a signal over a time curve. As the number of works using time-course analysis of isothermal reactions increases, there is a need to analyze data and standardize their related treatments quantitatively. Here, we take a step forward toward this goal by evaluating different available data treatments (curve models) for amplification curves, which allows for a cycle threshold-like parameter extraction. In this study, we uncover evidence of a double sigmoid equation as the most adequate model to describe amplification data from our remote diagnostics system and discuss possibilities for similar setups. We also demonstrate the use of multimodal Gompertz regression models. Thus, this work provides advances toward standardized and unbiased data reporting of Reverse Transcription (RT) LAMP reactions, which may facilitate and quicken assay interpretation, potentially enabling the application of machine learning techniques for further optimization and classification.

A comprehensive integrated dataset on Brazilian health facilities: from 2005 to 2021.

OBJECTIVES: The National Registry of Healthcare Facilities is a system with the registry of every healthcare facility in Brazil with information on the capacity building and healthcare workforce regarding its public or private nature. Despite being publicly available, it can only be accessed in separated disjoint tables, with different primary units of analysis. The objective is to offer an interoperable dataset containing monthly data from 2005 to 2021 with information on healthcare facilities, including their physical and human resources, services and teams, enriched with municipal information. DATA DESCRIPTION: Database with historical data and geographic information for each health facility in Brazil. It is composed by 5 distinct tables, organized according to combinations of time, space, and types of resources, services and teams. This database opens up a range of possibilities for research topics, from case studies in a single health facility and period, analysis of a group of health facilities with characteristics of interest, to a broader study using the entire dataset and aggregated data by municipality. Furthermore, the fact that there is a row for each health facility/month/year facilitates the integration with other datasets from the Brazilian healthcare system. In addition to being a potential object of study in the health area, the dataset is also convenient in data science, especially for studies focused on time series.

Dataset on infant mortality rates in Brazil.

OBJECTIVES: Surveillance of infant and fetal deaths is of paramount importance in thinking about government strategies to reduce these rates, provide greater visibility of these mortality figures in the country, enable the adoption of prevention measures, as well as contribute to a better record of deaths. DATA DESCRIPTION: The dataset comprises fetal, neonatal, early neonatal, late neonatal, and perinatal Mortality Rates of Brazilian municipalities with their respective information, between 2010 to 2020, aggregated by epidemiological week.

First report of target-site resistance to ACCase-inhibiting herbicides in Bromus tectorum L.

BACKGROUND: The prevalent and repeated use of acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase (ACCase)-inhibiting herbicides for Bromus tectorum L. control in fine fescue (Festuca L. spp) grown for seed has selected ACCase-resistant B. tectorum populations. The objectives of this study were to (1) evaluate the response of nine B. tectorum populations to the ACCase inhibitors clethodim, sethoxydim, fluazifop-P-butyl, and quizalofop-P-ethyl and the acetolactate synthase (ALS) inhibitor sulfosulfuron and (2) characterize the resistance mechanisms. RESULTS: Bromus tectorum populations were confirmed to be resistant to the ACCase-inhibiting herbicides tested. The levels of resistance varied among the populations for clethodim (resistance ratio, RR = 5.1-14.5), sethoxydim (RR = 18.7-44.7), fluazifop-P-butyl (RR = 3.1-40.3), and quizalofop-P-ethyl (RR = 14.5-36). Molecular investigations revealed that the mutations Ile2041Thr and Gly2096Ala were the molecular basis of resistance to the ACCase-inhibiting herbicides. The Gly2096Ala mutation resulted in cross-resistance to the aryloxyphenoxypropionate (APP) herbicides fluazifop-P-butyl and quizalofop-P-ethyl, and the cyclohexanedione (CHD) herbicides clethodim, and sethoxydim, whereas Ile2041Thr mutation resulted in resistance only to the two APP herbicides. All B. tectorum populations were susceptible to sulfosulfuron (RR = 0.3-1.7). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report of target-site mutations conferring resistance to ACCase-inhibiting herbicides in B. tectorum. The results of this study suggest multiple evolutionary origins of resistance and contribute to understanding the patterns of cross-resistance to ACCase inhibitors associated with different mutations in B. tectorum. © 2023 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Micro- and mesoplastic pollution along the coast of Peru.

Peru suffers from poor solid waste and coastal management, as well as evidenced plastic pollution in various forms. However, studies in Peru focusing on small plastic debris (i.e., meso- and microplastics) are still limited and inconclusive. Thus, the present study investigated the abundance, characteristics, seasonality, and distribution of small plastic debris along the coast of Peru. The abundance of small plastic debris is predominantly driven by specific locations, where a source of contamination is present, rather than presenting seasonal patterns. Meso- and microplastics were strongly correlated in both seasons (summer and winter), suggesting meso-plastic constantly breaking down as microplastic sources. Additionally, heavy metals (e.g., Cu, Pb) were found in low concentrations (mean concentrations < 0.4%) on the surface of some mesoplastics. Here, we provided a baseline on the multiple factors involving small plastic debris on the Peruvian coast and preliminarily identify associated contaminants.