Do good things really come to those who wait? An analysis of the average time of acceptance in Brazilian surgery journals.

PURPOSE: To analyze the average time between submission and acceptance of national journals in seven Brazilian surgery journals from 2017 to 2022. METHODS: It consists of a cross-sectional and observational study with a quantitative approach to analyze the acceptance time of articles approved by Brazilian journals on general surgery and its subspecialties, including Acta Cirúrgica Brasileira, Jornal Vascular Brasileiro, Arquivos Brasileiros de Cirurgia de Digestiva, Revista do Colégio Brasileiro de Cirurgiões, Journal of Coloproctology, Revista Brasileira de Cirurgia Plástica, and International Brazilian Journal of Urology. RESULTS: The journals with the lowest average waiting times were Revista do Colégio Brasileiro de Cirurgiões, Acta Cirúrgica Brasileira, and Journal of Coloproctology, respectively, and, with the lowest interquartile range there is Acta Cirúrgica Brasileira. There was no significant difference between the pre-pandemic and pandemic periods. The study designs with the highest and lowest means were, respectively, ideas and innovations - also with the highest interquartile range - and expert opinion, while with the lowest interquartile range was technical skill. CONCLUSIONS: The acceptance time for articles in Brazilian surgery journals is extremely variable. Identifying these discrepancies highlights the importance of understanding editorial processes and seeking ways to improve consistency and efficiency in reviewing articles.

An Approach to Establishing Diagnostic Reference Levels in Interventional Pediatric Cardiology from Different Regions of Brazil.

Diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) are a pivotal strategy to be implemented since pediatric interventional cardiology procedures are increasing. This work aimed to propose an initial set of Brazilian DRLs for pediatric interventional diagnostic and therapeutic (D&T) procedures. A retrospective study was carried out in four Brazilian states, distributed across the three regions of the country. Data were collected from pediatric patients undergoing cardiac interventional procedures (CIPs), including their age and anthropometric characteristics, and at least four parameters (number of images, exposure time, air kerma-area product-PKA, and cumulative air kerma). Data from 279 patients undergoing CIPs were gathered (147 diagnostic and 132 therapeutic procedures). There were no significant differences in exposure time and the number of images between the D&T procedures. A wide range of PKA was observed when the therapeutic procedures were compared to diagnostics for all age groups. There were significant differences between the D&T procedures, whether grouping data by patient weight or age. In terms of cumulative air kerma, it was noted that no value exceeded the level to trigger a monitoring process for patients. This study shows that it is possible to adopt them as the first proposal to establish national DRLs considering pediatric patient groups.

Coexistência de doenças autoimunes: oportunidade para a associação de imunobiológicos? / Coexisting autoimmune diseases: an opportunity to associate immunobiologicals?

O tratamento das doenças autoimunes com imunobiológicos é uma opção segura na prática clínica. A simultaneidade na ocorrência de doenças imunomediadas em um mesmo indivíduo pode determinar a necessidade da associação dos imunobiológicos para controle dos sintomas e melhora da qualidade de vida dos doentes. Relatamos o caso de uma paciente com artrite reumatoide em uso de etanercepte, que necessitou da associação de omalizumabe para o tratamento de urticária crônica espontânea.

Autoimmune diseases can be safely treated in clinical practice with immunobiologicals. The simultaneous occurrence of multiple immune-mediated diseases in the same individual could require a combination of immunobiologicals to control symptoms and improve quality of life. We report the case of a patient with rheumatoid arthritis who was receiving etanercept and required additional omalizumab for chronic spontaneous urticaria.

Hesitação da vacina da febre amarela e sua relação com influências contextuais, individuais ou de grupo e questões específicas da vacina: uma revisão de escopo / Yellow fever vaccine hesitancy and its relationship with contextual, individual, or group influences and vaccine-specific issues: a scoping review

Resumo A hesitação vacinal é um fenômeno com potencial para reduzir as taxas de cobertura vacinal, como observado na vacina contra febre amarela (VFA), propiciar epidemias e a reintrodução de doenças imunopreveníveis controladas. O objetivo deste estudo é mapear junto à literatura científica a relação entre a falta de informação, a segurança da vacina e os eventos adversos e a hesitação vacinal da VFA. Foi realizada uma revisão de escopo nas bases Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS), National Library of Medicine (PubMed), SCOPUS, Embase e Web of Science utilizando descritores controlados (DeCS/MeSH) e não controlados. Foram selecionados 11 artigos publicados nos idiomas inglês, espanhol e português, sem delimitação de tempo e que atenderam aos critérios de inclusão. Estiveram relacionados à hesitação vacinal da VFA informações falsas, conhecimento inadequado sobre o imunizante, falta de tempo para se vacinar, aceitação da vacina, insegurança na vacina e medo dos eventos adversos. Este estudo reforça a importância do acesso a informações adequadas, orientações sobre a segurança e os eventos adversos da VFA e pode auxiliar na elaboração de estratégias de saúde pública para mitigar a hesitação vacinal.

Abstract Vaccine hesitancy is a phenomenon with the potential to reduce vaccination coverage rates, as observed with the yellow fever vaccine (YFV), leading to epidemics and the reintroduction of controlled immunopreventable diseases. This study, together with the scientific literature, aims to map the relationship among the lack of information, vaccine safety and adverse events, and vaccine hesitancy concerning YFV. A scoping review was conducted in the Virtual Health Library (VHL), National Library of Medicine (PubMed), SCOPUS, Embase, and Web of Science databases, using controlled (DeCS/MeSH) and uncontrolled descriptors. In this work, we selected eleven articles, published in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, with no time limits, which met the inclusion criteria. False information, inadequate knowledge about the immunizer, lack of time to take a vaccination, acceptance of the vaccine, vaccine safety, and fear of adverse events were related to vaccine hesitancy. This study reinforces the importance of access to adequate information, provides guidance on YFV safety and adverse events, and can aid in the development of public health strategies to mitigate hesitancy.

Yellow fever vaccine hesitancy and its relationship with contextual, individual, or group influences and vaccine-specific issues: a scoping review. / Hesitação da vacina da febre amarela e sua relação com influências contextuais, individuais ou de grupo e questões específicas da vacina: uma revisão de escopo.

Vaccine hesitancy is a phenomenon with the potential to reduce vaccination coverage rates, as observed with the yellow fever vaccine (YFV), leading to epidemics and the reintroduction of controlled immunopreventable diseases. This study, together with the scientific literature, aims to map the relationship among the lack of information, vaccine safety and adverse events, and vaccine hesitancy concerning YFV. A scoping review was conducted in the Virtual Health Library (VHL), National Library of Medicine (PubMed), SCOPUS, Embase, and Web of Science databases, using controlled (DeCS/MeSH) and uncontrolled descriptors. In this work, we selected eleven articles, published in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, with no time limits, which met the inclusion criteria. False information, inadequate knowledge about the immunizer, lack of time to take a vaccination, acceptance of the vaccine, vaccine safety, and fear of adverse events were related to vaccine hesitancy. This study reinforces the importance of access to adequate information, provides guidance on YFV safety and adverse events, and can aid in the development of public health strategies to mitigate hesitancy.

A hesitação vacinal é um fenômeno com potencial para reduzir as taxas de cobertura vacinal, como observado na vacina contra febre amarela (VFA), propiciar epidemias e a reintrodução de doenças imunopreveníveis controladas. O objetivo deste estudo é mapear junto à literatura científica a relação entre a falta de informação, a segurança da vacina e os eventos adversos e a hesitação vacinal da VFA. Foi realizada uma revisão de escopo nas bases Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS), National Library of Medicine (PubMed), SCOPUS, Embase e Web of Science utilizando descritores controlados (DeCS/MeSH) e não controlados. Foram selecionados 11 artigos publicados nos idiomas inglês, espanhol e português, sem delimitação de tempo e que atenderam aos critérios de inclusão. Estiveram relacionados à hesitação vacinal da VFA informações falsas, conhecimento inadequado sobre o imunizante, falta de tempo para se vacinar, aceitação da vacina, insegurança na vacina e medo dos eventos adversos. Este estudo reforça a importância do acesso a informações adequadas, orientações sobre a segurança e os eventos adversos da VFA e pode auxiliar na elaboração de estratégias de saúde pública para mitigar a hesitação vacinal.

"K-Powder" Exposure during Adolescence Elicits Psychiatric Disturbances Associated with Oxidative Stress in Female Rats.

Ketamine, also called 'K-powder' by abusers, an analog of phencyclidine, primarily acts as an antagonist of N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA) receptors, therapeutically used as an anesthetic agent. Ketamine also stimulates the limbic system, inducing hallucinations and dissociative effects. At sub-anesthetic doses, ketamine also displays hallucinatory and dissociative properties, but not loss of consciousness. These behavioral consequences have elicited its recreational use worldwide, mainly at rave parties. Ketamine is generally a drug of choice among teenagers and young adults; however, the harmful consequences of its recreational use on adolescent central nervous systems are poorly explored. Thus, the aim of the present study was to characterize the behavioral and biochemical consequences induced by one binge-like cycle of ketamine during the early withdrawal period in adolescent female rats. Adolescent female Wistar rats (n = 20) received intraperitoneally administered ketamine (10 mg/kg/day) for 3 consecutive days. Twenty-four hours after the last administration of ketamine, animals were submitted to behavioral tests in an open field, elevated plus-maze, and forced swimming test. Then, animals were intranasally anesthetized with 2% isoflurane and euthanized to collect prefrontal cortex and hippocampus to assess lipid peroxidation, antioxidant capacity against peroxyl radicals, reactive oxygen species, reduced glutathione, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels. Our results found that 24 h after recreational ketamine use, emotional behavior disabilities, such as anxiety- and depression-like profiles, were detected. In addition, spontaneous ambulation was reduced. These negative behavioral phenotypes were associated with evidence of oxidative stress on the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus.

Shortening of etching time of the dentin in primary teeth restorations: a randomized clinical trial.

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of shortening of etching time for dentin on the restoration survival after selective carious tissue removal in primary molars. This two-arm randomized clinical trial included sixty-two subjects (5-8 year-old) and 100 primary molars presenting moderate dentin carious lesions on occlusal surface. The sample was randomly assigned into groups previously to adhesive application (Adper Single Bond 2; 3M ESPE): etching time recommended by manufacturer (15 s) or reduced (7 s). Resin composite (Filtek Bulk Fill Posterior Restorative; 3M ESPE) was inserted in a single increment for all restorations. Restorations were evaluated at 1, 6, 12, and 18 months using FDI criteria. Survival estimates for restorations' longevity were evaluated with Kaplan-Meier method. Multivariate Cox regression analysis with shared frailty was used to assess the factors associated with failures (p < 0.05). The etching time did not influence the restorations' survival (HR 0.35 95%CI 0.11-1.12; p = 0.06). Mean estimated time of survival was 17.6 months (95%CI, 17.2-17.9). The survival rates at the 18-month follow-up were 75.7% and 91.4% (AFR: 16.9% and 5.7%) when primary dentin was acid etched for 15 and 7 s, respectively (log-rank p = 0.06). In conclusion, the etching time for dentin did not influence the clinical behavior of adhesives restorations. However, there was a tendency for better clinical outcome when using etching time of 7 s.

Removal of bromophenol blue anionic dye from water using a modified exuviae of Hermetia illucens larvae as biosorbent.

Organic dyes originating from liquid effluents from the textile industries are harmful to the environment. They are toxic and reduce the penetration of light into aquatic environments. In this study, a biosorbent was produced from the exuviae of Hermetia illucens (Linnaeus) larvae and used to remove organic anionic dyes from an aqueous medium. The solids were characterized in terms of thermal stability, chemical structure, morphology, and porosity using thermogravimetric (TGA), differential thermal analysis (DTA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and N2 adsorption-desorption. There were studied the effects of pH and dosage of the adsorbent on the adsorption of the bromophenol blue dye, used as a model molecule. The adsorption kinetics was studied with Lagergren's pseudo-first-order rate model. The maximum adsorbed amount was 571 mg g-1 according to Langmuir's model. The adsorption process was evaluated as exothermic and spontaneous and was classified as physical adsorption. The prepared biosorbent was tested in five consecutive adsorption cycles achieving 99% dye removal at each stage. This demonstrated the maintenance of adsorption efficiency and desorption capacity. These results suggest that prepared biosorbent have potential applications in the treatment of effluents from textile industries.

Shortening of etching time of the dentin in primary teeth restorations: a randomized clinical trial

Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of shortening of etching time for dentin on the restoration survival after selective carious tissue removal in primary molars. This two-arm randomized clinical trial included sixty-two subjects (5-8 year-old) and 100 primary molars presenting moderate dentin carious lesions on occlusal surface. The sample was randomly assigned into groups previously to adhesive application (Adper Single Bond 2; 3M ESPE): etching time recommended by manufacturer (15 s) or reduced (7 s). Resin composite (Filtek Bulk Fill Posterior Restorative; 3M ESPE) was inserted in a single increment for all restorations. Restorations were evaluated at 1, 6, 12, and 18 months using FDI criteria. Survival estimates for restorations' longevity were evaluated with Kaplan-Meier method. Multivariate Cox regression analysis with shared frailty was used to assess the factors associated with failures (p < 0.05). The etching time did not influence the restorations' survival (HR 0.35 95%CI 0.11-1.12; p = 0.06). Mean estimated time of survival was 17.6 months (95%CI, 17.2-17.9). The survival rates at the 18-month follow-up were 75.7% and 91.4% (AFR: 16.9% and 5.7%) when primary dentin was acid etched for 15 and 7 s, respectively (log-rank p = 0.06). In conclusion, the etching time for dentin did not influence the clinical behavior of adhesives restorations. However, there was a tendency for better clinical outcome when using etching time of 7 s.

Choosing the Criteria for Clinical Evaluation of Composite Restorations: An Analysis of Impact on Reliabilty and Treatment Decision

Abstract Objective: To assess the reproducibility of two clinical criteria for the evaluation of restorations in primary teeth and the impact on treatment decision. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed selecting 71 resin-based composite restorations placed in primary molars of children who had sought dental treatment at a dental school. Two trained examiners evaluated independently the restorations using modified FDI and USPHS criteria. All restorations were assessed separately with each system in random order to avoid memory bias. Kappa statistics were used to determine inter-examiner reliability considering each parameter of both criteria and score final about treatment decision. McNemar test was used to compare the treatment decision with two criteria. The significance level was set at 5%. Results: Kappa values ranged from 0.28 to 0.93 with USPHS and 0.28 to 0.88 with FDI, considering each parameter separately. Inter-examiner agreement for treatment decision was excellent for both criteria (Kappa: 0.85-0.90). For clinical decision-making, no difference between criteria was found, irrespective of examiner. Conclusion: Low inter-examiner agreement for evaluation of each parameter of USPHS and FDI criteria does not reflect on reproducibility for treatment decision. Both criteria may be suitable for evaluation of composite restorations in primary teeth.

La ciencia sube al escenario en un contexto periférico cultura experimental y usos del teatro en Buenos Aires, 1870-1925 / Science takes the stage in a peripheral context experimental culture and uses of theater in Buenos Aires, 1870-1925

Se analizarán veinticinco ceremonias teatrales ocurridas en un puñado de ciudades argentinas durante el medio siglo que va de 1870 a 1925, dedicadas a conmemorar la vida científica, tecnológica y médica surgida de la revolución científica de los siglos xvii y xviii. En ellas los más prestigiosos científicos y médicos subieron a los escenarios de sus principales teatros para presentar sus saberes en sociedad, a un público selecto y ávido de noticias y espectáculos, formado por las principales familias patricias de la emergente nación Argentina. El estudio de esas fiestas con las herramientas historiográficas provenientes de los estudios de sociabilidad, permite visibilizar —a través de un amplio conjunto de fuentes escasamente exploradas hasta el momento— la complejidad de los procesos de inscripción local de las instituciones científicas y médicas referenciales que las pusieron en marcha. También permite reconstruir la trama de su coevolución, junto a los poderes políticos locales —estado nacional, provincias y municipios— y a los «selectos públicos» que en forma devota asistieron a las ceremonias. Instituciones científicas, poderes políticos y públicos patricios dieron forma a un particular tipo de experiencia social, basada en la apropiación en clave semiperiférica del «deleite racional» por excelencia, como fueron las ceremonias teatrales y científicas (AU)

Spontaneous Exercise-Related Coronary Artery Dissection among Young Patients Without Risk Factors or Atherosclerotic Disease.

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is considered an often underdiagnosed acute coronary syndrome, with few cases described in literature. Its association with physical exercise among young patients without risk factors or atherosclerotic disease (CAD) is even rarer. For this reason, a study was conducted on the subject, describing the clinical conditions, conduct and evolution regarding the suspicion of spontaneous exercise-related coronary artery dissection in three young patients without risk factors or CAD. Clinical conditions varied, with predominant recurrent chest pain. Age range from 20 to 31 years. All patients underwent coronary angiography, which showed no CAD but suggested SCAD. Investigations concerning other causes of coronary obstruction were negative. The right coronary artery was affected in two cases, and the anterior descending artery was affected in one case. Only one of the three patients had recurrent events within five years from the primary event. Technological advances will enable increased dissection identification in acute coronary syndromes. Improving the knowledge about the related clinical conditions is necessary, as an attempt to provide warnings and improve the suspicion of spontaneous exercise-related coronary artery dissection among those who have symptoms of coronary insufficiency, thus reducing the frequent underdiagnosis. The best treatment and prognosis for this disease remains uncertain.

Comparative Analysis of Direct and Indirect Methods for the Determination of Maximal Oxygen Uptake in Sedentary Young Adults

Maximal oxygen uptake is a powerful prognostic indicator and a reliable measure of physical conditioning. It can be measured directly by cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) or indirectly by formulas derived from conventional protocols. Objective: We compared the VO2 max obtained by formula using exercise testing with Bruce protocol (BP) with the VO2 max obtained by CPET on the treadmill. Methods: We selected 41 healthy, non-obese, physically inactive young volunteers, aged between 21 and 50 years, residents of Florianópolis, Brazil. Results: Twenty-one women (52%) with mean age of 35.62 ± 8.83 years, and 20 males, with mean age of 32.5 ± 7.18 years participated in the study. Statistically significant differences were found for VO2 max between the two methods (BP - 42.31 ± 5.21 ml/kg.min vs. CPET - 30.46 ± 5.50 ml/kg.min., p < 0.0001). The Bruce formula overestimated the result by 34.1% (BP - 45.95 ± 3.94 ml/kg.min vs. CPX - 34.27 ± 4.20 ml/kg.min, p < 0.0001) for men, and by 44.8% (BP - 38.84 ± 3.72 ml/kg.min vs. CPX - 26.83 ± 3.90, p < 0.0001) for women. A moderate correlation was observed between the methods (r = 0.65). When classifying the results according to the table of aerobic capacity of the American Heart Association, the agreement was null (kappa = 0.0034; Pearson chi2 = 0.001). Conclusion: VO2 estimated by BP is not capable of demonstrating the true aerobic capacity in these individuals, while CPET is an important tool for early detection of diminished functional capacity in sedentary young men and women

Impact of Lifting of Two Types of Barrels on Postural Control, Trunk Muscle Recruitment, and Kinematic Measures in Manual Workers.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of 2 types of beer barrels on postural control, trunk activation, and kinematic measures in adult workers. Twelve (12) males randomly performed 4 tasks on a force platform for 20 s: (1) hold an empty recyclable barrel, (2) hold a full recyclable barrel (30 L), (3) hold an empty steel barrel, and (4) hold a full steel barrel (30 L). Trunk muscular activation, force platform and kinematic measures at the trunk, hip, and knee joints were computed. The full steel barrel produced greater postural oscillation than other conditions. Higher trunk activity was also reported during the full steel barrel task. Significant kinematic changes only in the trunk were observed between the empty steel barrel and the full recyclable barrel tasks. In conclusion, the full steel barrel produced a negative impact on postural control, increasing trunk activity and changing trunk flexion angle in adult workers.

Can dynamic ultrasonography replace urodynamics in the follow-up of patients with myelomeningocele? A prospective concurrent study.

AIMS: To evaluate the accuracy of dynamic ultrasonography (DUS), as a feasible alternative diagnostic method to identify detrusor overactivity (DO) in patients with neurogenic bladder. METHODS: We performed concurrent analysis of 81 pairs of urodynamic study (UDS) and DUS, in 63 patients with myelomeningocele (MMC), from June 2014 to February 2017. The assessment focused on bladder behavior during the filling phase, DO evaluation, DO with leakage, compliance, and maximum cystometric capacity (MCC). RESULTS: Patient age ranged from 3 months to 34 years (median, 84 months); 47.6% were male. Overall, 9.5% of patients had chronic kidney disease, 20.6% had recurrent urinary tract infection, 19.05% had vesicoureteral reflux, and 69.8% had constipation. Anticholinergic therapy was used by 41.3% of patients. DO was observed in 45.67% of patients and DO with leakage in 42.6%. Mean bladder compliance was 10.39 mL/cmH2 O and normal MCC was 56.79%. DUS had 91.89% sensitivity in identifying DO, 88.64% specificity, 87.18% positive predictive value, 92.86% negative predictive value, and 90.12% accuracy, with a kappa coefficient of 0.8 (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: MMC follow-up is essential because urinary parameters can change during patient growth. The standard examination is invasive and has related complications, making noninvasive evaluation a desirable alternative, like DUS. Our data suggest that DO and MCC can be evaluated using DUS in patients with MMC. UDS should be performed in patients with abnormal findings on ultrasound evaluation or those with worsening of urinary tract function.

Lumbar stabilisation exercises versus back endurance-resistance exercise training in athletes with chronic low back pain: protocol of a randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is an important disorder in athletes that may negatively affect their performance in competitions. The literature usually recommends physiotherapy based on exercises for back pain management in athletes. Recent evidence suggests that interventions based on lumbar muscle stabilisation exercises (LMSE) and back endurance-resistance exercises (BERE) may improve back pain and function performance. However, it is still unclear which type of exercise is more effective for the treatment of CLBP in athletes. OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of LMSE versus BERE in athletes with CLBP. DESIGN: The study is a 2-arm, prospectively registered, randomised controlled trial. SETTING: The physical therapy clinical and biomechanics laboratory of the UNOPAR University. PARTICIPANTS: 32 male athletes with CLBP, age between 18 and 40 years old, recruited from the local community. INTERVENTION: An 8-week intervention programme will be carried out with LMSE s versus BERE. MEASUREMENTS: Trunk neuromuscular patterns during balance tasks (unipodal and over a ball) using electromyography and force platform parameters, pain, disability, fear and avoidance will be assessed by a blinded assessor at baseline and at follow-up after 8 weeks of intervention period. LIMITATIONS: The absence of blinding intervention and the exclusion of female athletes, seated sports and swimmers will affect the internal and external validity of the study. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study will elucidate which of these two interventions promote better results in trunk neuromuscular pattern, back pain and function in male athletes with CLBP.

Influência do Estado Mental Cognitivo no Equilíbrio Postural de Idosos / Influence of Cognitive Mental State on Postural Balance of Older People

O estado cognitivo tem um papel importante na independência e na funcionalidade do idoso, assim é importante identificar sua influência no contexto do equilíbrio postural. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar se o estado mental influência no desempenho de equilíbrio postural de idosos. Duzentos e sete idosos, fisicamente independentes de ambos os sexos, com idade média 67 anos foram divididos em três grupos de acordo com resultados obtidos pelo questionário do mini exame de estado mental (grupo 1, Funções cognitivas preservadas ­ FCP, n=57; grupo 2, Déficit cognitivo não sugestivo ­ DCNS, n=72; grupo 3, Sugestivo de déficit cognitivo ­ SDC, n=78). O equilíbrio postural foi avaliado em duas condições (bipodal e unipodal) por meio de uma plataforma de força. Três tentativas foram realizadas em cada condição e a média das tentativas foi utilizada para analisar a oscilação dos parâmetros do centro pressão (COP). Os resultados encontrados mostraram diferenças significativas entre todos grupos no questionário de mini mental (FCP > DCNS > SDC, P= <0,001). Por outro lado, nenhuma diferença estatisticamente significativa (P= >0,05) foi encontrada entre os grupos para todos os parâmetros do COP nas duas condições de equilíbrio avaliadas. Os achados do presente estudo sugerem que, a diferença encontrada no estado cognitivo não influenciou significativamente no equilíbrio postural de idosos fisicamente independentes. (AU).

Cognitive status have an important role in the independence and functionality of the older people, so it is important to identify their influence in the context of postural balance. The aim of this study was to analyze whether the mental state influences the postural balance performance of the older people. Two hundred and seven physically independent older people of both sexes, mean age 67 ± 4 years were divided into three groups according to results obtained by the mini mental state examination. (group 1, Preserved cognitive functions - PCF, n = 57; group 2, Non suggestive cognitive deficit - NSCD, n = 72; group 3, Suggestive cognitive deficit - SCD, n = 78). The postural balance was evaluated in two conditions (two- and one-legged stand) by means of a force platform. Three trials were performed in each condition and the mean number of trials was used to analyze the oscillation of the center pressure (COP). The results showed significant differences between all groups in the mini mental questionnaire (PCF> NSCD> SCD, P = <0.001) On the other hand, no statistically significant difference (P = >0.05) was found between the groups for all COP parameters in the two balance conditions evaluated. The findings of the present study suggest that the differences found in cognitive status do not significantly influence in the postural balance of physically independent elderly. (AU)

The hygiene hypothesis at a glance: Early exposures, immune mechanism and novel therapies.

The hygiene hypothesis was proposed almost three decades ago. Nevertheless, its mechanism still remains with relevant controversies. Some studies defend that early exposures during childhood to microbes and parasites are key determinants to prevent allergies and autoimmune diseases; however, other studies demonstrated that these early exposures can even potentiate the clinical scenario of the diseases. Based on several studies covering the influences of microbiome, parasites, related theories and others, this review focuses on recent advances in the hygiene hypothesis field. In addition, the main immunological mechanisms underlying the hygiene hypothesis are also discussed. We also strongly encourage that researchers do not consider the hygiene hypothesis as a theory based strictly on hygiene habits, but a theory combining diverse influences, as illustrated in this review as the hygiene hypothesis net.