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Time in which children is engaged in screen time such as TV viewing is a serious health problem and might reduce the use of the time for other potential activities such as play outside or being engaged in physical activity. In addition, it was suggested that children's screen time increases with age and patterns begin in preschool years. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to explore the association between obesity status and weight-related room environment (TV at room) and play outside in preschool girls. This study included 120 preschool girls (4–6 years old). Data were collected through parents' questionnaire about (yes/no) children have TV in bedroom and the perception of playing outside. Multivariate regression was used to determine the association between BMI and play outside with TV in the bedroom. Girls either classified as overweight (OR: 2.6; CI: 1.1–6.0; P ≤ 0.034) or obese (OR: 4.0; CI: 1.2–13.2; P ≤ 0.02) were more likely to have TV in room compared to their lean peers. Girls whose parents reported less outdoor play (

• Acoustic assessment and optimisation of a novel Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). • PPE uses an air curtain and a visor as infection control barriers. • Noise levels were reduced by 20 to 30 dBA for flow rates of 15 to 30 l/min. • Speech Intelligibility Index improved from 0.25 to approximately 1.0. • PPE had slightly higher speech attenuation than surgical mask and FFP2 respirator. This paper presents the experimental acoustic assessment and optimization of a novel solid visor with aerodynamic sealing for medical care. This Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) ensures an effective aerodynamic sealing of the breathing zone thus reducing the risk of inhaling droplets and aerosols carrying a potential infectious agent. The PPE relies on an air curtain system that may generate considerable noise unsuitable for prolonged usage, so it is essential to investigate solutions to reduce the noise level. The main investigated sound descriptors were the A-weighted Noise Equivalent Level, the Third-Octave Frequency Distribution, and the Speech Intelligibility Index (SII), considering different solutions for air flow rate, tube diameter, thickness and insulation, configurations of the tube splitter and plenum, and the incorporation of physical barriers and a sound muffler. Through several optimizations, noise equivalent levels were reduced by 20 to 30 dBA for air flow rates of 15 to 30 l/min. The final prototype generates a maximum noise level of 45.2 dBA. The SII was improved from poor to excellent, with values close to 1 for all air flow rates considered. The impact on the speech was investigated and the results were also compared to those obtained with a surgical mask and a FFP2 respirator. This study shows the potential of employing different strategies to enhance the acoustic performance of personalized air-curtain protective devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Current commercial thin film photovoltaic technologies rely on the use of scarce and/or toxic elements, motivating the necessity to explore new technologies free of critical raw materials. In this work we report the first Cu 3 BiS 3 based solar cells with proved photovoltaic activity using standard substrate configuration. The absorbers were synthesized using a sequential process based on metallic stacks evaporation followed by a reactive annealing under S atmosphere. With the optimization of composition (Cu/3: Bi ratio), metallic stack order, annealing parameters and Na doping, we achieve a record conversion efficiency of 0.11%. Combining several characterizations techniques, we show that at this stage of the technology development, issues like composition, secondary phases and morphology cannot explain the low efficiencies obtained with this material. Through a deeper characterization of the devices, we found that most probably, this is related to either, a high doping of the absorber, and/or poor transport charge properties. Understanding and solving these issues, can further help to improve the efficiency of Cu 3 BiS 3 based devices towards more competitive conversion efficiencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Air conditioning for the human respiratory system is the most important function of the nose. When obstruction occurs in the nasal airway, turbinectomy is used to correct such pathology. However, mucosal atrophy may occur sometime after this surgery when it is overdone. There is not enough information about long-term recovery of nasal air conditioning performance after partial or total surgery. The purpose of this research was to assess if, based on the flow and temperature/humidity characteristics of the air intake to the choana, partial resection of turbinates is better than total resection. A normal nasal cavity geometry was digitized from tomographic scans and a model was printed in 3D. Dynamic (sinusoidal) laboratory tests and computer simulations of airflow were conducted with full agreement between numerical and experimental results. Computational adaptations were subsequently performed to represent six turbinectomy variations and a swollen nasal cavity case. Streamlines along the nasal cavity and temperature and humidity distributions at the choana indicated that the middle turbinate partial resection is the best alternative. These findings may facilitate the diagnosis of nasal obstruction and can be useful both to plan a turbinectomy and to reduce postoperative discomfort. Graphical Abstract ᅟ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MMP-9 activity is strongly related to cancer growth and metastization. This study aimed at assessing the inhibitory potential of the major seed protein fractions from eight selected legume species towards MMP-9 activity in colon carcinoma cells. Albumin and globulin fractions were screened for MMP-9 inhibitors, using a fluorometric assay and gelatin zymography. Their effect on HT29 cell proliferation and cell migration was tested, as well as on the corresponding intrinsic cellular MMP-9 activities. Seed proteins include potent inhibitors of MMP-9, particularly low molecular mass proteins. Their effectiveness differs greatly among species, with a positive correlation detected between their inhibitory activity and the reduction in cell migration. Lupin seeds contain the most efficient MMP-9 inhibitors of all legume seeds analyzed, inhibiting both gelatinases and HT29 migration and growth, while pea seeds showed no effect. Results reveal legume protein MMPIs as novel metalloproteinase inhibitors with possible pharmacological interest. This may be important for selecting leguminous species with potential use in anti-cancer diets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of this study was to examine the association between sleeping time (SLT), time spent using screen (ST) and weight status with Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP) among pre-school children. Subjects and methods: The sample comprised 628 pre-school children (50% female), aged 3-6 years-old. SLT and ST were reported by parents. BMI values were categorized according to IOTF. SBP cut points were based on SBP percentiles for age, sex and height. ST was dichotomized according to the following criteria: ≤1 hour vs >1 hour and SLT: ≤10.5 hours vs >10.5 hours. Participants were then categorized into one of four category profiles: Low ST/High SLT; High ST/Low SLT; Low ST/Low SLT and High ST/High SLT. Results: Children assigned to the High ST/Low SLT group were 2-times more likely to have high SBP values compared to those who were assigned to the Low ST/High SLT group (OR = 2.4; 95% CI = 1.1-5.1). Furthermore, those who were assigned as overweight and obese were more likely to be classified as having elevated BP (OR = 1.8; 95% CI = 1.1-3.2 for overweight and OR = 3.1; 95% CI = 1.6-5.8 for obese, respectively). Conclusion: The data showed that high ST exposure time and low SLT are associated with enhanced blood pressure in children at pre-school. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: School Physical Education (SPE) is an excellent way to improve moderate and vigorous physical activity (MVPA). To improve health and fitness, the guidelines recommend that at least 50% of class time should be spent in MVPA, though few studies on this assumption have been conducted. The objective of this study was to quantify the amount of MVPA undertaken during a SPE class, according to age and gender. Methods: This study was conducted in three randomly selected Portuguese public schools. A random sample of 191 teenage volunteers aged between 12 and 17 years, composed of 98 males (14.51 ± 1.75 years) and 93 females (14.59 ± 1.83 years) was recruited. An accelerometer was used by each subject to assess MVPA. Results: The mean time spent in MVPA during SPE class (MVPA/SPE) was 25.36 ± 15.69 minutes, which corresponds to 28.18% of the total time spent in SPE class. Males spend significantly more time in MVPA/SPE than females (28.95 vs. 21.58 minutes; p <0.05). As age increased, time spent in MVPA/SPE tended to decrease; the 12-year-old adolescents tended to spend more time in MVPA/SPE compared with the 17-year-olds (30.40 vs. 20.80 minutes). Conclusion: The proportion of MVPA during SPE class time fell short of the 50% recommended by guidelines to improve health. Males spend significantly more time in MVPA/SPE than females and, in both genders, as age increases, time spent in MVPA/SPE tends to decrease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors evaluate and propose two approaches for the detection of two non-orthogonal m-QAM signals with spectral overlapping through an AWGN channel. Some previously reported works are revisited and alternative solutions in order to permit their application in practical communication systems are proposed. The subject method is proved to be relevant because it does not obey the Riesz basis condition for performing signal separation. The optimum maximum-likelihood receiver for this detection problem is also derived and the performance analysis is presented, including some analytical and Monte Carlo simulation results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Semi quantitative MRI is a very useful procedure for evaluating the bone marrow burden (BMB) in Gaucher disease (GD). Score systems have been applied to obtain a parameter for evaluating the severity of bone disease. Our purpose was to test a simple, reproducible and accurate score to evaluate bone marrow involvement in GD patients. MRI was performed in spine, pelvis and femora at diagnosis in 54 adult GD1 patients, 61.1% of whom were female. Three MRI patterns and punctuation in each location were defined: normal, 0; non-homogeneous infiltration subtypes reticular, 1; mottled, 2; diffuse, 3; and homogeneous infiltration, 4. This score was called Spanish-MRI (S-MRI). Two independent observers applied the S-MRI and bone marrow burden score and compared the differences using the non-parametric Mann–Whitney test. Correlation rank test was calculated. In 46 patients (85.2%), bone involvement was observed. Thirty-nine (72.3%) had their spine affected, 35 (64.8%) pelvis and 33 (61.2%) femora. Fourteen patients had bone infarcts, 14 avascular necrosis, 2 vertebral fractures and 2 bone crises. Correlation analysis between S-MRI and BMB was (r 2 =.675; p =.0001). No evidence of correlation was observed between CT activity and S-MRI nor between CT activity and BMB. We have found a relationship between genotype and bone infiltration according to S-MRI site and complications. S-MRI is a simple method that provides useful information to evaluate bone infiltration and detect silent complications. Our results correlated with the BMB score but offer higher sensitivity, specificity and accuracy for classifying the extent of bone disease. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Since leukocytes have the potential to produce oxygen free radicals that damage biomolecules, we have evaluated the influence of thiolic antioxidants (glutathione, N-acetylcysteine and thioproline) on selected hematoimmunological characteristics. We used peritoneal leukocytes incubated at 0.5, 1.0 and 5.0 mM concentration of antioxidants. Following thiol treatment, we found a stimulation of phagocytic activity, and markedly decreased incidence of programmed cell death of peritoneal leukocytes, both basal and induced by H2O2. Low concentrations of thiolic compounds also increased the activity of catalase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase. On the contrary, only the highest concentration of N-acetylcysteine and thioproline reduced superoxide dismutase activity. Tested antioxidants can lead to a decrease of the oxidative stress, and could provide a nutritional benefit for evaluated immunological characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Mediterranean area is regarded nowadays as one of the hot-spots of world biodiversity. The Baetic ranges in Spain have such a large number of endemic plant taxa that the territory has been recognized as a well-defined biogeographical unit. These endemic taxa tend to concentrate on disjunct highland areas that have been described consequently as 'highland islands'. Despite the importance and complexity of these sites, the research carried out so far has produced only descriptive classifications. These approaches overlook the relationships between the sites and do not serve to identify the main centres of endemism. Herein, multivariate analysis techniques (cluster analysis and reciprocal averaging) and the parsimony analysis of endemicity (PAE), applied to the 222 orophilous endemic taxa of the Baetic ranges, have been used to reveal the floristic similarities between the areas involved, to identify the centres of endemism and to re-assess the previous classifications. Four centres of endemism are defined, one siliceous and three calcareous. The most outstanding feature in the Baetic ranges is precisely the floristic difference between siliceous and calcareous mountains. Calcareous territories extend along a SW-NE axis in line with the oceanic-continental gradient. The nature of the soil in the vast siliceous and calcareous-dolomitic territories of the Sierra Nevada is probably the cause of the remarkable fioristic diversity. Not surprisingly, in our analysis these areas stand out as centres of endemism. We conclude that previous biogeographical classifications of the ranges are too rigid and do not properly reflect the floristic similarities of the area under study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The equations governing combustion in situ in petroleum reservoirs are cast in a way that is appropriate to the study of the time asymptotic fundamental waves: rarefactions and shocks. The physical diffusion terms are maintained so that the internal structure of shocks can be analyzed. In this work, we determine the planar traveling wave solutions for the system of three evolution equations modeling combustion in two phase flow, obtained by neglecting heat losses and volume change effects. The chemical reaction rate is governed by Arrhenius' reaction rate law. Our analysis is intended to capture the main effect of combustion: the reduction of oil viscosity due to temperature increase and its practical result—the increase in oil recovery. It also is intended to resolve the difficulty introduced by the singularity in the Arrhenius reaction rate law. Our analysis shows that the combustion wave is represented by a heteroclinic connection in a nonhyperbolic system of three ordinary differential equations. It follows that numerical simulations need to resolve completely the small parabolic terms in the model to be reliable. The analysis also indicates that the phase diagram should be stable under perturbations of interest. Thus, the general structure of combustion waves in a more realistic model should be similar to the one we found here. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The author reflects on a study within the issue regarding research by J. R. Ruiz and colleagues who developed a health-related fitness test battery for European youth. Ruiz and colleagues' test battery is based on the results of the ALPHA (Assessing Levels of Physical Activity) study, which aimed to provide a set of reliable and valid fitness tests for assessing health-related physical fitness in children and teenagers, to be used in public health monitoring, within the European Union.

Introduction Electroconvulsive therapy is currently used in the management of severe depression, long-term mania and catatonia. Regarding schizophrenia-related psychosis ECT is also an option, but the indication is restrictive to severe cases, drug intolerance or resistant ones. Lack of evidence of cost-effectiveness compared to clozapine, and side effects of ECT techniques before 2003, influenced NICE guidance to not recommend ECT in schizophrenia, but modern ECT machines and procedures are subsequent to 2003. ECT is often performed when clozapine fails to respond in monotherapy or if there is intolerance to antipsychotic side effects. ECT in combination with clozapine seems to have significant results allowing the patients to achieve rapid control of psychotic symptoms with fewer side effects, comparing with antipsychotics-association strategies. Objectives To summarized the latest literature about this field and to present recent data from the Electrovulsivetherapy Unit, in Hospital de Magalhães Lemos, Portugal. Aim To explore and critically review the controversies of electroconvulsive therapy in the management of drug-resistant schizophrenia. Methods Retrospective data of an Electroconvulsive Therapy Unit during 2006–2015 was review. Results 198 ECT treatments in schizophrenic patients were performed in our unit, during 2006–2007, in a total of 647 ECT (30,6%). In 2014–2015, 945 schizophrenic patients received ECT treatment, in a total of 2149 performed ECT (43,9%). Conclusions Although guidelines are crucial for the uniform practice of medicine, sometimes is important to be critical about them. The use of ECT in schizophrenia is safe and effective and further research is needed to continue to support this treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction The association venlafaxine-mirtazapine is currently known as California Rocket Fuel (CRF). Studies show advantage in terms of efficacy and rapid control of depressive symptoms compared to other associations. Venlafaxine is a selective serotonin-noradrenalin reuptake inhibitor and mirtazapine is a noradrenergic-specific serotonergic antidepressant: the result is a potent noradrenergic and serotonergic effect. Studies say that CRF should be performed only for drug-resistant depression; however, there are case reports of its use as a first line treatment, in selected patients. Objectives To summarize the latest literature about this field and to present a case report. Aim To explore and critically review the controversies of venlafaxine-mirtazapine association as a first line antidepressants strategy. Methods A brief review of the latest literature was performed, using PubMed and the keywords “venlafaxine-mirtazapine association”. A case report about a depressed woman is presented. Results Despite most studies are referent to its utility in drug-resistant depression, there are recent pilot studies that recommend CRF as a first line option. M., a 64-year-old woman, had her first psychiatric consultation. She had been depressed for 2 years, she lost 10 kg, had total insomnia and suicidal thoughts. CRF was started up to 150/15 mg, daily. An improvement was noticed after two weeks of treatment and the stabilization of depressive symptoms were achieved by the fourth month. Conclusions CRF seems to be effective and useful. Patients with insomnia and weight loss may benefit from CRF as a first line option. However, more studies are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) causes neuropsychiatric disturbances. Emotional and personality disturbances seem to cause much more seriously handicap than residual cognitive or physical disabilities. The prognosis may be poor associated with marked social impairment, so a multidisciplinary approach team is required in order to improve patient's quality of life and reintegration in family and society. Objectives To summarize the latest literature about this field and to present a case report. Aim To explore and learn more about chronic psychiatric changes in severe post-traumatic brain injury and share with the scientific community how challenging the approach of this entity can be. Methods A brief review of the latest literature was performed, using PubMed and the keywords “traumatic brain injury” and “psychiatric changes”. A case report is presented. Results Although SSRI, benzodiazepines, mood stabilizers and antipsychotics are commonly used, new options are reported such as methylphenidate and cholinesterase inhibitors. The presented patient, a 27-year-old male, began with neuropsychiatric disturbances after a work-related fall from 9 meters high: convulsions and alcohol compulsive drinking. Three years have passed and his changes are still difficult to approach. Besides other medication, such as benzodiazepines and mood stabilizers, flufenazine injections and naltrexone seemed to be determinant in his behaviour and mood stabilization. He is also on a long-term alcoholism programme. Conclusions Although the understanding of TBI-associated neuropsychiatric disorders has improved in the last decade, further research is needed, such as randomized-controlled studies to study new pharmacological and non-pharmacological approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Single‐particle analysis by electron microscopy is a well established technique for analyzing the three‐dimensional structures of biological macromolecules. Besides its ability to produce high‐resolution structures, it also provides insights into the dynamic behavior of the structures by elucidating their conformational variability. Here, the different image‐processing methods currently available to study continuous conformational changes are reviewed. In this paper, the existing image‐processing approaches in electron microscopy for the analysis of continuous conformational changes of biological macromolecules are reviewed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electron cryomicroscopy (cryoEM) is essential for the study and functional understanding of non-crystalline macromolecules such as proteins. These molecules cannot be imaged using X-ray crystallography or other popular methods. CryoEM has been successfully used to visualize macromolecular complexes such as ribosomes, viruses, and ion channels. Determination of structural models of these at various conformational states leads to insight on how these molecules function. Recent advances in imaging technology have given cryoEM a scientific rebirth. As a result of these technological advances image processing and analysis have yielded molecular structures at atomic resolution. Nevertheless there continue to be challenges in image processing, and in this article we will touch on the most essential in order to derive an accurate three-dimensional model from noisy projection images. Traditional approaches, such as k-means clustering for class averaging, will be provided as background. We will then highlight new approaches for each image processing subproblem, including a 3D reconstruction method for asymmetric molecules using just two projection images and deep learning algorithms for automated particle picking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Available data on the associations between motor competence (MC) and flexibility are limited and result inconclusive. This study aims to examine the relationship between flexibility and MC in children. The sample comprised 596 Portuguese children (47.1% girls) aged 9.7 ± 0.6 years. Motor competence was evaluated with the body coordination test, Körperkoordination Test für Kinder. Cardiorespiratory fitness (20-m shuttle run), muscular strength (curl-up and push-up tests), and flexibility (back-saver sit and reach and trunk-lift tests) were evaluated using the Fitnessgram Test Battery. Z-scores by age and gender for the physical fitness tests were constructed. Analysis of variance and regression analysis were performed. Participants in the healthy zone groups of both flexibility tests exhibited significantly better scores of MC than the participants under the healthy zone ( P < 0.001). Back-saver sit and reach and trunk-lift Z-scores, either individually or as a sum, were significant predictors of MC ( P < 0.05 for all) after adjustments for the other physical fitness components, age, body mass index, and socioeconomic status, in both genders. Our findings highlight the importance of promoting and developing flexibility, as well as the other health-related physical fitness components in schoolchildren to reach adequate levels of MC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ΒN-alkanoyl-5-hydroxytryptamines (Cn-5HTs) are serotonin amides that contain saturated or unsaturated alkyl long chains. They can be found in the waxy layer that covers the coffee bean and are also present in the coffee brew, one of the most popular beverages in the world. These substances exhibit relevant biological activities, such as antinociceptive and neuroprotective, despite being responsible for the stomach irritation observed in some individuals after drinking coffee. This review depicts the extraction and quantification of Cn-5HTs in green and roasted coffee beans, and coffee brew. Additionally, it illustrates the biological activities, synthetic strategies, and products formed during the roasting of the coffee bean, regarding the serotonin amides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study analyzed the scientific publications about Physical Activity (PA) interventions and cognition in children and adolescents between 2009 and 2019, indexed in the Web of Science database, by conducting a bibliometric analysis. The co-occurrence analysis between journals, authors, countries, institutes, co-cited references, and keywords was considered. One hundred seventy-two studies, published in 90 journals, were identified. Active collaborations between high-income countries were observed, mainly U.S researchers, which also have the largest international network. "Physical Activity," "Exercise", "Cognition," "Executive Function," "Academic Performance,"Aerobic Fitness" "Children" and "Adolescents" were the most common keywords seen in the studies. Most of the publications target school children and preadolescents, followed by adolescents. This bibliometric analysis allows a broader understanding of the current state of the art on the relationship between PA intervention and cognition in children and adolescents, and can support future researches, which should cover gaps as collaboration between low-middle income countries, and further evidence in early childhood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The health impact of the COVID-19 pandemic largely depends on the ability of the healthcare systems to develop effective and adaptable preparedness and mitigation strategies. A collaborative initiative (BRCCH-EDCTP COVID-19 Initiative) was set up between Lesotho and Zambia early on in the pandemic, to jointly conduct a project to investigate creating access to SARS-CoV-2 screening and testing through community-based COVID-19 case-finding. Methods: Two different community case-finding strategies were deployed. In Lesotho, an approach was implemented whereby a community (village) health worker screened community members at their home or during community gatherings for COVID-19 signs and symptoms. All community members who screened positive were then offered SARS-CoV-2 testing. In Zambia, so-called community hubs, staffed by community health care workers, were set up at different locations in the community for people to walk in and get tested for SARS-CoV-2. Hubs changed location from week-to-week and targeted transmission hotspots. All persons visiting the hubs were offered testing for SARS-CoV-2 irrespective of self-reported signs and symptoms of COVID-19 though information was collected on occurrence of these. Testing in both approaches was done using SARS-CoV-2 rapid antigen tests. Results: Setting up testing in the community setting was feasible in both countries. In Lesotho in the village health worker approach, over a period of 46 weeks, 7221 persons were screened, and 49 (11.4%) SARS-COV-2 cases identified among 428 COVID-19 screen positive participants. In the community hubs among 3150 people tested, 166 (5.3%) SARS-CoV-2 cases were identified in a period of 26 weeks. From the community hubs approach, where all seen were offered COVID-19 testing it was learned that people screening positive for COVID-19 signs and symptoms were more likely to test SARS-COV-2 positive, especially those reporting classic COVID-19 symptoms like loss of sense/smell for a short period of time (1–3 days). Conclusions: In conclusion, in this project we learned that implementing COVID-19 screening and testing by lay health workers in the community is possible. Characteristics of the population screened, tested, and identified to have SARS-CoV-2 are described to help guide development of future testing strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article comments on the research paper "Graded Associations Between Cardiorespiratory Fitness, Fatness, and Blood Pressure in Children and Adolescents," by L. Klasson-HeggebØ, I.B. Andersen, A.H. Wennlöf, I.B. Sardinha, M. Harro, K. Froberg and S.A. Anderssen. The paper uses a large sample from a joint European project.

The purpose of this study was to examine the independent and combined association of physical activity (PA) and sitting time (ST) with allcause mortality in older adults with diabetes. A total of 611 individuals representative of the Spanish diabetic population aged ≥ 60 years. Participants were selected in 2000/2001 and were prospectively followed-up through 2011. PA and ST were self-reported at baseline. Study associations were summarized as hazard ratios (HR) and their 95 % confidence interval (CI). During a mean follow-up of 8.3 years, 282 deaths occurred. The HR (95 % CI) of mortality for very/moderately active individuals compared to those who were inactive/less active was 0.59 (0.45, 0.78). The association between ST and mortality was nonlinear (P < 0.001 in spline analysis), and mortality was increased only among individuals who reported a ST > 8 h/day (HR = 1.77, 95 % CI 1.25, 2.52). The HR (95 % CI) of mortality was 0.50 (0.32, 0.77) in participants who either were very/ moderately active or had ST ≤ 8 h/day, and 0.32 (0.20, 0.50) in those with both health behaviors, compared to those with none of these behaviors. In conclusion, among older adults with diabetes, high PA and less ST are independently and jointly associated with lower risk of all-cause mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study the bifurcation of Riemann solutions due to parameter change that alters the type of an umbilic point existing in state space. Solutions with data near generic umbilic points are primarily determined by the local quadratic expansion of flux functions. We observe that near an umbilic point, the bifurcation of the solution is essentially local and its behavior depends solely on the cubic expansion of the flux functions. These phenomena are illustrated for immiscible three-phase flow in porous media, which looses strict hyperbolicity at an isolated point in the interior of the oil-water-gas saturation triangle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of tannery sludge in arid soils could be promising due to the high content of organic carbon and nitrogen. However, tannery waste also contains high amounts of Cr and salts that could leach into drainage water in response to rainfall. In order to study the effects of two tannery wastes as organic fertilizers on two types of semi-arid soils, simulated rainfall experiments were carried out. Soils collected from under and outside a mesquite tree canopy were amended with fleshing waste and/or tannery sludge and incubated 0 to 6 months prior to being subjected to simulated rainfall. The parameters measured were: infiltration, runoff, soil and Cr losses, and NH4+-N and NO3−-N released after a rainfall event. Results showed that fleshing waste added to soils from outside the canopy tree was the most effective treatment for decreasing runoff, soil losses, and Cr, NH4+-N and NO3−-N loss in runoff and infiltration, in general. However, the same treatment had the opposite results for soil under the canopy. These results indicate that the types of waste and soil must be taken into consideration when attempting to improve physical and chemical characteristics of semi-arid soils. Thus, the use of tannery waste represents a potential hazard, not only causing soil erosion but also Cr contamination in adjacent sites and aquifers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Estimates of daily energy expenditure are important to studies of physical activity and energy balance. Objective measures are not always feasible and further research is needed to validate survey instruments and diaries. The study validates estimated activity energy expenditure (AEE) based on a 3-day diary protocol relative to AEE derived from uniaxial accelerometry in adolescents, 265 girls and 227 boys (12.5-16.4 years). Participants completed the diary and wore a GT1M Actigraph accelerometer on the same days. Height and weight were measured. Correlations between protocols were significant ( P<0.001) but moderate, r=0.65 in males and r=0.69 in females. The highest correlation occurred among males on Friday, r=0.74 ( P<0.01). Controlling for body mass, partial correlations between protocols decreased to 0.44 and 0.35 in males and females, respectively. About 97% of the cases fell within the limits of agreement in a Bland-Altman plot. The criterion of inclusion for the accelerometer excluded 18% of the initial sample. In summary, the 3-day diary was completed without any major problems and provided a reasonably valid alternative for assessing AEE. Concordance between methods was slightly lower for individuals with higher values of AEE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This article reviews the main factors involved in gestational length (GL) in broodmares. Three main groups of factors were considered: environmental, fetal and maternal factor. The main environmental factors were the mating period within the breeding season, climate, year of breeding, photoperiod, and treatment with artificial light. Within the fetal factors, genetic and breed, sex and type of pregnancy were cited. The most important maternal factors were age, breed, number of births, and nutritional state. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Introduction: Ifosfamide (IFS) is an antineoplastic alkylating agent whose major side effect is hemorrhagic cystitis (HC). This toxicity is attributed to the renal excretion of acrolein (ACR), a highly urotoxic IFS metabolite. Despite the clinical use of mesna to prevent HC, a significant percent (∼33%) of patients present with at last one feature of HC, mainly hematuria. Aim: To investigate the use of two antioxidants—amifostine and glutathione—for the prevention of experimental IFS- and ACR-induced HC. Materials and methods: Male Swiss mice were treated intraperitoneal (i.p.) with saline (control), glutathione (125, 250 or 500 mg/kg) or amifostine (25, 50 or 100 mg/kg), and 30 min later they received a single i.p. injection of IFS at a dose of 400 mg/kg. To investigate the systemic effects of the antioxidants on ACR-induced HC, the animals were treated with saline, amifostine (50 mg/kg, i.p.) or glutathione (500 mg/kg, i.p.), and 30 min afterward with 75 μg ACR intravesically (i.ve.). In another set of experiments, the antioxidants were injected directly into the bladder, where the mice received a single i.ve injection of ACR (75 μg) plus amifostine (1.5 mg/kg) or glutathione (2 mg/kg). HC was measured 3 h after IFS or ACR injection according to bladder wet weight, macroscopic (edema and hemorrhage) and microscopic changes, i.e., edema, hemorrhage, cellular infiltration, fibrin deposition and urothelial desquamation. Results: Pretreatments with amifostine or glutathione prevented IFS-induced HC in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, ACR-induced HC was also prevented by systemic (i.p.) or local (i.ve.) pretreatment with glutathione or amifostine. The greatest protective effect was seen with local amifostine treatment (2 mg/kg i.ve .) ( P < 0.05). Conclusions: Glutathione and amifostine show a beneficial effect in experimental IFS- and ACR-induced HC. Thus, they should be investigated as an alternative treatment to prevent HC observed in patients undergoing IFS treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The length of gestation in Carthusian Spanishbred mares reared in southern Spain was calculated on the basis of 364 spontaneous full-term deliveries taking place in the 7-year period 1994–2000. Ultrasonography was used to determine follicular dehiscence (1st day of gestation) and to confirm conception in mares. Mean gestation length was 338.95±9.55 (SD) days, and a normal range of 319–359 days was established for this breed. Pregnancy with a female foal was 2.17 days shorter than with a male foal (P<0.05). Gestation length shortened as the breeding season progressed: for each month later in the breeding season that a mare was mated there was an decrease in gestation length of 2.75 days. The variation in gestation length was greater when mating took place during the reproductive season. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The research hypothesis was that particle-size analysis and sand fractionation can be performed using small amounts of soil. The objectives were as follows: to calculate the errors resulting from the replacement of the reference method; to define the smallest mass to determine soil particle size; and to perform sand fractionation. The experiment was conducted with samples from the A and B horizons of an Argissolo Amarelo (Alfisol) in a completely randomized design, with four treatments: 2, 4, 6, and 20 g of Air-Dried Fine Earth (ADFE), and 10 replicates. In all cases, the F-test was used on the analysis of variance, and Dunnett's test was conducted for means comparison. The results with the reference method for clay, sand, and silt, in sequence, were as follows: 66 (±2), 867 (±6), and 67 (±5) g kg−1 for A horizon and 379 (±15), 557 (±17), and 64 (±5) g kg−1 for the B horizon. Among all treatments used to determine particle size, only the treatment with a soil mass of 6g does not statistically differ from the reference method (20 g) in the determination of sand, silt, and clay fractions. In terms of sand sorting, all treatments applied defined poorly sorted sands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electron microscopy of macromolecular structures is an approach that is in increasing demand in the field of structural biology. The automation of image acquisition has greatly increased the potential throughput of electron microscopy. Here, the focus is on the possibilities in Scipion to implement flexible and robust image‐processing workflows that allow the electron‐microscope operator and the user to monitor the quality of image acquisition, assessing very simple acquisition measures or obtaining a first estimate of the initial volume, or the data resolution and heterogeneity, without any need for programming skills. These workflows can implement intelligent automatic decisions and they can warn the user of possible acquisition failures. These concepts are illustrated by analysis of the well known 2.2 Å resolution β‐galactosidase data set. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Objective The objective of the study is to examine whether adolescents' road safety perception (RSP) acts as a mediator on the association between the distance from home to the nearest park and the use of the parks for physical activity (PA). Study design This is a cross-sectional study. Methods The evaluation was through a random sample of 1130 adolescents (534 male), corresponding to 47.3%, 14–20 years old, from Porto Alegre, Brazil. RSP was assessed through some questions of the Neighborhood Environment Walkability Scale for Youth. Park use, socioeconomic status, age, and sex were measured using a questionnaire. Distance from home to the nearest park was evaluated through geographic information system. Data analysis was performed using Pearson correlation, and linear regression models were fitted as per the Baron and Kenny procedures for mediation analyses. All analyses were adjusted for sex and socioeconomic status. Results Road safety perception is independently associated with less distance from home to the nearest park (P = 0.04) and use of the parks for PA (P = 0.02). Road safety perception is a mediator and explains 16% of the association between park use and distance from home to the park (indirect Effect = −40.9966; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 119.3733–2.2455). Conclusion Our findings indicated that RSP is a mediator on the association between the distance from home to the nearest park and the use of the parks for PA. Future studies should take this into consideration frequency and intensity of PA and other environmental characteristics, such as crime, aesthetics, and neighborhood facilities. Highlights • Road safety perception (RSP) is an important factor for park use for physical activity. • RSP is associated with less distance from home to the park. • RSP is a mediator and explains 16% of the association. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Three dimensional electron microscopy is becoming a very data-intensive field in which vast amounts of experimental images are acquired at high speed. To manage such large-scale projects, we had previously developed a modular workflow system called Scipion (de la Rosa-Trevín et al., 2016). We present here a major extension of Scipion that allows processing of EM images while the data is being acquired. This approach helps to detect problems at early stages, saves computing time and provides users with a detailed evaluation of the data quality before the acquisition is finished. At present, Scipion has been deployed and is in production mode in seven Cryo-EM facilities throughout the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Introduction We investigated the associations between total and different domains of physical activity and resting heart rate in adolescents. Summary of facts and results The sample was composed of 716 girls and 515 boys aged between 14 to 17 (15.55 ± 1.07) years. Resting heart rate was evaluated using an oscillometric device. Physical activity was assessed using a questionnaire, taking into consideration the different domains (leisure and sports practice). The relationship between resting heart rate and the different physical activity domains was analyzed by means of Linear Regression. After adjustment for body mass index, total physical activity (β = −0.54) and sports practice (β = −0.62) were inversely associated with high resting heart rate. Conclusion Results indicate that practice of sports constitutes an important tool against high resting heart rate values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We evaluated the environmental adaptability of Lavandula multifida L., a plant species presents in the Western Mediterranean Basin with a threatened peripheral population in Southern Italy. Germination capacity, activities of some hydrolyzing enzymes associated with germination and antioxidative pathway of Calabrian L. multifida were quantified in comparison with a Spanish core population. The Calabrian population showed a lower germination ability and it can be related to the small size of the population and associated inbreeding depression. Difference between two populations in enzymatic assays and antioxidative pattern during germination and early seedling development may in part explain a different ability of these two populations to respond to external cues and a diverse environmental adaptability. The study on germination strategies of isolated populations is important to define possible programmes to preserve genetic biodiversity of autochthon plants populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the associations between muscular fitness and inflammatory biomarkers and to investigate the relationship between muscular fitness and selected clustered inflammatory biomarkers in adolescents. This is a cross-sectional analysis with 529 adolescents (267 girls) aged 12-18 years. Handgrip strength and standing long jump tests assessed MF. Continuous scores of clustered inflammatory biomarkers (sum of Z-scores of C-reactive protein [ CRP], C3, C4, fibrinogen, and leptin); metabolic risk factor ( MRF) score (sum of Z-scores of SBP, triglycerides, ratio total cholesterol [ TC]/ HDL, HOMA- IR, and waist circumference [ WC]) were computed. Regression analyses showed an inverse association between muscular fitness score (β=−.204; P<.021) and clustered score of inflammatory biomarkers, adjusted for age, sex, pubertal stage, socioeconomic status, adherence to the Mediterranean diet, cardiorespiratory fitness ( CRF), MRF score, and body fat. Analysis of covariance showed that adolescents with an adverse inflammatory profile with low levels of muscular fitness exhibit the poorest MRF score ( F3,525=6.461; P<.001), adjusted for age, sex, pubertal stage, socioeconomic status, adherence to the Mediterranean diet, CRF, and body fatness. The inflammatory state seems to explain a significant part of the highest MRF score and in adolescents with high inflammatory status and low muscular strength. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/purpose Ultraviolet ( UV) radiation is responsible for sunburns, skin cancer, photoaging, and the production of reactive oxygen species ( ROS). The awareness on preventing these deleterious effects made the use of anti- UVB formulations an important part of population habits; however, despite the availability of several antioxidants capable of ROS scavenging, the pharmaceutical market lacks products associating UV filters with natural compounds of proven efficacy. Here, we investigated the effect of rutin, a flavonoid with antioxidant activity, associated with UVB filters in dermocosmetic preparations. Methods Formulations were assessed through its antioxidant activity, in vitro photoprotective effectiveness, photostability, and in vivo skin tolerance (hydration, transepidermal water loss, and erythema). Results Samples containing rutin were compatible with the human skin and presented a pronounced antioxidant potential, with scavenging activity values 75% higher than the ones containing only UVB filters. Although rutin could not prevent the sunscreens photodegradation post-irradiation, the bioactive compound significantly increased the formulations critical wavelengths, showing a photoprotective gain, especially in the UVA range. Conclusion In conclusion, the absorption in the UVA range, coupled with ROS scavenging potential, proved the positive effect of rutin applied to anti- UVB formulations, making this bioactive compound a promising candidate for photoprotection improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A sensitive method was developed and experimentally validated for the in-line analysis and quantification of gaseous feed and product streams of separation processes under research and development based on column chromatography. The analysis uses a specific mass spectrometry method coupled to engineering processes, such as Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) and Simulated Moving Bed (SMB), which are examples of popular continuous separation technologies that can be used in applications such as natural gas and biogas purifications or carbon dioxide sequestration. These processes employ column adsorption equilibria on adsorbent materials, thus requiring real-time gas stream composition quantification. For this assay, an internal standard is assumed and a single-point calibration is used in a simple mixture-specific algorithm. The accuracy of the method was found to be between 0.01% and 0.25% (-mol) for mixtures of CO2, CH4, and N2, tested as case-studies. This makes the method feasible for streams with quality control levels that can be used as a standard monitoring and analyzing procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chaotic advection can effectively enhance the heat transfer rate between a boundary and fluids with high Prandtl number. These fluids are usually highly viscous and thus turbulent agitation is not a viable solution since the energy required to mix the fluid would be prohibitive. Here, we analyze previously obtained results on chaotic advection and heat transfer in two similar 2-D periodic flows and on their corresponding 3-D periodic flows when an axial velocity component is superposed. The two flows studied are the flow between eccentric rotating cylinders and the flow between confocal ellipses. For both of these flows the analysis is simplified because the Stokes equations can be solved analytically to obtain a closed form solution. For both 2-D periodic flows, we show that chaotic heat transfer is enhanced by the displacement of the saddle point location during one period. Furthermore, the enhancement by chaotic advection in the elliptical geometry is approximately double that obtained in the cylindrical geometry because there are two saddle points instead of one. We also explain why, for high eccentricity ratios, there is no heat transfer enhancement in the cylindrical geometry. When an axial velocity component is added to both of these flows so that they become 3-D, previous work has shown that there is an optimum modulation frequency for which chaotic advection and heat transfer enhancement is a maximum. Here we show that the optimum modulation frequency can be derived from results without an axial flow. We also explain by physical arguments other previously unanswered questions in the published data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of this study was to verify whether or not adolescents' perception of physical activity (PA) facilities in their neighbourhood affects moderate-vigorous physical activity level (MVPA). Methods: The final sample comprised 320 Portuguese adolescents (59.7 % girls) aged 14-18 years and enrolled in 9th-12th school grade. The Neighbourhood Environment Walkability Scale-Youth survey was used to evaluate the distance perception from adolescents' homes to PA facilities. MVPA level was evaluated by accelerometers GT1M, and Evenson's cut-points were considered. Results: Boys were more active than girls, mean SD (57.86, 21.05 vs. 51.02, 20.42, p = 0.04). PA facilities type and proximity perception were not associated to MVPA level ( p > 0.05), after adjusting for gender, age, socio-economic status, body mass index, and waist-height ratio. Conclusion: Type and number of PA facilities perceived nearest to home were not related with MVPA level in this Portuguese adolescent sample. However, girls who perceived a school with recreation facilities near their home showed an association with MVPA intensity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The identification of areas of endemism is a crucial tool for both the interpretation of the spatial component of biological evolution and the plotting of priority areas as far as biodiversity conservation is concerned. Geographical isolation, aridity and special substrates are among the factors which can help to explain the restricted areas of thetaxa. All these factors concur in the origin of the Iberian gypsophilous flora, rich in endemic and threatened species. Gypsum is a particularly demanding rock for plants, and gypsum outcrops are usually fragmented in space, in territories with arid conditions. Information on the presence of 71 gypsophytes was collected in 10 × 10 km Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM). The distribution of these plants was used to plot the main areas of endemism for the vascular flora on Iberian gypsum outcrops. This was carried out using the eNDeMism/Visor of eNDeMism (NDM/VNDM) program and several grid cell sizes. A total of 51 areas of endemicity were identified and represented on a map according to their program selection frequency. The South East (SE) of the Iberian Peninsula was the only area selected in all the tests. The results were also compared with other factors of interest for the conservation of gypsophilous flora like genetic diversity of four gypsophytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maytenus senegalensissubsp.europaeacommunities are unique vegetal formations in Europe. In fact, they are considered Priority Habitat by Directive 92/43/EEC. These are ecologically valuable plant communities found in the southeast of Spain. By combining modeling methods of environmental variables, historical photo-interpretation, and fieldwork, a chronosequence of the evolution of their extent of occurrence (EOO) has been reconstructed in 1957 and 2011. Results showed a strong regression range ofM. senegalensissubsp.europaeapopulations. More than 26,000 ha of EOO for this species have been lost in the province of Almería. Considering the final number of polygons, this area has been fragmented 18 times since the 1950s. These results reinforce the idea that the alteration and fragmentation of habitat due to human activities is one of the most important drivers of biodiversity loss and global change. These activities are mostly intensive greenhouse agriculture and urbanization without sustainable land planning. Knowledge about the distribution ofM. senegalensissubsp.europaeais of great interest for future habitat restoration. Therefore, this would be the key species to recover these damaged ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monitoring was conducted in a basin with a history of agricultural pollution (mainly due to the spreading of livestock slurry) to evaluate the response of stream water ion concentrations to the change from agricultural land use to forest. We measured pH, electrical conductivity (EC), and major dissolved elements [phosphate (PO4) phosphorus (P), nitrite (NO2) nitrogen (N), nitrate (NO3) N, ammonium (NH4) N, silicon (Si), sodium (Na), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), sulfate (SO4), and chloride (Cl)] in the stream water during the period 1997–2002 at irregular time intervals. Median values were significantly greater in the agricultural period than in the forest period (P < 0.05). Median pH values remained slightly acidic (5.8–6) for both land uses. NO3-N was the dominant form of dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) under both land uses (agricultural use: 80 percent; forest use: 98 percent. In the forest period, the median PO4-P and NH4-N concentrations were reduced by 95 percent compared to the agricultural period. The median NO2-N and K concentrations decreased by 83 percent and 70 percent, respectively, whereas NO3-N, Cl, Na, and Si showed minor differences (decreases of 15–20 percent). These findings are consistent with the poor agricultural management practices that have been developed in the basin, especially as regards the application of slurry. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]