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Different types of muscle contraction can cause different damage to the musculature and differences in inflammatory responses. Acute increases in circulatory inflammation markers can influence the crosstalk between coagulation and fibrinolysis processes, increasing the risk of thrombus formation and detrimental cardiovascular events. The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of concentric and eccentric exercise on hemostasis markers, C-reactive protein (CRP), and the relationship between these variables. Eleven healthy subjects with a mean age of 25.4 ± 2.8, non-smokers, with no history of cardiovascular disease and blood type O, randomly performed an isokinetic exercise protocol consisting of 75 concentric (CP) or eccentric (EP) contractions of knee extension, divided into five sets of 15 repetitions combined with 30-s rest. Blood samples for analysis of FVIII, von Willebrand factor, tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA), plasminogen activator inhibitor type-1 (PAI-1), and CRP were collected pre, post, 24 h, and 48 h after each protocol. Increased levels of CRP at 48 h in EP versus CP ( p = 0.002), increased PAI-1 activity 48 h in EP versus CP ( p = 0.044), and a reduction in t-PA at 48 h when compared with post-protocol in both protocols ( p = 0.001). A correlation was found between CRP and PAI-1 at 48 h of PE ( r2 = 0.69; p = 0.02). This study showed that both EP and CP increase the clotting process, albeit only the exercise performed eccentrically induces inhibition of fibrinolysis. This is possibly due to the increase in PAI-1 48 h after the protocol, which correlates with the increase in inflammation as demonstrated by the CRP levels.

The Covid-19 pandemic has brought challenges such as the correct management of healthcare waste, given its potential for contamination. This study aimed to compare the generation of infectious and recyclable waste in private hospitals in the previous period and during the pandemic. For this, were used data from the generation of waste in a large reference hospital (RH), located in Serra Gaúcha, and compared with data from other private hospitals in the southern region and in Brazil. In HR, an increase in the average amount of infectious waste generated (42.86%) and a reduction (14%) in the generation of recyclable waste was observed during the pandemic period. Regarding the generation of infectious waste per patient/day, there was an increase of 89.04% in HR and 40% in hospitals in the southern region and in Brazil. For recyclable waste, the generation of waste per patient/day increased by 17.14% and 16.04% for the HR and the South region, respectively. However, in terms of Brazil, there was a reduction of 17.6% in the generation of recyclable waste per patient/day. The pandemic has contributed to an increase in the generation of healthcare wastes and the correct management and disposal have become essential.

OBJECTIVE American bison (Bison bison) quarantine protocols were established to prevent transmission of brucellosis outside the Greater Yellowstone Area, while allowing for distribution of wild bison for conservation and cultural purposes. Quarantine standards require rigorous testing over 900 days which has led to the release of over 200 bison to Native American tribes. Standards were evaluated using 15 years of laboratory and management data to minimize the burden of testing and increase the number of brucellosis-free bison available for distribution. ANIMALS All bison (n = 578) from Yellowstone National Park were corralled by the National Park Service and United States Department of Agriculture. PROCEDURES A statistical and management evaluation of the bison quarantine program was performed. Bayesian latent-class modeling was used to predict the probability of nondetection of a seroreactor at various time points, as well as the probability of seroconversion by days in quarantine. RESULTS At 300 days, 1 in 1,000 infected bison (0.0014 probability) would not be detected but could potentially seroconvert; the seroconversion model predicted 99.9% would seroconvert by day 294, and 12.8% of bison enrolled in quarantine would seroconvert over time. Using a 300-day quarantine period, it would take 30 years to potentially miss 1 seroreactor out of over 8,000 bison enrolled in the quarantine program. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Reducing the quarantine program requirements from over 900 days to 300 days would allow management of quarantined bison in coordination with seasonal movement of bison herds and triple the number of brucellosis-free bison available for distribution.

O objetivo deste artigo é compreender a percepção dos gestores municipais de saúde sobre as condições de financiamento do Sistema Único de Saúde na região oeste catarinense. Trata-se de um estudo de caso quanti-qualitativo, descritivo. Participaram gestores municipais de saúde que integravam a Comissão Intergestores Regional. A coleta de dados ocorreu por entrevista semiestruturada e com dados do Sistema de Informação de Orçamento Público em Saúde. As entrevistas foram analisadas pelo método do Discurso do Sujeito Coletivo, que resultou em duas ideias centrais: transferências intergovernamentais e planejamento e gestão de recursos municipais de saúde. Evidenciam-se as competências e esforços dos gestores municipais frente ao financiamento do Sistema Único de Saúde, as dificuldades de cooperação regional, o excesso de condicionalidades para uso dos recursos, indicando a necessidade de revisão dos instrumentos indutores da política de saúde, a necessidade de maior comprometimento financeiro do Governo Federal, e o fortalecimento de instâncias com atuação potencializadora de coordenação e cooperação dos entes federados na operacionalização das políticas. Nota-se a falta de espaço fiscal para aplicação de recursos que contribuam para a retomada da atividade econômica e uma nova agenda de financiamento. As principais dificuldades estão relacionadas ao excesso de condicionalidades e à desconsideração das necessidades da região no empenho de recursos públicos.

The inherited haemoglobin disorders and the clinical laboratory is essential in the diagnosis. Phlebotomy is the therapeutic procedure indicated to reduce blood viscosity and decreasing the risk of thrombotic events in the haemoglobin variants with high affinity for O2 or vaso-occlusive crises in Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) with double heterozygosity HbSC. We describe how therapeutic bleeding remains the treatment in two variant haemoglobinopathies, Haemoglobin Regina and the Haemoglobin Trollhattan, reported for the first time in the Italian population and a double heterozygosity HbSC. In patients with high haematocrit level when other secondary conditions of polyglobulia are excluded, a High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) analysis for haemoglobin study should be suggested. Also in children with erythrocytosis frequently, such as the finding of Haemoglobin Okazaky.

The resurgence of syphilis and subsequent risk for newborns has been described worldwide; however, European data on this congenital infection is lacking. We report the activity of a multidisciplinary specialized unit assisting a large area in the Southern Italy. A retrospective cohort study has been conducted at the Perinatal and Pediatric Infectious Diseases Units of the Federico II University of Naples, enrolling all newborns and children referred from January 2010 to June 2022 exposed to Treponema pallidum in utero and/or congenitally infected. A total of 323 patients were included in the analysis. Twenty (6.2%) received a diagnosis of confirmed congenital syphilis (CS) and one died. Fifteen CS cases had typical clinical features. Since 2017, the number of referred neonates tripled while the rate of late maternal diagnoses did not significantly differ. When compared with mothers of exposed infants, mothers of CS cases were younger (25 ± 7.2 vs 29.9 ± 6 years, p = 0.041), had less previous pregnancies (0.64 vs 1.11, p = 0.044), and received a diagnosis of syphilis at a later stage of pregnancy (86% vs 20%, from third trimester or later on; p p Conclusion: CS has still a significant impact. Prevention should be implemented towards specific maternal risk profiles. A specialized unit is the preferable model to improve surveillance and healthcare for this neglected population. What is Known:• The resurgence of syphilis and subsequent risk for newborns has been described worldwide.• European data on this congenital infection is lacking. What is New:• Congenital syphilis has a significant impact still in Europe and prevention should be implemented towards specific maternal risk profiles. • A specialized unit is the preferable model to improve surveillance and healthcare for this neglected population.

Attention is the important ability of flexibly controlling limited cognitive resources. It ensures that organisms engage with the activities and stimuli that are relevant to their survival. Despite the cognitive capabilities of plants and their complex behavioural repertoire, the study of attention in plants has been largely neglected. In this article, we advance the hypothesis that plants are endowed with the ability of attaining attentive states. We depart from a transdisciplinary basis of philosophy, psychology, physics and plant ecophysiology to propose a framework that seeks to explain how plant attention might operate and how it could be studied empirically. In particular, the phenomenological approach seems particularly important to explain plant attention theoretically, and plant electrophysiology seems particularly suited to study it empirically. We propose the use of electrophysiological techniques as a viable way for studying it, and we revisit previous work to support our hypothesis. We conclude this essay with some remarks on future directions for the study of plant attention and its implications to botany.

BACKGROUND: Achilles tendon pain is present in tendons’ non-rupture injuries usually exacerbated by mechanical loading (i.e., overuse injury).Photobiomodulation is a light therapy that may reduce pain in tendinopathy. AIM: This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials tested the acute and chronic effects of photobiomodulation on Achilles tendon pain. METHOD: Randomized clinical trials were included comparing photobiomodulation with a control group in patients with Achilles tendon pain.The search included MEDLINE (Pubmed), SCOPUS, EMBASE, Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (Cochrane CENTRAL), LILACS, and Science Direct databases, and manual search until November 2021.The bias’s risk was assessed by the Cochrane Collaboration bias risk assessment tool and PEDro scale, while the level of evidence strength by the GRADE. Quantitative analysis through meta-analyzes was performed. The protocol was registered (PROSPERO-CRD42018091509). RESULTS: The search yielded 3.239 papers in the seven databases. Five studies were included after screening, eliminating duplicates, and applying eligibility criteria, and three were included in the meta-analysis. The meta-analysis (n=79) showed no photobiomodulation acute and chronic effects compared with control group on Achilles tendon pain (p= 0.45, SMD: 0.28). In the qualitative analysis, three studies showed a high risk, and two studies a low risk of bias in all characteristics. GRADE analysis showed very low- to low-quality evidence of the studies. CONCLUSION: There is no photobiomodulation effect in Achilles tendon pain. Due to the very low and low strength of evidence, new studies with better methodological quality should be conducted to improve the level of evidence.

This study investigates how Pesticide Risk Indicators (PRIs) can be applied to help develop sound economic policies. We modified one of the numerous PRIs proposed over the years, the Environmental Impact Quotient (EIQ), originally developed for the fruit industry, to consider co-formulants and adjuvants. The new formula includes three components representing the externalities of farm worker risk, consumer risk, and ecological risk. It also considers the potential externalities of the use of pesticides on residents living near the farms where these products are used. We applied the modified EIQ to two areas located in central Italy (the Chiana Valley in Tuscany and the Tiber and Upper Tiber Valleys in Tuscany/Umbria), surveying a sample of farms to determine the quantity and types of pesticides used on five crops: durum wheat, soft wheat, corn, tobacco, and olives. After calculating the impact quotient, we used data from a survey conducted in a different Italian region regarding the willingness to pay (WTP) for a pesticide-free environment and determined the WTP for even minimal changes in that quotient. Using those results, we simulated the changes in welfare (calculated as changes in willingness to pay) that would result from modifying the amount of land used for each crop. Our findings indicate that the proposed WTP indicator may have broad utility and that its application may lead to enhanced awareness of the consequences of pesticide use in farming.

Introduction: Schistosoma (S.) haematobium is the aetiological agent of urogenital schistosomiasis endemic in Sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East. Microhaematuria is strongly associated with schistosomiasis diagnosis. Praziquantel (PZQ) is the treatment of choice. Methodology: We conducted a monocentric survey among African migrants from January 2017 to December 2018. The diagnosis of S. haematobium was performed by direct microscopic examination of urine. The treatment was PZQ 40 mg/Kg/die for three days. Results: We enrolled 91 male patients with a median age of 20.2 years (IQR 18.9-23.4)]. Forty-five (49.5%) described a history of haematuria. Sixteen (17.6%) evidenced the presence of red blood cells (RBCs) during urine microscopy. Eighteen (19.8%) had urogenital schistosomiasis. Their median white blood count (WBC) was 5.15 x 109/L (IQR 4.45-6.08) and it was 6.37 x 109 /L (IQR 5.14-8.27), p = 0.009, after 15 days from treatment. Baseline eosinophil count was 0.5 x 109/L (IQR 0.3-0.6) and 0.7 x 109/L (IQR 0.2-1.9; p = 0.032). According to the univariate analysis, origin from Mali [odds ratio (OR) 3.6 (CI 1.2-10.9), p = 0.022] and microscopic evidence of RBCs [OR of 10.7 (CI 2.5-45.1), p = 0.001] were main predictors of urogenital schistosomiasis diagnosis. One (5.6%) treatment failure was registered. Three (16.7%) patients had bladder cancer. Conclusions: Detection of RBCs was a significant predictor of S. haematobium infection and could be used as a screening method in migrants coming from endemic areas. Early urogenital schistosomiasis diagnosis and ultrasound diagnostic tools are crucial for reducing the risk of potential neoplastic evolution.

I pazienti con malattie cardiometaboliche hanno un percorso diagnostico-terapeutico particolarmente complesso, che coinvolge molteplici figure professionali. Cardiologo e diabetologo, i coordinatori di questo processo, devono reciprocamente contribuire alla realizzazione di un percorso virtuoso comune di cure e di assistenza. Con queste premesse è stato costituito un gruppo di miglioramento formato da cardiologi ARCA (Associazioni Regionali Cardiologi Ambulatoriali) e diabetologi AMD (Associazione Medici Diabetologici) che operano in Campania, per definire le criticità della realtà in cui si opera e realizzare un PDTA dedicato, che consideri i diversi stadi clinici dell’associazione Scompenso Cardiaco (SC) e Diabete e proponga processi diagnostici e terapeutici condivisi. Il documento ripercorre le evidenze disponibili e raccoglie le opinioni del gruppo circa l’individuazione di pazienti a più alto rischio di diabete e/o scompenso e il management del paziente con diagnosi nota di diabete mellito e scompenso cardiaco.

SUMMARY Water is known to induce weakening on the static mechanical properties of rocks. However, injection-based operations such as EGS or EOR are commonly monitored through seismic methods involving dynamic moduli. It is therefore important to understand and quantify the effect of water-weakening on dynamic properties. In this study, we performed water injection tests on microporous carbonate rocks (two chalks from the Mons Basin) with ultrasonic monitoring of P-wave velocity and attenuation in order to observe the evolution of the rock moduli with varying water saturation. Our experimental results were interpreted through (i) a classical patchy saturation or PS model and (ii) the same model coupled with water weakening effect through modulus reduction induced by surface energy decrease induced by water in the fluid–rock system, called the WW-PS model. We show that the WW-PS model can better fit the experimental data than the PS model for both selected chalks, but also the previously published data for Sherwood sandstone. Therefore fluid–rock interaction needs to be taken into account when dealing with a fluid not in equilibrium with the host reservoir in fluid injection operations. An extension to reservoir scale modelling is proposed to emphasize the potential impact of water weakening at larger scales.

Esta pesquisa visou compreender a escolha profissional por cursos técnicos, a partir de uma perspectiva socioconstrucionista. Trata-se de uma investigação qualitativa, em que foi aplicado um questionário sociodemográfico a 218 estudantes de cursos técnicos do SENAI, seguido da realização de quatro grupos focais com estudantes de cursos técnicos, seus pais e professores. Os resultados indicaram que as razões para a escolha, bem como as expectativas de futuro após a conclusão do curso envolvem aspectos relacionados ao desenvolvimento vocacional e identificação com a área, à pretensão de continuar os estudos e à possibilidade de inserção e desenvolvimento profissional no mercado de trabalho.

Monopropargyloxy-tripropoxy-calix[4]arene 1 was subjected to a propargyl Claisen rearrangement to give unusual calix[3]arene[1]chromene and homocalix[3]arene[1]benzofuran macrocycles. Quantum mechanical density functional theory calculations indicated that an initial [3,3] sigmatropic reaction affords a highly reactive allene intermediate, stabilized by two main diradical pathways leading to six- and five-membered oxygenated rings. In the presence of a n-butylammonium guest, calix[3]-arene[1]chromane 6 forms two stereoisomeric complexes stabilized by +N−H···O and cation···π interactions.

Cone-shaped calix[4]arene-tetrol 3 has the ability to form open structures due to the presence of four OH groups at the upper rim, which allows the construction of H-bonded supramolecular organic frameworks (SOFs). In the presence of water, SOF-1 is formed, which contains hydrophilic channels (mean diameter of 8.5 Å) contoured by the p-phenolic OH groups. In the presence of acetonitrile, SOF-2 is formed, which contains smaller hydrophobic channels (mean diameter of 6.6 Å) delimited by aromatic walls. The Na+@3 complex, which hosts acetonitrile molecules in the calixarene cavities, and dibromo-calix[4]arene-diol 5 give rise to more compact SOFs not containing channels. The H-bond network formed by all four p-phenolic OH groups in a pinched cone conformation of the calixarene is a determinant for the porosity of SOFs based on calix[4]arene-tetrol.

Funding: This article is a contribution of the COVID-19 Bio-Logging Initiative, which is funded in part by the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation (GBMF9881) and the National Geographic Society (NGS-82515R-20) (both grants to C.R.). COVID-19 lockdowns in early 2020 reduced human mobility, providing an opportunity to disentangle its effects on animals from those of landscape modifications. Using GPS data, we compared movements and road avoidance of 2300 terrestrial mammals (43 species) during the lockdowns to the same period in 2019. Individual responses were variable with no change in average movements or road avoidance behavior, likely due to variable lockdown conditions. However, under strict lockdowns 10-day 95th percentile displacements increased by 73%, suggesting increased landscape permeability. Animals’ 1-hour 95th percentile displacements declined by 12% and animals were 36% closer to roads in areas of high human footprint, indicating reduced avoidance during lockdowns. Overall, lockdowns rapidly altered some spatial behaviors, highlighting variable but substantial impacts of human mobility on wildlife worldwide. Postprint

Este estudo ecológico de série temporal teve como objetivo identificar a prevalência de doenças obstétricas e fatores de risco entre gestantes atendidas no Hospital de Base Dr. Ary Pinheiro, em Porto Velho, Rondônia, no período de 2012 a 2022, utilizando dados secundários do Sistema Único de Saúde. A análise estatística descritiva revelou que as cinco principais doenças que acometem as gestantes foram complicações obstétricas não especificadas, outras complicações relacionadas à gravidez, complicações pós-parto, retardo do crescimento fetal e distúrbios relacionados à gravidez de curta duração e baixo peso ao nascer. Infelizmente, limitações nos dados impediram uma correlação direta entre essas doenças e o período gestacional em que ocorreram. Apesar dessas limitações, os achados contribuem para a compreensão da prevalência de doenças obstétricas nessa população, subsidiando o desenvolvimento de políticas públicas de saúde que visem prevenir e tratar essas condições e melhorar a qualidade de vida das gestantes atendidas no Hospital de Base Dr. Ary Pinheiro.&nbsp

Este artigo trata das experiências profissionais das enfermeiras (os) no enfrentamento da Covid-19, na Atenção Primária à Saúde. Trata-se de uma pesquisa exploratória, descritiva, de abordagem qualitativa, a partir de 41 entrevistas com enfermeiras (os) da APS em três municípios do estado de Santa Catarina, realizadas entre outubro de 2020 e fevereiro de 2021. Seguiu-se a categorização conforme análise de conteúdo de Bardin, tendo como central a categoria "Experiências e Práticas de Enfermagem no enfrentamento à pandemia da Covid-19", e como subcategorias: 1) Medo e Insegurança frente ao desconhecido; 2) Reflexões sobre a vida e a profissão; 3) Práticas das enfermeiras (os) durante a pandemia da Covid-19; e 4) Trabalho em equipe como potencializador das práticas de cuidado. Foi identificado que enfermeiras (os) experienciaram profundas mudanças em suas práticas profissionais. Apesar da evidente sobrecarga de trabalho, incertezas, medos e angústias e outras experiências negativas vivenciadas com a pandemia, foi possível refletir sobre a sua atuação na APS, sobretudo, como atores fundamentais para a qualidade da atenção em saúde pública do Brasil. Destaca-se a dificuldade das (os) enfermeiras (os) com o uso de Equipamentos de Proteção Individual, contudo, apesar dos riscos e desafios enfrentados, reconhecem a pandemia como condição potencializadora do trabalho em equipe.

Analisar as percepções dos enfermeiros sobre o vínculo nas práticas de enfermagem na Atenção Primária à Saúde. Trata-se de uma pesquisa qualitativa e de natureza analítica e compreensiva,com 174 enfermeiros que atuavam na atenção primária, nos três estados da Região Sul (Paraná, Rio Grande do Sul e Santa Catarina).Para a coleta de dados, foram utilizadas entrevistas semiestruturadas, realizadas no segundo semestre de 2020. Análise dos dados de Conteúdo do tipo temática. Identificou-se como núcleos relevantes: Vínculo como dispositivo relacional/atitudinal nas práticas de cuidado dos enfermeiros e A inter-relação entre o vínculo e demais atributos essenciais da atenção primária.A construção do vínculo entre os usuários e enfermeiro constitui-se em um importante dispositivo relacional para o desenvolvimento de práticas de cuidado acolhedoras e resolutivas.Aprimorar a utilização deste dispositivo relacional/atitudinal permitirá ampliar o espectro de sucesso nas ações de prevenção, promoção, diagnóstico, tratamento, reabilitação, redução de danos e manutenção da saúde, permitindo inclusive anteceder as demandas e viabilizar a corresponsabilização.

The confused-prism[5]arene macrocycle (c-PrS[5](Me)) shows conformational adaptive behavior in the presence of ammonium guests. Upon guest inclusion, the 1,4-bridged naphthalene flap reverses its planar chirality from pS to pR (with reference to the pS(pR)(4) enantiomer). Stereoselective directional threading is also observed in the presence of directional axles, in which up/down stereoisomers of homochiral (pR)(5)-c-PrS[5](Me) pseudorotaxanes are formed.

Impaired beta-cell function is a recognized cornerstone of diabetes pathophysiology. Estimates of insulin secretory capacity are useful to inform clinical practice, helping to classify types of diabetes, complication risk stratification and to guide treatment decisions. Because C-peptide secretion mirrors beta-cell function, it has emerged as a valuable clinical biomarker, mainly in autoimmune diabetes and especially in adult-onset diabetes. Nonetheless, the lack of robust evidence about the clinical utility of C-peptide measurement in type 2 diabetes, where insulin resistance is a major confounder, limits its use in such cases. Furthermore, problems remain in the standardization of the assay for C-peptide, raising concerns about comparability of measurements between different laboratories. To approach the heterogeneity and complexity of diabetes, reliable, simple and inexpensive clinical markers are required that can inform clinicians about probable pathophysiology and disease progression, and so enable personalization of management and therapy. This review summarizes the current evidence base about the potential value of C-peptide in the management of the two most prevalent forms of diabetes (type 2 diabetes and autoimmune diabetes) to address how its measurement may assist daily clinical practice and to highlight current limitations and areas of uncertainties to be covered by future research.

Exercise can reduce the negative effects of aging on postural control. The slackline training could potentially be an activity to improve postural control in older adults. However, the effects of slackline on postural control in older adults are not clear. This systematic review aimed to investigate the effects of slackline on postural control in older adults.Randomized controlled trials were retrieved from ISI Web Knowledge, PubMed and Scopus using the descriptors "Slackline", "Slacklining", "Aged", "Aging", "Elderly", "Older adults", "Balance", "Postural Balance" and "Postural Control". Randomized controlled trials were selected. Postural control was evaluated through center of pressure (CoP), and slackline standing time during single leg stance.Four studies with 118 participants were included. The studies found that slackline improves slackline standing time in the tandem, and the single-legged postures, without differences in CoP displacement in single-leg position, results that were confirmed by the meta-analyses.Although slackline training improves task-specific performance, this improvement is not transferable to other tasks. This conclusion should be interpreted with caution considering the small number of studies, inconsistent designs, and general study limitations. Further studies are required before recommending slackline training to optimize the postural control of older adults.

Chloroquine (CQ) is a first-choice drug against malaria and autoimmune diseases. It has been co-administered with zinc against SARS-CoV-2 and soon dismissed because of safety issues. The structural features of Zn-CQ complexes and the effect of CQ on zinc distribution in cells are poorly known. In this study, state-of-the-art computations combined with experiments were leveraged to solve the structural determinants of zinc-CQ interactions in solution and the solid state. NMR, ESI-MS, and X-ray absorption and diffraction methods were combined with ab initio molecular dynamics calculations to address the kinetic lability of this complex. Within the physiological pH range, CQ binds Zn2+ through the quinoline ring nitrogen, forming [Zn(CQH)Clx(H2O)3-x](3+)-x (x = 0, 1, 2, and 3) tetrahedral complexes. The Zn(CQH)Cl3 species is stable at neutral pH and at high chloride concentrations typical of the extracellular medium, but metal coordination is lost at a moderately low pH as in the lysosomal lumen. The pentacoordinate complex [Zn(CQH)(H2O)4]3+ may exist in the absence of chloride. This in vitro/in silico approach can be extended to other metal-targeting drugs and bioinorganic systems.

From 1523 to 1532, the plague ravaged the islands of Tenerife and Las Palmas in the Canary Islands, in a tragic decimation of the population, already afflicted by wideíread hunger and misery caused by Spanish and Portuguese colonization. This essay discusses how the Catholic Church reacted to the plague by blaming minorities. The Spanish Inquisition, to defeat the plague and ward off what is perceived as the wrath of God, held two ceremonies of propitiatory auto da fé. This article uses Inquisitorial sources to construct a kaleidoscopic view of peoples and inserts new micro-stories into the global context of early modern history.

Context Integrated crop–livestock–forestry systems can be an alternative to monoculture pastures; however, the effect of the arboreal component on tillering and tussock dynamics of understorey grass canopy is not well understood. Aims Our objective was to evaluate the patterns of tillering dynamics, population stability and tussock distribution of Piatã palisadegrass (Urochloa brizantha) as affected by contrasting shading regimes in the Brazilian Amazon biome. Methods The following three shading regimes were assessed: pasture with no trees (no shading, NS), moderate shading (MS, 338 trees ha−1), and intense shading (IS, 714 trees ha−1). Pastures were rotationally grazed by dairy heifers. Paddocks from MS and IS were stratified into three sampling strips, including two closer to the tree rows (i.e. lateral) and one between the two lateral strips (i.e. central). Two methods for monitoring sward canopy light interception (LI) were used for IS regime, namely, LI taken under the tree canopy (i.e. inside) and LI was taken above the tree canopy (i.e. outside). Key results Relative to NS, there was a reduction in photosynthetically active radiation transmittance of 18.1% and 37.1% on MS and 49.9% and 52.0% on IS for central and lateral shading strips respectively. Overall, the increase in shading level was associated with a decrease in average tussock perimeter, tiller population density, and an increase in the frequency of bare ground. Conclusions Our findings clearly indicate the key role of the light environment as a determinant of Piatã palisadegrass horizontal structure. Implications It highlights the importance of planning the levels of tree density and layout in areas of crop–livestock–forestry integration.

Understanding the role of photosynthesis in the holoparasitic genus Cuscuta may give insights into the biology and evolution of these plants. We hypothesised that light irradiance on the node of C. racemosa is important for sustaining the growth of the new shoot through photosynthesis. We blocked light irradiance on the node of detached twigs of C. racemosa for one week and measured twig fresh and dry weight, shoot length and photosynthetic pigment content. Even though fresh and dry weight did not differ between non-irradiated and irradiated twigs, the shoots of non-irradiated nodes were significantly shorter. The non-irradiated plants showed higher amounts of chlorophyll a, b, and lycopene, and a lower concentration of β-carotene. Furthermore, the chlorophyll a/b ratio was lower than that of the control (irradiated) plants. Beyond corroborating our hypothesis, our results suggest that, when light is blocked on the node of C. racemosa, the holoparasite responds in a way similar to that of autotrophic plants under shaded conditions. Our findings suggest a new and previously unacknowledged role for the node of C. racemosa, which would be supporting shoot elongation through photosynthesis.

Background The aim of the study is to determine that Glycopirrolate is safe and effective in decreasing drooling in children with medical complexity under 3 years of age. Medical treatment is based on anticholinergic drugs as transdermal scopolamine, benzotropine and GLY. GLY (Glycopyrronium bromide) is a synthetic quaternary ammonium anticholinergic agent with poor blood–brain barrier penetration and consequently has limited central effects. Actually, the oral GLY formulation was approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat drooling in children aged 3–16 years. Five studies reported on GLY use for the treatment of drooling in children with cerebral palsy and other conditions with neurological impairment; four are prospective studies while one a retrospective review. Methods this is a case report of eighteen children (sex ratio 11/8, median age 17 months, range 2–36 months) under three years of age, followed by a multidisciplinary team at the Bambino Gesù Children Hospital. The median follow-up was of 31.5 months (range 1–69 months). Response to treatment was assessed according to the Drooling Impact Scale administered at time 0 and after 1 month. All patients have an important neurological impairment: nine patients have a cerebral palsy (Gross Motor Function Classification System class V) and nine a genetic/malformative syndrome. Twelve patients have a tracheostomy and two need mechanical ventilation. Gastrostomy is present in 16 out of 18 patients. All patients received Glycopirrolate. The median starting daily dose was 0.065 mg/kg/die (range 0.02–0.21 mg/kg/die) three times a day. The drooling impact scale was administered at time O and after 1 month. Results Four out 18 patients stopped treatment for adverse event, lack of efficacy or parental decision. The mean Drooling Impact Scale at time 0 was 89 (range 81–100) and after 1 month 61(range 43–78); the difference was statistically significant (P Conclusions This is the first study to determine the safety and effectiveness of Glycopyrrolate in decreasing drooling in a specific subset of patients. No major side effects were observed. Further comparative studies are needed to confirm our results.

Determining how the quadriceps femoris musculotendinous unit functions, according to hip and knee joint angles, may help with clinical decisions when prescribing knee extension exercises. We aimed to determine the effect of hip and knee joint angles on structure and neuromuscular functioning of all constituents of the quadriceps femoris and patellar tendon properties. Twenty young males were evaluated in four positions: seated and supine in both 20° and 60° of knee flexion (SIT20, SIT60, SUP20, and SUP60). Peak knee extension torque was determined during maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC). Ultrasound imaging was used at rest and during MVIC to characterize quadriceps femoris muscle and tendon aponeurosis complex stiffness. We found that peak torque and neuromuscular efficiency were higher for SUP60 and SIT60 compared to SUP20 and SIT20 position. We found higher fascicle length and lower pennation angle in positions with the knee flexed at 60°. The tendon aponeurosis complex stiffness, tendon force, stiffness, stress, and Young’s modulus seemed greater in more elongated positions (60°) than in shortened positions (20°). In conclusion, clinicians should consider positioning at 60° of knee flexion rather than 20°, regardless if seated or supine, during rehabilitation to load the musculotendinous unit enough to stimulate a cellular response.

To survive in a dynamic environment growing fixed to the ground, plants have developed mechanisms for monitoring and perceiving the environment. When a stimulus is perceived, a series of signals are induced and can propagate away from the stimulated site. Three distinct types of systemic signaling exist, i.e., (i) electrical, (ii) hydraulic, and (iii) chemical, which differ not only in their nature but also in their propagation speed. Naturally, plants suffer influences from two or more stimuli (biotic and/or abiotic). Stimuli combination can promote the activation of new signaling mechanisms that are explicitly activated, as well as the emergence of a new response. This study evaluated the behavior of electrical (electrome) and hydraulic signals after applying simple and combined stimuli in common bean plants. We used simple and mixed stimuli applications to identify biochemical responses and extract information from the electrical and hydraulic patterns. Time series analysis, comparing the conditions before and after the stimuli and the oxidative responses at local and systemic levels, detected changes in electrome and hydraulic signal profiles. Changes in electrome are different between types of stimulation, including their combination, and systemic changes in hydraulic and oxidative dynamics accompany these electrical signals.

Introduction Physical activity is important for children’s health and well-being. Supportiveness for physical activity of home and neighborhood environments may affect children’s PA, but most studies are cross-sectional. We examined environmental predictors of change in children’s physical activity over two years. Methods Data were from the longitudinal, observational cohort study, ‘Neighborhood Impact on Kids’. Participants were children (initially aged 6–12 years) and their parent/caregiver (n = 727 dyads) living in neighborhoods throughout San Diego County, California and King County (Seattle area), Washington, USA. Children’s moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) was measured using accelerometers at T1 (Time 1 or baseline, 2007–2009) and T2, the two-year follow-up. At T1, parents survey-reported on physical activity (PA) equipment at home and demographics. Neighborhood environment was measured using spatial data in Geographic Information Systems (intersection density; park availability) and in-person audits (informal play space near home; park-based PA facilities; land use; support for walking/cycling). Generalized additive mixed models estimated total effects, then direct effects, of environmental attributes on MVPA at T1. Two-way moderating effects of child’s sex and age were examined at T1. To examine associations of environmental exposures with changes in MVPA, we estimated interaction effects of environmental attributes on the association between time and MVPA. Results On average, children accumulated 146 min/day (standard deviation or SD = 53) of MVPA at T1, and 113 (SD = 58) min/day at T2. There were no significant total or direct effects of environmental attributes on MVPA at T1, and no significant two-way interaction effects of child’s age and sex for T1 MVPA. Having informal play spaces proximal to home with more amenities was associated with less MVPA decline from T1 to T2. Higher residential density, higher land use mix, and higher number of PA facilities in nearby parks were unexpectedly associated with greater MVPA decline. Conclusion Higher quality informal play spaces close to home may help offset declines in MVPA during middle childhood, as they may promote unstructured active play with opportunities for parental or neighbor surveillance. Unexpectedly, environmental factors consistent with higher walkability were associated with greater declines in children’s MVPA. As physical activity differs across the lifespan, so may environmental factors that facilitate it.

Over recent decades, our philosophical and scientific understanding of cognition has changed dramatically. We went from conceiving humans as the sole truly cognitive species on the planet to endowing several organisms with cognitive capacities, from considering brains as the exclusive seat of cognition to extending cognitive faculties to the entire physical body and beyond. That cognition could extend beyond the organism’s body is no doubt one of the most controversial of the recent hypotheses. Extended cognition (ExC) has been discussed not only to explain aspects of the human cognitive process, but also of other species such as spiders and more recently, plants. It has been suggested that ExC could offer insights for the grounding of environmentally extended cognitive traits in evolved ecological functions. Here, we reviewed the ecological literature for possible ExC examples that satisfy the mutual manipulability criterion, which can be used to establish experimentally the boundaries of cognitive systems. Our conclusion is that ExC might be far more common than previously thought, and present in organisms as diverse as plants, fungi, termites, spiders, mammals, and slime moulds. Experimental investigation is needed to clarify this idea which, if proven correct, could illuminate a new path into understanding the origins and evolution of cognition.

Additional file 1.

The use of reflected radio signals at L-band broadcasted by GNSS for coastal sea level studies has gained popularity in recent years. The geodetic GNSS-R working group 4.3.7 of the IAG, with 21 members, aims to further establish the value of GNSS-R for various scientific communities, including geodesy, oceanography, cryosphere, and hydrology. As part of this effort, the first inter-comparison campaign on SNR-based GNSS-R for sea level monitoring was conducted between 2015 and 2019 by the JWG 4.3.9, using the Onsala GNSS-R tide gauge station. A second campaign, involving eight research groups, was launched in July 2020 to examine the effects of large tidal range and multi-GNSS revisit time on GNSS-R sea level retrievals. Data from two GNSS stations in the Netherlands and France (VLIS and ROTG) with varying tidal ranges and mean reflector heights were provided to all participating groups. Five groups submitted their solutions for a 1-year period at ROTG in 2015 and the first 274 days of 2020 at VLIS. Here, the solutions are compared to tide gauge records, which are located 2 meters from the GNSS antennas.The processing settings of the comparison are presented in Table 1.Table 1. Second inter-comparison processingsettings VLIS ROTG Lat., Long. (deg) 51.44286, 3.59734 48.71844, -3.966566 Receiver LEICA GR50 TPS GB-1000 Antenna LEIAR25.R4 TPSPG_A1+GP Mean RH (m) 10 8.5 Tidalrange (m) 5 9 Azimuth interval (deg.) 60-180 90-270 Elevation interval (deg.) 2.5-30 5-30 Sampling rate (Hz) 1 1 Tropospheric correction optional optional Distance to TG (m) 2 2 &nbsp, The 28th IUGG General Assembly (IUGG2023) (Berlin 2023)

The predominance of English and English-speaking research over the topics and findings in cognitive science is increasingly recognized as adversely affecting the field. One of the blind spots owing to this bias is a sweeping disinterest in the fungi world: A simple search of keywords in APA PsycInfo (on Jan 24, 2023) combining cognit* with each of the three major kingdoms of life returned the following number of hits: 44,257 for animals, 1,888 for plants, and 111 for fungi. And yet, fungi are the reason why we are here today, why we thrive, and why some of us lose ourselves in a different world altogether comes fall. Fungi have been critical for life on earth, for cultural achievements from baking and brewing to antibiotics, and as a source of food throughout human history. At the same time, they pose unique challenges to key cognitive processes involved in categorization as when distinguishing highly similar and variable species, in predictive processing during foraging, in causal reasoning and risk appraisal for diagnosing whether a species is poisonous, or in the acquisition and storing of information by way of learning, memorization, and teaching ...

Additional file2: Figure S2-1. Directed Acyclic Graph (DAG) of proposed associations between environmental characteristics and children’s moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. This particular example shows the effect of neighborhood self-selection (relevant to leisure PA) on MVPA and its potential confounders (in red)

Additional file 4: Table S4-1. Effects of environmental attributes on children’s physical activity at T1 (using multiple imputations). Table S4-2. Moderating effects of child’s sex and child’s age on the association between environmental attribute and child’s MVPA from multiple imputations. Figure S4-1. Marginal means for moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) at Times 1 and 2 where there were significant interaction effects of environmental attributes on the association between timeand child’s MVPA